Articles about Local Insurance that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
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.”
Commission Seeks Retiree/Employee Input
With decision time looming for the selection of insurance carriers, a pharmacy benefits manager and the establishment of plan design, the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) will begin a state-wide ‘Listening Tour’ on December 12th, designed to solicit input from enrollees.
Mass Retirees & Unions Would Gain Seats
Litany of Bills Before Public Service Committee
Mass Retirees Gains Commission Seat
MAY 24, 2017: Wednesday morning the Massachusetts Senate approved a major restructure of the state’s Group Insurance Commission, granting our Association and two additional public employee unions seats on the 17-member Commission.
Budget Amendment Caps Payments
APRIL 14, 2017: Together with an AFL-CIO backed coalition of public employee unions, Mass Retirees has sponsored an amendment to the FY18 House budget proposal that lowers the cap on out-of-pocket health insurance costs.
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 62,000 members as we continue the fight.
