12/13/2006: Modifying Retiree Health Plans: Employers' Attempts to Modify Retiree Health Plans (PDF) (Steptoe & Johnson LLP)

20 pages. Originally published September 2002. Excerpt: [Employers] are often puzzled as to when, how, and the extent to which they have made certain promises to employees. These implied promises can be expensive and disruptive when they involve employee benefits, particularly retiree medical benefits allegedly promised on a 'permanent' basis to former employees and retirees. This article reviews recent cases discussing such implied promises and suggests ways employers can limit their scope.