MOSCOW -- The University of Idaho has yet to admit or deny allegations made by retirees who are suing the school over health insurance benefits.

An attorney representing the former employees filed the lawsuit on June 28.

Retirees say the university violated early retirement agreements signed in 1999 and 2002, reneging on a deal not to make them pay health insurance premiums.

The university had 20 days to respond to the lawsuit and admit or deny the claims.

But general counsel for the university didn't file a notice of appearance in district court until Aug. 11.

UI spokeswoman Tania Thompson said the university fully intends to respond to the lawsuit at the "appropriate time."

Attorney Ron Landeck is representing the retirees and says he won't ask a judge to impose the deadline. Landeck is working with university attorneys to attain class-action status.

Landeck says the university made changes to the retirement agreements of about 268 former employees.