Articles about Health Insurance that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
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.
Mass Retirees & Unions Would Gain Seats
Medicare Part B Also Expected To Rise
October 17, 2017: It’s now official. Just yesterday the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the 2018 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) for Social Security beneficiaries will be 2.0%, starting with benefits paid this coming January. This 2% COLA will produce an average increase of $27 in monthly SS benefits next year.
Litany of Bills Before Public Service Committee
3% State & Teacher COLA Awaits Final Approval
JULY 6, 2017: Mass Retirees officials are closely monitoring developments on Beacon Hill, where House and Senate Conferees continue to negotiate the final details of the Fiscal Year 2018 State Budget.
Fate Rests With House/Senate Budget Conferees
JUNE 21, 2017: Members who are insured under the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) are asked to contact their State Representative and Senator in support of a proposal granting Mass Retirees a seat on the board governing the health insurance plan.
Mass Retirees Gains Commission Seat
MAY 24, 2017: Wednesday morning the Massachusetts Senate approved a major restructure of the state’s Group Insurance Commission, granting our Association and two additional public employee unions seats on the 17-member Commission.
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.
