Archives: FAQs

Whom do I contact for specific medical/Rx benefit questions?

State government retirees (including judicial, legislative, and ancillary groups) may contact the Office of Employee Health and Benefits at 207-624-7380 or go to www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/benefits/health-prescriptions/medicare-advantage-plan.  You may also contact Aetna Medicare Advantage Customer Service at 1-888-267-2637. 

Retired educators may contact MEA Benefits Trust at 1-888-622-4418 or find more information at http://meabt.org/contact.  You may also contact Anthem First Impressions Customer Service at 1-844-951-0624.

Municipal retirees may contact Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust at 1-800-852-8300 or get further information at https://www.mmeht.org/medical-plans/retiree-group-companion-plan/

You may contact Anthem Customer Service at the number on the back of your medical ID card.

Does MAR endorse political candidates?

MAR is a non-partisan organization, therefore, MAR does not endorse any political candidates.

MAR provides information to the membership on candidates’ positions and encourage members to make their decisions based on the information.

When contemplating retirement, what items should I consider?

Deciding when to retire is a life altering decision with many items to consider.

Financial security is a large part of the decision. 

Are you Social Security eligible? 

  • Under the federal Social Security System, you can retire at age 62, however, there are financial reductions if you retire before your specific “age of retirement.”  The “age of retirement” for federal Social Security is based on your birthdate.
  • If you retire before your “age of retirement” there is an amount of earnings you are allowed before it impacts your Social Security.
  • The federal Social Security Administration can provide you with the information specific to you.

Are you Medicare eligible?

  • Most individuals are required to enroll in Medicare at age 65.
  • If you are receiving Social Security benefits, the cost of Medicare Part B will be deducted from your Social Security benefit.
  • If you do not receive Social Security or you do not receive enough Social Security benefit to cover the cost of Medicare, you will be billed for Medicare Part B.  Some retirees are bills quarterly and some monthly.
  • If you are not Medicare eligible or not of age to receive Medicare, what is the cost of health care coverage?  Your health care coverage may be through your former employer or you may need to enroll in a health care plan through the market.

What will be your MainePERS pension?

  • Your MainePERS pension is determined by your years of service, the average of your highest three years of earnings and your age.
  • MainePERS has different percentage reductions in your benefit if you have not reached the retirement age of your plan.
  • You can contact MainePERS for your specific information and estimated benefit amounts.

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10377.pdf

https://www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire

https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/otherthings.html

https://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf

https://www.merrilledge.com/article/ready-set-retire-8-deadlines-you-need-to-know

https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/

How will my retirement decisions affect my spouse?

What the impact of your retirement on your spouse depends on many factors.  Some of the factors to evaluate are:

  • Does your spouse have their own employer sponsored pension?
  • Is your spouse eligible or in receipt of federal Social Security Retirement Benefits? Federal Social Security Disability Benefits?
  • Is your spouse eligible or will be eligible for Medicare based on their own employment history?

The answer to each of these questions will lead you into a different direction.

For example:  Your spouse is also a public service retire with a MainePERS pension, eligible for employer sponsored Medicare Advantage program and are not eligible for federal Social Security benefits, your retirement will have little financial impact on your spouse.

Another example:  Your spouse has had very little employment history, a very small federal Social Security benefit (under $100 per month), and is not, on their own, eligible for Medicare.  Their eligibility for Medicare is tied to your work history and their financial security is based on your MainePERS pension.

In a case such as above, choosing a MainePERS pension option which distributes a larger portion to your spouse on your passing may be a valid option.  Evaluating the cost of dependent care through your employer’s Medicare Advantage program may be necessary to determine is the cost is doable with your pension benefit.

Each situation has to be individually evaluated depending of your circumstance. There is NO one answer.

Are there any legal services for elder assistance and who do I call?

Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE) is a nonprofit organization that has been helping Maine seniors since 1974.  Their mission is to provide free, high quality legal services to Maine residents who are aged 60 and over.

You may reach an attorney by calling their Helpline at 1-800-750-5353 or the Maine State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Services at 1-800-860-1460.  You may also reach LSE at www.mainelse.org

Additionally, there may be benefits available from your former employer.  For example, State retirees only may contact the Living Resources Program which offers among other services legal/financial information and support at 1-844-207-5465.

What type of financial assistance is available for in home care?

Financial assistance for home care is predominately provided by health insurance plans, Medicaid, Veterans Services or private pay.  Under most circumstances, financial assistance is dependent on the determination of a physician there is a medical need or a home care assessment by an agency.   The amount of service can also be determined by the physician or home care assessment. 

In Maine, home-delivered meals and transportation are generally provided through the local Area Agency on Aging.  These agencies can be found at www.maine4a.org

What type of assistance is available for in home care?

What type of assistance is available for in home care?

There are many different types of home care assistance however not ever areas of the State of Maine have access to all the services.

  • Nursing care.  In consultation with the doctor, nursing care may include wound dressing, ostomy care, intravenous therapy, administering medication, monitoring the general health of the patient, pain control, and other health support.
  • Physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy. .A physical therapist can help a patient regain or strengthen use of muscles and joints. An occupational therapist can help a patient with physical, developmental, social, or emotional disabilities relearn how to perform such daily functions as eating, bathing, dressing, and more. A speech therapist can help a patient with impaired speech regain the ability to communicate clearly.
  • Medical social services. Medical social workers provide various services to the patient, including counseling and locating community resources to help the patient in his or her recovery. Some social workers are also the patient’s case manager–if the patient’s medical condition is very complex and requires coordination of many services.
  • Care from home health aides. Home health aides can help the patient with his or her basic personal needs such as getting out of bed, walking, bathing, and dressing. Some aides have received specialized training to assist with more specialized care under the supervision of a nurse.
  • Homemaker or basic assistance care., Homemaker or person who helps with chores or tasks can maintain the household with meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and other housekeeping items.
  • Nutritional support. Dietitians can come to a patient’s home to provide dietary assessments and guidance to support the treatment plan.
  • Home-delivered meals. Often called Meals-on-Wheels, many communities offer this service to patients at home who are unable to cook for themselves. Depending on the person’s needs, hot meals can be delivered several times a week. https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
  • Pharmaceutical services. Medicine and medical equipment can be delivered at home. If the patient needs it, training can be provided on how to take medicines or use of the equipment, including intravenous therapy.
  • Transportation. There are companies that provide transportation to patients who require transportation to and from a medical facility for treatment or physical exams.