Impacts Those In Special State Program

MARCH 2010 VOICE: For the past forty years, a little known state law has allowed municipalities to insure their retired teachers under the state's Group Insurance Commission (GIC) health plans by local option.

Health Care Protections Sought

MARCH 2010 VOICE: There is growing concern, shared by Association and public officials alike, that recent increases in copayments and deductibles may place a severe financial hardship on retirees who suffer from chronic medical conditions.

Medicare Plans Not Impacted

JANUARY 2010 VOICE: Facing a $36 million deficit in the current Fiscal Year, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) voted in November to increase copayments and deductibles on their non-Medicare plans effective February 1, 2010.

GIC officials point to an unexpected sharp increase in health care utilization as the cause of the deficit. For example, visits to the emergency room with flu-related symptoms are up 7% since July 1.

Medicare Extension Costs Drop

MAY 2009 VOICE: A glimmer of good news has come to public retirees and employees who are insured under the state-run Group Insurance Commission (GIC). Once again the GIC has come in with insurance rates that are well below state and national averages.

MAY 2008: Following the announcement in February that all existing health plan contracts will be extended for at least another year, the state’s thirteen-member Group Insurance Commission (GIC) approved the new health insurance rates for Fiscal Year 2009.