GIC Annual Reports

Group Insurance Commission Annual Report Archive FY1999 through FY2012

The mission of the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) is to provide high-value life, health and other insurance benefits to state employees, retirees, and their survivors and dependents.  The GIC also covers housing and redevelopment authorities as well as certain municipalities that participate in health-only benefits.

I have just learned to Tweet, and know the objective is to be newsworthy and followed.  Tweeting is just the latest way the GIC is staying relevant to members and other constituents.  Tweet, tweet reminds me of the classic Disney song, “Let’s All Sing Like the Birdies Sing,” followed by the refrain, Tweet, Tweet, Tweet, Tweet.  The juxtaposition of new and old is one of the many assets of the GIC and why we continue to be leaders in the health care and benefits industry. 

Stabilizing benefits changes and keeping costs low

• State Employee Health Insurance Re-enrollment and Limited Network Plan Premium Incentive a Huge Success
• GIC Re-Enrollment Team Honored for Exemplary Public Service
• GIC Wins 2011 New England Employee Benefits Council Best Practices Award for Re-enrollment Drive
• Lowest Premium Increases in At Least 12 Years
• Benefit Changes to Help the Very Sick and Returning Veterans
• Clinical Performance Improvement Initiative Refined

Helping municipalities and their employees and retirees save money

To help communities across the Commonwealth with soaring health care costs, in July 2011 Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation that expedited entry for municipalities into the GIC.  The Municipal Health Reform legislation, Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2011, allows municipalities to make plan design changes locally or to transfer their employees and retirees into the GIC for coverage after a 30-day negotiation period with unions and a retiree representative.

Chapter 288 of the Acts of 2010 charged the GIC with the purchase and management of a wellness program for employees and dependents of the Commonwealth. 

• New Website Launched
• Enhanced Benefit Decision Guides

• Federal Health Care Reform Implementation
• Modernizing Our Eligibility System
• Prescription Drug Benefits
• Audits

• Long Term Disability
• Dental Benefits
• Buyout
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Sharing ideas with others in the industry is critical as we move forward with federal and state health care reform, and the issues of unsustainable health care cost increases, disparities in care, and continued uncertain fiscal times.  The GIC’s staff participates in a variety of federal and state organizations that are also leading the way in health care.

We are sure to be followed in Fiscal Year 2013 and beyond as the GIC was one of the entities tasked with implementing new payment models as part of Chapter 224, health care payment reform, which became law in August of 2012.  The GIC is proud of being considered among the state and national leaders in addressing health care costs and quality.