January 2024 Update:
New Hire Benefits Law Effective July 1, 2024
Dear Agency Heads/Executive Directors, CFOs, HR/Payroll Directors, and GIC Coordinators,

You are receiving this as a follow up to the email sent to you on September 20th regarding the reduction of the benefit waiting period for new employees beginning on July 1, 2024.
What is Happening
As noted in the previous communication, the GIC is making a significant change to its rules so that insurance benefits for newly hired GIC-eligible employees will take effect much sooner after their hire than has been true in the past. Through this new rule slated to take effect on July 1, 2024, coverage for these employees and their dependents will be effective on the first day of the month following their hire date or, if the start date is the first of the month, immediately.
How to Prepare
Below are key items that will help prepare your agency for the coming change:
 
  1. Share this communication with the appropriate personnel in your agency.
  2. Begin the practice now of entering every newly hired employee’s information into the HR/CMS payroll system on or before the date of hire and include the employee’s personal or work email address. Doing so will trigger a registration email to the new employee within 24-48 hours from the employee’s date of hire to access the GIC’s member benefits portal, MyGICLink, which will allow new employees to quickly enroll in benefits online.
  3. Ensure that personnel in your agency, particularly those who are part of the hiring and onboarding processes, are aware of the MyGICLink self-service member benefits portal in order to inform newly hired employees about the fastest way to enroll in GIC benefits.

  • Benefits of MyGICLink:
  • 24/7 on-line access to manage GIC benefits.
  • Speeds up the benefits enrollment process and provides real-time updates.
  • Reduces the amount of paper forms for GIC coordinators to process.
  • Members can securely update their personal information, and more.
  • For ready-made communication examples, including language, digital and print posters, tutorials, graphics, videos, and other resources, please review the promotion materials on the MyGICLink Promotion Materials page.
  • Examples of where to share MyGICLink information are newsletters, meetings, calls, social media channels, etc.
What is Next

At this time, the project team is focused on the development of the infrastructure that will make this implementation possible. Over the next few months, you can expect communications from the GIC regarding the development of the project, including tools and resources you will need for a smooth transition to this new set of rules. In the spring, please look out for frequently asked questions as well as invitations to virtual information and training sessions, among other outreach from the GIC.

Please direct all inquiries to Michael Berry, Director of Government Affairs at Michael.c.Berry@mass.gov. For more information, please review the GIC Coordinator webpage.
 


Thank you,
Group Insurance Commission