MAY 1999 - New Reimbursement Schedule Saves $20 Million - In response to new cost control measurers put in place by the state's Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the Massachusetts Hospital Association has filed legislation to force the state to negotiate health care rates with each individual hospital across the state.

MAY 1999 - Remain Below National Average - As was expected, the state insurance rates for FY’2000 will increase for the third consecutive year. The state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) approved the slight rate hike at their March 5 meeting.

SEPTEMBER 1998 - Officials Feel They Are Off To A Good Start - Officials with the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) feel they are off to a “good start” with the implementation of the new market based reimbursement fee schedule.

JULY 1998 - Members Remain Protected From Balance Billing - In an effort to gain control over the fast rising cost of health care, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) is taking steps to equalize payments made to health care providers. A new system will be implemented by which doctors and hospitals will be reimbursed for their services.

JULY 1993 - Concept New To Public Sector - Throughout the 1980’s, the Legislature spent much time and money addressing the issue of the state’s unfunded pension liability. By most accounts, Massachusetts had one of the largest unfunded pension systems. It was estimated that there was as much as a $13 billion shortfall between the future cost of pensions and the ability of the state and local pension funds to pay those costs. There was much at stake for both the fiscal solvency of the state and local governments and for public pensioners. Pension funding legislation received broad support by not only management and labor groups but by fiscally conservative watchdog groups such as Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.