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P.28
OPEN SEASON FOR FEGLI
P.34
USING A ROTH IRA TO SAVE FOR COLLEGE
COVER STORY
BATTLE OF THE INDEXES Which Inflation Measure Is Best? P.22
Volume 92 • Number 8
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AUG
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WASHINGTON WATCH
6
NARFE Opposes Plan to Require Postal Retirees to Enroll in Medicare
7
Congress Makes Progress on FY 2017 Spending Bills
7
WEP Reform Update
8
It’s ‘Grass-Roots Advocacy Month’; Here’s How to Take Action in August
9
NARFE-PAC Hits $1 Million Mark!
10
NARFE Bill Tracker
COLUMNS
22
4
From the President
COVER STORY
34 Managing Money
BATTLE OF THE INDEXES. Whether federal annuities increase each year depends on inflation. But there are several inflation indexes. Which one most accurately reflects seniors’ costs?
36 The Informed Citizen DEPARTMENTS
16 Questions & Answers 38 For the Record:
FEGLI OPEN SEASON. Federal employees can change their life insurance coverage in September during a rare open season.
TSP Returns, Retirement Claims Status, Countdown to COLA
28
40 NARFE News
Strategic Planning
48 The Way We Worked On the Web
SPECIAL SECTION
VISIT US ONLINE AT:
42 National Convention:
www.narfe.org
Know Before You Go
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:
NARFE National Headquarters FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
@narfehq
ON THE COVER
Illustration by Bill Pragluski, Critical Stages, LLC
W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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AUGUST 2016 | Volume 92 | Number 8
EDITOR Margaret M. Carter EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR Toni Vallario GRAPHIC DESIGN Charlene Gridley
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association NATIONAL OFFICERS RICHARD G. THISSEN, President; natpres@narfe.org JON DOWIE, Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org
EDITORIAL BOARD Richard G. Thissen, Jon Dowie REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS EDITORIAL OFFICE: narfe magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Email: communications@narfe.org ADVERTISING SALES: Warren Berger Media People Inc. 122 East 42nd St., Suite 1622 New York, NY 10168 Phone: 212-779-7172, ext. 223 Email: 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 866-5047300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org. ON DIGITAL AUDIO: Issues of narfe magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider.
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.
REGION I James P. Crawford (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) TEL: 603-630-5191 EMAIL: crawfordjim62@gmail.com REGION II Evelyn Kirby (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) TEL: 410-604-1141 EMAIL: ekirby@atlanticbb.net REGION III Jerry Janci (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virgin Islands) TEL: 662-412-2029 EMAIL: lettermanj@aol.com REGION IV Edward J. Konys (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) TEL: 937-470-0566 EMAIL: region4vp@gmail.com REGION V Carol R. Ek (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) TEL: 620-241-1131, CELL: 620-504-2202 EMAIL: ek617@att.net
HERE’S HOW TO CONTACT US… TO JOIN NARFE:
CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-627-3394 OR GO TO www.narfe.org TO CHANGE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS:
CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410, EMAIL memberrecords@narfe.org OR LOG ON TO www.narfe.org and go to “My Account”
REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) TEL: 903-660-2784 EMAIL: pappysdad@cobridge.tv REGION VII Rodney L. Adelman (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) TEL: 623-505-4719 EMAIL: narfe7vp@cox.net REGION VIII Helen L. Zajac (California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) TEL: 707-644-7565 EMAIL: HLZajac125@gmail.com REGION IX Lanny G. Ross (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) TEL: 360-692-9741 EMAIL: lannyjean@comcast.net REGION X William Shackelford (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) TEL: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 EMAIL: wshack1951@aol.com
TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST:
EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org NARFE HEADQUARTERS
606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-7760
www.narfe.org
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. Nonmember subscription rate $45. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 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. Copyright © 2016, NARFE. 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.
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From the President
AUGUST ASSIGNMENTS
I
look forward to welcoming all of you who will be attending NARFE’s 34th Biennial National Convention in Reno, NV,
August 28-September 1. As I have said in several of my columns over the past year, the decisions we make at this convention are critical to the future of NARFE. The convention website (www.narfe.org/2016 convention) has information on all of the resolutions that have been submitted for consideration, including three by the National Executive Board. Even if you are not attending the convention, please read the resolutions and give your feedback to the delegates who will be representing your chapter. I believe that the very survival of this Association rests on the votes we cast in Reno. We have added some new features to the convention program this year that I think attendees
will applaud. For example, highly respected federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan, who has been doing such a great job in the past year presenting our NARFE Federal Benefits Institute webinars, will conduct a seminar on postretirement benefits issues at a general session. And, as a reminder, lunch will be provided for all convention registrants on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank the Nevada and California Federations for all the work they have done, as our convention hosts, to make this an enjoyable gathering for all attendees. Those of you who will not be joining us in Reno also have some NARFE business to attend to in August. Members of Congress will be home this month, many of them campaigning for reelection. They will be eager to talk with their constituents, so this is your opportunity to acquaint them with NARFE’s legislative priorities. Traditionally, we designate August as “GrassRoots Advocacy Month.” NARFE’s vigorous grass-roots advocacy distinguishes us from many other lobbying organizations and contributes to our success on Capitol Hill. Page 8 of this issue includes tips on how to make the most of your face time with members of Congress and congressional candidates. We all have important work to do in August!
RICHARD G. THISSEN NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org
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Washington Watch
NARFE OPPOSES PLAN TO REQUIRE POSTAL RETIREES TO ENROLL IN MEDICARE
N
ARFE opposes a new draft postal reform bill because it would force eligible postal retirees, their spouses and survivors to enroll in Medicare Part B or forfeit the Federal
Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) coverage they earned as a benefit of years of employment. For those not already enrolled in Medicare, this would mean they would have to pay an additional $121.80 a month, or more, in Medicare premiums.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-UT, and Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings, D-MD, along with committee members Reps. Mark Meadows, R-NC; Gerald E. Connolly, D-VA; and Stephen F. Lynch, D-MA, unveiled the bipartisan discussion draft June 15. The draft proposal is not all bad news, though. First, the bill would waive any increased premiums for late enrollment in Medicare Part B for those forced in. Otherwise, individuals who enroll late must pay a penalty in the form of a permanent 10 percent increase in premiums for every 12 months in which they were eligible to enroll in Medicare Part B but did not. 6
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Second, enrollment in both Medicare and FEHBP often is a financially beneficial option because it reduces out-of-pocket costs, as FEHBP fee-for-service plans often waive deductibles, coinsurance and co-pays for Medicare enrollees. Third, those postal retirees forced to enroll would pay less than full Medicare Part B premiums for the first three years of coverage. They would pay 25, 50 and 75 percent of the standard premium in years one, two and three, respectively. Finally, NARFE also was able to ensure that postal retirees forced to enroll in Medicare as a condition of continuing their FEHBP coverage would be enrolled auto-
matically, to avoid complete loss of health insurance coverage for individuals who, for whatever reason, fail to enroll on their own. However, NARFE strongly objects to the removal of choice in postal retirees’ decision to enroll in Medicare. The Association also contends that the proposal changes the bargain struck with postal retirees after the fact, during retirement. As a compromise, NARFE has proposed allowing postal retirees automatically enrolled in Medicare coverage to affirmatively opt out during a special opt-out period and retain their FEHBP coverage. At press time, NARFE was preparing to express its concerns and offer the compromise in formal comments to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The draft postal reform bill also includes additional operational and governance reforms: • It would retain six-day mail delivery. • It would end to-the-door delivery for new addresses and instead
MYTH vs. REALITY require centralized (cluster box), curbside or sidewalk delivery. However, it would allow for a transition from to-the-door delivery to one of those alternatives for residential areas where 40 percent of delivery customers affirmatively and voluntarily consent to such a transition. • It would allow for a one-cent increase in the price of a stamp, prior
to a more comprehensive restructuring of postal rates by the Postal Regulatory Commission. Once a postal reform bill is officially introduced, NARFE will post information on the NARFE website, www.narfe.org. Look for the postal reform image on the rotating graphic carousel. —BY JOHN HATTON, DEPUTY LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
CONGRESS MAKES PROGRESS ON FY 2017 SPENDING BILLS
D
espite widespread criticism of its productivity, Congress has quietly tended to at least one part of the business of lawmaking: passing appropriations measures to keep the government open.
WEP REFORM UPDATE AT PRESS TIME, 109 members of the House of Representatives had cosponsored H.R. 711, a Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reform bill supported by NARFE. In April, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX, the bill sponsor and chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over the bill, said he is “cautiously optimistic” it could pass this year. NARFE members should contact their representatives to ensure they support the bill. Go to www.narfe.org and click on Contact Congress in the rotating graphic carousel.
The House and Senate have made progress on funding bills for the fiscal year beginning on October 1. At press time, the House had passed three of the 12 annual spending bills: the Defense; Legislative Branch; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bills. The Senate had passed two of the 12: the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bills. The appropriations committees have cleared far more: The House Appropriations Committee has approved eight bills; the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved 10. While lawmakers still have a fair distance to go on the fiscal year 2017 spending bills, prospects for a government shutdown prior to November’s election are dimming more every day.
MYTH: NARFE’s legislative agenda is set by NARFE’s legislative staff at Headquarters. REALITY: Every two years, delegates to NARFE’s biennial national conventions vote to adopt NARFE’s Legislative Program for the following Congress. The Program provides an extensive and specific enumeration of NARFE’s member-endorsed legislative positions. Under the NARFE Bylaws, the National President has the authority to execute Association policy, which includes the Legislative Program. Under this authority, the National President makes the final legislative policy and strategy decisions based on guidance from the Legislative Program, counsel from the legislative director, and consideration of the views of the National Executive Board and members of the Association. Such counsel and views take on particular importance when, in the absence of specific guidance from the Legislative Program, the National President must use judgment on what is in the best interests of federal workers and annuitants. The current program was adopted at the 33rd Biennial National Convention, held August 2014 in Orlando, FL. A new legislative program for the 115th Congress (20172018) will be voted on and adopted at the 34th Biennial National Convention to be held this month in Reno, NV.
