Articles about the State GIC that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
No Increases In Copays & Deductibles
FEBRUARY 8, 2018: The state’s Group Insurance Commission has unanimously approved health insurance plan design for FY19, covering all six carriers and slightly lowering costs for some enrollees. Heeding calls from Mass Retirees and all public employee/teacher unions, copayments and deductibles will not increase for the coming year.
Upending a controversial move to cut three carriers from the health insurance menu available to public employees, the Group Insurance Commission voted as forecast on Thursday to reconsider its Jan. 18 vote.
Announcement Made At Packed Public Hearing
Mass Retirees has called on the state’s Group Insurance Commission to reconsider the decision to consolidate health plans, cap copayments and deductibles, and institute a new approval process for health plan selection and plan design that invites public comment.
By Matt Murphy
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
Harvard Pilgrim & Fallon Dropped; Tufts Now Medicare Only
JANUARY 19, 2018: Thursday, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) shocked enrollees by voting to drop Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and Fallon as providers. The move also relegates Tufts to a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans only. All changes take effect on July 1, 2018 with the start of the new fiscal year.
Vote Scheduled Thursday 1/18