Issues

GIC Open Enrollment Ends Today, May 1st

MAY 1, 2019: The month’s long open enrollment for the state Group Insurance Commission’s (GIC) health and dental insurance plans ends Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

Open enrollment provides an annual opportunity for the 430,000 state and municipal retirees and employees enrolled in the GIC’s insurance plans to make changes to their coverage, including switching insurance carriers. Coverage for FY20 begins on July 1, 2019.

“Opening Day” For Public Service Committee

Survivor Remarriage Bill Among First Heard

APRIL 9, 2019: A City of Boston home-rule petition allowing surviving spouses to retain their health insurance coverage upon remarriage was among a dozen bills heard before the Joint Committee on Public Service’s inaugural hearing on Tuesday.

GIC Annual Enrollment Now Underway

Benefit Fairs Begin April 10^th

APRIL 3, 2019: The state Group Insurance Commission’s annual open enrollment period began today and runs through May 1^st. For the 430,000 enrollees insured by the GIC, the open enrollment period allows for changes to be made in choosing insurance providers.

NOT WAITING FOR OTHERS TO ACT

Mass & Texas Lead National Fight To Reform WEP/GPO

MARCH 27, 2019: Working in conjunction with the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), Mass Retirees has reinitiated an all-out effort to pass legislation to reform the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

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 Year 2020, UniCare OME premiums will increase a meager 1.9% over the current year.

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 chairs on both House and Senate Ways and Means Committees, speculation has swirled for months on which two legislators would be tapped to head what are arguably the most important of legislative committee posts.

DRIVE CONTINUES TO REFORM SOCIAL SECURITY WEP

Finding Solution Priority of Key Leaders

FEBRUARY 2019: Mass Retirees officials continue to work with key Congressional leaders to pass a reform of the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Reform of the 1983 federal law is a top priority of Congressman Richie Neal (D-MA), who now serves as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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. Insurance premiums are scheduled to be approved on February 28.

For the coming fiscal year, which begins on July 1, there will be no benefit or copayment changes impacting Medicare supplement plans. GIC Medicare enrollees do not pay annual deductibles.

State GIC to Hold Listening Tour

Focus on Pending FY20 Health Insurance Changes

JANUARY 4, 2019: With potential changes to the state’s health insurance plans set to be announced on Thursday, January 17, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) has scheduled a “Listening Tour” with planned meetings in Boston, Worcester and Springfield later this month. The three public meetings will take place before the 17-member GIC Commission votes on the proposed benefit changes on February 7 and sets rates for FY20 on February 28.

New Legislative Session Kicks Off

Bill Filing Deadline January 18^th

JANUARY 3, 2019: The Massachusetts 2019-2020 Legislative Session officially began Tuesday, with the inauguration of the state’s 160 State Representatives and 40 Senators. Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito begin their 2^ndterm in office today.

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.