September 2023 NARFE Magazine

to all discounts: Residents under a Life Care Agreement are not eligible for the discounts. These discounts do not apply to any room, board or services which are paid for all or in part by any state or federally funded program. Discounts are available to members and their family members, including spouse, adult children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and corresponding in-law or step adult children, siblings, parents, and grandparents through current spouse. Subject to availability. Further restrictions may apply.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jenn Rafael

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Beth Bedard

CONTENT MANAGER

Matt Sanderson

ADDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN

TGD

EDITORIAL BOARD

William Shackelford, Kathryn E. Hensley, Johann De Castro

CONTACT US

NARFE Magazine

606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781

Editorial: communications@narfe.org

Advertising Sales: Francine Garner advertising@narfe.org

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 NFBNEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 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.

NATIONAL OFFICERS

WILLIAM SHACKELFORD

President; natpres@narfe.org

KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org

INTERIM CHIEF OF

STAFF

JOHANN DE CASTRO jdecastro@narfe.org

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

REGION I Jeff Anliker (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont)

Tel: 413-813-8136

Email: jeff.anliker@outlook.com

REGION II Larry Walton (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania)

Tel: 443-831-1791

Email: rvp2@narfe.org

REGION III Lynn Harper (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Puerto Rico)

Tel: 478-951-3260

Email: lynn_harper@msn.com

REGION IV Robert L. Helfrich (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin)

Tel: 317-501-1700

Email: rlhelfrich@yahoo.com

REGION V Cindy Reneé Blythe (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota)

TO JOIN NARFE, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR FIND A LOCAL CHAPTER: CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 OR GO TO www.narfe.org

TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL LISTING: CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 EMAIL memberrecords@narfe.org OR GO TO www.narfe.org, log in and click on “My Account”

TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST: EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org

NARFE HEADQUARTERS

606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-7760

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET

Tel: 785-256-1450

Email: mrsdocbusyb@yahoo.com

REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas)

Tel: 903-660-2784

Email: pappysdad@cobridge.tv

REGION VII Sharon Reese (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming)

Tel: 575-649-6035

Email: rvp7@narfe.org

REGION VIII Robert H. Ruskamp (California, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines)

Tel: 703-628-3234

Email: ruskampr@gmail.com

REGION IX Steven Roy (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington)

Tel: 425-344-3926

Email: stevenroy1@yahoo.com

REGION X Robert Allen (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia)

Tel: 757-404-3880

Email: rvp10@narfe.org

NARFE Magazine (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly except in February and July 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 $48. 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 © 2023, 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 Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

NARFE’S MISSION STATEMENT

To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests.

To promote the general welfare of federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants, to advise and assist them with respect to their rights under retirement, health and other employee and retiree benefits laws and regulations, and to represent their interests before appropriate authorities.

To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these general objectives.

Welcome to Fall

As you read my message, summer is drawing to a close and 2023 is practically over. Of course, that does not mean that we can relax and think that there won’t be some hot days ahead, but perhaps the worst is behind us. September is when Congress resumes its work after the long summer recess and hopefully many of you were able to contact you representative or senator either during LEGCon23 or during the month of August, when most members of Congress were back in their home districts.

But if you missed meeting members of your congressional delegation during the summer recess, it’s never too late to get their attention and speak up for NARFE’s issues. Using the Legislative Action Center at www.narfe.org is an ideal method for members to demonstrate that we speak with one collective “voice.” NARFE members need to keep reminding legislators and the president that we are only seeking fair treatment.

This grassroots advocacy has best been demonstrated during 2023 with the success that has been achieved with the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which would fully repeal both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

At the time of this message (July 24), there were 288 co-sponsors. During a floor vote, when all members are present and voting, 218 votes are needed to pass legislation. Hopefully as you read this article there are more than 290 co-sponsors,

which is an important threshold, because at 290 co-sponsors, members can actually move bills through committee or even to the floor for a vote. These numbers indicate likely success for the passage of H.R. 82 on the House floor if it’s brought to a vote.

Even with this type of success, efforts must be made to make our voice stronger on Capitol Hill. There are several ways organizations like NARFE encourage members to recruit, and most of them involve incentives. At the meeting in June, the National Executive Board voted unanimously to offer a membership recruitment incentive of $10 for each new member recruited during the period September 1 through December 31. History shows that during these periods, recruitment increases. When individuals join NARFE, they not only become part of the only organization solely dedicated to protecting their earned benefits, but they also become part of a movement for equity and fairness—one that decision makers in Washington have learned to heed. Not a bad investment for $48, and one that has a little sweetener in it for you as a recruiter!

As I stated during the conferences/conventions that I addressed, “Remember, all that we do is made possible by you and together, we will make a difference.” Nowhere is the saying “it takes a village” truer than it is now for NARFE. Recruit a new member and make our village larger, stronger and louder. The future of NARFE is in our hands.

WILLIAM SHACKELFORD NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org

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MISS A WEBINAR?

CATCH up on past NARFE Federal Benefits Institute presentations in NARFE’s webinar archive, where you’ll find videos, slides and transcripts of question-and-answer sessions for webinars dating back to January 2019. View them at www.narfe.org/webinar-archive.

NARFE Members Get a Discount From 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

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junk removal services from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? with code NARFE10.

For information on this and other valuable NARFE Perks, turn to page 54 or visit www.narfe.org/perks.

TSP UPDATE ONLINE Get the most recent monthly and annual Thrift Savings Plan returns (G, F, C, S, I and L Funds) online at www.narfe.org/tsp-funds.

