Retired workers wait after high court win

SPRINGFIELD - Retired state workers aren't seeing any immediate advantage from an Illinois Supreme Court ruling last week that health insurance coverage is a constitutionally protected retirement benefit.

Attorney Donald Craven tells the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises the case is "clearly not over yet." The Springfield attorney represents a group of state workers.

The high court is sending the case back to Sangamon County circuit court where a judge will decide how to rule in light of the opinion. Retirees are challenging a 2012 law allowing the state to collect money from retirees for their state-subsidized health care.

Retirees are continuing to see health insurance fees deducted from their pensions. The money is being held in a special account until the case is resolved.