An Act To Require The State To Pay Medicare Part B Premiums For Certain Retired State Employees

This bill requires the State of Maine to pay 100% of Medicare Part B premiums for certain retired state employees. It applies to retirees not eligible for Social Security benefits whose base annual pension is projected to be at or below a specific threshold (defined as the maximum retirement benefit subject to cost-of-living adjustments) as of January 1, 2026. The state will cover the full premium cost for eligible retirees, eliminating this expense from their retirement income. The policy change takes effect for qualifying retirees starting January 1, 2026.