GIC Approves Premium Rate Increases
March 7, 2008
At its March 5, 2008 meeting, the GIC voted to increase health insurance rates by an average of 6.42 per cent for non-Medicare and Medicare plans combined. For the most popular plans, the increases were as follows: Unicare Indemnity with CIC Family: 6.5 per cent; Harvard Pilgrim Independence Family: 6.8 per cent and Tufts Navigator Family: 3.3 per cent.
The vote was 10-2; Commissioner Stephen Chandler and NAGE attorney Richard Waring, who is vice chair of the Commission, voted against the increases.
The increase in premium rates will take effect July 1, 2008. Although these rates are now set, Governor Patrick's proposal to change employees' contribution levels is still on the table. Many state representatives signed on to a letter started by Rep. Marty Walsh, urging Speaker Sal DiMasi and House Ways and Means Chairman Robert DeLeo to make rejection of the governor's proposed increases a priority in the FY09 budget. (Download the list of State Representatives who signed the letter supporting state employees.)
The FY 09 health care calculator can help you determine what your FY 09 health insurance premium will cost under current contribution levels and under Governor Patrick's proposed contribution levels.