Articles about Health Insurance that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
Legislature Eyes Changing GIC Compesition
If legislative action this fall is any indication, 2018 may finally be the year when Mass Retirees gains a seat on the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC).
Affordability Subcommittee Created
Following months of discussion and review, the State’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) is expected to decide on insurance carriers and health plan benefits design early in 2018. The pending decisions by the GIC come at a time of growing concern regarding the ability of retirees and employees to afford escalating costs.
Standard Monthly Payment Now $134
With the official news this fall that Social Security would be paying a 2.0% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) in 2018, members may have been looking forward to some extra money in their SS check. This 2% COLA will produce an average increase of $27 in monthly SS benefits next year.
Share Ideas on Quality & Cost Containment
In early November, the Association took part in the 13th Annual Conference of the Public Sector Healthcare Roundtable held in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Mass Retirees Legislative Director Shawn Duhamel represented the Association at the Conference, which was attended by public sector healthcare leaders from roughly twenty-four states. Attendees traveled from as far as Washington State and California.
From January 19th – 29th
JANAURY 5, 2018: Responding to calls for increased transparency and openness to public input, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) announced a series of public hearings for the month of January. A total of seven public hearings will take place across Massachusetts between Friday, January 19th and Monday, January 29th.
Potential 3-Year Savings May Exceed $700 Million
Retirees Caution Against Cost Shifts & Benefit Erosion
The September edition of the Voice not only captured the attention of Association members, but also that of elected officials and the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC).
Now Being Offered Locally
For sometime, we’ve spoken about high deductible plans,” according to Association official Shawn Duhamel. “These are non-Medicare plans with a very high annual deductible, for example $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a family.”
Beginning this past July 1, the GIC’s SilverScript prescription drug program has expanded its enrollment. In addition to OME (Optional Medicare Extension) enrollees, SilverScript now provides prescription drug coverage to those retirees enrolled in the GIC’s Harvard Medicare Enhance, Health New England MedPlus and Tufts Medicare Complement plans.
Commission Seeks Retiree/Employee Input
With decision time looming for the selection of insurance carriers, a pharmacy benefits manager and the establishment of plan design, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) will begin a state-wide ‘Listening Tour’ on December 12th, designed to solicit input from enrollees.
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.