TRACKING RETIREMENT CLAIMS

STAY ON TOP OF NEWS THAT MATTERS

NARFE Daily News Clips features breaking news and informative articles from various outlets curated just for NARFE members. To join the mailing list, visit www.narfe.org/clips.

READ NARFE MAGAZINE ONLINE

NARFE’s website offers a digital flipbook of this and previous issues. You can read the magazine online on your computer, phone or tablet, or download it to peruse later.

www.narfe.org/magazine-issues

Find out how many retirement claims OPM Retirement Services receives and processes each month, with average processing times and total inventory, at www.narfe.org/opmprocessing.

LEGcon23 Highlights: Empowering Members to Be the Best Advocates

NARFE recently concluded its highly anticipated LEGcon23, a three-day virtual legislative conference aimed at equipping members with the tools and knowledge for effective advocacy. The event witnessed a strong turnout of about 220 members from all corners of the nation, who took NARFE’s message directly to Congress.

After a day and a half of training, the third day of LEGcon23 marked the culmination of the conference with a virtual advocacy day. NARFE members, displaying unwavering dedication, participated in more than 200 meetings scheduled with congressional offices. The virtual advocacy day provided an invaluable opportunity for members to directly engage with legislators and/or their staff, advocating for the interests of federal employees and retirees. The combined efforts of NARFE’s leaders have helped grow support for key bills—like the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82/S.597, and the Equal COLA Act, H.R. 866—and push back against current and future attempts to cut earned federal benefits. The active involvement

and dedication of NARFE members was pivotal in shaping the success of LEGcon23.

Day one and two of LEGCon23 were filled with enlightening sessions and presentations, preparing NARFE leaders for their meetings, educating on effective communication with

Congress, as well as focusing on year-round advocacy efforts and putting NARFE-PAC to work—learning how NARFEPAC plays an integral role in boosting NARFE’s top issues by strategically supporting candidates who align with the organization’s goals and values.

During the conference, members also heard live speeches from Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-VA, Rob Wittman, R-VA and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-PA, and video addresses from Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-MD, and lead sponsors of the Social Security Fairness Act, Reps. Garret Graves, R-LA,

SEPTEMBER ACTION ALERT: PROTECT FEDERAL WORKERS’ EARNED BENEFITS AND OPPOSE BUDGET CUTS

Visit NARFE’s Legislative Action Center at www.narfe.org to send a message to your lawmakers urging them to oppose the Republican Study Committee fiscal year 2024 budget proposal due to its provision to eliminate or reduce COLAs for federal annuities, reduce the rate of return on the TSP’s G Fund to near zero, voucherize the FEHB program, eliminate the FERS annuity entirely for new hires, increase employee contributions toward retirement without additional benefit, change the calculation of annuities, eliminate FEHB in retirement for new hires and more.

and Abigail Spanberger, D-VA, and Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, and Susan Collins, R-ME. They took to the virtual stage to address members, sharing their insights and experiences, and provided perspectives on effective advocacy strategies and the legislative process. Hearing directly from these representatives, conference attendees gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of Congress and the importance of engaging with lawmakers.

Members were also joined by a congressional staff panel, consisting of Wendy Ginsburg, director of subcommittees, minority, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, as well as Graves’ legislative director, Logan de La BarreHays, and Natalie Stewart, district coordinator for Spanberger. The staffers gave the inside scoop on how to conduct effective meetings, such as emphasizing the significance of personalized communication, having a definitive “ask” or

MYTH VS. REALITY

MYTH: Congressional authorization of federal agency budgets is a simple and linear process, with timely passage of appropriations bills each year.

REALITY: The congressional budgeting and appropriations process is often complex and prone to delays, requiring continuing resolutions, and resulting in threats of or actual government shutdowns. In fact, Congress has managed to pass all 12 of its required appropriations on time only four times: in fiscal year (FY) 1977, 1989, 1995 and 1997. When appropriations bills are not passed before the start of the fiscal year, Congress often passes continuing resolutions extending the previous year’s funding levels to avert a government shutdown; these measures hinder long-term planning and create uncertainty for federal agencies and program beneficiaries.

request of your representative, and supporting personal stories or impacts with data. Attendees prepared for their virtual advocacy day with practical tips on how to schedule meetings with lawmakers, as well as the importance of following up and maintaining ongoing relationships.

NARFE extends heartfelt gratitude to all the members who

attended LEGcon23 and played a vital role in its resounding success. Their commitment to making a difference and their enthusiastic participation in the conference demonstrated the collective strength and determination of NARFE’s community in shaping public policy.

—BY IVANA SARA, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER

WEP Reform Legislation Reintroduced in the House

Legislation to reform the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) was reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Ranking

of WEP reform and would grant relief to current WEP-affected individuals by providing them

NARFE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY

LEARN MORE about how you can take action to protect your earned pay and benefits by reviewing NARFE Grassroots materials at www.narfe.org/advocacy

Budget Proposal Takes Aim at Earned Benefits

Anew congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) takes aim at federal pay and benefits. The Republican Study Committee (RSC), a group made up of more than 176 lawmakers in the House of Representatives, recently released its latest budget proposal that contains significant cuts to the earned pay and benefits of federal workers and retirees, along with changes to Social Security.

