Dear Agency Heads/Executive Directors, CFOs, HR/Payroll Directors, and GIC Coordinators,
The recently enacted FY24 budget (Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023)
mandates that the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) offer health insurance benefits to any new, eligible employee on the first day of the month following the employee’s date of hire, effective July 1, 2024. The relevant legislative language (contained in Section 83) further notes that if the employee’s day of hire falls on the first of the month, then that employee’s benefits begin that same day.
As a result of this law, there will be modifications to the current 60-day benefits waiting period for all GIC benefits for new, eligible employees. This change will impact future new hires as well as all agencies and entities offering benefits through the GIC.
The extended waiting period for insurance eligibility has long been an issue of concern for new employees and the organizations that employ them and reducing it will improve the lives of those hired by the Commonwealth and other GIC-insured organizations in the future. Complying with this mandate will require collaboration and work is just beginning on this important project. We are informing you now to ensure that your organization is aware of this change and can include its budgetary implications as part of your Fiscal Year 2025 planning processes.
The GIC will be in regular communication with you as this project continues to develop and will inform and instruct organizations of any further action necessary to prepare for and implement this important change. Please direct all inquiries to Michael Berry, Director of Government Affairs at Michael.c.Berry@mass.gov.
Thank you,
Group Insurance Commission
