I don't know about retirees, but I believe most active employees start with a $1000 deductible for just themselves (higher for a spouse or family) and a 30% co-pay. There are pricey add-on options for lower deductibles and co-pays that employees can buy themselves and I think they range in price to as high as $1000 a month. The basic plan is not exactly Cadillac, but it is a helluva lot better than nothing. I agree that everyone in Alaska should have access to at least That level of health insurance - I think most state employees would agree with that.