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For Active and Retired Federal Employees

RETIREMENT LIFE

MARCH 2011, Volume 87, Number 3

LEGISLATIVE REPORT 8 14

Budget Battle Begins With Debt Limit Vote

Private Medicare Plans Not Harmed by Health Reform Law

18 19

NARFE Community Mourns Tucson Tragedy

24 Managing Money

Civics 101: Census Tallied, Redistricting Begins

26 Live Well

Two House Freshmen to Lead Federal Workforce Subcommittee

Cover design by Jim Richards

COLUMNS 6 Message From the National President

28 Alzheimer’s Update

COVER STORY 20

NARFE-PAC: Defending Federal Benefits. With federal employees and retirees facing the “fight of a generation” to preserve their pay and benefits, the launch of NARFE-PAC’s annual campaign couldn’t be more timely.

36 Report From the Regions

SPECIAL SECTION 44 2011 Federation Conventions

45 NARFE Scholarship Application

DEPARTMENTS

NARFE Resources

30 Questions & Answers

NARFE-PAC Coupon . . . . . . . .22

38 NARFE News

Life MembershipApplication . . .36 NARFE-FEEA Coupon . . . . . . .38

NARFE Launches National Campaign in Response to Attacks on Federal Employees and Retirees

47 Out & About 50 For the Record: TSP Investments, COLA Chart visit us online at www.narfe.org

Silver Circle Coupon . . . . . . . . .40 Membership Application . . . . . .43 Alzheimer’s Coupon . . . . . . . . .47 NARFE Member Perks . . . . . . .48

NATIONAL OFFICERS

Here’s How to Contact NARFE ...

JOSEPH A. BEAUDOIN, President; natpres@narfe.org PAUL H. CAREW, Vice President; natvp@narfe.org ELAINE HUGHES, Secretary; natsec@narfe.org CHARLES W. SAYLOR, Treasurer; nattreas@narfe.org

If you want to: • Join NARFE Call (toll-free):

800-627-3394 or 800-456-8410 Or go to:

www.narfe.org If you want to: • Change your address • Check your membership status • Find out dues owed • Provide a death notification Call (toll-free):

800-456-8410 E-mail:

memberrecords@narfe.org If you want to: • Add your e-mail address to your record (to receive GEMS e-mail messages, the Legislative Hotline and NARFE NewsWatch): Call (toll-free):

800-456-8410 E-mail:

memberrecords@narfe.org E-mail: memberrecords@narfeorg

If you want to:

• Hear the Legislative Hotline Call (toll-free):

877-217-8234 If you want to: • Get materials to recruit new members: Call (toll-free):

800-627-3394 E-mail:

rr@narfe.org For any other NARFE matter: Call NARFE Headquarters

703-838-7760 E-mail:

hq@narfe.org

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS REGION I Gilbert W. Blaisdell (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) Tel: 978-388-1830 E-mail: narf1568@comcast.net REGION II Ronald P. Bowers (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) Tel: 410-308-0420 E-mail: narferbowers@msn.com REGION III Donald Stewart (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virgin Islands) Tel: 305-442-6388 E-mail: dejs33149@aol.com REGION IV Paul E. Johnson (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) Tel: 812-306-5137 E-mail: pejohnson@tds.net REGION V Richard G. Thissen (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) Tel: 573-365-5679 E-mail: rthissen99@msn.com

REGION VI Jerome S. Smith (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) Tel: 903-534-5849 E-mail: retiredjer@aol.com REGION VII Betty Lucero-Turner (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) Tel: 719-583-0910 E-mail: blturner2311@aol.com REGION VIII Helen L. Zajac (California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) Tel: 707-644-7565 E-mail: hlz17@aol.com REGION IX Lanny G. Ross (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) Tel: 360-692-9741 E-mail: lannyjean@comcast.net REGION X William F. Martin (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 540-872-3345 E-mail: narfe2065@hughes.net

NARFE MAGAZINE Volume 87,Number 3 Editor, Margaret M. Carter Assistant Editor, Donna J. St. John Editorial Administrator, Toni Vallario Graphic Designer, Beth Bedard Contributing Designers, Charlene Gridley, Jim Richards Editorial Board: Joseph A. Beaudoin, Paul H. Carew, Elaine Hughes, Charles W. Saylor Editorial Office: NARFE, Attn: NARFE magazine, 606 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914; Phone: 703-838-7760; Fax: 703-838-7781; E-mail: rl@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Warren Berger, Media People Inc., 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 725, New York, NY 10168; 212-779-7172, ext. 223; E-mail: wberger@mediapeople.com

NARFE for the Visually Impaired On the Telephone: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org. On Tape: Issues of NARFE magazine are also available on cassette through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. To find out about availability in your area, call 800-424-8567 and ask for the Reference Section. The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

NARFE (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria,VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Non-member subscription rate $45. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn:Member Records,NARFE 606 N.Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314.To ensure prompt delivery,members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Contents of this magazine are copyrighted © 2011.Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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Smar t Luxuries—Surprising Prices

A Message From the National President

Time Marches On

N IT IS more important than ever that NARFE continues to meet with members of Congress and their staffs.

ow that we are nearing the end of winter and looking forward to spring, a number of events are scheduled to take place. NARFE will be holding its biannual Legislative Training Conference March 5-8 in Arlington, VA, not far from National Headquarters. This conference presents a great opportunity for NARFE members to meet and discuss issues facing the federal community and get the tools they need to become advocates on behalf of all federal employees and retirees. Since Congress will be in session during this time, NARFE members attending the conference also will have the opportunity to meet with their members of Congress on Capitol Hill on March 8. These congressional visits come at a crucial time because March will be a pivotal month for the budget process. Congressional budget hawks intend to use a vote on raising the national debt limit to push proposals for drastic spending cuts. As a result, it is more important than ever that NARFE continues to meet with members of Congress and their staffs to work on your behalf to influence these decisions. All NARFE members should continue to stay informed on our latest advocacy efforts and contact their congressional delegation to express their views. On March 8, as our conference delegates go to Capitol Hill, we are asking NARFE members to call their own members of Congress. See p. 10 of this issue

to see how you can participate in this effort. As we observe NARFE’s 90th anniversary this year, it is important to remember why NARFE was founded: “To support legislation beneficial to current and potential federal annuitants and to oppose legislation contrary to their interests.” NARFE has never sought more than what federal workers were promised when we first began our careers in public service. Federal workers and retirees want to do their part to balance the budget, as long as they are not singled out. Unfortunately, historically that has not been the case. To combat the unfair and untrue attacks on federal employees and retirees, NARFE is launching a national campaign, “Protect America’s Heartbeat.” Turn to p. 38 to learn more and to speak out against cuts to federal pay and benefits. The National Executive Board (NEB) also will be meeting in early March, and the schedule of federation conventions begins in April. NARFE National Officers and some Headquarters staff will be attending approximately 30 state federation conventions where we will have the opportunity to discuss the issues affecting the Association and the federal community. The complete schedule of 2011 state federation conventions appears in this issue on p. 44. NARFE has many outstanding, dedicated members in our organization and, because of you, we are able to be as successful as we are. Let’s keep working together so that we can continue to protect our earned benefits.

Joseph A. Beaudoin natpres@narfe.org

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Benefits Battle Begins With Budget Hawks Debt LimitVote Insist on Cuts

he fight to defend the earned retirement, pay and

health benefits of federal workers and annuitants is

likely to reach a fever pitch in March, as budget hawks in Congress will insist on unprecedented spending cuts

in exchange for their votes for a needed increase in the federal debt limit. The federal debt is the cumulative amount of money the federal government has borrowed from the public through the sale of notes and bonds and debt the government owes to itself. Federal law limits borrowing authority to a specific amount. When the limit is reached, a new limit must be enacted. In a letter sent to the new Congress in January, Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner warned lawmakers about the dire consequences of allowing the national debt limit to expire in spring or early summer. “Even a very shortterm or limited default would have catastrophic economic consequences that would last for decades,” he wrote.

TRUST FUND BORROWING Absent congressional action, Geithner could be forced to borrow from the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) G Fund or from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF). A federal law, which NARFE helped write, requires that the TSP G Fund and the CSRDF be reinvested and made whole for any interest lost once a

new debt limit becomes law. Payment of federal annuity checks to retirees and survivors and the disbursement or value of TSP G Fund accounts are unaffected by this “borrowing.” Geithner’s warning was in response to the suggestion by some freshmen House members that hitting the debt limit might not be such a bad thing. However, House Speaker John A. Boehner, R-OH, said in November that Republicans would need to deal with the debt limit “as adults.” He added, “Whether we like it or not, the federal government has obligations, and we have obligations on our part.” At the same time, House Majority Leader Eric I. Cantor, R-VA, made clear in January that colleagues in his party are “simply not going to accept an increase in the debt limit without serious cuts and reforms.” To demonstrate their seriousness about budget reductions, on January 25, the House voted 256-165 to adopt a resolution (H. Res. 38) requiring Budget Committee Chairman Paul D. Ryan, RWI, to assume that “nonsecurity”

and Reforms ■ The national debt is estimated

to reach the statutory limit, controlled by Congress and currently at $14.025 trillion, some time between March 31 and May 16,according to Treasury SecretaryTimothy F.Geithner. ■ Congress has raised the

statutory debt limit 10 times since 2001.Since 1962, Congress has enacted 74 measures that have altered the limit on the federal debt, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS). ■ A statutory limit has

restricted total federal debt since 1917,when Congress passed the Second Liberty Bond Act,which helped finance the United States’ entry intoWWI,the CRS states.

LEGISLATIVE HOTLINE Toll-free! (24 Hours): 877-217-8234 Legislative Action Center: www.narfe.org MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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Legislative Report spending would be at or below the levels provided in fiscal year (FY) 2008 (about $55 to $60 billion in cuts) when he sets a discretionary spending limit for the remainder of FY 2011. Discretionary spending pays for the day-to-day operation of government and is approved each year through the enactment of appropriations legislation. In the December 2010 lame-duck session, Congress provided spending authority for 2011 only through March 4. The Republican Study Committee (RSC), a caucus of more than 100 Republican House members, proposed in January that spending be reduced even further – by $100 billion in FY 2011 and by $2.5 trillion over the next 10 years. In addition, the RSC plan would extend President Obama’s pay freeze on federal employees from two years to five, cut the civil service work force by 15 percent through attrition over a decade, and prohibit federal workers from serving as union officials on government time.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ The fight to defend federal pay and benefits could

begin this month with a vote to raise the debt limit. ■ House Republican lawmakers say that no increase in the debt limit will be accepted without budget cuts and reforms.

Kevin Brady, R-TX, said they were considering using the debt limit vote as leverage to secure budget enforcement reforms, including a statutory spending cap. Such reforms could be similar to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget Act of 1985. That law required automatic spending cuts (called sequestration) when the deficit exceeded a set of deficit targets. In 1985, the federal civilian retirement annuity cost-ofliving adjustment (COLA) was denied by the GrammRudman-Hollings sequestration order. Similarly, in January, Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-UT, and 20 cosponsors introduced a balanced-budget constitutional amendment. The measure, which would require two-thirds BUDGET ENFORCEMENT REFORMS approval of the House and Senate and ratification by threeBeyond reductions, Cantor and Deputy Majority Whip fourths of the states, requires that federal spending in any year not exceed total revenue, caps federal spending at 20 percent of the gross domestic product and requires the president to submit a balanced budget. The fight to defend the earned retirement,pay and health benefits of fedIn 1997, when Congress last tried to aperal workers and annuitants is happening now. prove the amendment, the House of RepOnTuesday, March 8, some 300 NARFE officers and activists are schedresentatives approved the measure, but uled to descend on Capitol Hill to meet with their lawmakers as part of the Senate fell one vote short of the 67 NARFE’s biannual National LegislativeTraining Conference. Add your voice votes needed to send the amendment to to theirs.Call your lawmakers on MARCH 8. the states for ratification. Just follow these steps: NARFE supports efforts to balance the CALL 866-220-0044 (toll-free) to reach the U.S. Capitol budget and reduce the national debt; and, switchboard and ask for your representative and senators by name or over the years, federal workers and annusupply your ZIP code. itants have given considerably toward this Once connected to your lawmaker’s office,NARFE members should say: effort. Nonetheless, NARFE believes that • Federal workers and retirees have already sacrificed pay and benefits. a statutory spending cap and a balanced• Don’t single us out by making more cuts to the retirement and health budget amendment are unnecessary since benefits we earned through years of serving the public. Congress already has the authority to conWhether you leave a recorded message or speak to a staff person, retrol spending. Further, NARFE also is conquest that your lawmaker respond in writing to your phone call. For that vinced that these are ill-conceived proreason,be sure to leave your mailing address. posals because they would require ConOnly contact your own representative and two senators.Lawmakers will gress to indiscriminately reduce spending disregard your message if you are not a voting constituent. for good and bad programs alike. Federal workers and retirees have already sacrificed so much. Don’t let

CUT AND SAVE FOR ACTION ON MARCH 8

FederalWorkers and Retirees: Now Is theTime to FIGHT BACK!

