Looking for An Appointment for Yourself or a Group?
Are you looking for more information about retirement? You can schedule:
-an individual appointment or
-a group appointment (with 5 or more people)
with Kelly McCracken, Executive Director. When booking the appointment, you have the option to meet in-person, via Zoom or by phone.
If you have already had a retirement counseling session and are just looking for an updated estimate, please fax the Retirement Estimate Request Form to us at (508) 696-3847. Make sure to sign the form! Signatures must be clear and legible in order for us to send estimates.
Retiree COLA Increase Information
In November 2022, the Governor signed Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 into law, providing the opportunity for an additional one-time 2% COLA to be paid to the eligible FY23 COLA recipients. This legislation required local approvals from the Dukes County Retirement Board, Dukes County Commissioners, and two-thirds of the towns within Dukes County.
We are pleased to announce that the Retirement Board and our member units have supported this effort to bring additional funds to our retirees. This allowance will be paid in June on the final payroll of FY23.
The importance of providing a COLA to retirees and beneficiaries cannot be understated. The current cost of living on Martha’s Vineyard and around the country has been so drastically affected by events outside of our retirees’ control and it is the duty of our Board to provide relief wherever possible. That is why we are also pleased to announce an increase to the retiree COLA base. In FY24 (starting on the July 31, 2023 payroll), retirees will receive a 3% COLA on the first $15,000 (previously $14,000) of retirement benefits.
If any further increases are available for the retirees, rest assured the Board will act upon them swiftly. The Retirement Board is pleased to serve the membership of the Dukes County Contributory Retirement System.
Will Collecting A Pension Impact My Social Security?
Are you wondering if your pension will impact your Social Security? Have you heard of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, but aren’t sure what they are or how they could potentially impact you? For more information on this topic, click here.
Wellness News
Would you like to focus on Wellness in the New Year? Be Well MV is a wellness resource that is sponsored by the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group. Their goal is to improve the overall health, well-being and quality of life of all CCMHG members by promoting the 8 Dimensions of Wellness as well as to create opportunities that empower, educate and model positive attitudes and behaviors through a lifelong commitment to wellness. Check out their website to find out more about eligibility requirements and the great programs they offer.
Health Insurance Benefit Comparisons:
Member units* in the Dukes County Contributory Retirement System provide health insurance benefits to their eligible active employees and retirees through the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group (CCMHG). You can find information about insurance options available to active employees as well as retirees on their website. Below is a link to their Benefit Comparison documents:
Active Employee & Retirees Under Age 65 – Plans Effective 7/1/23 – 6/30/24:
CCMHG FY24 HMO, PPO, MHP Benefit Comparison
CCMHG FY24 HMO, PPO Benefit Comparison
CCMHG FY24 HSA Benefit Comparison
Retirees Over Age 65 – Plans Effective 1/1/23 – 12/31/23:
CCMHG Medicare Advantage HMO Plan Chart
CCMHG Medicare Supplement Plan Chart
Active members, members who are contemplating retirement, and current retirees should contact the Treasurer, Human Resources Office or Benefits Coordinator at their employing unit for information regarding post-retirement health benefits; enrollment, rates, eligibility requirements, and other plan information.