Frequently asked questions

  • It is an increase to wages, retirement benefits, or other payments, designed to help maintain purchasing power and a standard of living by offsetting the rise in the prices of goods and services due to inflation. 

    The Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) provides an annual COLA for eligible benefit recipients in September of each year. The amount is determined by statute/rule and differs for the various plans MainePERS administers.

    All COLAs are based on the Consumer Price Index – Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the twelve months ending June 30th each year. MainePERS Board of Trustees adopts the CPI-U as of June 30th up to 3.0% of the base benefit, currently at $27,142.56 for State, Teacher, Legislative, and Judicial Retirement Program eligible retirees and up to 2.5% of the total eligible benefit for Participating Local District (PLD) Consolidated Plan retirees. 

    The 2025 CPI-U was 2.7%. If there is a COLA increase, it is included in benefit payments toward the end of September each year.

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    Since 1942, MainePERS has helped public employees prepare for retirement. The System’s contributing members include teachers, state, county, and municipal employees, legislators, judges, and those who work for other public entities. In addition to active members, many public sector retirees and their beneficiaries receive monthly benefits from retirement plans offered by MainePERS. The System is committed to providing a positive experience for visitors when it comes to accessing resources, services, facilities, and website, including for visitors with disabilities.

    They also administer Disability Retirement, Group Life Insurance, and MaineSTART - a tax-deferred retirement savings program. Administration of these programs includes financial and investment administration, recordkeeping of members’ work and compensation data, and administration of retirement-related services provided to members, employers and retirees. MainePERS’ website is https://www.mainepers.org/

    The Board of Trustees is responsible for the operation of MainePERS. The Board is comprised of eight members. State law specifies the Board’s composition. With the exception of the State Treasurer, each trustee is subject to the legislative confirmation process.

    Detailed Member Handbooks and Guides can be found at https://www.mainepers.org/forms-resources/publications/

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    One of the benefits available to MainePERS members is the Group Life Insurance Program. The Program is available to State, Teacher and those PLD employees whose employers have elected to participate and whose positions are eligible for coverage. To find out more, contact the Survivor Services Unit at 207-512-3190 or email survivor.services@mainepers.org

  • Visit https://www.mainepers.org/while-working/faqs/ to get answers to numerous retirement concerns. If you need assistance accessing information, call MainePERS at 207-512-3190.

  • Refers to services and support provided to individuals in their own residences to help them maintain their independence and quality of life. Examples may include:

    Non-Medical Services: 

    • Assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming)

    • Household chores (cleaning, cooking, laundry)

    • Transportation

    • Companionship and emotional support

    • Help with money management and bill paying

    Medical Services: 

    • Home health nursing (wound care, medication administration)

    • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy

    • Medical equipment rental (walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators)

    • Home healthcare monitoring (blood pressure, glucose monitoring)

    Payment for In-Home Care:

    • Financial assistance for home care services can be obtained through MaineCare, Medicare, Veteran Affairs programs, Long-Term Care Insurance, Respite for ME Grants that offer up to $5,171 to eligible caregivers, and personal funds such as savings.

    Medicare Advantage plans do not normally cover costs for home care services unless it is for medically necessary skilled services, such as part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. 

  • Legal Services for Maine Elders is a nonprofit organization that has been helping Maine seniors since 1974.  They provide free, quality legal services to Maine residents who are aged 60+.

    You may reach an attorney by calling their Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 or writing to - Legal Services for Maine Elders, 5 Wabon Street, Augusta ME 04330.

    Additionally, there may be benefits available from your former employer. For example, State government retirees may contact the Living Resources Program at 844-207-5465. They provide legal guidance on divorce, adoption, family law, wills, trusts and estate planning.

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    Among the top reasons to having a will is to avoid family disputes, provide for minor children and pets, and streamline the probate process. By spelling out exactly how you would like your estate handled, you can avoid family strife and have peace of mind that your wishes will be honored. For more information https://estate.findlaw.com/wills/top-ten-reasons-to-have-a-will.html

  • MAR is a non-partisan organization. MAR does not endorse any political candidates. We provide information on candidates’ positions and encourage members to make their own decisions.

  • Again, MAR does not take positions on partisan issues but we do take positions on issues that specifically affect Maine public service retirees.

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    MAR does not provide financial support to political candidates.  Membership dues and the organization’s earnings are used for administrative operations and supporting members.

    When a person passes, who needs a Death Certificate?

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    Depending on individual situations, multiple agencies may need to be contacted and provided with the person’s death certificate.

    Government Agencies

    Financial Institutions

    • Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) 

    https://www.mainepers.org/contact/notification-of-death/

    • Credit Card Companies

    • Banks and Credit Unions

    • Mortgage Companies

    • Stockbrokers

    Insurance and Annity Companies

    • Life Insurers and Annuity Companies

    • Medical, Dental, Rx, and Vision Insurers

    • Automotive Insurers

    • Home Insurers

  • Yes. Any person receiving a pension benefit from MainePERS is eligible for membership, including beneficiaries.