Congress slash the retirement and health benefits you have earned! Pick up your phone on March 8.

By Dan Adcock,Legislative Director. Legislative Counsel Alan Lopatin contributed to this article. MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to travel: featuring YMTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer departures!

15 Days

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U.S. + Canadian Rockies 14 Days

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Legislative Report

Two House Freshmen to Lead Federal Workforce Subcommittee

wo first-term members of Congress have been named to head the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over issues affecting federal employees and retirees. Rep. Dennis A. Ross, R-FL, and Rep. Justin Amash, R-MI, will serve as chairman and vice chairman, respectively, of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and Labor Policy. Reps. Ross and Amash were appointed by Rep. Darrell E. Issa, R-CA, chairman of the full Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. “Congressman Ross is committed to helping lay the foundation for a 21st-century federal work force that gets more done with less and no longer grows itself at the expense of private-sector job creation,” Issa said. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-MA, was appointed ranking minority member of the subcommittee. Lynch is the former chairman of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia. The name and jurisdiction of the subcommittee were altered slightly in the formation of the new subcommittee. While it is unclear what initiatives and legislation the subcommittee will pursue under this new leadership, the chairman and vice chairman issued statements regarding their appointments: “The work of this subcommittee is especially important during this time of massive debt and bloated government,” said Ross, who represents most of Polk County, part of Osceola County and the suburbs of Tampa in Hillsborough County. “Taxpayers are right to demand a federal bureaucracy that utilizes transformational technologies and work

Senate: Status Quo

en.Joseph I.Lieberman,I-CT,remains chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and GovernmentalAffairs,and Sen.Daniel K. Akaka,D-HI,remains chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management,theFederal Workforce,andtheDistrict of Columbia. Sen. Susan M. Collins, R-ME, remains the ranking minority member of the full committee. At press time,it was unknown who would serve as ranking minority member of the subcommittee.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ Two freshmen members of Congress will head the

House subcommittee with jurisdiction over federal employee and retiree issues. ■ Rep.DennisA.Ross,R-FL,will be the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce,U.S. Postal Service and Labor Policy. ■ Rep.JustinAmash,R-MI,will serve as vice chairman. ■ Both legislators have issued statements criticizing the size of the federal government. force innovation to reduce the size, scope and cost of the federal footprint. As a small business owner for over 20 years, I know it is time we bring some good oldfashioned American entrepreneurial competitiveness to the federal work force. I look forward to the challenge and welcome the opportunity.” Ross, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and earned a law degree from Samford University, was a founding partner of a small law firm that Rep. Dennis A. Ross specialized in workers’ compensation defense and first- and third-party insurance defense. He served in the Florida House from 2000-2008. Amash, who represents Barry, Ionia and Kent counties, including the cities of Grand Rapids and Forest Hills, highlighted concerns about the size of the federal work force and the level of its pay. “As the unemployment rate hit 10 percent nationwide and nearly 15 percent in Michigan, the federal work force continued to grow and see its wages inRep. Justin Amash crease. Americans suffering through this deep recession deserve to know whether their tax dollars are being spent wisely,” said Amash, who earned a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Michigan, worked as a business lawyer and served in the Michigan House in 2009-2010. At 30 years of age, Amash is the youngest member of the GOP’s freshman class.

By John Hatton,Legislative Specialist

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

Legislative Report

Private Medicare Plans Not Harmed By New Health Reform Law

oncerns about the future of private Medicare Advantage plans have not materialized, according to a recent report published by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Payment reforms made to the program as part of the new health care law have not had the detrimental effect that critics anticipated. Medicare Advantage (MA), or Medicare Part C, is a Medicare health plan choice provided by private health insurance carriers. MA plans are required to offer coverage that is as generous as traditional Medicare, which includes inpatient (Part A) and outpatient (Part B) care. Some MA plans cover additional benefits, including prescription drug coverage (Part D), vision, hearing, dental, and health and wellness programs. Beneficiaries in the private MA plans frequently pay some out-of-pocket costs through premiums, co-pays or deductibles. Medicare pays MA plans to provide all Medicare-covered benefits and, since 2006, has done so through a “bidding process.” The plans submit bids to Medicare that estimate how much it will cost the plan to cover each enrollee for Medicare-covered services. Medicare establishes a maximum amount, or a benchmark, that will be paid to the MA plans for providing Medicare Parts A and B. If the MA plan’s costs are higher than the Medicare benchmark, enrollees pay the difference. If the MA plan’s costs are lower than the benchmark, Medicare pays the plan 75 percent of the difference, a supplemental payment known as a rebate. This amount is to be used towards providing additional benefits or lowering enrollees’ out-of-pocket costs. In 2010, approximately 25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in an MA plan. Most federal annuitants enroll in traditional Medicare because the program’s coverage coordinates better with Federal Employees Health Benefits Program benefits than MA plans. The supplemental payment, or rebate, was the cause of controversy during the debate over health care reform. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission announced that, in 2010, the payments to private plans were on average higher than traditional Medicare costs. In an effort to rein in costs and bring MA expenses closer to the average costs of covering Medicare beneficiaries, the health reform law (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) gradually phases

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ So far,the new health care reform law has not

adversely affected private MedicareAdvantage plans,according to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation. ■ Federal payments to the plans will remain at 2010 levels in 2011 and will be reduced in 2012 and 2013, prompting concern that the plans would leave Medicare. down payments to MA plans. In 2011, payments to MA plans will remain at 2010 levels but will be reduced in 2012 and 2013 so that the benchmarks are closer to traditional Medicare costs per enrollee. Additionally, starting in 2012, plans that receive high quality marks will receive bonus payments. Even with the bonus payments, total payments to MA plans will be capped at current levels. Opponents of the change argued that MA plans would leave Medicare because they would not be able to remain competitive or offer the additional benefits. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, MA premiums for 2011 have not jumped substantially, and benefits have not tended to erode. While there are fewer plans available, the decrease of approximately 13 percent is largely a result of policies that predate enactment of the health reform law, according to a story in The Washington Post. Many of the plans left the MA program as a result of the effort of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services “to merge or eliminate small, neighboring health plans with similar benefits,” the article stated. Changes to the program as a result of health care reform are not expected to be seen until the 2012 Open Enrollment period, at the earliest. To learn more, access the Kaiser Family Foundation report at www.kff.org (click on Medicare in the left panel, then click on “Medicare Advantage 2011 Data Spotlight: Plan Availability and Premiums – October 2010”); or go to The Washington Post website, www.washingtonpost.com, and search for the story “Medicare Advantage provision going smoothly so far,” by Amy Goldstein; Monday, November 29, 2010.

By Sarah Holstine,Legislative Specialist MARCH 2011 | NARFE

Tourist “Borrows” World Famous Diamond

“This is a stunning necklace... I just keep coming back again and again.. I just love your jewelry. Everything you do you do with such class... thanks again.” — J. from Cleveland, OH

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ot long ago, I walked out of a famous German museum with one of Europe’s most precious stones in my pocket. Nobody stopped me at the exit. They never patted me down. Even if they did, they wouldn’t have found the 40-carat Dresden Green Diamond. After doing this sort of thing for a while, I’ve become quite good. But the truth is that I didn’t steal anything. The legendary Dresden Green wasn’t missing. I never touched it. But I did bring it with me, sketched onto the back of my museum program. And that design inspired our spectacular Saxony Green Lab-Created Spinel Necklace. Steal the Look of a European Treasure. Gemologists consider the Dresden Green to be the largest and finest natural green diamond ever found. As one of the rarest precious stones in the world, it remains a magnificent example of fancy color, clarity and carat weight. Our Saxony Green Lab-Created Spinel Necklace showcases a pale green, lab-created, hand-faceted spinel, created using a complex process that recreates the conditions in which gemstones form in nature. Using intense heat and pressure—carefully controlled inside the laboratory—we’ve recreated a gorgeous giant worthy of a second look. I even requested a personal favor from our talented gem cutters, asking them to duplicate the facets of the original. I dare say they outdid the Old Masters.

Legislative Report NARFE Community MournsTucsonTragedy

hen a gunman shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-AZ, members of her staff and constituents during a “Congress on Your Corner” event inTucson, the NARFE community was reminded that members of Congress and their staffs also are members of the federal family. In addition to Giffords,13 others were wounded,and six people were killed.U.S.District Judge John M.Roll and Giffords’ community outreach director Gabriel Zimmerman were among those killed. Two other Giffords staffers,district director Ron Barber and Pam Simon,were injured. Vern Pall,legislative chair for theArizona Federation,described Last summer, members of Chapter 55 in Tucscon, AZ, met Giffords as“very supportive of NARFE legislative goals.” with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ District Director Ron Barber In his role as Giffords’ district director, Barber traveled (third from left) to discuss NARFE issues. Pictured, from left, throughout the community and was“easy to work with and sup- are Vern Pall, legislative chair; Etta Bryant, president; Barber; Shirley Beene, 1st vice president; and June Berkey, public portive of NARFE goals,” Paul said. He added that NARFE has relations chair. temporarily lost a NARFE supporter on Capitol Hill, and he said that his chapter and the Arizona Federation“wish her a speedy recovery so she can return to her duties in Congress.” All NARFE members echo that wish. By Sarah Holstine,Legislative Specialist

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

THE INFORMED CITIZEN

CIVICS 101:

Census Tallied, Redistricting Begins

he Constitution empowers Congress to carry out the census in “such manner as they shall by Law direct” (Article I, Section 2). That constitutional requirement has been satisfied, and the numbers are in: According to the 2010 Census, the U.S. population has grown by almost 10 percent, to nearly 309 million people, in the 10 years since the last census. Based on each state’s current population, 12 of the 435 voting congressional districts in the House of Representatives will be reassigned. Texas, the state that experienced the greatest population growth, will gain one-third of those seats. The Census Bureau map, below, shows the required reapportionment of Congress. (Election Data Services’ projections of changes in congressional delegations, which ran in the February 2010 issue of NARFE magazine, came very close to the actual results.)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ As a result of the 2010 Census,12 of the 435 voting

congressional districts in the House of Representatives will be reassigned. ■ Eight states will gain seats (TX-4,FL-2, AZ-1,GA-1, NV-1,SC-1,UT-1,WA-1). ■ Ten states will lose seats (NY-2,OH-2,IL-1,IA-1, LA-1,MA-1,MI-1,MO-1,NJ-1,PA-1). Now, citizen commissions and legislatures will draw new maps for Congress and other legislatures. The Census Bureau provides more information on its website at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/. For a historical table of state-by-state information, use http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionmentdata-text.php.

