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Retired-State-County-And-Municipal-Employees-Association-Of-Massachusetts

Founded in 1968, now in its 50th year of serving retired Massachusetts public employees of the 104 public retirement systems within the Commonwealth, the 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.

GIC Announces FY20 Rates

1.9% Increase for Popular OME Plan

MARCH 1, 2019: On Thursday the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) delivered good news to the more than 82,000 retirees and surviving spouses insured under its Option Medicare Extension (OME) plan. For Fiscal...

House & Senate Committee Chairs Named

Strong Support for Public Retirees Across Beacon Hill Leadership

FEBRUARY 14, 2019: Valentine’s Day marks the beginning of a new era of legislative leadership on Beacon Hill, with the House and Senate naming committee chairs.

With vacant...

DRIVE CONTINUES TO REFORM SOCIAL SECURITY WEP

Finding Solution Priority of Key Leaders

FEBRUARY 2019: Mass Retirees officials continue to work with key...

GIC Approves 2020 Plan Design

No Medicare Benefit Changes

FEBRUARY 7, 2019: The 17-member Group Insurance Commission (GIC) met this morning to set insurance plan design for Fiscal Year 2020. Plan design encompasses insurance benefits, as well as copayments and deductibles....


Once Again State Pension Fund One of the Best	Boston Globe
Trump thanks federal employees with $143.5 billion in retirement cuts	Washington Post
LEGIS, BAKER ACT TO SAVE RETIRED TEACHERS ON HEALTH INSURANCE	State House News Service
BILL POISED FOR FAST TRACK TO AVOID HEALTH INSURE $$$ SPIKE FOR RETIRED TEACHERS	STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
Cigna to Buy Express Scripts in $52 Billion Health Care Deal	New York Times

Latest Articles from The Voice

WEP Reform Work Continues

Neal & Brady Push Bipartisan Effort

When gauging whether or not legislation may have a chance of advancing through Congress or the State Legislature, a telltale sign is the level of staff activity happening behind the scenes.

This spring brought a distinct uptick in activity surrounding the proposal to reform the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) from a widespread network of organizations advocating for reform. Most importantly, the work was not limited to WEP reform advocates.

Municipal Retiree Insurance Moratorium Expired June 30th

Fight Continues For Permanent Protection

Senate Approves Changes to Retiree Work Restrictions

Increases Annual Hour Limit to 1,200

During its debate on the FY19 State Budget, the Senate has voted to increase the hourly limit placed on retirees who return to part-time public service for a state or local entity in Massachusetts. Senators Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) and Paul Feeney (D-Foxboro) cosponsored the measure as a floor amendment to the budget.

State Life Insurance Increase No Easy Task

Budget Amendments Rejected

For more than a decade, Mass Retirees has fought for an increase in the state’s basic life insurance benefit for retirees and active employees. Our goal is to increase the benefit to $10,000.

As members know, the current $5,000 benefit was established in 1985. After 33 years, the benefit no longer satisfies its original intent – to cover retirees’ funeral and burial expenses. According to the National Association of Funeral Directors, costs in Massachusetts well exceed $5,000 and can easily surpass $10,000, even for modest arrangements.

Ralph White 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.