Living with GASB 45: how to manage liabilities associated with retiree medical benefits

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement 45 (GASB 45) obliges public employers to disclose liabilities related to postretirement medical benefits. Most state and local government entities are beginning to analyze and quantify how GASB 45 liabilities will affect their balance sheets and credit ratings. This article describes the many ways to reduce those liabilities without eliminating retiree medical plan benefits altogether. Now is the time for employees and employers to work together and make difficult choices for keeping retiree medical costs and GASB 45 liabilities manageable.