By Christopher Farrell,Legislative Representative

Apportionment of the U.S. House of Representatives Based on the 2010 Census

AK 1

Change from 2000 to 2010 State gaining 4 seats in the House State gaining 2 seats in the House State gaining 1 seat in the House No change State losing 1 seat in the House State losing 2 seats in the House

WA 10 MT 1 OR 5

ID 2 WY 1

CA 53

ME 2

ND 1

MN 8 WI 8

SD 1

UT 4

AZ 9

CO 7

MI 14

IL 18 KS 4 OK 5

NM 3

MO 8

OH 16 KY 6

WV 3

MA 9

VA 11

CT 5 NJ 12 DE 1 MD 8

NC 13

TN 9 SC 7

AR 4 MS 4

TX 36

IN 9

VT 1 NH 2

RI 2 PA 18

IA 4

NE 3

NV 4

NY 27

AL 7

GA 14

LA 6 FL 27

HI 2

U.S. Department of Commerce

Total U.S. Representatives: 435 Numbers represent reapportioned totals of U.S. Representatives.

USCENSUSBUREAU Helping You Make Informed Decisions

NARFE | MARCH 2011

NARFE-PAC: Defending Federal Benefits

By Christopher Farrell Legislative Representative

arch is traditionally “NARFE-PAC Month,” and never before has the timing of the kickoff of our fundraising effort been more critical. It is clear that we are in for “the fight of a generation” to defend our earned retirement, pay and health benefits. Indeed, Con-

gress soon will be required to increase the limit on the amount that the U.S. Treasury

can borrow to honor the government’s obligations. In fact, this could provide budget hawks with powerful leverage to extract massive spending cuts in exchange for their votes to increase the debt limit. Fortunately, this is a fight that we believe we can win, and NARFE’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is one of the most important tools that we can use to protect our earned benefits. From its creation in 1982 through the successful 20092010 election cycle, NARFE-PAC has served as the federal employees’ and retirees’ defense fund. NARFE-PAC remains the only solicitation that directly supports our core mission – protecting the earned benefits of active and retired federal employees. NARFE-PAC is designed to complement even

more powerful tools – members’ voting power, grass-roots action and professional advocacy.

VOLUNTARY BUT CRUCIAL Most of NARFE-PAC’s voluntary donors make relatively small, often-repeated contributions to NARFE-PAC, allowing donations to be pooled into substantial contributions to congressional candidates whose records show them to be supporters of federal employees, retirees and their survivors. NARFE-PAC- qualifying donors ($20 per election cycle) wear the NARFE-PAC lapel pin as a badge of honor. NARFE-PAC’s MARCH 2011 | NARFE

NARFE-PAC Materials Available 54,533 contributors during 2009-2010 donated $1,345,160.59. The average contribution was $24.67. These special members are NARFE’s everyday heroes.

NARFE-PAC PROCESS From its inception, NARFE-PAC has observed both the letter and the spirit of the Federal Election Campaign Act and ensuing Federal Election Commission regulations. PACs were instituted as a way to reform campaign financing after the Watergate investigation revealed the practice of deep-pocketed interests delivering bags of cash to candidates and their campaign committees. Like all PACs, NARFE-PAC complies with the transparency requirements of current law, even as the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the 2010 Citizens United case allows other organizations to provide huge sums to favored campaigns.

ttention district and chapter NARFE-PAC officers: The Legislative Department is eager to send you NARFE-PAC supplies! We have 2011-2012 NARFE-PAC pins, table-top posters and brochures. Much of the material is available on the NARFE Leadership and Legislative Department Home Pages on the NARFE website. Or contact the Legislative Department at leg@narfe.org with subject line“NARFE-PAC Materials Request”;or write to NARFE Legislative Department, Attn: John Hatton,606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914. Please include your name and address in any request.

NARFE-PAC coordinator, a person appointed by the federation president, of the request and seeks an informed recommendation from NARFE members in the state or district. The NARFE-PAC coordinator acts as a jury foreman, marshalling empirical evidence, such as current and historical voting records, committee or leadership assignments, accessibility to NARFE activists and other factors (see story, below). The NARFEPAC coordinator passes the considered opinion of the jury to NARFE Legislative Department staff for the consideration of the NARFE-PAC Committee, NARFE’s four National Officers.

FAIR, EVIDENCE-BASED NARFE-PAC uses a rules-based process to initiate consideration, weigh evidence and render a verdict. NARFEPAC requires a request in writing from a qualified congressional candidate, or his or her campaign committee. The NARFE office informs the federation

SUCCESSFUL CYCLE Not every candidate earning NARFE-PAC financial support won a seat in the 112th Congress (20112012), but 83 percent did. Federation presidents and NARFE-PAC coordinators have been provided with detailed

information on their federations’ contributions and disbursements.

HOW TO HELP NARFE-PAC contributions and face-to-face meetings (sometimes the same event; see sidebar, p. 22) are the two best ways NARFE influences members of Congress. These two paths make your professional advocates more effective when representing NARFE interests. Both give NARFE clout on Capitol Hill. As is said of missionary work, some NARFE members give by going and others go by giving. Use the NARFE-PAC coupon on p. 22. Give generously to earn and wear the new NARFE-PAC lapel pin. Speak out at every chapter and convention meeting in support of NARFEPAC. Clip the NARFE-PAC coupon that runs each month and place it with your checkbook. The annuity you save may be your own.

Supporting Candidates Who Support NARFE: How NARFE-PAC Donation Decisions Are Made

n deciding whether a candidate will receive a contribution from NARFE-PAC, the essential question is whether supporting this candidate will benefit the interests of NARFE members as federal employees and retirees. A number of factors determine the answer to this question. First, is the candidate supportive of NARFE | MARCH 2011

NARFE’s agenda of protecting the earned compensation of federal employees and retirees? The candidate’s voting record is the best indication of this. Candidates can make broad statements in support of federal employees or even co-sponsor bills that have little chance of reaching the floor for a vote, but it’s their votes that count the most.

To assess a candidate’s voting record, NARFE keeps track of how members of Congress vote on issues important to the Association and publishes these key votes in the October edition of NARFE magazine in congressional election years and posts the information on the NARFE website. Another important factor is how

Attending Candidate Fundraisers

much influence a candidate will have on issues affecting NARFE members. Is the candidate a member of a key committee with jurisdiction over NARFE issues, such as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and thus has more influence on these issues? Or does the candidate hold a leadership position to expedite passage of friendly legislation or block an unfriendly bill? Has the lawmaker worked behind the scenes to help NARFE accomplish a legislative goal? Then, how accessible and receptive is the candidate to NARFE, both locally and nationally? Even if a candidate has clout, it may not help if he or she either does not support the NARFE agenda or does not listen to it. Conversely, some legislators whose views tend to clash with NARFE’s positions may be particularly open to hearing our arguments and concerns, and be at least willing to discuss compromise solutions. The opinions of NARFE members and advocates within a congressional district or state are particularly important in determining how willing the member of

any candidates,especially incumbents,try to raise all or most of their campaign funds in Washington,DC.Some candidates,especially challengers, raise much or most of their campaign funds in the area where they live and would represent. NARFE-PAC is eager to have NARFE officers and activists – recruited ambassadors – attend fundraisers of candidates approved by the previously described“jury” process. Whenever a candidate’s campaign committee solicits a NARFE-PAC contribution in conjunction with a Washington,DC,event,we request details of any events planned to occur in the candidate’s state or district. Attending a local event brings NARFE visibility and legitimacy. A well-selected NARFE ambassador, perhaps a federation congressional district liaison, will likely have more opportunity to speak to a candidate than is possible at an event inWashington. Local events are balanced withWashington-based fundraisers, which offer face-to-face contact between candidates and incumbents and NARFE national officers and Legislative Department staff. By Christopher Farrell,Legislative Representative

Congress is to work with NARFE. Also, how competitive is the candidate’s election? If NARFE-PAC’s contribution could be the difference between electing someone who supports our issues and someone who does not, that contribution has a lot more weight than in an election that is not competitive, all else being equal. And it may go without saying that even if a candidate would be NARFE’s ideal legislator, a losing candidate is not going to prove very helpful to our interests. Conversely, sometimes

I support NARFE•PAC, the Retirees’ Fund for the Future Enclosed is my NARFE-PAC contribution: $ Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year.

Please circle:

Mr.

Mrs.

Miss

Ms.

knowing that a candidate who supports our agenda, is receptive to our members and is influential on our issues has an easy re-election makes the decision to offer a NARFE-PAC contribution easy. NARFE-PAC is an important tool to amplify the voice of NARFE’s united membership. Using its resources efficiently to support candidates who support NARFE’s interest in protecting the benefits earned through public service results in the strongest voice.

By John Hatton,Legislative Specialist

Please send check, money order or credit card information to: Attn: Budget & Finance NARFE 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Card Type:

Name

❍ Mastercard ❍ Discover

Address

Card #

City, State, ZIP

Expiration Date

NARFE Membership #

Name on Card (Print)

❍ For my contribution of $20 or more, please send a NARFE-PAC pin.

Signature

❍ VISA ❍ AMEX

Date

Only members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association may contribute to NARFE-PAC. NARFE will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution, or the failure to make a voluntary contribution to this non-partisan political action fund. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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Managing Money

Inherited Roth IRAs By Mark A. Keen, CFP®

ecent columns have focused on beneficiary rules for spouses and nonspouses who inherit traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs). While many of the same rules apply to Roth IRAs, there are a few differences and nuances that you and your beneficiaries should be aware of. But before we get into the beneficiary rules, it would be helpful to know the basics of a Roth IRA in order to understand and appreciate the rules that apply to Roth IRA beneficiaries. For starters, as opposed to traditional, deductible IRAs, contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax money, but all earnings and distributions are taxfree if certain conditions are met. Another difference is that Roth IRAs are not subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), which traditional IRA owners must begin at age 70-1/2. Furthermore, because of the ordering rules for distributions, Roth IRA owners are permitted to withdraw their contributions at any time without incurring taxes or penalties. However, if the distribution is not considered qualified, the Roth IRA owner will be required to pay taxes (and possibly penalties) on any earnings distributed. As stated in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements, a qualified distribution is any payment or distribution from your Roth IRA that meets the following rules: 1. It is made after the five-year period beginning with the first taxable year for which a contribution was made to a Roth IRA set up for your benefit; and 2. The payment or distribution is: • Made on or after the date you

reach age 59-1/2; • Made because you are disabled; • Made to a beneficiary or to your estate after your death; or • Meets the requirements listed under “First home” under “Exceptions” in Chapter 1 (up to a $10,000 lifetime limit). In layman’s terms, the five-year rule

aries. But it does apply to a spouse who elects to treat the inherited Roth IRA as his or her own. (Recall that the same is true for a spouse electing to treat an inherited IRA as his or her own.) • If the five-year requirement has been satisfied (which carries over from the deceased IRA owner), beneficiaries can withdraw earnings tax-free, even if

BENEFICIARIES may take tax-free distributions from an inherited Roth IRAbut only if they are deemed qualified. is satisfied beginning January 1 of the fifth taxable year after the Roth IRA was established (a Roth IRA established in 2010 will meet the five-year rule on January 1, 2015). You have until April 15 to establish a Roth IRA for the previous tax year, so the time could be less than five full years. For example, for a 2010 Roth IRA established on April 15, 2011, the five-year rule will still be met on January 1, 2015. Also note that, once the five-year rule is met for one Roth IRA, it is considered met for all Roth IRAs. However, note that each Roth IRA conversion must satisfy a separate five-year rule. Beneficiaries also may take tax-free distributions from an inherited Roth IRA, but, again, only if they are deemed qualified. Specifically, the tax treatment of a Roth IRA for beneficiaries is: • The 10-percent early withdrawal penalty for distributions made prior to age 59-1/2 does not apply to benefici-

the beneficiary is under age 59-1/2. As with Roth IRA owners, beneficiaries are permitted to withdraw, at any time, any contributions that the deceased owner may have made to the Roth IRA. You may be asking, “How do I know when distributions are considered to be coming from contributions and when distributions are considered to be coming from earnings?” The IRS has provided specific rules stating that the first money coming out of a Roth IRA is considered to come from contributions (this is why contributions can be withdrawn at any time without taxes or penalties). After all contributions have been withdrawn, the next money withdrawn comes from any conversions that may have been made. Finally, any remaining money distributed is considered to come from earnings. While there are no RMDs for Roth IRA owners, Roth IRA beneficiaries are required to take distributions: MARCH 2011 | NARFE

Mark A. Keen, CFP®, is president and owner of Bennett Financial Advisors in Fairfax,VA, and an investment adviser representative and registered representative of The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Securities and advisory services are offered through SFA. E-mail: mkeen@tributaryadvisors.com. NARFE | MARCH 2011

“Well, I finally did it. I finally decided to enter the digital age and get a cell phone. My kids have been bugging me, my book group made fun of me, and the last straw was when my car broke down, and I was stuck by the highway for an hour before someone stopped to help. But when I went to the cell phone store, I almost changed my mind. The phones are so small I can’t see the numbers, much less push the right one. They all have cameras, computers and a “global-positioning” something or other that’s supposed to spot me from space. Goodness, all I want to do is to be able to talk to my grandkids! The people at the store weren’t much help. They couldn’t understand why someone wouldn’t want a phone the size of a postage stamp. And the rate plans! They were complicated, confusing, and expensive… and the contract lasted for two years! I’d almost given up when a friend told me about her new Jitterbug phone. Now, I have the convenience and safety of being able to stay in touch… with a phone I can actually use.”

