Depends on the state. In PA, we pay in 6.2% of our gross into our pension plan. After 10 years of service, you become vested and the state starts matching it. We pay 3% of our gross to our health care fund. After 25 years, if you retire...the health care is covered. Of course, at 25 years....your pension check sucks unless you are over 60 at the time.
If you work 35 or more years....you get 60% of your three highest years. Yes, you get it for the rest of your life.
But what pisses me of about people like you is that you tell one group of peope...congratulations....you worked hard and deserve it....then show nothing but disdain for another group that worked just as hard all their lives.... all because of who their employer is.