During the past year, 904 new enrollees joined the GIC Indemnity Plan. The total includes 176 newly insured and 728 enrollees who switched from other plans.

Interestingly, of the 728 enrollees who switched, 493 came from an HMO. Of that number, 219 left Harvard Pilgrim and 116 from Tufts.

"From the statistics we know the majority who changed plans are retirees. Many took the early retirement this past year," explained Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. "We also have a number of retirees who had been in an HMO, but decided that the Indemnity Plan was now a better choice."

"Thankfully, most members are making their insurance choices based on their needs and not price alone," said Association Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. "However, as the prices keep going up, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many members to afford the high premiums."

Not surprising, the GIC Indemnity Plan continues to dominate amongst retirees. The latest enrollment numbers from the GIC show approximately 48,739 retirees and survivors enrolled in the Indemnity Plan. This includes 38,756 Medicare enrollees who are insured under the OME plan.

Another 428 retirees and survivors are enrolled in the GIC Plus Plan, with an additional 1,131 enrolled in the Commonwealth PPO. Neither plan offers Medicare extension coverage.

The remaining 8,961 retirees and survivors are enrolled in one of eight HMOs. Harvard Pilgrim is the most popular with 3,840 enrollees. Tufts and CIGNA follow with 1,776 and 1,501 enrollees respectively.