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1. By the end of the year containing the fifth anniversary of the account owner’s death; or 2. Over the life expectancy of the beneficiary, starting no later than December 31 of the year following the year that the account owner died. If a beneficiary fails to take the first distribution by December 31 following the year of the owner’s death, the rule requiring a complete distribution of the account balance within five years will become effective. As with traditional IRAs, nonspouse beneficiaries cannot become the owner of an inherited Roth IRA. Instead, a beneficiary must maintain the inherited Roth IRA as a beneficiary IRA, and he or she is not permitted to make contributions to the inherited Roth IRA or combine it with any existing Roth IRAs that the beneficiary may already have established. However, a spousal beneficiary may elect to treat the inherited Roth IRA as his or her own. By doing so, the spouse is treated as though he or she were the original owner and, therefore, subject to all the same rules as any other Roth IRA owner. For example, the spouse would be able to make contributions (assuming the spouse meets eligibility requirements), he or she would not have to take RMDs, and he or she would be subject to the 10-percent, preage 59-1/2 early withdrawal penalty. Roth IRAs can be a great tool for providing your beneficiaries with tax-free income. Make sure they understand the rules to maximize the potential.

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: All rate plans require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35.00. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees are subject to change. Savings are based on marketing materials from nationally available cellular companies as of June, 2010 (not including family share plans). The full price of the Jitterbug Phone will be refunded if it is returned within 30 days of purchase, in like-new condition, and with less than 30 minutes of usage. A Jitterbug Phone purchased from a retail location is subject to the return policy of that retail location. The Jitterbug phone is created together with worldwide leader Samsung. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and its related entities. Created together with worldwide leader Samsung. Copyright © 2010 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

Live Well

Anxiety Disorders By Marilyn S. Radke, M.D.

octors and older adults may view fear and anxiety as normal, given the circumstances of aging. But developing an anxiety disorder late in life is not a normal part of aging. Anxiety caused by stressful events, such as losing a loved one or moving, is a normal part of life. An anxiety disorder is different because it is a worry or fear that lasts a long time and can worsen if not treated. Six basic types of anxiety disorders are: 1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – excessive worry about health, money and family problems, even if everything is fine. 2. Social phobia – fear of being embarrassed or judged by others that interferes with everyday activities. 3. Panic disorder – sudden, unexplained attacks of terror often with the feeling of a pounding heart. 4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – constantly reliving the trauma of a terrifying event in flashbacks of images, sounds, smells or feelings triggered by ordinary events. 5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – the uncontrollable need to check things over and over, or repeated thoughts (obsessions) and rituals (compulsions) that interfere with daily life. 6. Specific phobias – intense fear of something that poses little or no real danger, such as heights, tunnels, dogs

or the sight of blood. Health professionals may have difficulty distinguishing between anxiety caused by adapting to difficult life changes and a true anxiety disorder. Older adults may express anxiety in physical terms, such as feeling dizzy or shaky, rather than in more psychological terms, as do younger adults. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may be missed because older adults may have more trouble answering complex screening questionnaires if they have reduced cognitive abilities or memory problems. Risk factors for anxiety disorders include: • Female gender; • Being single, divorced or separated; • Low education level; • Difficult childhood experiences; • Physical limitations in daily activities; • Having several chronic medical conditions; and • Medical problems (depression, stomach problems, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, breathing problems, Parkinson’s disease, balance problems and diabetes). Symptoms may include: 1. GAD – uncontrolled worries, inability to relax, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches, trouble concentrating,

sweating, trembling or twitching. 2. Social phobia – anxiety about being with other people, worry about being embarrassed or meeting other people, blushing, heavy sweating, trembling and nausea. 3. Panic disorder – attacks of fear with sweating, feeling weak or faint, dizziness, feeling flush or chilled, tingling or numb hands, nausea, chest pain or difficulty breathing. 4. PTSD – flashbacks, easily startled, emotionally distant, loss of enjoyment, depression, irritability, aggressive or violent behavior. 5. OCD – obsessive thoughts about germs, intruders or violence, and compulsive behaviors, such as washing hands, locking and unlocking doors or counting, for an hour or longer on most days. 6. Specific phobias – irrational, extreme fear of an object or situation brings on a panic attack or severe anxiety. In older adults, antidepressant medications are commonly pre-

ONE TYPE of anxiety disorder includes specific phobias,such as intense fear of heights or the sight of blood.

To Learn More

or more information, write to the National Institute on Aging, Building 31, Room 5C27, 31 Center Drive,MSC 2292,Bethesda, MD 20892; or call the National Institute on Aging Information Center at 800-222-2225;or visit the website at www.nia.nih.gov.

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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Marilyn S. Radke, M.D., is board certified in preventive medicine and practices in Atlanta, GA. NARFE | MARCH 2011

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scribed to treat GAD and panic disorder. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). Benzodiazepines are a type of antianxiety medication sometimes used to treat GAD, panic disorder and social phobia in older adults. Examples include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax). Other antidepressants, such as tricyclics or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and other antianxiety medications, such as buspirone (Buspar), also may be therapeutic. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy used in treating OCD, social phobia and PTSD. The cognitive part helps people to change the thinking patterns that support their fears. The behavior part helps people to change the way they react to anxiety-provoking situations. Cognitive behavioral therapists also teach relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, to relieve anxiety. Exposure-based behavioral therapy is used in treating specific phobias. The person gradually encounters pictures or tapes of the object or situation that is feared. The therapist provides support and guidance until the person is able to encounter the feared situation face-toface. If you have anxiety, see your physician for evaluation. If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, find a mental health professional who is willing to use psychotherapy and medication as needed, and with whom you feel comfortable. The two of you should work as a team to treat your anxiety together.

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Alzheimer’s Update

Our Work Continues on All Fronts By Barb L. Pretzer

t has been an honor and a privilege to serve as chair of the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee for the last four years. President Joseph A. Beaudoin asked me to continue for another two years, and I am happy and honored to continue to serve NARFE in this position, as well as continuing as the Alzheimer’s coordinator for Region V. Let me introduce the 2010-2012 National Committee members, most of whom also are continuing in their roles: Dorothy Gruver, Region I; James Boyle, Region II; Peggy Harrell, Region III; Jane Rodgers, committee vice chair and coordinator for Region IV; Helen Landry, Region VI; Nancy Goldcamp, Region VII; Dr. George Rajewski, Region VIII; Gen Boguslawski, Region IX; and Clara Weston, Region X. We are pleased that Mary Ann Blaisdell has agreed to be a co-coordinator with Dorothy Gruver in Region I, helping with the anticipated increased travel duties. It’s always hard to lose valuable and long-standing members like Leonora Sicular from Region III. Leonora served on the committee for 12 years, in addition to being the Florida Federation Alzheimer’s coordinator. She will be missed on the National Committee and in Region III, but we are happy that she will remain on our team by continuing her responsibilities for the Florida Federa-

tion. Thank you, Leonora! My three personal goals for the next two years are to raise awareness of this disease among our members and, ultimately, through our members to the public; reach our goal of $10 million in 2012; and report positive progress on finding the cause of, and ways to prevent, treat and cure, Alzheimer’s disease, particularly from the scientists we have selected to support with our dollars. A big thanks to NARFE members who have given so generously of their time and resources to this important NARFE program – and not just for the past four years but for the past 25! Congratulations to the Alzheimer’s Association (and the thousands of advocates who communicated with their members of Congress) on enactment of the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which was signed into law on January 4. Once implemented, NAPA will ensure our nation has what Depart-

ment of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls an “aggressive and coordinated national strategy” to confront the present and rapidly escalating Alzheimer’s crisis. The recent death of R. Sargent Shriver, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003, also spotlights efforts to increase Alzheimer’s awareness. Shriver’s daughter, journalist and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver, has worked to educate people about Alzheimer’s, first as the author of the children’s book What's Happening to Grandpa, then as an executive producer of the HBO documentary series “The Alzheimer’s Project” and most recently with the release of The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Takes on Alzheimer’s, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association.

Barb L. Pretzer is chairman of the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee. E-mail: bpretzer@ksu.edu.

Members of the 2010-12 NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee pose for a photo. Back row, left to right: Lauren Fritz and Lynne Carey (Alzheimer’s Association); George Rajewski (Region VIII); James Boyle (Region II); Clara Weston (Region X); Gen Boguslawski (Region IX); Barb Pretzer, chair (Region V); Front row, left to right: Jane Rodgers, vice chair (Region IV); Helen Landry (Region VI); Dorothy Gruver (Region I); and Nancy Goldcamp (Region VII). Not pictured are Mary Ann Blaisdell (Region I co-coordinator) and Peggy Harrell (Region III).

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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Questions & Answers NOTE: The following Questions & Answers were compiled by Retirement Benefits Service Department staff. These are real questions received by the Department and real answers, based on the members’ personal circumstances. The answers are not universal and may include information that is relevant to the correspondent’s particular situation. NARFE does not provide legal advice or assistance, does not provide financial planning advice or assistance, and does not provide tax advice or assistance. For legal, financial planning or tax advice/assistance, NARFE recommends members contact an attorney, financial planner or certified public accountant/tax adviser.

RETIREES TSP ANNUITY QUESTION:I purchased aThrift Savings Plan (TSP) annuity to provide a 50-percent survivor’s benefit for my spouse. My spouse died recently, and myTSP annuity has decreased.Is this correct? Response: The amount of the monthly payment while you and your joint annuitant are alive and the amount of the payment to the survivor depend on whether you choose a 100-percent or a 50-percent annuity. Most people think that electing a 50-percent survivor’s benefit, which you did, means that their annuity will remain the same if their spouse predeceases them. This is not true. The amount of the monthly payment to the survivor – whether the survivor is you or your joint annuitant – is cut to 50 percent of the monthly annuity payment made while both

you and your joint annuitant were alive. For example, if your monthly annuity payment is $600 while both you and your joint annuitant are alive, it would be reduced by half, to $300 per month, when either you or the joint annuitant dies. If, therefore, your spouse predeceases you, your annuity will be reduced by 50 percent.

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT QUESTION: I plan to enroll in Medicare Part A. I now have Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) health insurance and will be eligible for Medicare Part B within one year. Is there any financial advantage to having both in light of the fact that I would need to pay more than $1,300 in insurance premiums for Medicare Part B in addition to my existing BC/BS premium? If the advantage would be worth more than the $1,300 per year for the Medicare Part B premium, please explain this advantage. Response: It is wise to start investigating this matter a few months before you turn age 65. Most people ask a lot of questions and do a lot of research before making this decision. It is not an easy one to make, especially if you are in good health. We have a document on our website, Medicare and Federal Health Benefits, which describes the pros and cons of enrolling in Medicare Part B. (Go to www.narfe.org, sign in as a member and go to the first link under Retirement Benefits on the Members Home Page.) We think you will find this document extremely helpful in making your decision. We recommend that everyone enroll in Medicare Part A, which is free of charge. However, if you enroll in Part B, you should continue coverage

under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). This means that you would continue to pay FEHBP premiums and also would pay Medicare premiums, which are $115.40 per month in 2011. Since you have BC/BS, Standard, you would not have to pay your annual year deductible, co-pays or coinsurance amounts with Medicare Part B. Therefore, you would have little, if any, out-of-pocket expenses, except for prescription drug coverage. Granted, you would save more than $1,300 per year if you do not take Part B immediately. You would be able to enroll in Part B during the annual enrollment period from January through March of each year. However, you would have to pay a 10-percent penalty for each 12 months that you postpone enrolling.

