Eighty-two percent of retirees and survivors are enrolled in the Unicare indemnity plan, as compared to only 23% of active employees.

Active employees are strong HMO participants, with 56% opting for that coverage. Another 16% of active employees belong to a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and 5% belong to the PLUS plan. These are hybrid HMO type plans with greater options.

Only 15% of retirees belong to HMOs, with a smattering belonging to the PPO or PLUS plans.

The majority of retirees and survivors, insured under the GIC Indemnity Plan, are Optional Medicare Extension (OME) participants, whereby Medicare is the primary insurer, with GIC the supplemental or carve-out insurer.

Retirees under age 65, or over 65 and not eligible for Medicare, are fully insured by Unicare. Although in most cases HMO premiums are less than Unicare, retirees prefer the freedom of choice that the indemnity plan offers. Also, HMOs are regional and offer very limited out-of-state coverage.

Actually, because the Commonwealth reimburses 85 or 90 percent of the Medicare Part B premium withheld by Social Security, OME premiums are relatively reasonable. Cities and towns are allowed to reimburse Medicare Part B payments to their retirees who are insured under a Medicare supplement plan, but few do so.

All state retirees and survivors are insured by the GIC. Also, a number of retired teachers and former county and authority employees have health and life insurance with the GIC.