OPEB - Public Sector
OPEB 101
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OPEB University
We've put together videos, white papers, and blog posts to help you better understand GASB 74, GASB 75, OPEB and other benefit topics for municipalities.

Have questions related to OPEB? I’d be more than happy to explain or clarify anything you are curious about.
- Francis Fraine, Actuarial Consultant
What is Medicare Advantage?
Wading through all of the insurance plans out there can be overwhelming. Have you seen the Joe Namath commercials yet where he hypes up all the benefits of Medicare Advantage? With so many options, Medicare Advantage is a phrase you hear more often than the rest. Mainly because of how it’s funded. What is Medicare…
Pension Contributions at Risk due to COVID-19
As we try to bestow good tidings and wishes onto 2021, we must also weather the aftershocks of 2020 which include a very prevalent global pandemic. According to an article by Pew Trusts, many states are facing budgetary shortfalls due to a loss in revenues coupled with the increasing demand for public health and other…
2020 Year-End OPEB Trend Report
Our OPEB experts gathered the data and crunched the numbers to bring you our annual year-end OPEB Trend Report. The latests trends include insights on OPEB funding, municipal bond rates and GASB 74/75 discount rates. Download the report to discover the latest OPEB trends. Learn more about the Odyssey Advisors team.
Municipal Borrowing Hits 10-Year High due to COVID-19 and What it Means for You
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that municipal bond issuance hit a 10-year high of $252 billion in 2020 and for the first time in 7 years, the total outstanding municipal debt hit $3.9 trillion. Due to COVID-19 and local governments’ already tight budget constraints, it is likely that this trend will continue. Despite steadily…
Colrain, MA – Colrain Fully Funds OPEB Liability
Odyssey Advisors was recently featured in The Recorder’s article, “Colrain fully funds OPEB liability”. Odyssey Advisors’ OPEB Evaluation Report shows the different factors to take into account to fund the towns OPEB Trust.
Healthcare in the World of COVID – What Does This Mean For You?
As we grapple with a global pandemic, the first thought on most people’s minds is probably not “So how much will healthcare rates rise?” While I am sure we all have much larger issues to deal with, this may be a question worth considering. According to a recent study by the Office of the Actuary…
Webster, MA – OPEB Audit
Odyssey Advisors was recently featured in a Webster Times article, “Webster selectmen OK single tax rate”. We met with the Board of Selectmen of Webster, MA to discuss the details of their OPEB audit. You can read more about it on the link above.
GASB 75 – What is OPEB Covered Employee Payroll?
So, it’s time for another OPEB valuation under GASB 75 and the actuary is asking for the “covered employee payroll” for the fiscal year or measurement period. While OPEB benefits are rarely impacted by compensation or covered employee payroll, such a figure is a required disclosure item under GASB 75 and hence that’s why you’re…
Legal Marijuana & OPEB in Massachusetts
Legal retail sale of marijuana in Massachusetts is fast approaching and many towns are reviewing whether or not to have a local store. Regardless of your personal views on the legalization, this presents a unique opportunity to help with your OPEB costs. In addition to the sales and state excise taxes, cities and towns will…
GASB 75 Makes the Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article about the impact of GASB 75 on municipal balance sheets . The estimated nationwide impact will be a $645 billion increase in balance sheet liabilities. The increased attention that GASB 75 brings to Other Post-Employment Benefits (“OPEB”) will lead to increased pressure on municipalities across the country to manage OPEB liabilities. The…
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