SS CREDITS QUESTION: I do not have my 40 credits to qualify for a Social Security benefit but am very close.How much do I have to earn in 2011 to get one credit?

QA &

Response: You would have to earn $1,120 to receive one credit in 2011. If you earn four times that amount, or $4,480, at any time during the year, you would gain four credits for this year. The maximum credit you can receive each year is four.

SURVIVOR’S HEALTH COVERAGE QUESTION: I am a retired federal employee.My spouse died in 2000,and I remarried in 2006.I have family coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) and would like to ensure that my MARCH 2011 | NARFE

spouse is able to continue FEHBP coverage after my death. Response: There are two requirements that must be met for your spouse to continue FEHBP coverage upon your death. First, you must elect a survivor’s benefit for your spouse. Second, your spouse must be covered under your health plan upon your death. Retirees have two years from the date of the remarriage to elect a survivor’s benefit. Therefore, it is too late for you to elect a survivor’s benefit for your spouse, if you haven’t already done so. You may continue to cover your spouse under your FEHBP plan until your death, and then he or she would be eligible for conversion to a private plan through your FEHBP plan.

SUSPENDED FEHBP COVERAGE

under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) when I retired. Will my Social Security benefit be reduced? Will my CSRS annuity be reduced when I start receiving Social Security, and how much do you think I will get? Response: The good news is that your CSRS annuity will not be reduced. However, your Social Security benefit will be reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). You should be prepared for a drastic reduction in your Social Security benefit. Some CSRS employees actually receive less than $100 because of the WEP. We cannot tell how much you would receive in Social Security benefits. You need to contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213. Please note that, if you were covered by the CSRS Offset when you retired,

your annuity would be reduced. CSRS Offset employees are those employees who separated from the government and returned to work after 1983.

ANNUITY’S TAX-FREE PORTION QUESTION:Will the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) calculate the tax-free portion of my annuity and include the information on my 1099-R? I don’t understand why this is referred to as tax-free money. Response: For most retirees, OPM provides the amount of your annuity that was tax-free on the CSA 1099-R, which you receive each year. But to use that amount in filing your returns, you need to get a copy of Publication 721, Tax Guide to U.S. Civil Service Retirement Benefits. You can download this guide from

QUESTION: If an annuitant dies during his or her suspended enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP),would the survivor be eligible to re-enroll in the FEHBP? Response: As long as the annuitant was enrolled in family coverage when he or she suspended the FEHBP coverage and made arrangements to leave a survivor’s annuity, the survivor could reenroll in the FEHBP. You have two important things to remember. First, your spouse must be covered under your FEHBP family plan when you suspend your health coverage, and you must have elected a survivor’s benefit for your spouse. Therefore, if you suspended your self-only FEHBP plan, your spouse is not eligible to reinstate the insurance upon your death.

SS & WEP QUESTION: I am retired and currently have 29 Social Security credits.I am thinking of returning to work so I can get my 40 credits. I was covered NARFE | MARCH 2011

Questions & Answers NARFE SERVICE OFFICERS are available to answer questions and to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov. You also can request a copy by calling the IRS at 800-8291040. This publication includes the formula to use to compute the amount of your annuity that would be taxexempt. You will have to calculate this deduction and claim it on your tax return. You paid taxes on your retirement contributions before they were placed in the retirement fund. The IRS uses your contribution to compute the taxexempt portion of your annuity. The IRS refers to this deduction as the taxfree portion of your annuity. But it is not really “tax free” because you already paid taxes on your contributions.

CANCEL SURVIVOR’S ANNUITY? QUESTION: I retired in 1995 under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and elected a survivor’s benefit for my wife.Since then,our financial status has improved to the point where a survivor’s benefit would no longer be necessary. Can it be cancelled and the full pension restored? Response: You must make the decision to provide a survivor’s benefit for your spouse at retirement, unless you aren’t married at retirement. If you are married at retirement, you are required to provide the full survivor’s benefit for your spouse, unless your spouse consents to less than full benefits. You can’t go back to the Office of Personnel Management and ask to cancel the survivor’s benefit unless the marriage ends in divorce or death.

SELF VS. FAMILY COVERAGE QUESTION: My husband and I are civil service retirees. In addition to Medicare, we have Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Standard. We currently have self-only coverage for each of us. Is

assist in helping with a variety of benefit matters. Check your chapter newsletter for the name and phone number of your service officer. Call NARFE toll-free at

800-456-8410 for the nearest service officer. NARFE Service Centers are also available in some areas. Use the Service Center listings on the NARFE Web site, www.narfe.org.

there any advantage to changing to family coverage? Response: There are advantages and disadvantages to having a self-only plan. The catastrophic limit (point at which you would no longer have to pay most out-of-pocket expenses) is per policy. If you have family coverage, and the limit is $4,000 per year, both party’s expenses would count toward this limit. If you have two self-only policies, each person would have to meet his or her own limit. Another thing to consider is the cost. Family coverage costs $431.60 per month (2011), while self-only is $187.18 per month ($374.36 total for both). If you have Medicare Parts A and B, it is unlikely that your out-ofpocket expenses would ever reach the catastrophic limit.

SS & WEP QUESTION: In the January issue of NARFE magazine (p. 44), there is a question on Social Security and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).The last paragraph of the response confused me. My situation is this: I am age 69. I retired under the Civil Service Retirement System and am receiving my pension.I waited until I was of full retirement age and then applied for Social Security,which I have been receiving for several years.It is reduced to roughly half by the WEP. When I retired from the government, I immediately began working in a fulltime job. In the response, NARFE stated that“...theWEP does not apply until after you retire.Therefore, you

would receive your full Social Security benefit until you retire.” By “retire,” did you mean from the government, which I already have done? Or did you mean retire totally from working, which I do not intend to do for many years to come? If it’s the former,then things seem to be correct.However,if you meant the latter, then why am I now being hit with the WEP? Response: You must be an active federal employee when you apply for your Social Security benefit to avoid the WEP. Once you retire from the government and begin receiving your Social Security benefit, you are subject to the WEP.

ACTIVE EMPLOYEES SS BENEFIT COMPUTATION QUESTION:I would like to compute my own Social Security benefit.Could you give me some guidance on how to do this? Response: There are two publications that should help you to compute your own benefit. One is Your Retirement Benefit: How It Is Figured, which can be found on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at www.social security.gov/pubs/10070-09.pdf. Employees covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the CSRS Offset, or who transferred to the Federal Employees Retirement System, may be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision. The other publication is Windfall Elimination Provision, which also can be found on the SSA MARCH 2011 | NARFE

FERS FIREFIGHTER QUESTION: I know a firefighter under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) who wants to retire after 20 years of service and move to a noncovered position.He is age 45. Is this possible? Response: If the employee has 20 years of covered service as a firefighter under FERS, he would be eligible for a special retirement benefit at age 50, whether or not he stays in this position until that age. If he then moves into a noncovered position, his retirement coverage would change to regular FERS (K), and he would no longer be paying the extra one-half percent for special retirement deductions. If he were to move into a non-FERS firefighter position, he also would no longer be subject to the mandatory separation provisions. So, he can decide to retire at age 50 (with 20 years of FERS firefighter service and an additional five years of regular FERS service), or he can continue to work as long as he wants. The important thing to remember is, he must move directly to a nonFERS firefighter position, with no break in service, and continue to work until at least age 50.

PART-TIME PENALTY QUESTION: I am under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Can you explain what the part-time annuity penalty is? I worked full time from NARFE | MARCH 2011

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website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10045.pdf. The SSA also has an online calculator that gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record at www.socialsecurity.gov/ estimator/. For more information or to request copies of these publications, call the SSA at 800-772-1213.

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Questions & Answers March 1980 to September 1995.Since October 1995,I have been part time. Response: The combined basic annuity of a CSRS employee who has part-time service on or after April 7, 1986, is the sum of two separate computations. You would receive full-time service credit for the period prior to April 7, 1986, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) would look at your entire career and use the high-three period for any three consecutive years that would produce the highest salary for you. A postApril 6, 1986, basic annuity would then be computed using the employee’s service from April 7, 1986, through the date of separation. The result of this second computation would be prorated to reflect the difference between fulltime and part-time service. The period after April 6, 1986, would include the full-time average salary but would prorate the service by the number of hours actually worked over the total number of full-time hours. Therefore, you would not receive 2 percent of your high-three income for your part-time service. OPM would use the proration factor.

LUMP-SUM ANNUAL LEAVE QUESTION: I am under the Civil Service Retirement System and plan to retire on December 31, 2011, the last day of the leave year.I have carried 240 hours of annual leave over into 2011.I also do not plan to use the annual leave that I accrue for 2011 so that I can receive a lump-sum payment of annual leave. Would I be paid for the entire amount of annual leave that I have on the books when I retire? Response: Yes. You would be paid for all of the annual leave as long as you retire before the beginning of the 2012 leave year. For example, you decide to carry over your 240 hours. You accrue additional annual leave and have100 hours

NARFE now offers an online retirement calculator and other financial planning tools for members only.Find out more about this new membership benefit on p.39 or at www.narfe.org. of leave to use or lose at the end of the year, which you do not use. Your agency would pay you for 340 hours in a lump-sum annual leave payout. You would not forfeit your annual leave unless you do not retire until after the 2012 leave year begins.

crease the amount of your annuity.

DEFER ANNUITY? QUESTION: I am under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and will reach my minimum retirement age (MRA) in July 2011. I will have 20 years of service. I plan to take a deferred annuity at age 60. Will I be eligible to receive coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) at age 60,with the government picking up a portion of the premium? Will my sick leave be used in the computation for a deferred annuity (i.e.,receiving 50 percent of sick leave days toward the retirement formula)?

SERVICE COMPUTATION DATE QUESTION: I was hired by a federal agency in August 2002 and was recalled to active duty in January 2003.I took military leave until I resigned from the agency in 2006. I was then hired by another agency in December 2007,and I bought back military time for retirement purposes.In June 2010, I changed jobs and am now employed by the Department of the Navy.According to the Navy’s Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS), I am eligible for retirement on April 8,2011. Also according to EBIS, my service computation date is October 9,2001. Yet,according to what I read about the Federal Employees Retirement System, a minimum age of 62, with five years creditable civilian service, is required for retirement. Am I eligible for retirement?

Response: Under FERS, you would be able to postpone (different from deferred) receiving your annuity until age 60 and would avoid any reduction for age in your annuity because you separated at your MRA with 20 years of service. Yes. You would be eligible to reenroll in the FEHBP as long as you were covered for five years immediately preceding your separation date. The government would continue to pay its portion of the FEHBP premium, and you would be required to pay only the employee portion of the premium. Yes. You would be eligible to use 50 percent of your sick leave to extend your length of service, which would in-

Response: Most people are not aware that the service computation date appearing in their records is the service computation date for leave accrual purposes. It may or may not be your service computation date for retirement purposes. You must have five full years of civilian service before you qualify for an annuity from the Office of Personnel Management. Even if you buy back your military service, the service isn’t creditable for retirement purposes until you satisfy the five-year civilian service requirement. For example, you may have purchased three years of military time and have five years of civilian time, and retire at age 62 with eight years of service. MARCH 2011 | NARFE

Check with your human resources office and find out how much civilian time you actually have. Normally, agencies place employees on leave without pay for military purposes and then give the employee the option of buying back the military service when the employee returns to a civilian position. Once you buy back your military service, it is not converted to civilian service for the purpose of meeting the five-year civilian service provision. You appear to be very close to having your five years of civilian service. However, you need to have your human resources office verify your civilian service before you apply for retirement.

