benefits1


MEA Special Services Programs
Representation	The MEA acts as an agent for its members in meeting their retirement, health insurance, and dental insurance needs. A representative, elected by the Representative Assembly, sits on the Board of Trustees of the Maine State Retirement System to protect the integrity of the retirement fund and enhance the payment of benefits to retired educators. The Association works to keep the MEA health and dental insurance programs used in most Maine schools at the highest coverage levels possible at the lowest cost available.
MEA Health Plan	Each year, the MEA Benefits Trust negotiates the best insurance coverage in health plans at the lowest rates possible. The MEA group health insurance plan is available only as a negotiated contractual benefit and cannot be purchased on an individual basis. For personal coverage questions contact Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield at 1-800-482-0966. For assistance in bargaining or plan implementation, contact: Sharon Robinson MEA Benefits Trust 35 Community Drive Augusta, ME 04330 1-888-622-4418 x 2207 Coverage as a retiree is contingent upon participation in the health plan immediately prior to retirement, transfer to the retiree group at the time of retirement, and continued participation in the MEA group health insurance plan by the educational unit from which the employee retired. For retiree information, contact Peg Belanger at 1-888-942-2907 x 2301 or Benefits Manager Sharon Young at 1-888-622-4418, x. 2207.
MEA Dental Plan	The MEA group dental plan is available only as a negotiated contractual benefit and cannot be purchased on an individual basis. For more information, call or write: Northeast Delta Dental 1022 Portland Road Saco, ME 04072-1840 Dental benefits are available to MRTA members and their eligible dependents who receive a monthly check (sufficient to cover the premium) from the Maine State Retirement System. For more information or enrollment forms, contact Peg Belanger at 1-888-942-2907 x 2301 or 942-2907 x 2301.
Optical and Hearing Aid Services	Please call the service provider for specific details prior to purchase. Members must show MEA membership card in order to receive the discounts. Edmondson Opticians 227 Eastern Avenue, Augusta 04330 Telephone 623-4523 Maine Professional Opticians 226 Western Avenue, Augusta 04330 Telephone 622-5751 Bangor Optical Center 336 Mt. Hope Avenue, Bangor 04401 Telephone 947-3200 Drs. Littlefield and Broderick 82 Maine Street, Brunswick 04011 Telephone 729-8474 Berries Opticians and Hearing Aid Center 86 Maine Street, Brunswick 04011 Telephone 725-5111 William V. Coppola, O.D. 20 Oak Street, Rockland 04841 Telephone 1-800-300-9555 or 594-9555 Maine Professional Opticians 102 Exchange Street, Portland 04101 Telephone 775-1819