Latest News

GIC 2018 Open Enrollment April 4 – May 2

13 Health Fairs Scheduled Across Massachusetts

The state’s Group Insurance Commission has set April 4 through May 2, 2018 as the annual Open Enrollment period to enrollees to change insurance plans or enroll in the GIC’s Retiree Dental Plan. Any changes in plan selection or coverage take effect on July 1, 2018.

GIC Sets FY19 Health Benefit Design

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.

GIC VOTES 12-2 TO UNDO HEALTH PLAN CONSOLIDATION

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.

GIC To Reconsider Health Plan Consolidation

Announcement Made At Packed Public Hearing

Healey investigates whether insurance changes for state workers violated meeting law

By Priyanka Dayal McCluskey GLOBE STAFF JANUARY 25, 2018

Retirees Call On GIC to Reconsider Plan Consolidation & Cap Costs

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.

Big insurers take a big hit in shakeup of public workers’ plans

By Priyanka Dayal McCluskey GLOBE STAFF JANUARY 24, 2018

BACKLASH GROWS OVER STATE HEALTH PLAN, AG CALLS IT A "HUGE DEAL"

By Matt Murphy
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

Public employee unions cry foul after state cuts health insurance options

By Priyanka Dayal McCluskey

GLOBE STAFF JANUARY 23, 2018

Outrage Builds Over GIC Plan Consolidation

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.

State workers’s health insurance choices shrink in cost-cutting move

By Matt Murphy STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

GIC To Select Health Plans

Vote Scheduled Thursday 1/18

Celebrating Fifty Years: 1968 - 2018

The New Year brings extra reason to celebrate for Mass Retirees members, as 2018 marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of our Association’s founding in 1968.

In addition to the restyled newsletter banner, Mass Retirees plans to make the anniversary the focal point for much of 2018. Amongst other events, a special 50th Anniversary publication is planned for later in the year. This publication will both chronical and celebrate the numerous achievements made by Mass Retirees over a half century.

GIC To Hold 9 Public Hearings Across MA

From January 19^th – 29^th

JANAURY 5, 2018: Responding to calls for increased transparency and openness to public input, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) announced a series of public hearings for the month of January. A total of seven public hearings will take place across Massachusetts between Friday, January 19^th and Monday, January 29^th.

Impact of Federal Tax Law on Retirees Under Review

Passage May Clear Path For WEP Reform

DECEMBER 21, 2017: Now that Congress has passed and President Trump has signed federal tax reform legislation into law, analysis is underway on what it means for retirees.

GIC Selects CVS & Express Scripts for Pharmacy Management

Potential 3-Year Savings May Exceed $700 Million

Health Insurance Bids Now Under Review

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).

GIC Embarks on ‘Listening Tour’

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 12^th, designed to solicit input from enrollees.

Changes to GIC Board Pass Senate

Mass Retirees & Unions Would Gain Seats

SOCIAL SECURITY TO INCREASE BY 2%

Medicare Part B Also Expected To Rise

October 17, 2017: It’s now official. Just yesterday the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the 2018 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) for Social Security beneficiaries will be 2.0%, starting with benefits paid this coming January. This 2% COLA will produce an average increase of $27 in monthly SS benefits next year.

Retiree activists voice opposition to Lyons' pension reform

By J.D. Capelouto, Lowell Sun Statehouse Correspondent

Several employee and retiree advocates spoke out on Tuesday against an Andover representative's bill that would majorly shake up the way Massachusetts calculates pensions for its workers.

Retirees & Unions Make Case on Healthcare Protections

Litany of Bills Before Public Service Committee

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh to Attend Annual Meeting

We are pleased to share some exciting news: Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will be our special guest speaker at the Association’s Annual Meeting on Friday, September 8^th at Lantana in Randolph. The meeting gets underway at 11:00 AM and all Mass Retirees members are invited join us in welcoming Mayor Walsh.

Critics Ignore How Public Pensions Benefit U.S. Taxpayers, NCPERS Finds

August 15, 2017: Public pension plans are resilient, pose little burden on taxpayers, and stimulate the U.S.

State Budget Deal Struck

Healthcare Issues Remain Unresolved

JULY 7, 2017: After more than a month of negotiations, House and Senate budget conferees have struck a deal on the Fiscal 2018 State Budget. Both branches of the legislature are expected to approve the Conference Report 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.