The lawsuit cites five unidentified state employees who, along with others, worked for the government "in reliance upon the continuation of the program, foregoing better salaries they could have readily obtained in private or local government employment."

One state employee, for example, is 62 years old and has worked for the state for more than 30 years. If the employee retires after the bill takes effect, he or she would lose more than five years of health insurance coverage.

"We have deadlines," Evans said, noting state employees nearing retirement are trying to figure out what to do. "This goes into effect January 1, and after that negotiations are a moot point."

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