Articles about Medicare that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
Congress Caps 2021 Medicare Part B Premium
October 15, 2020: As just announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) this week, the benefits, payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries, will be increased by a 1.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This COLA increase will begin on December 31, 2020.
Retiree Enrollment Underway
September 2020: In the July edition of the Voice, we announced a new initiative to bring telehealth services to Mass Retirees members.
Known as Ibis (pronounced eye- biss), the program uses advanced computer technology and a robust service support team to help retirees to self-manage and monitor their chronic conditions at home. The pro- gram has been expanded to provide for COVID-19 monitoring.
A tablet made by a Massachusetts company is using artificial intelligence to help seniors with chronic health conditions as well as to identify symptoms of the novel coronavirus. The technology is empowering seniors to have more control of their health and avoid trips to the doctor and hospital.
Ibis Program can help seniors to identify COVID-19 symptoms and get access to telehealth
JUNE 23, 2020: BOSTON, MA - The Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts ("Mass Retirees") and Senscio Systems, a Massachusetts-based health technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for chronic health management announced a new partnership today.
Dear Members,
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and enduring this difficult time as best as you can. Here at Mass Retirees, our staff is doing as well as can be expected. We are still working on your behalf, albeit remotely. If you need us, please call or email.
MARCH 13, 2020: We hope that you and your family are safe and doing well while our nation fights the spread of the coronavirus.
In light of ongoing efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and out of an abundance of caution for the health of our members, we have decided to postpone our upcoming membership meetings in Somerville and Leominster. We will make decisions on whether or not to proceed with future meetings based on the latest information available.
Welcome to the 1st Anniversary of Mass Retirees’ Facebook Friday. This week: The state GIC approves FY21 health insurance premium rates for 465,000 enrollees, with no increase in copayments or deductibles – but the battle to control healthcare inflation rages on! Watch here!
No Increase in Copayments or Deductibles
February 27, 2020: The 17-member Commission voted today on the rates for the health insurances plans to be offered by it. The new plan rates will be effective July 1. While members will see an increase in their monthly premiums, their copayments and deductibles will remain unchanged.
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.
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.
