Articles about Local Insurance that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
Rising Costs & Affordability Main Concerns
SEPTEMBER 2019: Earlier this year, Mass Retirees filed six separate legislative proposals relative to health insurance benefits for public retirees and surviving spouses. Known as “bills”, these proposals are now before various legislative committees where public hearings are held, followed by detailed analysis by committee staff.
Mass Retirees Opposes Voucher-Like Scheme
SEPTEMBER 2019: For more than a decade, public retirees have found their health insurance benefits under near constant siege by those looking to cut costs and reduce government spending. Through it all, Mass Retirees has often found itself engaged as the last line of defense against proposed cuts and changes that would negatively impact public retirees and survivors.
Affordability, Representation and Transparency Key Issues
JULY 25, 2019: Mass Retirees and union leaders packed a State House hearing today that focused on a legislation impacting health, dental and life insurance benefits for public retirees and active employees. Chaired by Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly) and Senator Mike Brady (D-Brockton), the Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on more than 40 bills, nine of which are sponsored by Mass Retirees.
Fight Continues For Permanent Protection
Formal Legislative Session Ends July 31st
JUNE 25, 2018: Despite the best efforts of our legislative team, as well as a wide array of union lobbyists, Mass Retirees’ amendments to the House’s Health Care Reform bill (H4617) failed to be adopted. Of the 171 total amendments filed, only 25 were successfully adopted during last week’s debate in the House.
JUNE 19, 2018: Mass Retirees is calling for your immediate help in advocating for our legislation that will permanently protect local retirees from future increases in the percentage of the health insurance premium that you must pay. Today, the House will begin debate on the H4617, a bill relative to healthcare reform in Massachusetts and consider an amendment that provides this basic protection to all local retirees – including retired teachers.
The health insurance giant Cigna said on Thursday that it had agreed to buy Express Scripts, the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit manager, in a $52 billion deal that could further reshape the roiling health care landscape.
Enrolling in Blue Cross
After nine years, the City of Quincy has notified the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) that it will be leaving the state health insurance program in 2018. Beginning next July 1, Quincy retirees, survivors and employees will be enrolled in plans being offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Retirees Caution Against Cost Shifts & Benefit Erosion
The September edition of the Voice not only captured the attention of Association members, but also that of elected officials and the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC).
Now Being Offered Locally
For sometime, we’ve spoken about high deductible plans,” according to Association official Shawn Duhamel. “These are non-Medicare plans with a very high annual deductible, for example $2,000 for an individual and $4,000 for a family.”
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.