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    Contact MAR at 207-582-1960, E-mail mar@maineretirees.org or send to 157 Capitol Street, Suite 4, Augusta, ME 04330.

    Other agencies you may want to contact include:

    • Social Security Administration

    • Veteran’s Administration

    • Maine Department of Motor Vehicle

    • Local Municipal Office

    • MainePERS

    • Banks, Credit Unions, and Credit Card Companies

    • Mortgage Companies

    • Stockbrokers

    • Utility Companies

    • Insurance Companies

  • ·       Technology Service/Repair (smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, etc.)

    ·       Legislative Advocacy

    ·       Notary

    ·       Photocopying

    ·       Shredding

    ·       Research/Referral

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    State government retirees (including judicial, legislative, and ancillary groups) may contact the Office of Employee Health and Wellness at 207-624-7380 or go to https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/ and choose the Retirees drop down tab. Also, for retirees 65+, you may contact Aetna Medicare Advantage Customer Service at 888-267-2637. Retirees under age 65, contact Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield at 844-273-4614.

     

    Retired educators may contact Maine Education Association (MEA) Benefits Trust at 207- 622-4418 or find more information at https://meabt.org/resources/  For help with the Anthem Medicare Advantage Plan, call the First Impressions Team at 844-951-0624. For questions about MEA Choice Plus or Standard Plans, call Anthem Member Services at 833-772-4121.

     

    Municipal retirees may contact Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust at 800-852-8300 or get further information at https://mmeht.org/Medical-Plans/Retiree-Group-Companion-Plans  If you are insured through the Health Trust, you may also contact Anthem Customer Service at the number on the back of your medical ID card.

     

    Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older, as well as younger people with specific disabilities. Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  It helps pay for hospital stays (Part A), medical services (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). 

     

    NOTE: Medicare Advantage Plans usually require that you have Medicare Parts A and B. There is normally no premium cost for Part A. The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium for 2026 is $202.90. Persons with high incomes (IRMAA) over $109,000 (individual) or $218,000 (married filing jointly) will pay higher monthly Part B premiums.

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    This Program helps pay monthly Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. There are two levels of MSP coverage. Eligibility depends on household income. MSP can pay for the Medicare Part B monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. There are no assets or estate recovery requirements for MSP.

     

    To Apply for MSP: download and print a MaineCare application from the Maine DHHS Application and Forms webpage https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms

    The completed application can be mailed, emailed or faxed to State of Maine DHHS, Office of Family Independence, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, ME 04938

    Email: Farmington.dhhs@maine.gov  Fax: 1-207-778-8429

     

    For more information and help with MSP application:

    ·       Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC):1-800-965-7476.

    ·       Connect with a local Area Agency on Aging (AAA):1-877-353-3771. Listen for your county to be connected to the Agency in your area.

  • MAR offers voluntary dental insurance plans for its members. There are presently three different dental plans to choose from. Information on plans’ benefits and costs are listed under the Membership Tab on MAR’s website.

  • MAR has a comprehensive benefits group plan with Aetna Vision. Specific Vision Plan information is listed under the Membership Tab.

  • If you return to work and are receiving a regular pension from MainePERS, there is no financial impact. Public service retirees receiving a disability pension should contact MainePERS at 207-512-3190.

     

    Relative to Social Security earnings limit for 2026, those under Full Retirement Age (FRA) is $24,480, with $1 deducted for every $2 earned over that amount. Those reaching FRA in 2026 have a $65,160 limit before FRA, with $1 deducted for every $3 over that amount. There is no limit once FRA is reached. Note that disability benefits have different rules. 

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    Benefits include comprehensive VA health care, disability compensation for service-connected conditions, education assistance (GI Bill), home loan guarantees, pensions, and burial services. Specialized support covers career training, vocational rehabilitation, and life insurance.

    Key U.S. Veteran Benefits include:

    • Health Care: Access to medical services, mental health care, and prescriptions through the VA.

    • Disability Compensation: Monthly, tax-free payments for disabilities caused or aggravated by military service.

    • Education & Training: The GI Bill provides money for college, graduate school, or training programs.

    • Home Loans: VA-backed loans offer competitive interest rates.

    • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Services to help veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment.

    • Pension: Monthly payments for wartime veterans with limited income who are aged 65+ or permanently disabled.

    • Life Insurance: Options like Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and specialized insurance for disabled veterans (VMLI).

    • Burial & Memorial: Burial in a VA national cemetery, headstones, and presidential memorial certificates. 

    Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, or through a Veteran Service Officer (VSO).