The Voice of the Retired Public Employee
Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts
Founded in 1968, now in its 57th year of serving retired Massachusetts public employees of the 104 public retirement systems within the Commonwealth, the Mass Retirees Association is widely recognized as one of the strongest independent advocacy groups on Beacon Hill. From public pensions and health insurance, to federal issues such as the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision, Government Pension Offset and Medicare the Association leads the fight exclusively for all Massachusetts retired public employees. We are The Voice of the Retired Public Employee.
Breaking News
February 12, 2026
Opposing GIC Cost Shifting
The following is an open letter sent by Mass Retirees to the Group Insurance Commission in opposition to what we consider to be cost shifting measures. These plan design options are scheduled to be voted on by the 17-member ...Read More - Opposing GIC Cost Shifting
December 16, 2025
Revenue outlook muted, still growing as fiscal 2027 budget begins
Estimates show surtax, capital gains declining amid volatility By Katie Castellani, State House News Service STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, DEC. 16, 2025…..State tax revenues are expected to continue seeing slow, but cautious growth as Beacon Hill faces myriad state and ...Read More - Revenue outlook muted, still growing as fiscal 2027 budget begins
October 13, 2025
Turning 65 and Medicare Enrollment
With Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period about to begin on October 15, this is a good opportunity to revisit how the plan impacts retired Massachusetts public employees – and how it does not. https://youtu.be/4FTNRGGjKSs Medicare Open Enrollment ...Read More - Turning 65 and Medicare Enrollment
October 3, 2025
Retiree Health Insurance Developments
Weekly Update, October 3, 2025: This week our focus returns to retiree healthcare, both at the state and municipal levels of government. The sharply rising cost of healthcare is a major concern for state and local officials, as well as ...Read More - Retiree Health Insurance Developments
September 8, 2025
Valeri Announces Reelection for the State Retirement Board
Mass Retirees President Frank Valeri has announced he will be a candidate for reelection to the State Retirement Board. Since 2013 Valeri has served as Association president, replacing its long time and founding father Ralph White. During his tenure as ...Read More - Valeri Announces Reelection for the State Retirement Board
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Latest News From Mass Retirees
State Budget Concerns Threaten GIC Benefits
February 17, 2026Many Cost Control “Options” Simply Cost Shifting In response to growing concerns over a potential “fiscal cliff” that would seriously impair state budget spending, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) was tasked with developing options to reduce the agency ...Read More - State Budget Concerns Threaten GIC Benefits
GLP-1 Medications: Access, Affordability, and What Comes Next
February 17, 2026GLP-1 medications for weight loss have become some of the most widely discussed drugs of the past decade. Evidence continues to grow around their long-term health benefits—including improved cardiovascular outcomes, protection for the liver and kidneys, and ...Read More - GLP-1 Medications: Access, Affordability, and What Comes Next
Valeri Wins Reelection
February 17, 2026To State Retirement Board According to the tally in the State Retirement Board election, Association President Frank Valeri has received the vast majority of the votes cast, assuring his reelection. In winning by a wide margin, Valeri defeated DOC State ...Read More - Valeri Wins Reelection
Federal Tax on Social Security Benefits
February 17, 2026Remains In Effect With Newly Created Deduction While reporting on the repeal of Social Security’s WEP & GPO laws, we reminded our members that Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax (see April 2025 Voice and ...Read More - Federal Tax on Social Security Benefits
2026 Medicare Premium Changes
February 17, 2026Standard Part B Increasing By 9.7% Symptomatic of today’s ever increasing healthcare costs, most Medicare beneficiaries will experience a 9.7% increase in their standard Part B premium from $185 to $202.90, beginning January 1. While this ...Read More - 2026 Medicare Premium Changes