Tatum on NPR's Crosscurrents: Managing Retiree Health Costs

Average benefit costs among California's 20 largest cities have increased an average of 36% between 2008 and 2011. While some cities have seen moderate growth over that period -- less than 20% (Sacramento, Pasadena), others have seen their benefit costs jump more than 50% in three years (San Jose, Bakersfield). (Photo: Robert S. Donovan/Flickr)Last week, California Common Sense Research Analyst Adam Tatum was featured on the Bay Area's NPR Crosscurrents program. During the discussion, Adam outlined the challenges California's state and local governments facing as they health costs for public employees rise rapidly.

Crosscurrents wrote,

Thousands of Californians spent years working for city governments and are now collectively owed billions of dollars in retiree health care benefits. But a new study by the nonprofit research group California Common Sense finds that many cities, including Oakland and San Francisco, haven’t ever set aside money to pay these costs. The report suggests two unpalatable results: take the money from other city services, or refuse to pay the benefits at all. KALW’s Hana Baba spoke with the author of the report, Adam Tatum, about what local governments should do.

Listen to the interview below: