An effort to protect health care benefits for Kentucky's retired teachers has received a public hearing from state lawmakers.

A House committee reviewed a bill Tuesday that would enlist current teachers, some retirees and school districts in helping preserve the health coverage.

Under the proposal, active teachers would contribute more of their pay. Retired teachers under age 65 who currently pay nothing for basic health coverage would begin contributing. Public school districts would start picking up a share of retired teachers' health coverage.

Gary Harbin, executive secretary of the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System, said the legislation promotes "shared responsibility" that will benefit all the stakeholders.

The House Education Committee did not vote on the bill.

The cost of retired teachers' health care has escalated sharply in recent years.