Articles about Health Insurance that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
Dear Members,
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and enduring this difficult time as best as you can. Here at Mass Retirees, our staff is doing as well as can be expected. We are still working on your behalf, albeit remotely. If you need us, please call or email.
MARCH 13, 2020: We hope that you and your family are safe and doing well while our nation fights the spread of the coronavirus.
In light of ongoing efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for the health of our members, we have decided to postpone our upcoming membership meetings in Somerville and Leominster. We will make decisions on whether or not to proceed with future meetings based on the latest information available.
Welcome to the 1st Anniversary of Mass Retirees’ Facebook Friday. This week: The state GIC approves FY21 health insurance premium rates for 465,000 enrollees, with no increase in copayments or deductibles – but the battle to control healthcare inflation rages on! Watch here!
No Increase in Copayments or Deductibles
February 27, 2020: The 17-member Commission voted today on the rates for the health insurances plans to be offered by it. The new plan rates will be effective July 1. While members will see an increase in their monthly premiums, their copayments and deductibles will remain unchanged.
Premium Rate Vote Coming February 27th
FEBRUARY 6, 2020: It’s official. There will be no increases in copayments or deductibles in FY21 under the health insurance plans sponsored by the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC).
Today’s vote by the 17-member Commission followed recommendations made by GIC staff in January. This means that prescription drug and office visit copayments, as well as annual deductibles will not increase during the next fiscal year beginning July 1.
Listening Tours Will Proceed Decision Making
DECEMBER 19, 2019: Today, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) formally kicked-off the planning and decision making process for Fiscal Year 2021, which begins July 1, 2020.
Forged Working Relationship With Mass Retirees
DECEMBER 11, 2019: Just three and a half years into her tenure as executive director of the state’s Group Insurance Commission, Roberta Herman announced her departure from the key state agency on Friday.
NOVEMBER 8, 2019: This week’s video message focuses on the upcoming retiree health insurance plan design process for Fiscal Year 2020. I realize that it’s only November 8th, but the planning process for the next fiscal year gets underway now. In Massachusetts, the state and local fiscal year begins on July 1.
Rising Costs & Affordability Main Concerns
SEPTEMBER 2019: Earlier this year, Mass Retirees filed six separate legislative proposals relative to health insurance benefits for public retirees and surviving spouses. Known as “bills”, these proposals are now before various legislative committees where public hearings are held, followed by detailed analysis by committee staff.
Since 1968 the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association has been the leading voice for Massachusetts public retirees and their families. Join with our 52,000 members as we continue the fight.
