Arlington, Medford, Somerville, Wakefield Move To Gic

Retirees Must Chose Plan By October 26

OCTOBER 21, 2011: Open enrollment is now underway for retirees, survivors and active employees from the towns of Arlington, Medford, Somerville and Wakefield, communities that will join the state’s Group Insurance Commission on January 1, 2012.

Members from these communities only have until Wednesday, October 26, 2011 to chose which GIC insurance plan to enroll. Those, who miss the enrollment deadline, will no longer have health insurance coverage after the January 1 transfer date.

The transfer to the GIC comes after intense negotiations between retirees, employees and municipal officials (see November 2011 Voice for details). Under the GIC, retirees will have eleven non-Medicare and nine-Medicare plans from which to chose.

Once enrolled in the GIC plans, local retirees will have the same insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs as all other state GIC enrollees. However, premium contribution levels are set locally through PEC agreements or collective bargaining.

“If you’re retired from one of the affected communities and have not yet signed up for your new GIC insurance plan, I urge you to do so before October 26. If you have questions contact the GIC or your local insurance administrator,” says Association Insurance Coordinator. “Also, please make sure that any friends or former colleagues who must decide, like you, have done so. Insurance coverage is something you cannot risk losing.”