Sharp insurance cost increase for some retirees

HOUSTON On May 1, more than 4,000 city retirees under age 65 will see their healthcare premiums increase by 49 percent. The city says retirees under 65 make up the largest group of insurance users.

"It just seems that there's something grossly unconscionable about one group in the pool of city employees having to bear an almost 50 percent increase in premiums and all others are bearing something in the neighborhood of a six percent," said council member C.O. Bradford.

The council did not take any action on the insurance issue during Monday's meeting.