For current retirees, the budget proposes reducing or eliminating cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuitants directly; and indirectly by implementing the inaccurate Chained-CPI to calculate COLAs. The budget would also voucherize the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, with the government providing a set dollar contribution for each federal worker and retiree rather than contributing a percentage of the cost of each health care plan. This would increase costs for participants by forcing workers and retirees to make up the dollar difference beyond what they currently pay in premiums. Furthermore, it would reduce the rate of return of the Thrift Savings Plan’s G Fund to near zero.

For current employees, the budget increases the employee share of contributions into FERS

for all active workers—including those who have worked under FERS for decades—making all employees contribute more without any additional benefit. It would also base future retirement calculations on an

Additionally, the RSC budget proposes changes to federal pay for current workers, like ending across-the-board pay increases, limiting bonuses, and changing the federal pay scale. The proposal would also change federal worker paid leave policies, cutting $75 billion over 10 years.

For Social Security, the budget would gradually increase the full retirement age from 67 to 69, among other changes to the program.

employee’s highest five years of pay, rather than the current three; and eliminates the FERS annuity supplement.

For new hires, the budget would eliminate entirely the federal annuity portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), limiting federal retirement compensation to contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for new federal employees. It would also end FEHB retirement benefits for all new federal hires, meaning new hires would not be allowed to participate in the program upon retirement, which is currently a major benefit and attraction to federal service. This would also threaten to destabilize the program.

“Those now aged 59 would see an increase in the retirement age of three months per year beginning in 2026,” said Representative Ben Cline, R-VA, chair of the RSC Budget and Spending Taskforce, in an interview with Roll Call. “The retirement age would reach 69 for those who turn 62 in 2033.”

At press time, it was unclear whether the budget proposal will get a vote on the House floor, but the RSC chair, Rep. Kevin Hern, R-OK, said he expects one, according to Bloomberg. However, that is not a guarantee.

NARFE strongly opposes this budget proposal, as it breaks promises to federal workers by cutting earned benefits and urges lawmakers to oppose the cuts it contains. Federal benefits, especially those that have already been earned, should not be up for debate and used as cost savings.

—BY ROSS APTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

FOR SOCIAL SECURITY, THE BUDGET WOULD GRADUALLY INCREASE THE FULL RETIREMENT AGE FROM 67 TO 69 AMONG OTHER CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM.

with an extra $150 a month and institute a new WEP formula for future retirees.

Specifically, H.R. 4260 would provide current WEP-affected Social Security beneficiaries and those turning 62 before 2025 an extra $150 per month, starting nine months after enactment and continuing for as long as those individuals are eligible to receive Social Security benefits. The relief amount cannot exceed the size of each person’s current WEP reduction.

Future retirees will be eligible for a new formula, called the Public Servant Protection (PSP) formula. The PSP formula would calculate a benefit amount based on the

proportion of lifetime earnings covered by Social Security.

The legislation stipulates that future retirees will receive the higher benefit of the two formulas, protecting individuals from being worse off under the new PSP formula. H.R. 4260 also maintains the current WEP exemptions for those who have 30 or more years of Social Security covered employment or if they do not receive any pension from their public employment.

NARFE continues to prioritize support for repeal of both WEP and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) via the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82/S.597. That bill has gained 288 cosponsors in the House and 44 in the Senate,

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as of press time. Continuing to gain widespread support for the repeal bill not only improves the chances of full repeal, but also pressures congressional and committee leaders to come to the table on possible solutions, such as ones that could include Rep. Neal’s reform construct, or a variation of it.

But more work needs to be done to continue gaining support and pressuring leaders to agree upon a solution to remedy the unfair penalties of WEP and GPO.

Every voice counts, so please continue to contact your member of Congress to address these issues.

—BY JOHN HATTON, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY AND PROGRAMS

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LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES

NARFE NewsLine—A weekly newsletter that goes out to NARFE members on Tuesdays and includes weekly recaps of legislative news, compiled by NARFE’s advocacy and communications teams.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER—A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org

House and Senate Appropriators

Advance FSGG Spending Bills

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate are working through the appropriations process to fund the government before the end of the fiscal year in September. In July, both the House and Senate Appropriations committees advanced their versions of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) bill, which determines funding levels for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and may determine federal pay raises.

The House FSGG bill would cut allocated funding for affected agencies by 58 percent and claw back previously allocated agency funding as a partial offset. The spending cuts would directly impact the operations of OPM Retirement Services, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.

Importantly, the legislation is silent on a federal employee pay raise, indicating Congress may defer the decision to the president, who suggested a 5.2 percent average pay increase in 2024.

The House spending bill holds numerous federal agencies at or below fiscal year 2022 spending, including OPM ($373 million).

NARFE is concerned with the customer service federal workers and retirees receive from OPM

and is working with the agency and Congress on improving it. However, large spending cuts to OPM could potentially worsen the

to consistently review the roughly 5,000 available funds for full compliance without exorbitant cost.

Additional policy riders include requiring federal agencies to renew telework levels set in place pre-pandemic or have their funding withheld, as well as prohibiting FEHB plan coverage for abortion and gender-affirming care.

situation and constrain projects to modernize the agency.

The legislation also stipulates that the TSP may not offer access to mutual funds that make investment decisions based primarily on environmental, social or governance criteria. None of the TSP’s core funds do so. However, this policy would effectively force the TSP to no longer provide the recently implemented mutual fund window, as the agency overseeing TSP would be unable

As expected, the House and Senate are at odds with each other in terms of OPM funding, final spending figures and policy riders, with the Senate sticking to the spending caps negotiated during the debt ceiling compromise in June and the House going below the agreement by roughly $120 billion. The Senate FSGG bill provides OPM with $457 million, roughly $35 million more than the total enacted in the previous year. The accompanying Senate report recommended $35 million for “OPM’s highest priorities, i.e., the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, improvements to Retirement Services, and IT modernization improvements.”