—BY ALAN LOPATIN, LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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Washington Watch
IT’S ‘GRASS-ROOTS ADVOCACY MONTH’; HERE’S HOW TO TAKE ACTION IN AUGUST!
A
s the summer heat and humidity bear down on Washington, DC, members of Congress have returned to their states for the August recess. This year, because of the presidential nominating conventions, the traditional August congressional recess has been extended by two weeks. Both the House and Senate are adjourned from July 18 to September 6. For NARFE, August is “GrassRoots Advocacy Month” and, specifically in election years, it also is “Meet Your Candidates Month.” This time is an occasion for NARFE members to make sure that elected officials and candidates know about and understand the Association’s issues and concerns.
Legislative Resources • Legislative Hotline: A weekly update of legislative news, compiled by the NARFE Legislative Department staff, distributed via email and available by phone (toll-free) at 877-217-8234 and online at www.narfe.org. • Legislative Action Center: A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org.
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What Should I Talk About? After a relatively quiet spring, the fall is shaping up to be a busy one. At press time, a draft postal reform bill had just been unveiled in the House of Representatives (see p. 6 for more details); a bill to reform the Windfall Elimination Provision is gaining steam (see p. 7 for more details); and NARFE was preparing for the Medicare Trustees Report, which will influence the fight over the Medicare Part B “hold harmless” debate (see the July issue of narfe, p. 7). These three issues, in addition to a debate about appropriations bills, provide plenty of material for you to discuss with legislators. The NARFE Legislative Department has compiled issue briefs to help you talk about many of these issues. But the most persuasive point you can make is the personal one. Tell legislators and candidates how these issues affect you. To help you form your own personal talking points, the issue papers are available online as part of the Protect America’s Heartbeat Toolkit. Go to www.narfe.org/ heartbeat, click on “Toolkit,” then see “NARFE Issue Briefs and Fact Sheets Toolkit.” How Can I Take Action? In addition to formal meetings with members of Congress and candidates, you can meet legislators and candidates at county or state fairs, holiday parades and community art fairs. Remember to wear your NARFE gear – hats, T-shirts, buttons – to help spread NARFE’s name. It is also during these quick meetings that you
should share your personal story on one of our issues. You also should plan to attend town hall meetings hosted by your legislators. These events not only give you the chance to listen to your members of Congress’ priorities, but also to ask questions and meet briefly with their staff. During the campaign, you can attend candidate forums and ask questions. You also can participate in rallies and partisan events for more opportunities to meet with candidates and legislators. For tips on getting involved during an election year, please see the January (p. 7), February (p. 10) and June (p. 6) issues of narfe magazine. Magazines are archived at www.narfe.org. (Log in, select NARFE Magazine from the “Departments” drop-down menu, and click on Magazine Archives on the left.) Tell Us About Your Advocacy. A final reminder: Share your advocacy activities with the NARFE Legislative Department and with your NARFE colleagues. By sharing information about your formal meetings and informal conversations with the Legislative Department, we can better plan our advocacy efforts and our lobbying strategy for the future. And when you share your advocacy activities with your NARFE colleagues, you make sure that duplicative efforts are avoided. Share your advocacy by emailing advocacyinaction@narfe.org. Now, go advocate! —BY SARAH WEISSMANN, GRASS-ROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER
W
ith a few months remaining before the November elections, NARFE-PAC surpassed the $1 million goal for contributions raised during the 2015-2016 election cycle. Thank you to all the NARFE members who generously supported NARFE-PAC! In the 2013-2014 election cycle, NARFEPAC received $920,310 in contributions. “The 2015-2016 cycle’s increase in contributions will help NARFE grow its political influence,” said Jessica Klement, NARFE legislative director. “Thanks to member contributions, we’re disbursing more funds to candidates for Congress and building strong relationships with lawmakers both in Washington, DC, and at the
local level.” But member help is still needed, Klement emphasized. As the political arm of the Association, NARFE-PAC protects NARFE members’ pay and benefits by raising and contributing money to elect members of Congress who understand and support the federal community. Please contribute to NARFE-PAC before the elections to ensure NARFE has the strength to continue to lead this effort! NARFE-PAC is a separate, segregated fund of the Association financed solely through voluntary contributions made by NARFE members explicitly for political purposes. Contribute using the form below or online at www.narfe.org.
$1,000,000
NARFE-PAC HITS $1 MILLION MARK! MEMBERS’ HELP IS STILL NEEDED
—BY JASON FREEMAN, POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST
NARFE-PAC CONTRIBUTION FORM I would like to be a SUSTAINER and make a monthly credit card contribution to NARFE-PAC of: q $25/month q $10/month
Monthly contributors of $10 or more will receive the NARFE-PAC Sustainer lapel pin and a NARFE duffle bag.
q Other: ______/month (minimum of $10) OR
q Please charge to my credit card (required for monthly contribution) Credit Card Information Type:
q MasterCard q VISA q Discover q American Express
Card No.: _____________________________________ Expiration Date: _____ /_________ mm
yyyy
I would like to make a one-time contribution of:
Name on Card: ________________________________
q $250 GOLD – Gold lapel pin and duffle bag
Signature: ____________________________________
q $100 SILVER – Silver lapel pin
Date: ________________________________________
q $50 BRONZE – Bronze lapel pin q $25 BASIC – Basic lapel pin q Other: _______________
q Please do not send any gifts for my contribution.
Or make check payable to NARFE-PAC. Mail to: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Attn: Budget & Finance 606 North Washington St. | Alexandria, VA 22314
NARFE Member #: __________________________________________ Name: ___________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________________________
State: ________
ZIP: ___________________
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 political action fund. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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Washington Watch
narfe bill tracker THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION THAT NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES. ISSUE
HEALTH CARE
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
WHAT BILL WOULD DO
H.R. 2175: FEHBP Prescription Drug Oversight and Cost Savings Act / Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-MA Cosponsors: 2 (D)
H.R. 3351: CPI-E Act of 2015 / Rep. Mike Honda, D-CA COLA
Cosponsors: 36 (D)
LATEST ACTION(S)
Provides the Office of Personnel Management greater oversight authority over the prescription drug contracting and pricing methods of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Requires Social Security and many federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate cost-ofliving adjustments in retirement benefits.
Referred to the House committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Government Reform, and Armed Services narfe, October 2015
H.R. 4461: Federal Employee Rights Act / Rep. Tom Price, R-GA UNION RIGHTS
Cosponsors: 41 (R)
H.R. 485: Wage Grade Employee Parity Act /Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-PA
Would limit the rights of federal employee unions by barring them from automatically deducting dues from workers’ paychecks, alter the way union elections are conducted and prohibit unions from using dues to conduct political activity.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Gives the president the authority to provide Wage Grade, or hourly, employees a pay raise.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Provides for a 3.8 percent pay raise for federal employees and a 1.4 percent increase in locality pay in 2017.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Cosponsors: 9 (D), 3 (R)
FEDERAL COMPENSATION
H.R. 4585: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: 65 (D) S. 2699: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI
narfe, April 2016
Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Cosponsors: 3 (D) H.Res. 12: Expresses the sense of the House that the Postal Service should take measures to ensure continuPOSTAL REFORM ation of six-day delivery / Rep. Sam Graves, R-MO
Expresses the sense of the House that the U.S. Postal Service should maintain six-day mail delivery. As a resolution, it will not be sent to the president and, therefore, cannot become law.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Cosponsors: 176 (D), 58 (R) NARFE’s Position: 10
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Support
Oppose
No position
EDITOR’S NOTE: Several items have been removed from the NARFE Bill Tracker. Those bills are all listed online at cqrcengage.com/narfe/home.
ISSUE
POSTAL REFORM
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
WHAT BILL WOULD DO
LATEST ACTION(S)
H.R. 784: Protect Overnight Repeals the service standards Delivery Act / Rep. Rosa implemented by the Postal DeLauro, D-CT Service on 1/5/15 and directs the Postal Service to reinstate Cosponsors: 100 (D), 3 (R) 12/31/2011 service standards.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
S. 1742: Rural Postal Act of Returns to service standards 2015 / Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, of July 2012, preserves six-day D-ND delivery and puts a two-year moratorium on plant closures. Cosponsors: 7 (D)
Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
S. 2051: The Improving Postal Operations, Service and Transparency Act (iPost) of 2015 / Sen. Thomas R. Carper, D-DE
Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Cosponsors: 2 (D), 3 (R)
Requires postal employees and retirees to enroll in Medicare in order to continue receiving their current federal health insurance coverage and cuts workers’ compensation benefits for injured federal employees.
H.Res. 54: Expresses the sense of the House that the Postal Service should take all measures to restore service standards in effect on July 1, 2012 / Rep. Dave McKinley, R-WV
Expresses the sense of the House that the U.S. Postal Service should restore service standards as of July 1, 2012. As a resolution, it will not be sent to the president and, therefore, cannot become law.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
narfe, March 2016
Cosponsors: 184 (D), 51 (R)
H.R. 20: The Government By the People Act / Rep. John Sarbanes, D-MD CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Cosponsors: 159 (D), 1 (R)
H.R. 973: Social Security Fairness Act of 2015 / Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL Cosponsors: 115 (D), 37 (R) GPO/WEP
Reforms campaign finance laws Referred to three to put small donors on par with House committees wealthier donors. Provides a tax credit for contributions and government matching contributions.
