June 2017 eNews
Upcoming Changes to Monthly Benefit
Some of you may notice changes to your June monthly benefit due to health insurance benefits. Because health insurance benefits are paid for a month in advance, you may see changes to your monthly health insurance premium deduction beginning with your June benefit. To view the new rates or for more information go online to mass.gov/gic.
The proposed 3% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) increase for eligible retired state employees has not yet been approved by the Legislature. It is a line-item within all the FY18 budget proposals. If enacted by the Legislature, the COLA will go into effect on July 1, 2017 for those eligible members who retired prior to July 1, 2016. If a COLA is approved, benefit recipients would receive the COLA as soon as administratively possible with their regular monthly benefit payment. COLA updates will be posted on our website as soon as they become available.
Understanding Your Benefits: 2017 State Retirement System Actuarial Valuation Report
Every January the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) publishes a valuation report of the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System (MSERS).
The report provides demographic, financial and funding information about the plan as of each January 1st. The full report is available on the MSRB website as a downloadable pdf. Click here to view it. For more information about PERAC, visit their website, mass.gov/perac.
Is there something you would like us to communicate in an upcoming Retiree eNews Bulletin? If so, let us know!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact us:
Boston Office:
Downtown Crossing
One Winter Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Springfield Office:
436 Dwight Street, #109A
Springfield, MA 01103
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Walk-In Counseling Hours:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tel: 617-367-7770
Did You Know?
The MSRB publishes an annual MSERS Fact Sheet, which highlights key information such as membership and benefit details.
MSRB Renames its Board Room: Dedicated in Honor of Ralph W. White
As you may recall, back in December 2016, Ralph White stepped down after twenty years of serving the State Retirement Board. Ralph was a tireless voice for active and retired state employees and survivors. Staying up late on a Saturday night talking to members was a common ritual for White who truly fought for those who needed help.
In recognition of White’s long history of dedicated service and commitment to the members of the Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System and the State Retirement Board, the MSRB Board Room was renamed The Ralph W. White Conference Room.
Did you receive this Retiree eNews Bulletin as a forwarded e-mail from a friend? If you are a MSERS retiree and would like to receive your own monthly Retiree eNews Bulletin, send your e-mail address to us at MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us
Note: Please include your full name and either your MSRB I.D. or the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and request that we add it to our distribution list.
Have you, or are you, planning to move? If so, be sure to notify the Board of your address change! Retirees who already have summer and winter addresses on file with the Board can call us to request the address update. Otherwise, you'll need to notify the Board in writing. You can download our Change of Address form here!
Past issues of our newsletter publications can be found on our website
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