NARFE is working with Congress to fund the government and urging lawmakers to reject drastic cuts to OPM’s budget and other policy riders that could harm federal workers and retirees.

—BY ROSS APTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

THE SPENDING CUTS WOULD DIRECTLY IMPACT THE OPERATIONS OF OPM RETIREMENT SERVICES, THE THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (TSP) AND THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS (FEHB) PROGRAM.

NARFE BILL TRACKER

THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.

H.R.159/S.59: Chance to Compete Act of 2023 / Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-NC / Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-AZ

Cosponsors:

H.R. 159: 3 (D) 2 (R) S. 59: 1 (D) 2 (R) 0 (I)

H.R. 1002/S. 399: Saving the Civil Service Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 1002: 13 (D) 2 (R) S. 399: 14 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

Implements merit-based reforms to the civil service hiring system that replace degree-based hiring with skills- and competencybased hiring.

Passed the House under suspension of the rules 1/24/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 1/24/2023

FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY

H.R. 1487: The Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management Reform Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 1487: 1 (D) 0 (R)

Prevents any position in the federal competitive service, created after September 30, 2020, from being reclassified into the excepted service, outside the protection of merit system rules without the express consent of Congress. The bill also requires the consent of an employee to be reclassified, mandates reporting of conversions to the Office of Personnel Management, and places caps on the number of employees converted to the excepted service via Schedule C.

Codifies several recommendations for OPM by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), such as clarifying that OPM stands at the center of federal civilian human resource management and ensuring the director of OPM possesses human capital and leadership expertise.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 2/15/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 2/14/2023

H.R. 3115/S. 1496: Public Service Reform Act / Rep. Chip Roy, R-TX / Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL

Cosponsors:

H.R. 3115: 0 (D) 14 (R)

S. 1496: 0 (D) 1 (R) 0 (I)

Would make all federal employees at-will and enable workers to be removed for good cause, bad cause or no cause at all. The legislation would also abolish the Merit System Protections Board and limit removal appeals to claims of whistleblower retaliation and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints before the US Court of Appeals.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 3/9/2023

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 5/5/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 5/9/2023

NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position

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NARFE BILL TRACKER

THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.

H.R. 82/S. 597: The Social Security Fairness Act / Rep. Garret Graves, R-LA / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH

Cosponsors:

H.R. 82: 199 (D) 89 (R)

S. 597: 36 (D) 5 (R) 3 (I)

H.R. 4260: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 4260: 94 (D) 0 (R)

SOCIAL SECURITY

H.R. 4583: Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust / Rep. John Larson, D-CT

Cosponsors:

H.R. 4583: 176 (D) 0 (R)

Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. 1/9/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 3/1/2023

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly rebate of $150 to current beneficiaries (age 62 or older before 2025) and creating a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEP-affected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2025).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 6/21/2023

H.R. 716: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 716: 28 (D) 0 (R)

Expands and strengthens Social Security benefits, improves solvency of the Social Security trust funds, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provisions and Government Pension Offset, and provides numerous other Social Security related improvements.

Requires Social Security and federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retirement benefits.

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Energy and Commerce 7/12/2023

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Accountability, and Armed Services 2/1/2023

FEDERAL ANNUITIES

H.R. 866: The Equal COLA Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 866: 32 (D) 2 (R)

Provides Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees with the same annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as Civil Serve Retirement System (CSRS) retirees.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 2/8/2023

NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position

FEDERAL COMPENSATION

H.R. 536/ S. 124: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

Cosponsors:

H.R. 536: 69 (D) 1(R) S. 124: 19 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

H.R. 856/ S. 274: Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act / Rep. Don Beyer, D-VA / Sen Brian Schatz, D-HI

Cosponsors:

H.R. 856: 33 (D) 2 (R) S.274: 9 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

H.R. 1301/ S. 640: Federal Employees Civil Relief Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

Cosponsors: H.R. 1301: 2 (D) 0 (R) S. 640 15 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

Provides federal employees with an 8.7 percent average pay raise in 2024.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 1/26/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 1/26/2023

Extends paid leave to federal and postal employees for all conditions covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Veteran’s Affairs and House Administration 2/7/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 2/7/2023

Protects federal workers and contractors from a variety of civil financial penalties during a lapse in appropriations or a breach of the debt ceiling.

Referred to the House Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Judiciary, Education and Workforce, and House Administration. 3/1/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 3/2/2023

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Q&A

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

& ANSWERS were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute experts. NARFE does not provide legal, financial planning or tax advice or assistance. EMPLOYMENT

PROPER RETIREMENT COVERAGE UPON REHIRE

QI was previously employed under FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) for a brief period from August 2012 through February 2013. After a break in federal service of more than six years, I was rehired in March 2019 and was placed under the FERS FRAE (Further Revised Annuity Employee) version of FERS, where I must now pay 4.4% of my salary into FERS instead of the 0.8% contribution I made in my prior appointment. Why am I now paying so much for my retirement?

