Issues

Another year, another step toward ditching the WEP?

Another year, another step toward ditching the WEP?

By Nicole Ogrysko @nogryskoWFED

April 5, 2021 

Occasionally, I’ll get an email or a question from a federal retiree about the Windfall Elimination Provision.

The WEP is so complex, but the questions surrounding it are usually the same. What’s the status of legislation to ditch it, or at least bring some relief to the 3% of Social Security beneficiaries who have to deal with it?

WEP Reform Bill Reintroduced

WEP Reform Bill Reintroduced

APRIL 2, 2021: Congressman Richard Neal has reintroduced his Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reform proposal for 2021-22 Congressional Session with the support of the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation.

GIC Insurance Rates Announced

GIC Insurance Rates Announced

MARCH 4, 2021: Group Insurance Commission Announces Fiscal Year 2022 Plan Rates: The Group Insurance Commission held their monthly meeting to set the premium rates for FY22 ahead of the open enrollment process.  As we were anticipating from previous meetings the Commission voted on a 5.2% average increase across all plans, non-Medicare and Medicare plans. Overall, the average increase for the six Medicare plans is 2.3%.  The most popular plan, the UniCare OME plan, has an increase, 2.2%, which equates to a total $8.94 increase for FY22.

New Leadership on Beacon Hill

New Leadership on Beacon Hill

Friday, February 19, 2021: Today marks the completion of the bill filing process for the 2021-22 Legislative Session here in Massachusetts. A complete list of our Association’s legislative proposals, as well as the lead legislative sponsors of our bills, is contained within our March newsletter. You should receive your copy of The Voice this week.

One Million More Eligible for Vaccine on Thursday

One Million More Eligible for Vaccine on Thursday

Baker: High-Volume Sites Will Speed Process

Katie Lannan -  State House News Service

February 17, 2021: 

Massachusetts will roughly double the population eligible for COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, when people over age 65, the residents and staff of affordable and low-income housing for seniors, and people with two or more health conditions that put them at higher risk will be newly able to make appointments.

Vaccine Call Center Goes Live for 75 and Older

Vaccine Call Center Goes Live for 75 and Older

Guv: Weekday Operation Will Be "Huge Help"

Chris Lisinski, State House News Service

FEB. 5, 2021.....More than a week after Gov. Charlie Baker first directed adults 75 and older to start booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments through an online-only platform, a state-run call center aimed at helping seniors who struggle to access or navigate the website is now live.

Latest news on vaccinations in MA

Latest news on vaccinations in MA

January 26, 2021: Last Friday, Shawn Duhamel reported on a request we made last week to the state of Massachusetts to prioritize the vaccination of all adults age 65+. I am happy to report that Governor Charlie Baker has heeded this request and that the vast majority of our members will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Baker says adults 75 and over are eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19 starting Feb. 1; people 65 and over will be moved up

Move comes amid outcry over slow pace of vaccine rollout

By Robert Weisman and Travis Andersen Globe Staff,Updated January 25, 2021

FY21 STATE BUDGET SIGNED INTO LAW

FY21 STATE BUDGET SIGNED INTO LAW

December 14, 2020: Governor Baker has signed the FY21 State Budget into law. This ends the 6-month delay of a final FY21 budget and funds the Commonwealth’s operations through June 30, 2021.  

FY21 STATE BUDGET SENT TO GOVERNOR

FY21 STATE BUDGET SENT TO GOVERNOR

Includes State/Teachers’ 3% COLA & Extends Retiree Work Waiver

December 4, 2020: House and Senate leaders completed work on the $46 billion-dollar FY21 budget with both branches voting on a conference committee report in a rare Friday session. The final version now goes to Governor Baker for approval. The vote today takes us one step closer to ending the 6-month delay of a final FY21 budget.