nognoggin of Augusta, ME They would have been better off to put the 3 billion in the Maine credit union.report abuse

Jerry Nault of Windsor, ME KJ reader...The committee which oversees both the active and retiree health insurance plans was able to achieve savings of over 30 percent on the latter by awarding a contract to a new carrier. It's only for those folks covered by Medicare and retired.

Your point on being watchful of health expenditures is well taken. For those retirees who are in a relative heathly state and are not heavy users of pharmaceuticals, it's best to remain that way for as long as possible. Perhaps the best "cure" is to not put youself in a position where a cure is needed.report abuse

Chris of Brunswick, ME Yesterday the Boston Herald reported that Mass. state pension fund was down 27% since January 1st (link below). However the Kennebec Journal says the Maine state pension fund lost more than that since July 1st. The stock market declined substantially from January 1st to July 1st. Link to Boston Herald article: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_11_20_State_pensions_lose__5B:_Down__13B_so_far_this_year/srvc=businessreport abuse

KJreader of Augusta, ME Mr. Nault... lets take that one step further and add to the debt that the State of Maine has and include the money owed to the all the Maine hospitals. Your health care costs will reflect the millions of dollars the State owes the ones who provide your local healthcare. The governor has this state in a finalcial negative mess. He goes after Education and Health and wellfare over and over again. We are still spiraling downward. It is going to get alot worse. Something to think about the next time you are in an emergency room. Take note of all the tests and xrays that are being ordered. Make sure that these are necessary. Everyone needs to be paying attention to what is happening to their retirement and you need to be in control of your health care needs.report abuse