Repeals the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
S. 1651: Social Security Fairness Act of 2015 / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH
Referred to the Senate Finance Committee
Cosponsors: 16 (D), 6 (R), 2 (I)
narfe, September 2015
(Continued on p. 12) W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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Washington Watch
narfe bill tracker
(Continued from p. 11) ISSUE
GPO/WEP
OPM SECURITY BREACH
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
WHAT BILL WOULD DO
H.R. 711: Equal Treatment of Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). For Public Servants Act of 2015 individuals who turn 62 in / Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX 2017 or later, it provides a new formula that would deCosponsors: 42 (D), 67 (R) crease the WEP penalty, on average, for those affected. For those who turn(ed) 62 before 2017, it would reduce the WEP penalty by up to 50 percent, based on savings derived from improved enforcement of WEP, as determined by the Social Security actuary.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
H.R. 3029: RECOVER Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC
Expands lifetime coverage of credit monitoring and identity theft protection of no less than $5 million to all individuals affected by the security breaches at the Office of Personnel Management.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Allows federal employees six weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
Referred to the House committees on Administration, and Oversight and Government Reform
Cosponsors: 33 (D), 1 (R)
S. 1746: RECOVER Act / Sen. Benjamin J. Cardin, D-MD
Cosponsors: 5 (D), 1 (I) H.R. 532: Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY Cosponsors: 65 (D), 1 (R) PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
PENSION SCAM PROTECTION
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See p. 7
Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
narfe, May 2015
S. 2033: Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI
Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Cosponsors: 2 (D)
DC STATEHOOD
LATEST ACTION(S)
narfe, November 2015
Sets forth procedures that H.R. 317: New Columbia Admission Act / Del. Eleanor would allow the District of Columbia to become a Holmes Norton, D-DC state known as New Columbia. Cosponsors: 133 (D)
Referred to the House committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Administration
H.R. 3850: Annuity Safety and Security Under Reasonable Enforcement (ASSURE) Act / Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-PA
Referred to four House committees
Cosponsors: 24 (D), 1 (R)
Requires appropriate disclosures regarding “pension advance” schemes and caps the interest rates on these advances. Also creates a private right-ofaction to allow individuals to enforce these laws in court.
NARFE’s Position:
Support
narfe, January 2016
Oppose
No position
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Questions & Answers
The following Questions & Answers were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Service Department staff. NARFE does not provide advice or assistance on legal, financial planning or tax matters.
EMPLOYEES EFFECT OF MILITARY DEPOSIT ON COMPUTATION OF FEDERAL ANNUITY AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS I have 41 years in federal service, 6.5 of which were in active duty military service. I also have 40 quarters of Social Security-covered employment. I have paid 50 percent of my military deposit. If I complete my deposit, will I give up 6.5 years of my federal retirement benefit because my military service was done under Social Security? Or do I get my full federal retirement and Social Security?
Q A
We are going to answer based on our assumption you are covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and not the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). You stated that you have enough earnings under Social Security to qualify for a Social Security retirement benefit. If you complete the CSRS deposit payment in full for your active duty years in the military before you retire, those active duty years will be used by the Office of Personnel Management in the computation 16
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of your federal annuity and by Social Security for its computation of your earned Social Security benefits. If you do not complete in full the military deposit before you retire, those active duty service years will be used only by Social Security. Because you will be a CSRS retiree, your Social Security benefits may be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The WEP reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who work for an employer that doesn’t withhold Social Security taxes from
their salary. This includes federal employees under the CSRS.
REFUND OF EXCESS CONTRIBUTIONS
Q
I have enough years in federal service under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) that I will get some of my CSRS payments paid back to me when I retire. I am wondering how long it takes after I retire to get these payments back.
A
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will refund the retirement contributions that were withheld from your pay after you reached a total of 41 years and 11 months of federal service under CSRS. OPM first will give you an opportunity to purchase an additional annuity with your excess contributions. If you decline, OPM then will refund any excess contribution balance
with your first annuity payment.
MEDICARE AND FEHBP
Q
I am a federal employee, age 67 with 28.5 years of service with the government. I plan to retire when I reach 29 or 30 years. I have Medicare Part A. What is the benefit of having Medicare Part B plus Standard Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) health coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) when I retire? My spouse and I love our BCBS coverage, and I don’t understand what paying out two premiums (BCBS and Medicare Part B) buys us, versus just one premium to BCBS.
A
We can’t advise you on whether enrolling or not enrolling in Medicare Part B is the right thing for you. The decision depends mainly on your current and future health and, to some extent, on your finances, as enrolling in Part B will require you to pay another monthly premium. If you are using your BCBS federal plan only for routine checkups, tests, etc., we don’t think paying another premium for what amounts to duplicate coverage is cost-efficient. On the other hand, Part B plus your FEHBP plan provide you with nearly 100 percent coverage, and you will probably not have any out-of-pocket costs – other than premiums – for your medical care. If you elect to enroll in Part B, you may want to consider switching to BCBS Basic. We have a discussion of the
pluses and minuses of enrolling in Part B on the NARFE website, www.narfe.org. Log in, click on “Departments” at the top of the page and then “Federal Benefits.”
MAKING VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Q
I am a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) employee eligible to retire. (I have 34 years of service.) I understand that if I wish to join the Voluntary Contribution Program (VCP), I must do so before I retire. But I am running into a problem caused by a six-week federal summer job in 1980, for which CSRS contributions were not deducted. Is it correct that to participate in the VCP I must buy back those six weeks and that the buyback process can take close to a year? If so, does that mean I must wait a year before retiring?
A
The information you have is correct. Under the VCP, CSRS employees may contribute up to 10 percent of their lifetime federal earnings, on an after-tax basis, to the retirement fund. On retiring, employees can use the contributions to purchase an additional annuity, get a refund of the voluntary contributions or roll them over into a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA). However, in order to make a VCP contribution, you must not owe a deposit for civilian service where you did not pay into the CSRS retirement fund. While service performed prior to October 1, 1982, is creditable in
your annuity computation if you do not make the deposit to cover that service, your annual annuity will be permanently reduced by 10 percent of the amount of the deposit due. The amount of the deposit due is the sum of the deductions that would have been withheld from your basic pay, plus interest (7 percent). To make the deposit, you must obtain form SF 2803, Application to Make Deposit or Redeposit, from your human resources office. The processing time at the Office of Personnel Management is not as long as you were told. We estimate it would take eight to 10 weeks, not a year.
RETIREES EARNINGS LIMIT FOR FERS ANNUITY SUPPLEMENT
Q
I am hoping that you might provide me with some clarification regarding my Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity supplement payment and earnings over the earnings limit. This year will be the only year in which my earnings will exceed the exempt amount ($15,720). As my supplement will end in the middle of next year, how will the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recoup the amount?
A
For federal employees who retire under FERS before they are eligible for Social Security benefits, the FERS Annuity Supplement is paid in addition to their monthly FERS W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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Questions & Answers
annuity and represents what they would receive for their FERS service from the Social Security Administration, and is calculated as if they were eligible to receive SSA benefits on the day they retired. The supplement continues until the earlier of: • The last day of the month in which the retiree would be entitled to Social Security benefits; or • The last day of the month in which the retiree reaches age 62. The law says your FERS annuity supplement is reduced by $1 for every $2 you exceed the earnings limitation, effective July 1 of the year following the year in which
your earnings exceeded the limitation. If you reach age 62 prior to that and the supplement stops, there is no supplement to reduce and nothing you would have to pay back to OPM.
EFFECTIVE DATE FOR MEDICARE COVERAGE
Q
I will be age 65 at the end of July 2017 and plan to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during October 2017. When will Medicare become effective?
A
You have a seven-month period to sign up during your initial enrollment period: from three months before
your 65th birthday to three months after your 65th birthday. Here is what Medicare says: • If you sign up for Part A and/ or Part B in the month you turn age 65, your coverage starts one month after you sign up; • If you sign up one month after you turn 65, your coverage starts two months after you sign up; • If you sign up two months after you turn 65, your coverage starts three months after you sign up; and • If you sign up during the January 1-March 31 Medicare General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts July 1.
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Questions & Answers
NARFE at Your Service FINDING OUT ABOUT DEATH BENEFITS
Q
My mother, who was a retired federal employee, died on May 14. How can I find out if she had any death benefits available to her family?
A
As a retired federal employee, your mother received a monthly annuity from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Upon notification of the death, OPM will determine what benefits might be payable to her survivors and will send out the required application forms for those benefits. You can notify OPM of your mother’s death by:
ROC3137NARFEhalfAds.indd 4 AUG 2 016
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• Calling 888-767-6738; • Emailing retire@opm.gov; • Going online to www.opm. gov/retirement-services/ my-annuity-and-benefits/lifeevents/death/report-of-death/; or • Mailing the information about your mother’s death to U.S. Office of Personnel Management, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017. To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 703-838-7760 and ask for the Federal Benefits Service Department; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.
NARFE service officers are available to answer questions and to assist in helping with a variety of benefit matters. Check your chapter newsletter for the name and phone number of your service officer. For the nearest service officer, call NARFE (toll-free) at:
800-456-8410. NARFE Service Centers also are available in some areas. Use the Service Center listings on the NARFE website,
www. narfe.org.
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Cover Story
By David Tobenkin
BATTLE INDE ES of the
IT WAS UNWELCOME NEWS WHEN NO COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) WAS APPLIED TO SOCIAL SECURITY benefits, federal civil service annuities and military retired pay in 2016. However, had another price index been used in computing these benefits, as NARFE has advocated, there would instead have been a modest 0.6 percent increase. Why isn’t that alternate index being used for the calculation of senior benefits COLAs? The reason shows how even dry statistical measures can be highly political. It also illustrates how difficult it is to design and implement an accurate statistical measure of inflation for any group. With seniors constituting an increasing portion of the population, and with proposals in recent years to use a third price index for benefits – one that NARFE opposes as likely less favorable for seniors than the current one – it is clear that the battle of the price indexes is underway.