REINSTATE FEHBP? QUESTION:If a retiree cancels his or

her retirement coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) in order to be covered under the spouse’s FEHBP coverage, can the retiree reinstate the coverage once his or her spouse retires? I would have no break in FEHBP coverage. As a family unit,we can save more money in taxes this way. Then, once my wife retires, she can switch back to self-only coverage. Would this be a qualifying life event (QLE) that would allow me to reinstate my own FEHBP coverage in retirement? Response: Retirees married to active federal employees often have their coverage through their spouses in order to benefit from the tax-free premiums. Once the spouse retires, both husband and wife can each elect a self-only FEHBP plan or continue family cov-

erage. An active employee who participates in premium conversion (tax-free premiums) is limited to changing to a self-only plan during Open Season unless he or she experiences a QLE outside of Open Season. A retiree may pick up a self-only plan when the retiree’s spouse changes to self-only or during Open Season. You and your spouse should coordinate changing your plans simultaneously so that neither of you loses coverage.

To obtain an answer to a retirement benefits question, call 703-838-7760 and ask for the Retirement Benefits Service Department; send your question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Retirement Benefits; or submit it by e-mail to retbenefits@narfe.org.

Presenting NARFE’s

Limited Edition 90th Anniversary Book

ars of Service Celebrating 90 Ye 1921-201

Only $10

Order your copy of NARFE’s 90th Anniversary Book today! Clip and mail to: NARFE 90th Book, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Name __________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________State ______ZIP ___________

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NARFE | MARCH 2011

Report From the Regions Regaining Strength By Ronald P. Bowers Region II Regional Vice President narferbowers@msn.com

n November, I attended my first National Executive Board (NEB) meeting as a new member. The main business of the meeting concerned the most critical problem federal retirees and employees are facing today – the likelihood that they would be singled out and subjected to some unfair treatment under proposals to reduce the federal deficit. Recent issues of NARFE magazine have included excellent coverage on

these proposals prepared by our Legislative Department. The NARFE website, www.narfe.org, offers quick and easy access to the latest information. And the GEMS system provides us with urgent updates and action alerts. Signing up for GEMS is easy: Go to the NARFE website, sign in as a member, and click on “Join GEMS” in the left panel on the Members Home Page. You also can call Member Records at 800-456-8410. The NEB has six new regional vice presidents (RVPs) and four continuing RVPs this term. There is a renewed spirit for getting to work on NARFE processes and methods to change them, where needed, in order to regain our strength by reversing the loss in membership. In addition, new committees have

been formed to develop and accomplish some of these changes. A very important one is the Bylaws Review Committee, reported in the January issue of NARFE magazine (also see story on p. 42). In 2006, NARFE Articles of Incorporation were updated to be consistent with the District of Columbia Non-Profit Corporation Act, which contains many specific rules for nonprofit organizations. Now, the Bylaws, originally written more than 60 years ago and amended in piecemeal fashion, can be revised to reflect the current needs of NARFE while being consistent with the law. The result should be a valuable aid in our being able to work together to fulfill the Association’s primary mission – to protect our earned right to retirement security. ■

NARFE National Life Membership Application National Life Membership offers a hedge against future dues increases and affirms a member’s ongoing support of NARFE’s mission to serve federal employees and retirees. National dues are paid for life; applicable chapter dues are billed annually. Life Membership Fee Schedule

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(Active NARFE members)

Member Number:_______________________

Full Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

Street Address

Single or Quarterly Payment Installments

Apt./Unit

City/State/ZIP

E-mail Address

30-39 $1,796 40-40 1,408 (New members) Membership is open to civilians in 1,127 any agency of the federal or D.C. (before Oct. 1, 1987) 51-55 56-60 960 governments eligible for a federal annuity. 61-65 801 Check one: 66-70 653 Retiree Active federal employee 71-75 514 Spouse Former federal employee 76-80 392 Former spouse Survivor 81-90 251 91-100+ 127

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$450.25 353.25 283.00 241.25 201.50 164.50 129.75 99.25 64.00 33.00

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Thank you for becoming a National Member for Life. You will receive a membership card, certificate and special lapel pin. Please allow six weeks for processing. Dues payments & gift contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

Mail application and payment to: NARFE, Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

Millions still court this 89-year-old lady. The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar is the last of its kind. Get one today before they’re only a memory. You don’t have to be a collector to love this coin. First, it’s big. At over 38 mm in diameter, it commands your attention by its heft. Second, size means high silver content, which is why they’re in demand for melting.

Your chance to own this legend won’t last long. We were recently contacted by one of America’s largest silver buyers with the opportunity to purchase several bags of 1921 Morgans, all in Virtually Uncirculated condition. We didn’t hesitate. With rising silver prices, collectors on the lookout for these unique beauties, and scarce quantities, we knew demand would be high. But we’re able to offer you a fantastic value! Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a predictor of future performance. Actual coin size is 38.1 mm. Note: GovMint.com is a private distributor of worldwide government coin issues and is not affiliated with the United States government. Facts and figures were deemed accurate as of April 2010. ©GovMint.com, 2011

Purchase yours today. Risk-free! You get the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar — the most sought-after coin in America — for as little as $29.50 each (plus s&h). Best of all, own it risk-free. If you aren’t satisfied, return your coins within 30-days for a full refund (less s&h).

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NARFE News A SPECIAL MESSAGE

NARFE Responds to Attacks on Federal Workers and Retirees! Dear NARFE Members, The last several months have not been easy for federal employees and retirees. The image of the federal worker has been tarnished by unwarranted criticism and held up for scrutiny as never before. New legislators are calling for cuts to our pay and benefits, demanding we reduce the size of government by slashing waste and changing “business as usual” in Washington. Attacks from biased think tanks and media outlets claim that federal employees are partially to blame for our nation’s dire economic situation and can afford significant cuts. But, as you know, the degree to which current or retired federal employees contribute to the nation’s deficit is being greatly overblown. Cutting our pay and benefits ultimately would have little effect on reducing the deficit. We believe that the time to defend the earned retirement, pay and health benefits of federal workers and annuitants is now! That is why NARFE is launching an aggressive national campaign in response to the attacks on federal employees: “Protect America’s Heartbeat.” To learn more and speak out against cuts, go to www.Protect AmericasHeartbeat.org.

America’s public servants protect the heartbeat of this great country. Every day, they perform duties that ensure America remains a land of opportunity and freedom — caring for our veterans, ensuring seniors receive the resources they need to live in dignity, investigating and preventing threats to our security, supporting America’s military, and conducting research that improves our health and our defense. America’s public servants have answered the calls of their fellow Americans for greater government accountability and restraint in spending. Federal workers have already given up pay raises for the next two years – we have done our part at this point. Changes to current retiree benefits are being considered that would have a devastating impact on thousands of retirees and their families. Congress must not slash the retirement and health benefits that federal workers have earned. Join NARFE as we work to protect America’s heartbeat. Go to www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org to tell Congress to protect our earned benefits and to learn more about how NARFE is fighting for America’s federal public servants. Joseph A. Beaudoin, National President

NARFE-FEEA PROGRAM FUND CONTRIBUTION FORM

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MARCH 2011 | NARFE

NARFE Announces Members-Only Online Retirement Planning Calculator

n an effort to provide members with the latest tools to plan their retirement, NARFE, in partnership with Economic Systems Inc., is announcing the availability of a members-only, online retirement benefits calculator and financial planner. “eSeminar Plus,” developed by Economic Systems, is believed by many retirement experts to be the best available. Previously, the program was available only to federal agencies, but NARFE members can now have a six-month subscription to the program for $29.95. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this outstanding service to our members,” said NARFE National President Joseph A. Beaudoin. “NARFE members, active and retired, can benefit tremen-

dously from Economic Systems’ online retirement calculator and financial planning eSeminar.” The online modules consist of: • Federal Retirement Benefits for Employees: An easy-to-use federal retirement calculator that allows employees to estimate their federal retirement annuity, Social Security and Thrift Savings Plan benefits. • Financial Benefits Maximizer: A self-service financial planning tool in which employees or retirees can develop calculations to project their household’s financial future. A complete financial planner, it goes beyond federal benefits to include other savings and investments, as well as expenses, to determine your current and future financial status

and the extent to which you may meet your retirement income goals. • eSeminar: An employee selfservice retirement and financial planning seminar. eSeminar enhances your awareness of federal retirement-related topics, as well as provides important personal financial management information in an easily navigated format. “Economic Systems Inc. is very excited to be allied with NARFE,” said Dr. George Kettner, president of the Falls Church, VA, company. “We share with NARFE the common goal to help federal employees better understand their benefits and prepare for retirement.” To subscribe to eSeminar Plus, go to www.narfe.org and click on the eSeminar Plus link. ■

2010 Recruitment Results In 2010, NARFE recruited 22,012 new members; this compares with 23,323 recruited in 2009. – Jacqueline Johnson-Bryant, Recruitment and Retention Assistant REGION I

REGION V Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . .340 Kansas . . . . . . . . . .253 Minnesota . . . . . . .480 Missouri . . . . . . . . .439 Nebraska . . . . . . . .163 North Dakota . . . .125 South Dakota . . . . .108 Total . . . . . . . .1,908

REGION IX Alaska . . . . . . . . . . .101 Idaho . . . . . . . . . . .122 Montana . . . . . . . . . .82 Oregon . . . . . . . . . .238 Washington . . . . . .687 Total . . . . . . . .1,230

Dist. of Columbia . .196 Delaware . . . . . . . .150 Maryland . . . . . . .1,567 New Jersey . . . . . .488 Pennsylvania . . . .1,058 Total . . . . . . . .3,459

California . . . . . . .1,518 Guam . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Hawaii . . . . . . . . . .157 Nevada . . . . . . . . . .156 Philippines . . . . . . . . .0 Total . . . . . . . .1,844

REGION X Kentucky . . . . . . . . 243 North Carolina . . . 550 Tennessee . . . . . . . . 361 Virginia . . . . . . . . 1,794 West Virginia . . . . . 162 Total . . . . . . . . 3,110

REGION VII

NARFE | MARCH 2011

Illinois . . . . . . . . . . .665 Indiana . . . . . . . . . .332 Michigan . . . . . . . . .449 Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . .601 Wisconsin . . . . . . .359 Total . . . . . . . .2,406

REGION II

REGION VIII

Arizona . . . . . . . . .451 Colorado . . . . . . . .614 New Mexico . . . . .193 Utah . . . . . . . . . . . .109 Wyoming . . . . . . . . .57 Total . . . . . . . .1,424

REGION IV

Connecticut . . . . . .156 Massachusetts . . . .380 Maine . . . . . . . . . . .118 New Hampshire . .123 New York . . . . . . ..838 Rhode Island . . . . . . .78 Vermont . . . . . . . . . .44 Total . . . . . . . .1,737

REGION III

REGION VI Arkansas . . . . . . . . .207 Louisiana . . . . . . . .207 Oklahoma . . . . . . .343 Panama . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Texas . . . . . . . . . .1,060 Total . . . . . . . .1,826

FOREIGN 43

Alabama . . . . . . . . .453 Florida . . . . . . . . .1,319 Georgia . . . . . . . . .702 Mississippi . . . . . . .185 Puerto Rico . . . . . . .73 South Carolina . . . .293 Total . . . . . . . . . .3,025

NARFE News

Silver Circle Nears $100,000

ilver Circle donations totaled $99,444 as of January 15, 2011. Donors from October 16, 2010January 15 are listed here with their chapter numbers. For a minimum contribution of $25, members receive a Silver Circle pin and have their names published in NARFE magazine. Members who donate $1,000 or more have their names engraved on the Wall of Fame at NARFE Headquarters. To date, 35 members have given at the $1,000 level.

Federation convention season starts in April. See p. 44 for a listing of all of the federation conventions that will take place in 2011.

2011 Scholarship Application

DOROTHY H. SMITH, CHAPTER 1936, MARYLAND

SILVER CIRCLE ($25 OR MORE) ARIZONA SANDRA HEADEN 1395 CALIFORNIA BRIAN Q. ROBBINS 0003 LYMAN J. LADNER 0052 MARY C. TAYLOR 0065 SHIRLEY HERBEL 1028 MICHAEL PRINGLE 1317 GEORGIA JAN D. SATTERFIELD 1033

Passages

FEDERATION CONVENTIONS

See pp. 45-46.