ABased on the information provided, it appears that you should have been rehired with regular FERS coverage subject to the 0.8% withholding. This is because you were a FERS employee on December 31, 2012. This is one of three exceptions to FERS FRAE (Further Revised Annuity Employee) coverage if you were hired after December 31, 2013. The other two exceptions include:

• On December 31, 2012, you were performing civilian service which is creditable or potentially creditable

service under FERS (for example, you may have been performing service as a Peace Corps volunteer or may have been covered under another retirement system from which service credit may be transferred to FERS, such as CSRS, CSRS-Offset, Foreign Service, Federal Reserve, or CIARDS), or

• On December 31, 2012, you were not covered under FERS and were not performing civilian service, which is creditable or potentially creditable service under FERS,

but as of December 31, 2012, you had performed at least five years of civilian service creditable or potentially creditable under FERS, including service subject to CSRS or CSRS-Offset.

An individual hired in 2014 or later who is not subject to original FERS coverage will be subject to FERS-RAE (Revised Annuity Employee) coverage if they were covered by FERS RAE on December 31, 2013, or they were performing civilian service which is creditable or potentially creditable on December 31, 2013 or they were not covered under FERS on December 31, 2013, but as of December 31, 2013, they have at least five years of creditable or potentially creditable service under FERS.

FERS-RAE and FERS-FRAE are essentially FERS, albeit with higher contribution rates. In general, employees hired after December 31, 2012, who were not excluded from FERS coverage became subject to FERS-RAE coverage and paid significantly

higher employee contributions for the FERS basic benefit than employees subject to the original FERS coverage. After another change in the law, employees hired after December 31, 2013, who are not excluded from FERS coverage become subject to FERS-FRAE coverage and must pay even higher employee contributions for the FERS basic benefit than FERS-RAE employees.

For more information on these complicated coverage rules, agency retirement specialists may refer to Chapter 10 of the CSRS and FERS Handbook on “Coverage” as well as OPM Benefits Administration Letter: www.narfe.org/opm-14-107

MID-CAREER CONSIDERATIONS FOR FUTURE RETIREMENT

QI’ve been working as a federal employee for over five years, and I don’t expect to retire anytime soon. What are some things I can do now to ensure that I don’t have any problems with my federal retirement later?

ACongratulations for thinking ahead and planning for your future. When it comes to federal retirement planning, it is never too early to start. Many agencies offer financial literacy programs for their employees, including retirement planning classes for employees at various stages of their federal careers. Your agency training office should be able to assist you with identifying any such programs.

One last professional that you may wish to engage is an estate planning attorney. This is a lawyer who can provide you with an understanding of basic documents that everyone should

have. These include financial power of attorney, will or trust documents, and advanced healthcare directives. There are certain assets that can skip probate (the court-supervised legal process of distributing your assets) and instead transfer directly to a beneficiary after you die. These types of assets are called non-probate assets and include your TSP, FERS (or CSRS) retirement benefit, and life insurance policies, including Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). An estate planning attorney can help you ensure that these benefits are properly distributed upon your death in the most tax efficient manner.

As a NARFE member, you have access to the Federal Benefits Institute at www.narfe. org that provides a wealth of information in the form of an extensive webinar archive along with new live presentations every month. In addition, there are NARFE white papers and articles

COUNTDOWN TO COLA

in NARFE Magazine that provide important instructions and information for all stages of retirement planning. Here are some mid-career focused webinars in NARFE’s extensive library:

• Mid-Career Reality Check: Golden Handcuffs or a Move to the Private Sector

• Understanding TSP Funds and How to Diversify for Your Life Stage

• Financial Strategies for MidCareer Federal Employees

If you have specific questions regarding your situation, you may reach one of NARFE’s Federal Benefits Experts at fedbenefits@narfe.org. Always include your phone number when you email us so we can call you if necessary.

You can also engage with fellow NARFE members through FEDHub, NARFE’s online community located at https://fedhub.narfe.org. Some communities you will find on FEDHub include the Retirement

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.34% in June 2023. To calculate the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the 2023 third-quarter indices will be averaged and compared with the 2022 third-quarter average of 291.901.

The percentage increase determines the COLA. June’s index, 299.394, is up 2.6% from the base.

The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services.

Zone, Social Security, and US Postal Service community.

RETIREMENT

COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT TO FERS SUPPLEMENT

QDoes the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?

ANo. Unfortunately, the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement payable from OPM to certain FERS annuitants does not receive COLA. By the time most FERS annuitants begin receiving COLA at age 62, the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement has already ceased. Employees retiring under special provision such as law enforcement officers or firefighters as well as survivor annuitants and disability retirees receive immediate COLAs on their FERS Basic Retirement Benefit (but not the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement).

NARFE’s team of professional lobbyists continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the federal community. Supported by grassroots activists, NARFE is a leading voice in Washington and across the country. The Equal COLA Act, H.R. 866, is one of NARFE’s legislative priorities and its passage would provide the full COLA for FERS annuities, which would be in line with the full COLAs that CSRS retirees and Social Security beneficiaries currently receive. Current law doesn’t allow for a FERS COLA until age 62 and reduces COLAs for

FERS annuities when the COLA is higher than 2 percent, eating away at the value of the annuity over time. Over the course of a retirement, and based on historical inflation figures, an average FERS annuity would lose nearly $88,000 over a 30-year retirement.

MANAGING TSP IN RETIREMENT

QI recently retired and I’m looking for tips regarding managing my Thrift Savings Plan in retirement.