An Index in Limbo
Illustration by Bill Pragluski, Critical Stages, LLC
In 1973, Congress enacted legislation that required federal benefits to be increased annually based on the amount the consumer price index (CPI) has
W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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BATTLE INDE ES of the
increased in the previous year. At the time, there was only one index available for use, the definition of which corresponded to what is now called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). This index reflects price increases for a fixed market basket of goods and services, including food and beverages, housing, clothing, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication. It continues to be used today as the basis for computation of COLAs for Social Security benefits, FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) and CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) annuities, and military retired pay. But because the CPI-W reflects the expenditures of wage and clerical households, it, by definition, tracks an employed population, unlike most retired Social Security beneficiaries, and displays patterns of spending that are reflective of an employed demographic, points out Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. In 1987, U.S. Sen. John Melcher, D-MT, then chairman of the U.S. Special Committee on Aging, added an amendment to the Older Americans Act of 1965 that established a new experimental consumer price index, designed to estimate the particular price experience of Americans ages 62 and older. Richtman, who at the time was staff director to the Committee, says it was clear to all that the new index would need further study and, assuming it offered promise, a larger study group before it established its credentials as a production-level index. “We said, ‘O.K. We can live with an experimental fund that we track over the next few years,’” Richtman says. That was nearly 30 years ago. Over the succeeding years, little has changed in the design, status or use of the Experimental Price Index for the Elderly, or CPI-E. The experimental index remains experimental, and its methodology has not substantially changed. The Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which 24
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manages and computes consumer price indexes, continues to dutifully provide the results of the CPI-E each month. But the index has been in legislative limbo and is not used by any federal agency to calculate any index. It would take an act of Congress to fund a full study to determine if and how the CPI-E should be adopted, and then to adopt the index for use by one or more agencies. There has been, and continues to be, legislation introduced to do just that. But it has never passed. And given that the CPI-E likely would increase benefits payments to seniors, it faces steep odds against passage. There is general congressional opposition to any measure that could increase entitlement spending. Critics also say that a price index for seniors is not appropriate and, even if it were, the CPI-E’s methodology is flawed. Still, use of the CPI-E has significant support, including some surprising backers. A new administration and a renewed effort to address reform of federal retirement benefits also could renew consideration of the use of the CPI-E.
A Tale of Different Price Indexes
Generally, the CPI-W is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services. The CPI-E does things differently than the CPI-W. While it uses the same formulas and prices as the CPI-W, their importance is determined, or weighted, differently. The result has generally been that medical care and housing costs, components of seniors’ cost profile that are larger than the population at large, are given greater emphasis through the CPI-E. “It is the position of NARFE that the current CPI-W fails to accurately measure seniors’ costs and spending habits, particularly related to health care,” NARFE National President Richard G. Thissen has noted. “Individuals ages 65 and older allocate 13 percent of their spending toward
T health care costs compared to the 5 percent allocated by the general public. COLAs would be larger using the CPI-E and would more accurately reflect seniors’ real costs.”
The CPI-U and Chained CPI-U
In 1978, in addition to the CPI-W, the BLS began computing a new index, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which attempts to measure the spending patterns of a broader group than just the CPI-W’s wage earners and clerical workers. The CPI-U is the price index most commonly referred to in the media for consumer price measurement and also is used for a variety of other governmental purposes, such as for adjusting tax brackets, for thresholds for school lunch programs and, by states, to adjust minimum wages. Unlike the CPI-E, it is a fully developed and operational index. One criticism of all three indexes has been that they fail to take into account how consumers substitute one item when the price of another item increases. For example, consumers may switch from steak to chicken when the price of steak rises. In 1999, the BLS began offering an index that does that for the CPI-U by reflecting changes in spending patterns over two consecutive years. That index is called the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, or Chained CPI-U. President Obama’s budget for fiscal year 2014 included a proposal to use the Chained CPI-U instead of the CPI-W to calculate COLAs as part of a “grand bargain” budget deal with Congress that was never enacted. While the White House has not subsequently suggested using the Chained CPI-U, it lives on as a proposed potential replacement for the CPI-W in the annual House Republican Study Committee budget. NARFE has opposed the Chained CPI-U for several reasons. The Association contends that it does not accurately reflect changes in consumer prices experienced by seniors. Additionally, unlike the current CPI-W, which is calculated
he Experimental Price Index for the Elderly, or CPI-E, has been in legislative limbo and is not used by any federal agency to calculate any index. and available for use almost immediately by the BLS, the Chained CPI requires data on changing purchasing patterns and does not result in a final version until a year after it is measured, injecting uncertainties into the COLA process. The Chained CPI-U also has tended to produce lower COLAs than the other three indexes. For their parts, advocates say that the Chained CPI-U is simply the best measure. “This is the best measure of CPI, largely because it addresses substitution bias,” says Marc Goldwein, senior vice president and head of policy for the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), which supports adoption of the Chained CPI-U for use in adjusting federal benefits. “Because it uses updated weights, many economists view [the Chained CPI-U] as a more precise measure of price changes,” notes Steve Reed, an economist in the Information and Analysis Branch of the Consumer Price Index Program at the BLS. Reed also says that creation of a “chained” CPI-E is theoretically possible but has not to date been proposed and could be technically complicated to implement.
The Implications of Different Price Indexes for Seniors
Over time, the CPI-E has, on average, increased faster than the CPI-U or the CPI-W, according to BLS data (see table, p. 26). Let’s look at a market basket of goods and services that cost $100 in 1982. Applying the different indexes, how much would that basket of goods cost in December 2015? The CPI-E would say $256.80; the CPI-W would say $235.50; and the CPI-U would say $241.30. W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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BATTLE INDE ES of the
Percentage increase, INDEX Dec. 1982-Dec. 2015
Average annual percentage increase, Dec. 1982-Dec. 2015
CPI-U* 141.3
2.72
CPI-W 135.5 2.63 CPI-E 156.8 2.90 * The Chained CPI-U measure only dates back to December 1999. For the period since the advent of the Chained CPI-U (C-CPI-U) in December 1999, the patterns are as follows:
Average annual percentage increase, INDEX Dec. 1999-Dec. 2015 CPI-U 2.15 CPI-W 2.12 C-CPI-U 1.87 CPI-E 2.28 That, of course, has implications for COLAs for seniors. Since 1987, use of the CPI-E would have resulted in higher Social Security COLAs than would use of the CPI-W in 23 years, lower than the CPI-W in three years, and equal COLAs in four years. If the Chained CPI-U had been used instead of the CPI-W, Social Security COLAs would have averaged two- or three-tenths lower each year, BLS statistician Reed says. If the CPI-E had been used to determine the 2016 COLA, an individual with a $10,000 annual Social Security payment would receive $10,060 (given a 0.6 percent increase) versus no increase under the CPI-W (given no increase). If the CPI-U had been used, the benefit would be $10,010 (given a 0.1 percent increase). It is difficult to provide 26
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annual data for the Chained CPI-U, given the computational lag described earlier.
Does an Index for Seniors Make Sense?
If the CPI-E were to move out of experimental mode and into production use, changes would be necessary, observers say. One criticism of the CPI-E is that it does not accurately track those who already receive senior benefits. A key question, for example, is who is “senior� and assumed to be subject to the special price profile of that group. The CPI-E uses age 62 as the cutoff. But, with respect to Social Security benefits, some individuals continue working and/ or hold off receiving benefits until they reach their full retirement age (currently 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954) or, to maximize benefits, to age 70. Federal employees may delay even later in order to take their annuities to the max. On the other end, many federal benefits beneficiaries, including surviving spouses, minor children and disability beneficiaries, receive benefits at younger ages. The age 62 cutoff fails to capture the spending patterns of this group. Goldwein notes that some critics of the CPI-E also question whether the emphasis and measurement of housing costs is accurate, given the CPI-E tracks rental costs and many seniors own their own homes, and whether increased medical costs reflect improvements in care rather than price increases for the same care. Others point out that while certain assumptions regarding senior price patterns seem certain, such as that over the long term seniors likely will spend more on medical care than the general population, other categories of consumer spending may offset the effects of medical costs. For example, while historically the CPI-E has risen faster than the CPI-W, the average for the two indexes during the period 2002-2015 has been virtually identical, notes Alicia H. Munnell, a professor of management sciences at Boston College and director of its Center for Retirement Research.
I
n recent years, several bills have been introduced in Congress that would adopt the CPI-E for use in calculating COLAs for senior benefits. “In terms of whether it makes sense to construct a new and improved CPI-E, the case for making this investment is less compelling right at the moment because the average annual increases in the CPI-E and CPI-W over the last decade have been nearly identical,” Munnell says. “However, if health care cost inflation begins to accelerate again, I think it would be very helpful to create a better CPI-E.” There also are a variety of technical challenges to the existing CPI-E that the BLS has noted, says Reed, including its small sample size, use of urban area samples that may not be representative of the places of purchase for older Americans and the fact that it may understate the use of some discounts by senior citizens. Moving the index beyond experimental likely would not involve major changes in its design, but would involve greater sample size and additional resources, which would cost several million dollars. As a nonpartisan agency, BLS does not take a position one way or another on whether the CPI-E should be used to adjust benefits, Reed notes. The CRFB’s Goldwein says he believes that population subgroups like seniors should not get separate indexes because they can create favored classes of benefit beneficiaries versus the remaining general class. To the argument that the CPI-E has tended to produce higher COLAs than other indexes and seniors are a vulnerable population that needs such protection, Goldwein says it would be less costly and more defensible on a policy basis to provide actual increased benefits targeted at those seniors with the greatest need, such as a catastrophic care benefit for the smaller subset of seniors with the highest health care costs or for
especially long-lived seniors who may risk running out of money.
The Political Landscape
In recent years, several bills have been introduced that would adopt the CPI-E for use in calculating COLAs for senior benefits, in some cases just for Social Security benefits, in other cases also including other federal retiree benefits. “There’s recently been more focus by some members of Congress on expanding Social Security benefits to address the problem of insufficient retirement savings for millions of Americans,” says John Hatton, NARFE’s deputy legislative director. “Improving COLAs by using the CPI-E would be a small move in that direction.” Among current legislation, NARFE supports H.R. 3351. Introduced in July 2015 by Rep. Michael Honda, D-CA, the bill would base costof-living adjustments on increases in the CPI-E for a variety of benefits, including CSRS, FERS and military retirement. There also is some support on the Republican side of the aisle for adoption of an index similar to the CPI-E. Rep. John J. Duncan, R-TN, for example, has repeatedly introduced legislation to adopt a senior-focused index for Social Security benefit COLAs. His Consumer Price Index for Seniors Act, H.R. 3074, introduced in July 2015, would require the government to publish an accurate monthly inflation rate based on expenses that are typical for persons 62 years of age or older. Thirteen of the bill’s 15 cosponsors are Republicans. Should Congress begin to move legislation that calls for the adoption of the CPI-E or other senior-focused consumer price index for Social Security benefit COLAs, it is NARFE’s position that the legislation also must mandate the use of the same measurement for federal annuity COLAs. —DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, DC, AREA. W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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OPEN SEASON FOR
FEGLI B
ETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1 AND SEPTEMBER 30, MOST FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A RARE EVENT: OPEN SEASON FOR THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES’ GROUP LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM (FEGLI).
