Frequently Asked Questions

MAR Questions

• How much does MAR membership cost?

  MAR membership costs $1.25 per month ($15 for the fiscal year). Dues can be automatically deducted from your MePERS pension check each month, or may be paid by check once annually.

  See additional information about cost and payment options.

  Note: If you take advantage of just one of the benefits available to MAR members, you will recoup your cost in no time at all!

• When am I eligible to join?
• Whats the diffence between MARS and MSEA?

  MSEA is a labor union representing public and private sector workers throughout Maine. While their membership includes retired workers, their primary focus is on currently active employees. MAR is focused soley on retired workers and their particular issues.

Policy/Issues Questions

• What about Medicare Advantage Plans?

  Many retirees have been receiving information about Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are being offered by many insurers in Maine. Retirees are asking if a Medicare Advantage plan makes sense for them.

  The State Employee Health Commission’s retiree members, Dick Hodgdon and Freeman Wood, have asked that we set the record straight.

  As a retiree member of the State employee health plan there are a few things you should remember. First, the State pays for the premium for retirees enrolled in the Medicare group companion plan. The State only pays the premium for the group plan offered by the State Employee Health Commission. If a State retiree enrolls in a private Medicare Advantage plan, the retiree will pay the full premium for that plan. If the State is currently paying your retiree health insurance premium, you should continue that coverage.

  If you are a surviving spouse paying the full premium, you may want to look at the Medicare Advantage plans as an option. Please remember that, as a surviving spouse, if you drop your coverage sponsored by the State of Maine, you will not be eligible to reenroll in the State plan at a later date.

  What about the Medicare Part B premium? Regardless of whether you are enrolled in the State group companion plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, you will still pay the monthly Part B premium.

  Will the State Employee Health Commission offer a Medicare Advantage plan? The Commission just voted to go out to bid to ask for proposal for a Medicare Advantage plan. The Commission will be looking to duplicate current benefits and prescription drug coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan may be available for 2009.

• How will Health Care Reform effect me?