Pension crisis brings fears about health care

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois still has one of the most chronically underfunded state pension systems in the country, but a potentially bigger problem is looming: the health care bills for all those retirees.

According to a 50-state study released by Pew Charitable Trusts on Tuesday, Illinois' unfunded pension liability for state workers, judges, lawmakers, teachers and university employees was $41 billion in 2006, while its projected bill for retiree health care, dental and life insurance benefits was an estimated $48 billion for state workers alone.

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