During this time period, federal employees will be able to sign up
for group life insurance or increase their coverage. They can do this without having to take a physical examination or undergo what the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) defines as a “qualifying life event.” OPM administers FEGLI and sets its premiums.
“The last FEGLI open season was in 2004,” explains John O’Brien, director of Healthcare and Insurance for OPM, “and because we have had a number of requests to conduct one, OPM has made the decision to do so this year.” According to OPM, most federal employees are eligible for FEGLI, except for those
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For the first time in 11 years, federal employees can sign up for life insurance coverage without a physical or a change in their family status. By Everett A. Chasen
few who are excluded by law and regulation. All FEGLI-eligible employees can participate in the upcoming open season. Federal retirees, however, cannot make open season elections. “By law, annuitants are never allowed to elect or increase their FEGLI life insurance coverage, even during an open season,” says O’Brien. The only exceptions would be for those annuitants who are re-employed in a position that conveys FEGLI eligibility and employees who are taking part in phased retirement programs (those who work a part-time tour of duty while receiving partial retirement benefits).
FEGLI DEFINED
FEGLI is the world’s largest group life insurance program. It covers more than 4 million federal employees and retirees, as well as their family members. Unlike many private life insurance plans, FEGLI offers only group term life insurance and does not build up any cash value. In addition, unlike some plans, federal employees cannot take a loan out against their FEGLI insurance. “FEGLI offers term life insurance at competitive group rates,” O’Brien says. “For
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OPEN SEASON FOR
FEGLI Those planning to retire in the near future have a factor to consider that their co-workers do not.
most employees, your employing agency pays one-third of the cost of basic insurance.” Employees can elect four different types of insurance. The basic coverage provides coverage on a federal employee’s life equal to the employee’s annual rate of basic pay, rounded up to the next even $1,000, plus an additional $2,000. Federal employees automatically receive basic coverage unless they waive that coverage. In addition to the basic coverage, federal employees can select from three types of optional insurance: • Option A, which covers the employee’s life for an additional $10,000; • Option B, which can cover the employee’s life for an additional one, two, three, four or five times the employee’s annual rate of basic pay, rounded up to the next $1,000; and • Option C, which covers the lives of the employee’s spouse and eligible children. In Option C, an employee may select one, two, three, four or five multiples of coverage. Each multiple is equal to $5,000 of coverage on the life of a spouse, and $2,500 of coverage on the lives of each eligible child. These types of coverages will not change during the open season. Nor will the insurance rates, which took effect January 1, 2016, change. Employees must elect or already have basic coverage to elect any form of optional insurance. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is an automatic part of basic insurance coverage for federal employees, but not for retirees or employees receiving workers’ compensation. While all employees pay the same rate for basic coverage, optional insurance rates change as employees age. The current premium rates, which were last changed in January 2016, can be found at www.opm.gov/life. OPM itself does not provide the life insurance. The agency has a contract with the Met30
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ropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) to provide the insurance. MetLife has an administrative office, the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance, which adjudicates FEGLI program claims. “During the FEGLI open season,” O’Brien says, “FEGLI-eligible employees can elect any coverage that FEGLI offers with no physical exam, and no medical questions asked.”
WHAT SHOULD EMPLOYEES DO?
O’Brien suggests FEGLI-eligible employees “should use (open season) to assess their life insurance needs and update their coverage if needed.” Any elections made during open season have a one-year delayed effective date. Coverage elected in September will be effective on the first day of the first full pay period on or after October 1, 2017, as long as the employee meets pay and duty status requirements. In the August 7, 2015, edition of the Federal Register that announced the open season, OPM explained the reason for this delay. “Open seasons,” the agency wrote, “are one method by which healthy individuals can be attracted to join and reduce the risk profile of the program. Some less healthy individuals may (also) elect coverage during open seasons.” “To mitigate this risk, the effective date for employees who make an open season election would be delayed one full year … subject to FEGLI law and regulation, including applicable pay and duty status requirements.” Those in nonpay status can participate in the open season, but any coverage they elect will not become effective until they are back in pay and duty status. Eligible employees can enroll or increase their coverage during the open season up to the maximum amounts permitted by the program.
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OPEN SEASON FOR
FEGLI They do not need to be currently enrolled in FEGLI to elect coverage during the open season. Those choosing to elect or change coverage should use the existing Life Insurance Election Form (SF 2817), which also is available at www.opm.gov/life. Many federal agencies offer electronic equivalents of the form, which should be submitted to the agency’s human resources office. There is no special election form to use during this open season. “Be sure to elect all the FEGLI coverage you want on your open season election, not just the coverage you want to add or increase,” cautions O’Brien. “Any coverage you do not elect is waived or canceled.” OPM will calculate an employee’s new premium based on the employee’s selections; however, the new premiums will not become effective until the new coverage is in effect. Employees will not pay their new premiums during the one-year waiting period. “If you like your current FEGLI coverage, you do not need to take any action during the open season,” O’Brien continues. “If you do nothing, you will keep your existing election. You are not required to re-elect your coverage.”
FOR THOSE INTENDING TO RETIRE SOON
As mentioned above, annuitants are not eligible to participate in this open season unless they are re-employed in a position that offers FEGLI eligibility. Those planning to retire in the near future, however, have an important factor to consider that their co-workers do not. FEGLI rules require that those wishing to bring their coverage into retirement must have that coverage throughout their last five years of federal service, or through their entire period or periods of service if they retire having worked for the government for fewer than five years. “If you plan to retire before October 2022, (you should) consider this when deciding to elect coverage during the open season. By law, there are no waivers for the five-year rule under the FEGLI program,” says O’Brien. OPM also notes that allowing employees to continue their coverage into retirement if they meet eligibility requirements is a benefit many 32
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employer-sponsored life insurance programs do not offer. Those who elect new coverage during open season but retire before the coverage becomes effective are considered by OPM to never have had the new coverage. If an employee dies before the coverage becomes effective, his or her beneficiaries will be paid based on their previous coverage, not the new coverage.
IF YOU MISS THIS OPEN SEASON
In general, eligible employees can enroll in FEGLI or increase or reduce their coverage at any time. They can do so by submitting Standard Form 2822 (Request for Insurance), as long as at least a year has passed since they last waived coverage, and then passing a physical exam. Employees also can enroll in FEGLI or increase their FEGLI election when they have a qualifying life event, which OPM defines in a number of ways, including marriage; divorce; the death of a spouse; or the acquisition of a new child through birth, adoption, custody procedures or marriage. Employees and annuitants can reduce or cancel their FEGLI coverage at any time, unless they have assigned their coverage to others. Those employees who want to know what their current FEGLI coverage status is can check their agency’s online human resources portal, if one is available; look at Box 27 of their most recent SF 50 (Notification of Personnel Action) form; ask their agency’s HR office for a copy of their most recent FEGLI election; or log on to www.servicesonline.opm.gov. At press time, OPM was preparing a webpage providing open season information and resources. When it is available, OPM will provide a link to the webpage at www.opm.gov/life. The agency’s Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program Handbook, which contains a great deal of information about the FEGLI program, can be found at www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance/life-insurance/referencematerials/handbook.pdf. —EVERETT A. (EV) CHASEN IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN THE WASHINGTON, DC, AREA. HE RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.
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Managing Money
GET CREATIVE: USE A ROTH IRA FOR COLLEGE SAVINGS
T
he cost to put a child through college has soared at an alarming rate. And while 529 plans might be the go-to strategy for college savings, there are
other creative options, such as Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs), that may prove useful as well. Considering the tremendous tax benefits, it’s not hard to understand why 529 plans have become the de facto college savings strategy. A 529 plan, socalled because it is authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. As long as the 529 plan distributions are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses, distributions will be 100 percent tax-free. Many states also have sweetened the pot by offering a state income tax deduction for contributions made to 529 plans. The catch to 529 plans comes into play when the funds are not used for qualified education expenses. In this case, you’ll owe income taxes and a 10 percent penalty on any earnings distributed from the plan. It’s certainly hard to know what future circumstances will be, especially when children are young and the funds won’t be used for nearly two decades. Fortunately, if, for whatever reason, the 529 plan funds
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are not used to cover qualified expenses for the intended child, the law permits a 529 plan owner to change the beneficiary to another child or qualifying family member. Regardless, for some families, this still may present a sticky situation. Greater Flexibility There are several reasons why Roth IRAs may make a great alternative to 529 plans for college savings. For starters, a Roth IRA offers flexibility and may be used for both college and retirement. I understand the competing goals that many parents face – do we save for retirement or focus on putting our kids through college? As a father of two young children, I face the same conundrum myself. When forced to choose, my suggestion is to first focus on saving for retirement. But as parents, we have a tendency to put our children first. And that’s the beauty of a Roth IRA. Yes, they were intended to be used as a retirement vehicle, but the rules provide the opportunity to use them for other
BY MARK A. KEEN
CFP®
purposes as well. Much like 529 plans, Roth IRAs may offer the same tax-free distributions as 529 plans. But if the child doesn’t need all the money for education, the Roth IRA may be left to grow and provide tax-free income in retirement. Opportunity To Take Tax-Free Withdrawals If you are over age 59 ½ at the time you take a distribution from your Roth IRA and you’ve had any Roth IRA for at least five years, your distributions will be 100 percent tax- and penalty-free. This stands true whether the money is used for college expenses or for anything else. Today, it’s not uncommon for couples to wait longer to get married and have kids, so many parents will be over age 59 ½ when their kids are in college. I know I will be! Even if parents don’t meet the age requirement for taxand penalty-free distributions, the contributions made to the plan still may be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free at any time. Amounts converted from traditional IRAs, or other tax-deferred retirement plans, may be distributed taxand penalty-free, too. This is even true for those under age 59 ½ as long as it’s been at least five years from the time of conversion.
BENEFITS RESOURCES NARFE offers members a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www. narfe.org/federalbenefits and www.narfe.org/ FederalBenefitsInstitute.