As you are aware, your FERS Basic Retirement Benefit and Social Security retirement insurance benefits produce a lifetime stream of income that you can’t outlive. The TSP requires more attention as you must continue to monitor and manage this investment as you make decisions to draw down the amount of your savings over a retirement that can last two, three or even four decades or more. Here are some things to consider:

• Think of your risk tolerance as you consider the investment options in managing your TSP account while preparing to move into retirement. One common mistake is to become too conservative too early. Wells Fargo reports that 59 percent of Americans are more concerned about “avoiding loss than maximizing the growth of their investments for retirement,” and that this sentiment is shared equally across all age groups. Consider using one of the L Funds. Each of the ten L Funds is a diversified mix of the five individual funds (G, F, C, S, and I). They were designed

to let you invest your entire portfolio in a single L Fund and get the best expected return for anticipated risk that is appropriate for you.

• Regularly review your TSP portfolio and adjust as needed. Consider factors like market conditions, your financial goals, and any changes in your circumstances. Balancing risk and return are crucial to sustain your retirement income.

• Decide on a withdrawal strategy that suits your financial needs and goals. You may choose a stream of income through monthly, quarterly, or annual payments based on a specific dollar amount or based on your life expectancy. The TSP also has a contract with MetLife to provide a life annuity that can be purchased using all or part of your TSP account. Purchasing an annuity means that you pay now to receive monthly payments for the rest of your life (or, if you choose a joint life annuity, for the lives of you and your joint annuitant). You give up your money and control in exchange for guaranteed lifetime monthly payments if you choose the annuity option instead of one of the installment payment options.

• To avoid tax penalties, be aware of the rules for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). If you were born prior to January 1, 1951, you have already passed your RMD age. If you were born between January 1, 1951, and December 31, 1959, then your RMD age is 73. If you were born after December 31, 1959, then

your RMD age is 75. Once you reach your RMD age, you’ll need to take a specific minimum distribution amount from your TSP account. It’s not a bad idea to update your TSP account with a bank account so if you ever find yourself in a situation where you either forget or neglect to take out enough money to satisfy your RMD in a given year, the TSP will automatically make a direct deposit into your bank account to satisfy that year’s RMD before the IRS deadline. Otherwise, if they don’t have a bank

account on file, they will send you a check in the mail instead.

• Evaluate the tax implications of your TSP withdrawals. Withdrawals from traditional TSP accounts are generally subject to income tax, while Roth TSP withdrawals may be tax-free. Consult a tax professional to understand the consequences of your specific situation.

• If you’re uncertain about managing your TSP or need personalized guidance, consider consulting a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning for

federal retirees. They can provide tailored advice based on your unique circumstances and help you make informed decisions. See the previous answer to the question for mid-career considerations for information on working with a financial professional.

To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN:

Retiring Overseas

Did you know that in fiscal year 2022 there were 20,141 employee and survivor annuitants who live outside of the United States and its territories? Retiring abroad can be an exciting experience, or it can continue the love of a country experienced while working there during your federal career. There can also be financial or family reasons for retiring overseas.

Author Kathleen Peddicord is an expert on the topic of retiring overseas. She has lived in many countries over the past three decades and she understands the importance of packing your family, pets, and household goods to move abroad. Her book How to Retire Overseas explores the things you need to know when retiring overseas. Here are a few tips from two federal retirees —Melinda Stevens and Helga Jackson — who both retired in Germany.

• In Germany, you must go to the “Bürgerbüro” which is the local city office to register with your passport and the address of where you reside. You must also obtain a residency permit at the “Ausländeramt” which is the immigration office.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) covers us in Germany and although all FEHB plans provide coverage overseas, there are some, like BCBS, that don’t require your bills to be translated to English or your currency converted to dollars. Medical services are much lower in Germany, so at times I don’t even file a claim. I learned this when I received a check for $0.73.

• I have found it advantageous to receive all my funds into a U.S. bank. When I need Euros, I go to an ATM.

outside the United States. Medicare generally won’t pay for health care or supplies you get outside the United States.

FEDVIP: You can enroll in any of the nationwide dental and/or vision plans. These plans provide benefits for services received outside of the United States.

For more information, visit https://www.benefeds.com/

TAXES

If you are a U.S. citizen, your income is generally subject to U.S. income tax, regardless of where you are living. Additional information can be found at www.narfe.org/irs-abroad-qa

Additionally, here are two IRS publications that you may find helpful:

• Publication 721, Tax Guide to U.S. Civil Service Retirement Benefits, found at www.narfe.org/irs-p721-qa

INSURANCE

FEHB: The Office of Personnel Management provides a list of important facts about overseas coverage, including reviewing Section 7 of your plan brochure for information about overseas claims. According to OPM, you should not be enrolled in an HMO if you are living overseas. Visit www.narfe.org/ opm-overseas-qa.

Medicare: Medicare.gov has information regarding very limited Medicare coverage

• Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, found at www.narfe.org/irs-p54-qa

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security benefits are calculated in U.S. dollars, and do not increase or decrease with changes in exchange rates. For persons who have worked both in the United States and abroad, many countries have partnered with America to provide totalization agreements. Learn more at www.narfe.org/ssa-abroad1 and www.narfe.org/ssa-abroad2.

IF YOU ARE A U.S. CITIZEN, YOUR INCOME IS GENERALLY SUBJECT TO U.S. INCOME TAX, REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE LIVING

BENEFITS RESOURCES

NARFE OFFERS MEMBERS a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute.