To become a member of the NARFE Silver Circle, see the coupon below.

WALL OF FAME ($1,000 OR MORE)

MARYLAND FREDRIC D. FORNEY 0251 MAINE SUSAN S. HYDE 2169 MONTANA B. C. BURRIS 2056 NORTH CAROLINA CAROL PRICE 1894 WILLIAM H. PRICE 1894

TENNESSEE ELLIS R. MCCOWAN 1956 TEXAS DONALD L. WEBB 1273 WASHINGTON ARTHUR N. GILMORE 0181 GARY SHILLING 1801 WISCONSIN LEROY PEPPER 0044

ALFRED JAMES DUMAS FORMER VIRGINIA FEDERATION PRESIDENT

Alfred J. Dumas, former Virginia Federation president, died December 25, 2010, at the age of 105 in Fairfax,VA. Dumas was a graduate of George Washington University in Washington, DC, and had a long and distinguished career in the Postal Service, including serving as special assistant to the Postmaster General. Upon retirement, he became active in NARFE, serving as president of the Virginia Federation of Chapters.

Silver Circle Contribution Form

Yes!

I want to be a member of the NARFE Silver Circle. Enclosed is my Silver Circle contribution of $ _____

• For a contribution of $25 or more, you will receive a Silver Circle pin, and your name will be listed in NARFE magazine with other contributors. • For a contribution of $1,000 or more, your name will be placed on the “Wall of Fame” at NARFE Headquarters.

ID # ____________________________________________________________________ (ID # may be found on your NARFE magazine label or your NARFE membership card)

Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________ State ___________ ZIP _____________ J My check is enclosed (please make check payable to NARFE Silver Circle) J Please charge my credit card Card type J Mastercard J Visa J Discover J AMEX J Installment Plan Wall of Fame 12-month Card # _________________________________________________ installment plan Expiration Date_____________________________________________ Name __________________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date ___________________

Clip this contribution form and mail to: NARFE Silver Circle, NARFE, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Silver Circle contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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NARFE News

Bylaws Revision:Your Input Is Needed Now By Paul Lamb, NARFE Parliamentarian

he delegates at the 2010 NARFE National Convention in Grand Rapids, MI, adopted a resolution to have a committee prepare a complete revision of our Bylaws. This means that the committee is preparing to submit to the 2012 Convention in Reno, NV, two new documents: a set of Bylaws and the corresponding Standing Rules. It makes sense to have the documents in the best condition possible when they are presented to the convention. This means that all suggestions for improvements of the current documents should be communicated to the Bylaws Review Committee now.

Your suggestions can be sent by e-mail to brc@NARFE.org or sent via postal mail to National Secretary Elaine Hughes at NARFE Headquarters for forwarding to the committee. It is expected that a draft of the revised documents will be available for comment some time this year. The final draft will be included in the materials sent to the delegates in advance of the convention. The proposed revised Bylaws and Standing Rules will be presented to the delegates at the convention for their adoption. It is expected that this will take place on the Monday of convention week. The revised documents will be presented, article by article, section by section, for review and possible amendment. There will be votes on the

amendments but not on any part of the proposed documents at that time. There will be a single vote to adopt the revised Bylaws and Standing Rules. It will be taken at the same time that officers are elected, usually on Wednesday. No amendments to the current Bylaws and Standing Rules will be considered at the convention. This is just common sense. If the committee, with your input, has done its job well, the revised Bylaws and Standing Rules will be adopted. Therefore, any effort applied to the current Bylaws and Standing Rules would be a waste. In addition, with the vote being on Wednesday morning, should the revision not be adopted, there would not be time at the convention to deal with amendments to the current documents. â&#x2013;

partnership making your goals a reality. ARFE

E s t . 1 92 1

NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union belongs to members of NARFE. The credit union supports NARFE in various ways, such as paying the first year of membership dues for over 4,500 active and retired federal employees to date. Look for future announcements as to how NARFE will be using its credit union, NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union, to benefit NARFE members! Join NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union today and make your financial goals a reality.

â&#x201E;˘

Join today. 42

800.328.1500

NARFEpremierFCU.org MARCH 2011 | NARFE

Join

NARFE

Who can join?

Today!

To apply:

Membership is open to civilians in any agency of the federal or D.C.* governments including: • Retirees • Active federal employees • Spouses and former spouses of active and retired federal employees • Former employees eligible for deferred annuity • Survivors of those eligible to join NARFE

• Complete the application below. • Enclose payment information, bill pay, check or money order payable to NARFE, or request to be billed. • Or go to our Web site at www.narfe.org. • Or call us at 800-627-3394 and join today! *Prior to October 1, 1987

Enrollment includes membership in a local chapter and the national association, plus a subscription to NARFE’s monthly publication, NARFE magazine.

NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION For Active and Retired Federal Employees 1. Choose all that apply: Retiree Spouse Survivor

Active employee Former spouse Former employee

2. Also enroll my spouse __________________________

www.narfe.org

Contact Information:

Full Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

full name

3. Please enroll me in NARFE chapter ______________

Street Address

4. __________ $45 x __________ Membership Fee # of People Per Person Enrolling

City/State/ZIP

= __________ Total Payment

Total payment (check, bill pay or money order payable to NARFE) Bill me (Membership starts when payment is received) Charge to my credit card The first year membership fee includes national and chapter dues.

Credit Card Information: MasterCard Card type: Discover

VISA AMEX

Card no. ___________________________________________ Expiration Date ________________ (MM)

(YY)

Name on Card (Print) ________________________________ Signature ____________________________ Date __________ NARFE | MARCH 2011

Apt./Unit

Phone Number E-mail Address Date of Birth Spouse’s Date of Birth (if applicable) Recruiter’s Membership and Chapter Number

MAIL TO:

NARFE Member Records 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Fax: 703-838-7783

1Q 43

FEDERATION CONVENTIONS 2011 APRIL SUN

MON

FEDERATION

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

9 AK

AK/MS

NJ 17

AL / IN 24

TX LA

MAY SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

5 NC / ND

NH 25

JUNE SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

AL AK AZ AR CA CO DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA MD MA MI MN MS MO NE NV NJ NM NC ND NH OK OR PI PR/VI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Delaware District of Col. Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nebraska Nevada New Jersey New Mexico N. Carolina N. Dakota New Hamp. Oklahoma Oregon Philippines Puerto Rico/VI S. Carolina S. Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin

CITY

DATES

Prattville Anchorage Tucson Morrilton Ontario Loveland Dover Washington, DC Altamonte Springs Macon Honolulu Coeur dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alene Quincy Indianapolis Clear Lake Junction City Lexington Baton Rouge Bowie Marlborough East Tawas Fergus Falls Louisville Hannibal Lincoln Reno Atlantic City Las Cruces Carolina Beach Fargo Dover Midwest City Portland TBD San Juan

April 19-21 April 9-10 May 1-3 May 20-21 April 16-18 May 13-15 June 1 April 9 May 3-5 May 19-20 April 7-8 May 18-20 May 18-20 April 19-21 May 18-20 April 10-12 April 12-14 April 25-27 May 2-3 May 12-13 June 1-4 May 24-26 April 8-10 April 27-29 May 1-3 May 9-11 April 12-13 April 14-16 May 4-6 May 4-6 May 18 May 12-14 May 1-3 TBD October 15 Hickory Knob St. Pk. April 11-13 Brookings May 9-11 Nashville April 17-19 Galveston April 28-May 1 Salt Lake City May 18-20 Berlin May 19 Richmond April 24-27 Spokane May 15-17 Bridgeport May 16-18 Wisconsin Rapids May 2-4

NOTE: Connecticut, Maine, Montana, New York, Ohio, Panama, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wyoming do not have conventions this year.

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 2011 Scholarship Application

✄ Cut Along Dotted Line ✄

All NARFE Scholarship Applications for the 2011 competition must be postmarked by April 30, 2011. Photocopies of this application are acceptable. Please do not fold or bind any pages with staples. Please check each box to ensure that your application packet is complete: ❏ Essay Topic: “In President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961, he stated: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ With this in mind, and if you were inspired to consider a career in federal service, what type of service would you prefer and why?” (Essay must be typed, double-spaced, and not exceed two pages.) ❏ Written recommendation/character reference from a teacher or counselor. Recommendation must be submitted together with application package. ❏ Full transcript including fall/winter 2010 grades. All applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale. (Report cards and photocopies are acceptable.) ❏ Check here if transcript is being mailed separately by the school. If checked, must be postmarked by April 30, 2011. ❏ List and briefly describe awards and/or community service activities (not to exceed two pages). ❏ Copies of American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT), or other entrance examination scores as applicable. ❏ Your e-mail address (your application receipt will be sent to this e-mail address; please add “confirmation@ feea.org” to your address book). If you do not provide an e-mail address, please include one stamped, self-addressed envelope in your application packet. Please note: All materials submitted with the application will become the property of FEEA and will not be returned under any circumstances. If needed, make a copy of the information for yourself before mailing.

Please complete the following. Incomplete applications and applications sent to NARFE Headquarters will not be considered. Student’s Name: Complete Home Address: _________________________ Home Telephone:

(

)

E-mail Address: Applicant’s Grade Point Average. (Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average [GPA] of 3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale): College or University (planning to attend): (Must be a college freshman by fall/winter 2011)

If taking college courses while in high school, please indicate

Yes ____

No ____

NARFE Member’s Name: Relationship to Applicant:

❏ Father

NARFE Member No.:

❏ Mother

❏ Grandfather

❏ Grandmother

Chapter No:

Member’s Complete Home Address:

Telephone:

E-mail address:

All of the above materials (except transcript – if necessary) must be mailed, unfolded, in the same 9” x 12” (or larger) envelope postmarked no later than April 30, 2011, to: NARFE Scholarship Award, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80227 NO STAPLES OR PAPER CLIPS, AND DO NOT FOLD NARFE | MARCH 2011

2011 NARFE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

• Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and stepchildren of ALL current NARFE members are eligible to apply. Applicant must be a high school senior planning to attend college full time by fall/winter 2011. A total of 60 scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded.

• All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2011. • All applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on an unweighted 4.0 scale. Provide full transcript, including fall/winter 2010 grades. Photocopies are acceptable. If mailed by school – still must be postmarked by April 30, 2011.

• Provide copies of American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT), or other entrance examination scores as applicable.

• All applicants must provide a written recommendation/character reference from a teacher or counselor. Recommendation on school letterhead must be submitted with application package.

• All applicants must list and briefly describe awards and/or community service activities on a • Applicants should provide an e-mail address (your application receipt will be sent to this e-mail address; please add “confirmation@feea.org” to your address book). If you do not provide an e-mail address, include a stamped, self-addressed # 10 envelope with your application. Qualified applicants will be notified by August 31, 2011. Incomplete applications will not be acknowledged.

• All applicants must submit a typed, double-spaced essay not to exceed two pages on the topic: “In President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961, he stated: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’ With this in mind, and if you were inspired to consider a career in federal service, what type of service would you prefer and why?”

• Please do not bind any pages with staples or paper clips.

• Please mail all materials (except transcript, if necessary) in one package, unfolded, in a 9” x 12” (or larger) envelope postmarked by April 30, 2011. The NARFE Scholarship Program is administered by the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) and is made possible by your tax-deductible contributions to the NARFE/FEEA Scholarship Fund, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80227. (To donate, see form, p. 47.)

For more information, obtain a copy of NARFE publication F-105

A Guide to

NARFE’S ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM To get your copy, send an e-mail to natvp@narfe.org; download it from the NARFE Web site, www.narfe.org; or call Headquarters and ask for the Office of the National Vice President. May also be ordered using the F-18.

A Guide To

NARFE’S ANNU AL SCHOLARSH IP AWARDS PROGRAM

INVESTING IN OUR

FUTURE MARCH 2011 | NARFE

✄ Cut Along Dotted Line ✄

separate page. Provide enough information so the selection committee will know what you did, but do not exceed two pages.

