Associated Press
 
February 5, 2010
 
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Oregon's Supreme Court has ruled that a city should provide health benefits to workers who have taken early retirement, unless it can prove that isn't possible.
 
In a ruling Thursday, the court says the city of Medford should make health coverage available to workers who retire before age 65, but only "insofar as and to the extent possible." The ruling says if a city can prove that it can't do so, it would no longer be obligated to offer those benefits.
 
The ruling was immediately cited by both the Medford city attorney and the lawyer for the plaintiffs as backing their cases. The judge who heard the original case also ruled Thursday that it supported his position, and refused to stay his earlier decision as requested by the city.