Retirement Accounts Are Not Considered as an Asset on the FAFSA Another benefit to Roth IRAs, and other retirement accounts, is they’re not included as an asset on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 529 plans, on the other hand, are counted as assets on the FAFSA and could impact the level of financial assistance offered to your child. Here’s a caveat. While Roth assets are not in-
cluded on the FAFSA, the distributions are included as income on the FAFSA and may impact the level of financial aid offered to your child in subsequent years. If this is an issue, you or your child could take out loans to pay for college expenses and later use the Roth IRA to pay down the debt once the student no longer needs to file a FAFSA. Although 529 plans were created specifically to help people save for college, there are reasons to think outside the box and consider Roth IRAs as an alternative. Everyone’s situation and circumstances are unique – evaluate your own to determine the best strategy for you. MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, IS PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK, 10300 EATON PLACE, FAIRFAX, VA, AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE AND REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA). SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH SFA. EMAIL: MKEEN@KEENPOCOCK.COM.
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The Informed Citizen
STATE ADVOCACY UPDATE AND ONLINE RESOURCES
A
t this writing, Congress is in recess. And most state legislatures have adjourned for the year. Still, NARFE is engaging both national and state government. The State Legislative Committee of NARFE’s California Federation met recently to map a plan for favorable tax treatment of federal retirement income (see photo below). Inspired by success elsewhere, most recently in Indiana, state advocates in California know their campaign will take time and effort. NARFE victories in Indiana,
Missouri and Oklahoma came after years of lobbying. Committees with strong leaders led the way, but all members were enlisted at key stages of the process.
California State Legislative Committee members and their chapters are, left to right, Rich Williams, 1718; John Bluck, 397; Chairman Michael Bandiera, 21; Dottie Schmidt, 1335; Vice Chairman Anastasios G. Piliotis, 0397; Linda W. Ingram, 877; and Bob Martin, 1718.
STATE ADVOCACY WEBSITES NARFE Legislative Action Center’s State Advocacy Module: http:// cqrcengage.com/narfe/State_Advocacy State Legislative Elections: https://ballotpedia.org/State_legislative_ elections,_2016 Gubernatorial Elections: https://ballotpedia.org/State_executive_ official_elections,_2016 Legislators, Maps, Committees in Your State: http://openstates.org/ Election Forecasting: www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/ Bios, Votes, Positions, Ratings and Speeches of Lawmakers: http:// votesmart.org/ Commercial Services Tracking State Policymaking: www.multistate. com/ and www.stateside.com/states/factpad/ State Legislatures’ Websites: www.congress.gov/state-legislaturewebsites
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BY CHRISTOPHER FARRELL SENIOR ANALYST
Resources for Advocacy NARFE’s Legislative Action Center (see URL below) should be the starting point. Entering your full address now provides listings and links to federal, state and local elected officials. Get to know any and all officeholders and their staffers. Half the current Congress – both House and Senate – previously served in the state legislature or as governor. The remaining state primaries are opportunities. Because primary turnout is low, especially in the summer, legislative candidates in contested primaries are eager to participate in candidate forums. Twenty state legislative chambers are so narrowly split that a change in party control could easily occur. Use www.ballotpedia.org to search for battleground chambers. Subscribe to Free Sources Governing, Stateline and Ballotpedia’s The Tap offer publications to better inform the public about state and local government. These email services are free of charge. Be sure also to read NARFE Insider, a quarterly newsletter for officers. Give It Your Best Shot Use your cell phone to document any advocacy events. Send the photos to NARFE’s online photo gallery (communications@narfe. org) and be sure to share a copy with the candidate or official.
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2016
G FUND
F FUND
C FUND
S FUND
I FUND
JUNE
0.15%
1.80%
0.26%
-0.13%
-3.33%
MAY
0.15%
0.08%
1.80%
1.81%
0.27%
APRIL
0.14%
0.41%
0.39%
1.73%
1.89%
YTD
0.93%
5.50%
3.87%
2.71%
-3.44%
1 YEAR
2.02%
6.41%
4.07%
-5.00%
-9.81%
3 YEAR*
2.14%
4.56%
11.74%
8.71%
2.40%
5 YEAR*
1.93%
4.12%
12.17%
9.71%
2.01%
10 YEAR*
2.79%
5.37%
7.48%
7.72%
1.84%
L INCOME
L 2020
L 2030
L 2040
L 2050
2016
*ANNUALIZED
JUNE
0.11%
-0.12%
-0.31%
-0.43%
-0.58%
MAY
0.38%
0.69%
0.91%
1.03%
1.15%
APRIL
0.34%
0.58%
0.75%
0.85%
0.95%
YTD
1.46%
1.63%
1.75%
1.76%
1.68%
1 YEAR
1.92%
0.74%
0.16%
-0.39%
-1.05%
3 YEAR*
3.76%
5.81%
6.72%
7.32%
7.78%
5 YEAR*
3.69%
5.95%
6.93%
7.58%
8.05%
10 YEAR*
3.99%
5.15%
5.61%
5.87%
N/A
*ANNUALIZED
RETURNS are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Source: TSP (For additional monthly returns, go to www.tsp.gov.) G Fund: Government securities (specially issued to the TSP) F Fund: Government, corporate and mortgage-backed bonds C Fund: Stocks of large- and medium-size U.S. companies S Fund: Stocks of small- to medium-size U.S. companies (not included in the C Fund) I Fund: International stocks of 21 developed countries L Fund: (Lifecycle) Invested in the G, F, C, S and I Funds (The proportion of L Fund balance invested in each of the individual TSP funds depends on the L Fund chosen.)
OPM RETIREMENT CLAIMS PROCESSING STATUS
With attention focused on the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, the C Fund had only modest gains for the month of June, while the S Fund experienced a very slight loss. The negative impact of declining international stock markets was greater on the I Fund’s returns. The F Fund benefited from declining Treasury yields as market participants became more convinced that the Federal Reserve would continue to refrain from additional interest rate increases. The L Funds’ results were slightly negative. —BY SEAN MCCAFFREY, ACTING CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN
COUNTDOWN TO COLA
T
he Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.43 percent in May. To calculate the 2017 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2016 will be averaged and compared with the 2014 third-quarter average of 234.242. The percentage increase, if any, determines the COLA. May’s index, 234.444, is up 0.09 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. May’s index is 1.59 percent higher than the December 2015 base index of 230.791. The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services. Included are various government fees, such as water charges, auto registration fees, and sales and excise taxes. MONTH
2015
2016
For the Record
FUNDS MIXED IN JUNE ON MOVE BY THE UK TO LEAVE THE EU
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FUND RETURNS
Claims Received Inventory
JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
6,920 9,862 7,341 6,300 8,374 6,019 4,753 15,423 11,293 5,741 7,241 7,210
14,511 16,455 16,350 14,706 12,642 12,562 11,399 19,761 22,692 19,211 14,517 14,035
Avg # of Days % Processed in to Process Case in 60 Days or Less (YTD) More Than 60 Days
69% 69% 70% 70% 74% 76% 78% 79% 80% 82% 80% 80%
99 97 98 94 86 98 104 94 96 118 92 103
FOR THE NUMBER of new retirement cases the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) receives each month by agency and the percent with errors that it returns to those agencies, go to www.opm.gov/retirement-services/. Source: OPM 38
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CPI-W
Monthly % Change
% Change from 234.242
OCTOBER 2015
232.373
-0.12
-0.80
NOVEMBER
231.721
-0.28
-1.08
DECEMBER
230.791
-0.40
-1.47
JANUARY 2016
231.061
+0.12
-1.36
FEBRUARY
230.972
-0.04
-1.40
MARCH
232.209
+0.54
-0.87
APRIL
233.438
+0.53
-0.34
MAY
234.444
+0.43
+0.09
JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
Donate to NARFE Programs Support Alzheimer’s Research
YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
WRITE YOUR CHAPTER NUMBER ON CHECK; MAKE IT PAYABLE TO: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research
Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ Every cent that is contributed is used for research. Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. AND MAIL TO: Name: Alzheimer’s Association Address: 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor City: State: ZIP: Chicago, IL 60601-7633 Chapter Number: Credit Card Information: MasterCard VISA NARFE MEMBERS CONTRIBUTED FOR If you have any questions, write to: Discover AMEX ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH: $12 Million Fund NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR Card Number: Merv Stuckey, 2272 E. Buster Mountain Dr. Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Oro Valley, AZ 85755-4709 *Total as of May 31, 2016 3-Digit Security Code: 100% of all contributed funds go to Name: (please print) EMAIL: narferoadrunner@comcast.net
$11,839,280* Alzheimer’s research.
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Join the Silver CIrcle CLIP THIS CONTRIBUTION FORM AND MAIL TO: NARFE Silver Circle, 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314
•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.
YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.
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Enclosed is my Silver Circle contribution: $ ID # (ID # may be found on your narfe magazine label or your NARFE membership card)
Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Silver Circle contributions are NOT deductible for federal income tax purposes.
INSTALLMENT PLAN Wall of Fame 12-month installment plan
Give to the Scholarship and Disaster Funds
PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: FEEA 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80227
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All donations go to the NARFE General Fund to support NARFE programs and operations.
My check is enclosed
(Please make check payable to NARFE Silver Circle.)
Please charge my credit card Card type MasterCard VISA Discover AMEX Card Number: Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Name: (please print)
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MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund or NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund.
Date
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I would like to help with my contribution.
Please check appropriate box(es). To make credit card contributions, call 800-338-0755. Scholarships are available to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of federal civilian retirees and current federal employees who are NARFE members. NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund
Amount: $
NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund
Amount: $
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NARFE News
LOOKS LIKE A WINNER!
