SmartShopper Ends

**IMPORTANT NOTICE**
 
DISCONTINUANCE OF THE SMARTSHOPPER PROGRAM
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
 
Please be advised that the Maine Education Association Benefits Trust has discontinued the SmartShopper program effective September 30 2021. This means that the SmartShopper program will not provide incentives for services incurred after September 30, 2021.

There will be a 90-day wind-down period to process Incentive Reward Payments for claims that meet the following requirements:

1) the claims data is provided to Sapphire Digital from Anthem by December 31, 2021;

2) the claim evidences a health care service incurred on or before September 30, 2021;

3) the health care service is listed on of the MEABT/SmartShopper incentivized health care service list; and

4) the member shopped for the health care service within 12 months of the service date.  

 
Please contact Sharon Beaulieu, Benefits Manager, at (207) 622-4418 with any questions.

State of Maine Contribution Increase

Great news for eligible retirees!  On July 19, 2021, the Governor signed into law a measure that will increase the amount the State pays for the health insurance of qualified retired eligible educators.  The new law will increase the State share from 45% to 55%.  The law takes effect on October 18, 2021, however the increase in the State share will be retroactive back to July 1, 2021.  Please note, if you are a retiree currently receiving the 45% contribution, you do NOT need to take any action to have this change take effect.  The MEA Benefits Trust is working closely with Anthem, the State, and MePERs to implement this change.  We anticipate that the change will be reflected in your November deduction and Anthem and the State will coordinate the retroactive payments by the State and subsequent refunds to impacted retirees.  This process will take time, so please be patient as there is a lot of work to be accomplished to complete all the refunds associated with the retroactive effective date.

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GASB 75 Recorded Discussion

Third Year Reporting Discussion for GASB 75