VETERANS

The VA provides information on benefits for vets abroad:

www.narfe.org/va-abroad

KEEP IN TOUCH

To inform OPM and TSP of your current address visit:

• www.narfe.org/opm-change-address

• www.narfe.org/tsp-change-address

ADDITIONAL TIPS

The Department of State provides resources. Visit www.narfe.org/state-abroad

You can find longer feature stories about retiring overseas in the NARFE Magazine archive in the August 2013 and April 2021 issues. If you are looking for career opportunities overseas, check out the December 2022 issue. Archived issues are available at www.narfe.org/magazine-issues.

—MICHELE BOLLIER IS A RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST WITH RETIRE FEDERAL.

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PLANNING LONG–TERM

LONG–TERM CARE

BY TAMMY FLANAGAN

My my sister-in-law Wendy, once beautiful and vibrant as a beauty queen, suffers from dementia. My brother, Andy, her husband of 55 years, has taken on the role of caregiver. Our father, who passed away in 1998, also had an eight-year battle with this disease. It’s a familiar story in many families, and we learn a lot by watching those who are close to us handle the struggle. Our mother was the caregiver for our dad, and by the time she decided to move our father to a care facility, the role of caregiver had already taken its toll on our mom. She passed away three months after my dad moved to the “home.”

According to the CDC, people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are usually cared for by family members or friends. The majority (80%) of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving care in their homes. Like our mother and my brother, family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are at greater risk for anxiety, depression and poorer quality of life than caregivers of people with other conditions.

In addition to receiving care at home, there are more than 800,000 Americans residing in assisted living. Most of these residents are the “oldest old,” or age 85 and older, female and non-

Hispanic white. Residents often need help with only a few “Activities of Daily Living” or ADLs (including dressing, bathing, feeding, toileting, incontinence and transferring) and do not require 24-7 skilled nursing care. The most common ADL that residents need assistance with is bathing, then walking. Nearly half of all residents have high blood pressure, and four in 10 are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. After a median stay around 22 months, roughly 60% of residents will move out of assisted living to transition to a skilled nursing center.

There are no easy solutions and no simple ways to prepare for the emotional, physical, and financial burdens of becoming a caregiver or the possibility of our own future when we may require assistance or supervision.

Although planning and preparing for long-term care is not simple, there are things that we can and should do now to prepare for the potential for our own journey with an illness that may lead to a loss of independence. Planning for our next vacation is a lot more fun and exciting, but there may come a day when the go-go years become the no-go years, and knowing that there is a plan in place can provide something that money can’t buy—peace of mind.

According to Consumers Unified (www. consumeraffairs.com), baby boomers, whose births sparked massive population shifts between 1946 and 1964, began turning 65 in 2011, and they currently make up about 20% of the population. Twenty years ago, when the silent generation was in a similar age range (56 to 73), they only made up about 15% of the population. The last boomers will turn 65 in 2029, and because they represent a larger percentage of the population than previous aging generations, the long-term care industry will face new challenges and growth over the next decade.

Our family, like many others, has experienced the need to provide supervision for our loved ones due to the progression of a brain disease that resulted in severe cognitive impairment. Others may face the need for long-term care much more suddenly from something that can happen overnight, such as a fall, a stroke or other major event. Although we may be healthy with no family history, one significant injury or illness can change the course of the future, from independence to becoming dependent and in need of daily assistance. Having a plan in place will help provide guidance for family and friends who will assume the role of caregivers. If you are single and you don’t live close to family or your closest friends,

80% of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving care in their homes.

then it can be even more important to have a plan in place for yourself. Here is a list of practical steps you can take now to plan and prepare:

1. Take care of your health. Sometimes it may feel as though we are scheduling our social life around our doctor’s appointments, but regular checkups, including our eyes and teeth, can go a long way toward preventing illnesses that may result in a loss of independence. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, older adults (over age 65) who were diagnosed with a serious disease reported functional limitations due to a health or memory problem such as difficulty preparing meals, shopping for groceries, taking medications, getting across a room, eating, dressing, bathing or using the toilet. The diseases that the survey respondents had been diagnosed with included: diabetes or high blood sugar; asthma, lung disease, emphysema or COPD; heart disease or had a stroke; cancer, not including skin cancer; Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or memory loss; depression, anxiety or other serious mental health problems; or chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

2. Have an advance directive in place. This includes having a living will, health care proxy and power of attorney. To learn more about these estate planning documents, check out the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute webinar “Estate Planning: Strategies for Feds” presented by Mark Keen on December 14, 2022, at www.narfe.org/webinar-archive.

3. Consider accessibility and safety in your home if your plan is to age in place. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, aging in place is the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. In March 2023, U.S. News & World Report surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults age 55 and older to learn how they are using assistive technologies in their homes and the ways they plan to use these devices to help them age in place. These include: mobile apps that are medical- or health-related; servicerelated apps for food or grocery delivery; wearable medical or health trackers; assistive smart home technology; and hearing assistive devices and medical alert devices. New technology has made these tools easy to set up and use, with voice activation and discreet product designs. The overwhelming majority

The last baby boomers turn 65 in 2029, and because they represent a larger percentage of the population than previous aging generations, the longterm care industry will face new challenges and growth over the next decade.

of respondents (93%) agree that aging in place is an important goal. Other ways to prepare to age in place include in-home modifications that reduce the incidence of falls by 50 percentage points for those age 75 and older, according to recent research. Every $1 invested in modifications returns $1.50 in reduced medical spending for people ages 75 and older. The American Occupational Therapy Association in partnership with the Administration on Aging has an extensive “Safe at Home Checklist ” to evaluate your home for aging in place readiness; find it at www.narfe.org/aota-checklist.

