State employees to pay more for health insurance

The fiscal 2010 state budget signed June 29 by Gov. Deval Patrick increases the share of health insurance costs paid by state employees.

Under the new rates, state employees hired on or before June 30, 2003 will see their rate for basic life and health insurance coverage rise from 15 percent to 20 percent. Employees hired after June 30, 2003 will contribute 25 percent of the premium for their insurance coverage.

The new costs will be effective with the pay period ending July 4 and will be reflected in paychecks issued July 10, according to Human Resources.

The legislation also stipulates that upon retirement, currently active employees will begin to contribute 15 percent of basic life and health insurance premiums.

The Group Insurance Commission (GIC) is responsible for implementing the change to the premiums deducted via University payroll. GIC officials said they are prepared to implement the deductions on time.

2009-2010 GIC rates as of July 1, 2009  (.pdf download)

The next opportunity for employees to change health plans is during open enrollment in the spring of 2010.

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