Retirees file class action lawsuit to halt healthcare changes

Wayne Country, Mich., retirees filed a lawsuit against the county to stop healthcare alterations they claim could potentially cost them thousands of dollars annually. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court on Monday and hopes to represent an estimated 1,500 retirees, according the Detroit Free Press.

The changes would raise the medical insurance premium from 10 percent to 20 percent and implement a deductible up to $2,600 per family. Jim Akhtar, an attorney representing the retirees, said that the county wants to begin implementing the changes on March 1. The county, according to Mr. Akhtar, hadn't planned on notifying the retirees.

"It's really unbelievably callous to do that to people and not tell them about it," Mr. Akhtar said.

County Executive Warren Evans was named as one of the defendants. A spokesman for Mr. Evans, James Canning, stated, "We have reviewed the complaint and we are confident this case lacks merit."

Earlier in the month, Mr. Evans publicized a 64 percent decrease in retiree healthcare liabilities. Those affected by the cuts say they're being forced to absorb the costs of the county leader's poor decisions, according to the Detroit Free Press.

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