Association officials have been working hand-in-hand with a close-knit group of Worcester Retirees, who have formed a local group, informally known as the Coalition of Worcester Retirees. The local efforts have been spearheaded by retired teacher Virginia Ryan, retired firefighter Ed Pietrewicz, and retired teacher Ed McGovern, among others.

The move towards mandatory Medicare, proposed by City Manager Michael O’Brien, triggered a series of standing-room-only city council meetings, packed with concerned and angry retirees. Adopting Section 18 (mandatory Medicare) is the latest change in a series of cost shifting measures by the city.

As they have in the past, Ray McGrath and Betsey Early, both elected members of the Worcester Retirement Board, worked closely with the Association in opposing the proposal.

While O’Brien had planned to save some $3 million by implementing the change to Medicare this year, it now appears that the transition will be delayed until July 1, 2008 due to the open enrollment period for Medicare being January-March.

A proposal, made by Councilor Fredrick Rushton, which would lower the retiree’s premium contribution for the Medicare supplement plans from 25% to 20% is now being considered. Non-Medicare retirees now contribute 20%.

With much uncertainty still surrounding the changes, please see our November issue of the Voice for more in-depth coverage. From all indications, this is not the final word on this issue.