Cellucci opted to include language in his FY 2000 Supplemental Budget that instructs the Group Insurance Commission to establish the parameters for retiree dental coverage. The supplemental budget is used to address budget matters and other policy issues during the current fiscal year.

Shortly after going to press with the January edition of the Voice in early December, Association lobbyists began a dialogue with Administration officials regarding dental coverage. After reading the article on dental coverage in the Voice, officials within the Office of Administration and Finance developed an interest in the Association's proposal.

"We originally sat down with the governor's staff to address last year's veto of the COLA. During the meeting they expressed some interest in the dental insurance plan, so we decided to pursue the governor's support," explains Association President Ralph White. "Peter Forman (Under Secretary A&F) was key in getting this issue on the governor's radar screen. With this language in place, retirees are well on their way to obtaining full dental coverage within the next year."

The Supplemental Budget is now before the House Committee on Ways and Means. Since the bill addresses current spending matters, it is expected to be passed well before the annual budget takes effect in July. Once passed, the language requires the GIC to conduct their study and report back to A&F within ninety days.

Bill To Be Filed

While the Supplemental Budget makes its way through the legislative process, the Association will be shepherding a separate companion bill through the Legislature. Since the governor's proposal does not actually get the plan up and running, further legislation will be needed.

"This process is not something that can be completed overnight. What the governor filed is a great first step that will jump-start the process," said Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. "Further language is needed before a plan can actually get up and running. While the GIC works on the parameters of what the plan will consist of, we will be working with the legislature on the implementation language."

Several prominent legislators, including Senators Brian Joyce (D-Milton), Marion Walsh (D-West Roxbury), and Representative Paul Casey (D-Winchester), have all expressed an interest in sponsoring the bill. It is anticipated that the bill will be filed well before the end of February.

Members will recall that the retiree dental/vision proposal laid out in the January Voice calls for the GIC to establish a retiree pay all benefit. The retiree plan, while not yet established, is expected to rival that currently offered to active employees. The full cost of the current rates range from $24.69 for individuals, to $61.06 for a family plan.