Out & AW bout ith the Chapters

Visit our online gallery at www.narfe.org. Click on NARFE magazine.

Chapter 1804 in Lewiston, ME, honored founding member Vi Dumais for her service since 1981. Pictured, from left, are: Doris Hamel, membership; Claire Breton and Roland Metayer, legislation; Dumais; Richard St. Amand, president; Joanne Morse, secretary; and Martha Robinson, program coordinator.

Officers of Chapter 1159 in Annandale, VA, met with Rep. Gerry Connolly at an open house in his Capitol Hill office to mark the start of the 112th Congress. At left, Frances Hudson, 2nd vp membership; right, Mary Lou Vroman, legislation chair.

Celebrate NARFE’s 90th

ARFE has 90th Anniversary merchandise for sale: • 90th Anniversary Book, NARFE: Celebrating 90 Years of Service, 1921-2011, $10. See order form, p. 35. • 90th Anniversary PowerPoint Presentation, $5; • 90th Anniversary Lapel Pin, $3.

To order the PowerPoint Presentation and Pin, go to www.narfe. org, click on Leadership at the top of the page, then click on NARFE 90th Anniversary Merchandise.

Chapter 1554 in Fallon, NV, sponsored an “Angel Tree Family” of four, providing food, toys, games, clothing and more. Pictured are, from left, Mary Lou Lancaster, secretary/treasurer; Judy Scherr, membership chair; and Claud Butler, president.

To submit a photo: E-mail it to rl@narfe.org or send it by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Out & About. NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research:

SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

$9 Million Fund

$8,967,899* *Total as of December 31, 2010 100% of all contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research. If you have any questions, write to: National Committee Chairman Barb L. Pretzer, 4817 Rockridge Ct. Manhattan, KS 66503

Enclosed is my NARFE Alzheimer’s contribution: $ ___________. Every cent that is contributed is used for research. Please circle:

Mr.

Mrs.

NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research and mail to: Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633 NARFE | MARCH 2011

Ms.

Address _____________________________________________________________ City _______________________________ State _________ ZIP ______________ Chapter number _______________________ Credit Card Information: ❑ Visa

Your charitable contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Write your chapter number on check; make it payable to:

Miss

Name _______________________________________________________________

❑ MasterCard

❑ Discover

❑ AMEX

Card Number: __________________________________________________________ Expiration Date:________(mm)/_________(yy) 3-Digit Security Code: _________ Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________ Date: _______________

NARFE Perks NARFE Perks are designed to provide NARFE members with a quality option in their search for commonly used products and services. NARFE makes no guarantee on any products and services listed below and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter.

MOVING SERVICES

NARFE MEMBER HOMEBENEFITS 1-800-666-9203 http://narfe.myhomebenefits.com • Earn thousands in cash-back rewards when you buy or sell a home* • Shop competitive mortgage rates, receive discounts on closing costs, plus take advantage of your VA Loan Benefits • Receive preferred pricing on interesete moving services with the nation’s most trusted moving company – Allied Van Lines! *State restrictions apply. Call or visit website for details.

BEKINS VAN LINES 1-800-456-6832 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT) narfe@bekins.com All NARFE members will receive discounted pricing for all interstate shipments. Discount will apply to packing and moving services and valuation protection. All intrastate shipments, locals and international moves will be competitive in cost based on your geographical location. Mention you are a NARFE member and transportation agreement #00930.

VACATION RENTALS .

Endless Vacation Rentals® As a member of NARFE, you will receive 10% off the “Best Available Rate” at vacation rental properties booked at www.evrentals.com/narfe or by calling 1877-670-7088, prompt 3, and providing promotion code 20672 at time of booking.

INSURANCE

TRAVEL

NARFE INSURANCE SERVICES

Exquisite Europe

1-800-233-5764 Insurance plans designed and administered exclusively for NARFE members. Call for information on Whole and Term Life, Hospital Indemnity, Accidental Injury and Death Plan, Dental Plan and Cancer Care Plan. For information on Long Term Care call the Long Term Care Unit at 1800-358-3795.

GEICO: 1-800-368-2734 NARFE members with good driving records may be eligible for quality automobile insurance from GEICO. Ask about the NARFE discount now available to members in many states. Call today for your free, no-obligation rate quote. Be sure to mention that you’re a NARFE member! • Discount amount varies in some states • Discount not available in all states or in all GEICO companies • One group discount applicable per policy.

EMERGENCY SERVICES SINCE 1974 1-800-423-3226 Medical Air Services Association has been the industry leader in prepaid emergency assistance services for more than 30 years. NARFE members have experienced MASA’s “peace of mind” services since 2001. Now NARFE members are entitled to even more: air ambulance transportation, helicopter transportation, ground ambulance, vehicle return, mortal remains transport, and much more! Call MASA Today. It Could Save Your Life!

2-for-1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare! Now is your chance to take a 6-star Luxury cruise for less than you might expect to pay for a similar stateroom or cruise on a premium cruise line. Offer ends March 31, 2011.

1-800-607-4538 www.NARFEtravel.com

HEARING BENEFITS TRUHEARING The TruHearing program can save you hundreds of dollars: • Free hearing screening • 45-day, money-back guarantee • 3-year warranty • Free one-year supply of batteries • 1,400 hearing professionals nationwide • 12-months, no interest financing (available upon approved credit)

Call to schedule your appointment

877-360-2442 Operators available Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (East Coast time)

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

HOTELS

CAR RENTALS

CREDIT UNION

ALAMO/NATIONAL CAR RENTAL

NARFE’S OFFICIAL CREDIT UNION

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL With 6,000 hotels in the United States and throughout the world, Choice Hotels® offers something for everyone. Join the Choice Privileges® rewards program and earn points with every qualifying stay toward free nights, Airline Rewards, gift cards and more. As a NARFE member, receive 20% off your next stay at participating hotels when you use Special Rate ID 00801967. This offer is subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Advance reservations required. To book, visit choicehotels.com or call 800-258-2847.

1-800-354-2322 — www.alamo.com Welcome to Alamo Country. Where NARFE members get unlimited mileage and year-round discounts off Alamo’s already great rates. Book with your travel agent or Alamo®. Be sure to request I.D. Number 262544 and Rate Code BY (A-1 for weekend rentals) at the time of reservation. (Same ID number and code applies to National Car Rental.)

As a member of NARFE, you have the privilege of joining NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union, which has been serving members since 1935. We offer extensive services at competitive rates to members nationwide. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. For more information, call 800-3281500, e-mail jparish@narfepremierfcu. org or visit us at NARFEpremierfcu.org.

CREDIT CARD AVIS: 1-800-331-1441 WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP As a member of NARFE, you will receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations when you travel. Book online or call and give agent your special discount ID number, #20672, at time of booking to receive discount. Whether you are looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something more cost-effective, we have the right hotel for you... and at the right price. So start saving now. Call our special member-benefits hotline 1-877-670-7088 and reserve your room today at one of these fine hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Days Inn®, Ramada Worldwide®, Super 8®, Wingate By Wyndham®, Baymont Inns and Suites®, Hawthorn Suites® By Wyndham, Microtel Inns and Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®.

NARFE | MARCH 2011

The employees/owners of Avis offer guaranteed low rates and quality services to members of NARFE. Mention ID# A991900.

HEALTH SCREENING

LIFE LINE SCREENING Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct the following screenings using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood: 1. Stroke/Carotid Artery 2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 3. Atrial Fibrillation 4. Peripheral Arterial Disease. You will receive a confidential written report within 21 days. Life Line Screening and NARFE encourage you to share these test results with your doctor. All four screenings cost just $135. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-324-9906 and give the operator code number: BKHN075 or visit www.lifelinescreening. com/NARFE. Coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.

Bank of America now offers the officially approved credit card program for NARFE, featuring the Platinum Plus® MasterCard® with WorldPoints. This is the only credit card that helps support NARFE every time you use it to make a purchase–at no additional cost to you. Call toll-free 1-866-438-6262 Use NARFE’s full name, not NARFE. Use priority code: UABEWD.

NARFE MERCHANDISE NARFE GENERAL STORE

Order NARFE name badges and apparel, including jackets, baseball caps, polo shirts and T-shirts! See MEMBER PERKS on the NARFE Web site, or go to: www.narfegeneralstore.com. Toll-Free Phone: 877-866-0102 Fax: 301-371-6824

For the Record The chart below tracks the CPI-W, the monthly inflation change, and the cumulative percentage gain for the next CSRS and Social Security COLA. CPI-W October 2010 November December January 2011 February March April May June July August September

214.6 214.8 215.3

MONTHLY % CHANGE % CHANGE FROM 215.5 +0.1 +0.1 +0.2

L2010 Merged AtYear’s End ByTracey Ray

ou may notice that there are no returns displayed for the L2010 Fund. That is because, as scheduled, it was merged into the L Income Fund on December 31, 2010. The L2050 Fund, which started on January 31, has a very aggressive weighting in stocks for those who have a long time horizon. Although the equity funds fell sharply on January 28 because of the unrest in Egypt, the declines were not enough to wipe out the strong gains achieved earlier in the month. In fact, the Egypt-related declines lasted only one day as investors chose to focus on improving economic fundamentals in the United States and abroad.

Tracey Ray is chief investment officer of the Thrift Savings Plan.

Track the TSP in NARFE 50

-0.4 -0.4 -0.1

December Index Up Slightly

he Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.2 percent in December 2010. To calculate the 2012 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2011 will be averaged for a third-quarter determinant, which will be compared with the 2008 third-quarter base of 215.495 (because of price deflation in the past two measurement years, the 2008 third-quarter average is still the point of comparison). The December index of 215.262 is down 0.1 percent from the base. Benefits awarded under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to individuals suffering work-related injuries or illnesses are adjusted according to each calendar year’s percentage change in the CPI-W. Because December’s index is 1.7 percent higher than the December 2009 base index of 211.703, FECA beneficiaries will receive a 1.7 percent COLA in 2011, beginning March 1. ■

Thrift Savings Plan Investments* Month G Fund 0.24% 2010 February March 0.27% April 0.28% May 0.28% June 0.24% July 0.23% August 0.22% September 0.17% October 0.18% November 0.17% December 0.20% 0.24% 2011 January Last 12 Months 2.76%

F Fund 0.38% (0.11%) 1.07% 0.85% 1.56% 1.07% 1.28% 0.17% 0.36% (0.57%) (1.05%) 0.13% 5.23%

C Fund 3.11% 6.04% 1.58% (7.99%) (5.24%) 7.01% (4.51%) 8.92% 3.80% 0.01% 6.68% 2.37% 22.18%

S Fund 4.89% 7.39% 4.82% (7.51%) (6.90%) 7.00% (5.59%) 11.47% 4.48% 3.00% 7.38% 1.23% 33.90%

Month 2010 February March April May June July August September October November December 2011 January Last 12 Months

L 2020 1.61% 3.75% 0.76% (4.98%) (2.34%) 4.82% (2.29%) 5.54% 2.29% (0.49%) 4.08% 1.35% 14.40%

L 2030 1.94% 4.52% 0.94% (6.07%) (2.98%) 5.80% (2.88%) 6.77% 2.78% (0.56%) 4.96% 1.57% 17.17%

L 2040 2.18% 5.15% 1.05% (6.97%) (3.47%) 6.60% (3.33%) 7.76% 3.16% (0.64%) 5.67% 1.75% 19.32%

L Income 0.74% 1.43% 0.50% (1.50%) (0.61%) 1.81% (0.63%) 2.00% 0.92% (0.05%) 1.49% 0.63% 6.89%

I Fund 0.06% 6.28% (2.35%) (11.20%) (1.75%) 10.78% (3.14%) 9.81% 3.63% (4.84%) 8.12% 2.41% 16.57% L 2050

NA NA

*This chart is provided as a service to NARFE members who enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan while employed by the federal government. Retirees are not eligible for enrollment. These returns are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Percentages in ( ) are negative. Source: tsp.gov.

MARCH 2011 | NARFE

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