PEN CD-CTA-HEALTH BENEFITS

Amends provisions concerning health care benefits for the Chicago Transit Authority in the Illinois Pension Code. Provides that the Retiree Health Care Trust shall be solely responsible for providing health care benefits to eligible retirees and their dependents and survivors upon the exhaustion of the account established by the Retirement Plan for Chicago Transit Authority Employees pursuant to Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, but no earlier than January 1, 2009 and no later than July 1, 2009 (rather than by no later than July 1, 2009, but no earlier than January 1, 2009). Provides that health care coverage through a health maintenance organization may be provided at 100% (while certain health care benefit programs established by the Board of Trustees are limited to 90% coverage for in-network services or 70% coverage for out-of-network services). Makes changes concerning the annual assessment of the funding levels of the Retiree Health Care Trust. Provides that any retiree hired on or before September 5, 2001 who retires with 25 years or more of continuous service, shall be eligible for retiree health care benefits upon retirement in accordance with any rules or regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees. Provides that the Board of Trustees may adopt rules and regulations providing for the refund of the total contributions made by employees who are not eligible for retiree health care benefits or who elect to waive retiree health care benefits. Makes other changes. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.