S T R AT E G I C P L A N
BOOMERS’ IMPACT
E
ach new generation entering a specific life stage will tend to redefine that life stage, either subtly or dramatically. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are now ages 51-69. Approximately 78 million baby boomers reside in the United States. Fewer than half have retired, and 10,000 of them a day are turning age 60 and will do so for the next decade. The boomers transformed every other life stage they’ve passed through, and they’re radically changing the nature of retirement now. About 600,000 of the boomers in federal service will be eligible for retirement by 2017. These workers, and the droves of federal boomers approaching retirement, are NARFE’s best prospective members. While the NARFE membership model served the Veteran Generation well, baby boomers have a far different nature. Known for having proudly coined the term “generation gap,” they are ushering in a new set of expectations for each stage of their lives, including retirement. Like government, industry and other membership organizations, NARFE will need to change to capture their attention and remain relevant. Boomers are far less likely to be traditional joiners or traditional civic participants. NARFE, like all member associations, must evolve to attract, retain and engage this group. As the now
40
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famous book title of the same name suggests, boomers are Bowling Alone. Unlike generations prior, joining groups for social and civic purposes is far less attractive. In addition, boomers have less time for groups, as a full 77 percent plan to work in retirement. NARFE’s model must meet their needs. Engagement in advocacy, the benefits of NARFE membership and balloting will be viewed as more personal and solo. Federal boomers are tech savvy and, having faced a
narfe magazine has won an Award of Excellence in the 2016 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence, sponsored by Communications Concepts. The prize, for illustration and typography, recognizes “the superb work of our cover illustrator Bill Pragluski and graphic designer Charlene Gridley, whose artistry enhances narfe each month,” said Editor Margaret M. Carter.
and well-curated information will further meet boomer needs. A call to action: Moving NARFE to this new landscape. Failure to align any retirementfocused organization to boomer interests and values means losing them as active and engaged members – or losing them entirely because they regard such an organization as irrelevant to this new phase of their lives. It’s not something that can be done overnight. Such a move will take some years to accomplish,
Failure to align any retirement-focused organization to boomer interests and values means losing them as active and engaged members. decentralization of human resources functions, are looking to find accurate, reliable information and guidance on their federal benefits. Where once physically gathering was the best and most efficient way to share knowledge, the internet has dramatically changed the way the world relays and consumes information. And boomers have embraced technology. Budget cuts have severely limited the retirement guidance feds receive, sending feds online rather than to physical gathering places for benefit information and guidance. Further developing NARFE as the go-to, online provider of accurate, timely
moving carefully and balancing the new elements with the interests and priorities of current members. As directed by delegates at the 2014 National Convention, a twoyear Strategic Planning Committee was established, culminating in three resolutions being submitted by the NARFE National Executive Board at the 2016 National Convention. Strategic planning will continue in two-year cycles, with new committees named after each National Convention. NARFE’s survival will require that strategic planning continue to address our changing demographic. Boomers will continue to be our focus for the next decade.
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By submitting your contact information you agree to expressly consent to having us contact you about your inquiry by phone (including automatic telephone dialing system or prerecorded voice) to the residential or cellular telephone number you have provided, even if that telephone number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call Registry.
CONVENTION Know Before You Go!
A
re you headed for Reno for the NARFE National Convention, August 28-September 1? If so, here are a few must-know pieces of information, compiled by convention planners. HOTEL All convention activities will take place at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, 2500 East Second St., Reno, NV 89595. Phone: 800-648-5080. Check-in time is 3 p.m.; check-out time is 11 a.m. TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE AIRPORT A complimentary shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes from the RenoTahoe International Airport to the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. The shuttle leaves the airport 15 minutes and 45 minutes after the hour with the last pick-up at 12:15 a.m. It leaves from the exit located at the far end of baggage claim. The shuttle also runs from the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino to the airport, leaving the hotel on the hour and half hour.
REGISTER ONLINE! Convention registration is available online at www.narfe.org/convention 2016. Using the online registration form, members also can purchase banquet tickets. Alternatively, members can register for the convention and purchase banquet tickets by using the mail-in paper registration form, found on the facing page. Chapter officers also can go to the website to designate a proxy.
DEADLINES
• Registration: August 1 • Proxy Forms: August 1 42
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DRESS CODE The dress code is business casual for all sessions. If you are participating in Country Western Night (Tuesday, August 30), don’t forget your western wear. As a reminder, the meeting rooms may be chilly, so you might want to have a sweater, just in case.
AREA ATTRACTIONS/TOURS If you are looking to get out of the hotel for dinner, check out Reno’s Riverwalk District or catch a ballgame at Greater Nevada Field, home of the Triple-A Reno Aces. Both of these are just a short taxi or Uber ride from the hotel. The Convention Host Committee also has arranged tours to Virginia City, Lake Tahoe and the Legends Outlet Mall. Check out the convention website (www.narfe.org/ convention2016) for more information, inluding dates, times and costs, under Host Committee.
CONVENTION REGISTRATION All registrants must wear their badges to all convention events. To pick up your badge, stop by the Convention Registration desk in the Crystal Ballroom. Registration starts at noon on Saturday, August 27. Delegates are able to pick up badges only for themselves and their spouses. Remember, you must have a photo ID for ballot voting. DON’T FORGET YOUR COPY OF THE RESOLUTIONS BOOK! Each convention delegate should receive, by postal mail, a copy of the Proposed Bylaw and Standing Rule Amendments and Proposed Resolutions book. Please bring the book with you to the convention.
HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS Grand Sierra Resort and Casino 2500 E. Second St., Reno, NV 89595 800-648-5080
NARFE Rate: Single/Double Tier 1: $79 + tax; Luxury Summit Single/Double: $129 + tax. Additional person, more than two per room: $20 each. For the NARFE Rate when calling, use Group Code: NRF16
Visit convention website for link to book hotel online. Cutoff date: July 24
AIRLINE DISCOUNTS Delta Airlines: www.delta.com/meetings. When booking online, select “Book Your Flight” and enter meeting ID NMMM5. A $25 charge will apply if booking by phone (800-328-1111). United Airlines: www.united.com. When booking online, select “All Search Options” and enter Offer code ZVVB272256. A $25 per ticket charge will apply if booking by phone through United Meeting Reservations, 800-426-1122.
CONVENTION PRICING
$99 if postmarked by Aug. 1; $125 after Aug. 1 and onsite. Each attendee must complete a separate form. Includes lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. BANQUET PRICING
$70 per ticket.
CANCELLATION POLICY
The convention registration fee is nonrefundable. Banquet refunds are available only if reservations are cancelled 72 hours prior to Banquet. PAYMENT BY CHECK
Make checks payable to NARFE and send to: NARFE Secretary/Treasurer’s Office 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 BANQUET SEATING
Tables will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Tables will seat 10 people. Groups wishing to sit together should submit only one request, specifying number of seats desired and attach list of names. Banquet tickets will be included in your registration packet. Groups may pick up tickets at the NARFE Information Desk.
REGISTRATION FORM FOR CONVENTION AND BANQUET We encourage you to register online at www.narfe.org/convention2016. CONVENTION REGISTRATION ATTENDEE TYPE Please check: o Member
o Nonmember Guest
NARFE ID # _____________________________________________________ Name ___________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________ Name for Badge __________________________________________________ Chapter # ______________ Location of Chapter________________________ NOTIFY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Name __________________________________________________________ Phone number ____________________________________________________ SUBTOTAL – FOR CONVENTION (if postmarked by August 1): $
99
BANQUET TICKETS PLEASE RESERVE ___ TICKET(S) AT $70 EACH SUBTOTAL – FOR BANQUET: TOTAL (CONVENTION + BANQUET)
+$ $
CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD o MasterCard o VISA o Discover o AMEX Credit Card # ____________________________________________________ Expiration Date ____/____ (mm/yy) Name on card (print) ______________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________________________ DIETARY RESTRICTIONS/ ALLERGIES ____________________________
_____________________________________________________
Active and Retired Federal Employees ...
JOIN NARFE TODAY!
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association The only organization dedicated solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE informs you of any developments and proposals that affect your compensation, retirement and health benefits, AND provides clear answers to your benefit questions.
Who Should Join?
Three Easy Ways To Join
If your future security is tied to federal retirement benefits — 1. Complete this application and return by mail with your payment. federal retirees, current employees, spouses, and individual 2. Join online at www.narfe.org. survivors — you should join NARFE. 3. Call 800-627-3394, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLIC ATION
1Q5
q YES. I want to join NARFE.
I am a (check all that apply) q Active Federal Employee q Active Federal Employee Spouse q Annuitant q Annuitant Spouse q Survivor Annuitant
Street Address _____________________________________
Apt./Unit __________________________________________
q Please enroll my spouse
City _______________________ State _____ ZIP __________
Spouse’s Full Name ________________________________
Phone (__________) _________________________________
Spouse’s Email
q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.
Full Name _________________________________________
Email _____________________________________________
Choose Your Membership Type
All NARFE members receive narfe magazine, access to federal benefits specialists, NARFE’s News Watch, legislative Hotline, and exclusive member discounts, along with professional lobbyists advocating on your behalf. Members choose one of two chapter options.
q Local Chapter
Under the direction of local leadership, chapters offer regular meetings often with invited speakers, as well as networking, volunteer and grass-roots lobbying opportunities. Annual chapter dues, determined by the locality, are charged in subsequent years.
Chapter Affiliation: Chapter # __ __ __ __
_____________________________
NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members, and will not be sold or rented to third parties without your express permission.
PAYMENT OPTIONS q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE) q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) q Charge my: q MasterCard q VISA q Discover q American Express Card No. ____________________________________ Expiration Date _____ /_________ mm yyyy Name on Card ________________________________
OR
Signature ____________________________________
q eNARFE
Date ________________________________________
The eNARFE Chapter provides a place for members to keep active in and informed about the federal community without the formality of a local chapter. Advocacy is encouraged within the e-community, and members may join with local groups for grass-roots participation. There are no additional dues for the eNARFE Chapter.
TOTAL DUES $40 First-Year Dues X __________ = __________ Per Person # Enrolling Total Dues
Dues payments and gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? If applicable, please provide the name, membership and chapter number of the member who introduced you to NARFE: Recruiter’s Name_________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID _________________________ Recruiter’s Chapter Number ________________________
MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO NARFE Member Records 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914
NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program What is dues withholding? It is a dues-payment method that gives NARFE members (retirees) the option of having their annual NARFE membership dues deducted from their annuities on a monthly basis. How does it work? One-twelfth of your total dues is automatically deducted from your monthly annuity. Your monthly deduction is determined by the following formula: (National dues ÷ 12) + (Chapter dues ÷ 12) = Total Monthly Deduction
Advantages • Save 15% off your annual membership dues! • Sign up your spouse and double your savings! • You’ll never get another dues reminder from us! • Your monthly payment is affordable and convenient! • You may cancel your dues withholding at any time! Application process It takes 60-90 days to process your application. Once the process is complete, you will receive a special membership card distinguishing you as a NARFE dues-withholding member.
