2+ hour, 2+ min ago   (238+ words) GASB had finalized a new accounting rule (Standard 45) for state and local governments, entitled Other Post-Employment Benefits or OPEB. It required them to disclose on their financial papers the future costs of post-employment benefits, including retiree health care costs. This…...

2+ mon, 1+ week ago   (175+ words) Rising Costs Continue to Drive Local Discussions and Plan Changes Mass Retirees has remained actively engaged as municipalities increasingly examine strategies to address growing health care expenditures. Over the past several months, the Association has participated in a growing number…...

2+ mon, 1+ week ago   (210+ words) Take Center Stage This Spring This spring has underscored just how rapidly the health care landscape continues to evolve — and why public retirees must have a strong voice. In May, Association leadership attended the 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts…...

4+ mon, 2+ week ago   (645+ words) In addition to plan design changes, many municipalities chose to join the GIC. On this July 1, the GIC will enroll the largest number of municipal units, 11, in over a decade. For details, see accompanying article on page 7. And, many municipalities…...

6+ mon, 1+ week ago   (422+ words) In response to growing concerns over a potential “fiscal cliff” that would seriously impair state budget spending, the state’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) was tasked with developing options to reduce the agency’s budget for FY27. As we outline in our lead…...

6+ mon, 1+ week ago   (634+ words) The following is an open letter sent by Mass Retirees to the Group Insurance Commission in opposition to what we consider to be cost shifting measures. These plan design options are scheduled to be voted on by the 17-member Commission…...