To learn more about dues withholding, call 800-627-3394. Retirees, spouses of retirees and annuitant survivors are eligible for dues withholding.
NARFE Dues Withholding Application for Retirees n YES. I want to enroll in NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program (Annual dues of $34 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.) Social Security Number (9-digit number)
–
Civil Service Annuity Number
–
C S
–
–
–
(Include prefix, CSA or CSF) (Include any applicable suffix)
n Mr. n Mrs. n Miss n Ms. Full Name _______________________________________
NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Street Address ___________________________________
NARFE Membership ID ____________________________________
Apt./Unit________________________________________
NARFE Chapter Number____________________________________
City _________________________ State _____ ZIP _____
n YES. I Also Authorize My (NARFE Member) Spouse’s Dues To Be
Phone (__________) ______________________________ Email ___________________________________________ Date of Birth _________ /_________ / ____________________ dd
mm
yyyy
Withheld From My Annuity. (Additional annual dues of $34 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.) If YES, enter spouse’s information below. Spouse’s Name ___________________________________________ Spouse’s Membership ID ___________________________________
AUTHORIZATION (Withholding will begin in 60-90 days). No payment should be forwarded with application. I authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annually obligated, in accordance with elections I make below, and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership in accordance with elections I make below: Please allow 60-90 days for processing.
I understand that this authorization shall be valid until NARFE receives and processes my written notice of cancellation in accordance with its agreement with the Office of Personnel Management and that any disputes regarding this authorization shall be a matter between NARFE and myself. I hold the Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous allotment deduction made pursuant to this authorization. ___________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________
Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant
Date
Dues payments and gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. MAIL THIS FORM TO: NARFE, ATTN: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 www.narfe.org 800-627-3394 rr@narfe.org Do not send money with this form
DW-2 (08/12)
Member Perks
SAVE MONEY WITH NARFE PERKS NARFE appreciates your service, and so do businesses across the country. Whether you are planning your next vacation or planning for retirement, members can save money on everyday purchases, thanks to our Affinity Partners. It’s just one more way we’re able to say “thank you” for being a NARFE member. FINANCE AND LEGAL
IDShield & LegalShield 571-830-5489 www.legalshield.com/info/narfe LegalShield offers legal service plans as well as identity theft protection plans to NARFE members at discounted monthly rates. For more information on rates and to sign up today, visit the website above.
to secure a comparable quote. Your completed quote will help benefit NARFE! For complete terms and conditions, visit www.narfe.org/memberperks.
NARFE Insurance Services 800-233-5764 www.narfeinsurance.com
NARFE General Store 855-99NARFE (855-996-2733) www.narfegeneralstore.com
Designed and administered by Mercer Consumer, exclusively for NARFE members: senior age whole life, term life, Medicare supplements, hospital income plan, short-term recovery insurance, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, cancer care, enhanced dental insurance and long-term care.
As the official provider of NARFE merchandise, the NARFE General Store offers NARFE-approved name badges, business cards, clothing, accessories, cups and mugs, plaques and clocks, and much, much more. Check out our online catalog for our customizable product line.
MOVING SERVICES
InFirst Federal Credit Union 800-328-1500 www.infirstfcu.org
All NARFE members will receive contracted pricing for all interstate shipments. This will apply to packing, transportation and full-value coverage against damages. Please mention you are a NARFE member.
INSURANCE
Wheaton World Wide Moving 800-248-7960 narfe@wvlcorp.com
GEICO offers a special discount opportunity for NARFE members. To find out how much you could save, visit our website or call today and mention that you are a NARFE member. Have your current coverage information available in order 46
Bekins Van Lines 800-248-4810 narfe@bekins.com
As a member of NARFE, you have the privilege of joining InFirst Federal Credit Union, which has been serving active and retired federal employees since 1935. The credit union offers extensive services at competitive rates to members nationwide at 5,000+ shared branches, 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 24/7 phone access. Accounts are insured by NCUA up to $250,000.
GEICO 800-368-2734 www.geico.com/fed/narfe
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NARFE MERCHANDISE
At Wheaton, we know interstate relocating is much more than trucks and boxes. Moving is not simply an address change. It’s a life change. With a network of top-quality agents throughout the United States, Wheaton provides peace of mind with every relocation. We offer you, as a NARFE member, benefits to help you have a positive interstate relocation experience. Call today and mention you are a NARFE member to start the moving process.
PRODUCTS
Omaha Steaks 800-228-9055 www.omahasteaks.com/ NARFE Since 1917, Omaha Steaks has been delivering customers the finest gourmet steaks, seafood, poultry, pork, sides and desserts. Omaha Steaks make memorable gifts for any holiday, or you can enjoy a gourmet meal right at home. NARFE members can enjoy FREE SHIPPING on select combos and an additional 10% DISCOUNT at checkout! If calling, use promo code YTZ.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Sprint 877-746-8249 www.sprint.com/fed NARFE members receive a 15% discount with Sprint! Access www.sprint. com/fed, call 877-746-8249 or visit the Sprint store nearest you to take ad-
vantage of this offer. Please bring your member ID card with you to our stores to sign up for the discount, and provide code GNARF_ZMB.
with approximately 3,500 locations around the world, Budget is a leading rental car supplier now offering discounts to members of NARFE. Call or book your reservation now at Budget. com using the NARFE BCD number D871500.
Verizon FiOS www.narfe.org/memberperks NARFE members can save up to $10 a month on a new qualifying Triple Play bundle with Verizon FiOS Internet, TV and home phone service – savings of up to $120 per year. The FiOS 100% fiberoptic network delivers award-winning broadband and entertainment to your home. Only FiOS Internet customers get upload speeds as fast as their download speeds. With FiOS TV, 625+ channels are available, including 185+ in HD, and over 130,000 On Demand titles, thousands free. This exclusive online-only savings is only available to new Verizon customers or those upgrading to the Triple Play Package.
TRAVEL
Wyndham Hotel Group 877-670-7088 Choice Hotels International 800-258-2847 www.choicehotels.com With 6,200 hotels in the United States and throughout the world, Choice Hotels® offers something for everyone. 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 through phone number or website above; cannot be redeemed at individual hotels. Choice Hotels brands are: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, Ascend Collection, Cambria, MainStay Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge, Clarion, Quality and Rodeway Inn.
Alamo 800-462-5266 www.alamo.com Drive Happy® with Alamo® where NARFE members receive year-round discounts. Call or visit our website today and reference Contract ID 262544.
Avis Car Rental 800-633-3469 www.avis.com Avis Car Rental is one of the world’s best-known car rental brands with approximately 5,500 locations in more than 165 countries. Avis has a long history of innovation in the car rental industry and is one of the world’s top brands for customer loyalty. Call or book your reservation now at Avis.com using the NARFE AWD number A701900.
Budget Car Rental 800-633-3469 www.budget.com Budget Car rental was founded in 1958 for the “budget-minded” renter. Today,
5282909. For complete terms and conditions, visit www.narfe.org/ memberperks.
NARFE members receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations. Call and give the agent your special discount ID number, 8000002694, at time of booking to receive discount. Call to reserve your room today at one of these fine hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Days Inn®, Ramada Worldwide®, Baymont Inns and Suites®, Hawthorn Suites® By Wyndham, Microtel Inns and Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®. Advance reservations required through phone number above; cannot be redeemed at individual hotels.
WELLNESS
Beltone Hearing Care 888-418-6763
Local Hospitality www.narfe.org/travel NARFE is pleased to offer its members an exclusive travel discount service. Savings may exceed 50% and average 10-20% below market on all hotels and car rental suppliers around the world. Any hotel, any car, anywhere, anytime!
Beltone has been helping the world hear better for 75 years. NARFE members receive 25% off, and those with Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan insurance coverage may be eligible for two Beltone True 3™ hearing aids for ZERO out-of-pocket.
Life Line Screening 800-324-9906 www.lifelinescreening.com/ NARFE National 800-CAR-RENT www.nationalcarrental.com You Drive A Hard Bargain. Receive up to 20% off rentals at National Car Rental. To make a reservation, call National Car Rental at 1-800-CARRENT® and reference Contract ID
Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct health screenings using state-ofthe-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood. To schedule an appointment, please call the number above and give the operator code number BKHN075 or visit the website.
NARFE Member 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 and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter. W W W. N A R F E . O R G
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The Way We Worked
100 YEARS OF PROTECTING OUR NATIONAL PARKS This 1939 photo shows a National Park Service (NPS) employee filling a spray tank at a field supply station. For many years, the NPS has sprayed chemicals to protect trees from beetle and other destructive insect infestation. The NPS continues to protect its trees through selective use of chemicals but also through many prevention techniques such as monitoring forest health through aerial surveys, identifying non-native insects and diseases, and educating the public to combat infestation. PHOTO from the Records of the National Park Service, National Archives; courtesy of National Archives History Office; in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit http://shfg.org. 48
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DID YOU KNOW? The National Park Service (NPS) turns 100 on August 25! It was created in 1916 to conserve and protect national parks and ensure that they will be enjoyed by future generations. Find out how the NPS is celebrating its centennial by visiting www. nps.gov. One of its special programs is called “Find Your Park,� which is designed to spread the word about all the places the NPS manages.
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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. Plans and Services require purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time setup fee of $35. Monthly fees do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges and are subject to change. Coverage is not available everywhere. 5Star or 9-1-1 calls can only be made when cellular service is available. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone and the activation fee (or setup fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. There are no additional fees to call GreatCall’s U.S.-based customer service. However, for calls to a GreatCall Operator in which a service is completed, you will be charged 99 cents per call, and minutes will be deducted from your monthly rate plan balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 GreatCall, Inc. ©2016 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
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