4. Are you considering a move? When relocating to a new home for your retirement years, consider the following:

a. Proximity to family and friends either by walking, driving or a nearby airport with flight schedules that make it easy for arranging visits.

b. Maintenance and upkeep that is included or affordable, if the need arises to hire help.

c. Size and type of home that may allow for onelevel living and room for guests or a caregiver.

5. Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a community living arrangement, typically on a single campus, that provides housing, health care and social services. CCRCs offer different levels of services ranging from independent housing to nursing home care. Joining a CCRC is a way of obtaining long-term care services more easily. You move into a CCRC as a resident of an independent housing unit where you can usually purchase and receive support services. When you need more care or

are unable to live independently, you can move to the assisted living facility on campus. Should you need the next level of care, you can move into the on-site nursing home. The fees for CCRCs vary and generally include both a monthly fee and an entrance fee. CCRCs charge a monthly fee based on the size of your independent living unit.

Another consideration when planning for the potential need for long-term care is the financial planning of how we will pay for a caregiver if our family or friends are not equipped or available to provide the care or supervision that we need. This can be someone who comes into our home or someone we visit at an adult daycare center. It can also be a place where we live such as a longterm care facility or assisted living arrangement.

As you approach retirement, you may want to consider a long-term care insurance policy to help cover expenses related to long-term care. A longterm care policy is used as a financial resource to pay for the assistance you may need with ADLs and when there is a need for supervision due to severe cognitive impairment. Some NARFE members may have purchased a policy from the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) through www.ltcfeds.com. FLTCIP was first available to federal workers, retirees and eligible family members in 2002. But new applications for FLTCIP have been suspended for 24 months, beginning December 2022, to assess the rising cost of this type of insurance. Current enrollees’ coverage status will not change if premiums continue to be paid. For those in a claim status, there is no change to coverage or the claims reimbursement process if benefits have not been exhausted.

There are more than 800,000 Americans residing in assisted living.

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If you are in the market for a long-term care policy, you can research policies available through an insurance agent, a financial planner or a broker. There are some important points to consider, including your ability to pass the insurance underwriting. Premiums will be based on your age at the time of purchase and the daily benefit amount, benefit period, inflation protection and other features that may add to the cost of the policy. There are only about dozen insurers that sell most policies, so be sure that the company you choose is licensed to sell policies in your state. Long-term care insurance is regulated on the state level. You can find additional resources by contacting your state’s insurance department.

In addition to a long-term care policy, you can also use these sources to help pay for expenses:

• VA benefits

• Medicare or Medicaid (note that Medicare covers skilled services like rehabilitative and nursing home care, but does not cover assistance with daily living, which can make up most long-term care needs)

• Life insurance

• Disability insurance

• Trusts

• Additional options like retirement accounts, pensions, real estate, savings and Social Security income

If you would like to begin your planning for long-term care options, you may want to start with the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute webinar that Mark Keen and I presented in March 2023: “How to Prepare for Long-Term Care: Aging Gracefully While Financially Secure.” This program is archived at www.narfe.org/webinar-archive. Additional resources are available at:

• Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov/ Public/Index.aspx with resources for aging in place, geriatric care managers, elder rights, housing and more

• Local Area Agency on Aging: https://eldercare.acl. gov/Public/About/Aging_Network/AAA.aspx

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/

• Home Health Services Compare: https://www. medicare.gov/care-compare/?redirect=true&prov iderType=HomeHealth

• Nursing Home Compare: https://www.medicare. gov/care-compare/?redirect=true&providerType= NursingHome

• State Insurance Departments: https://content. naic.org/state-insurance-departments

• State Medicaid Programs: https://www.medicaid. gov/state-overviews/index.html

As you plan for your future and the potential need for caregiving services, or should you someday need to take on the role of caregiver, be sure to share this information with your family and close friends. Try to organize the information that you have collected, and file policies, documents and other important information so that it can be easily accessed should the need arise to start the process. This is not something that you will accomplish on a Saturday afternoon; it is a process that will require research, communication and an open mind. You will need to consider the many options and opportunities that are available to reduce the financial burden and emotional and physical toll of long-term caregiving and/or being on the receiving end of care.

Over the next 10 years, the number of nursing home residents could double. This has the potential to not only put a strain on the existing network of long-term care facilities but also contribute to the ballooning cost of health care for individuals over 65. It’s time to get ahead of the future.

—TAMMY FLANAGAN IS THE PRINCIPAL OF TAMMY FLANAGAN LLC (RETIREFEDERAL.COM). SHE IS A FEATURED PRESENTER ON NARFE’S FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE WEBINARS.

Every $1 invested in modifications returns $1.50 in reduced medical spending for people ages 75 and older.

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NAVIGATING TODAY’S CAR-BUYING DEMAND

NAVIGATING

BY EVERETT A. CHASEN

Today’s autos are better than ever—and cost more than ever. Here’s how to get your best deal

Every fall, car dealerships throughout the nation proudly display manufacturers’ latest model lines. Like most recent cars, 2024 vehicles offer helpful new safety features; smarter, smaller, more powerful, and more efficient engines; and reliability previous generations could only dream of. But is now the right time to buy a new or used car?

“A good time to buy a car is when you need a car,” says Herb Weisbaum, contributing editor at Consumer Checkbook. (Checkbook.org reviews business and provides undercover price research on businesses and services in seven major metropolitan areas. It also produces an annual guide to Federal Employee Health Benefit plans.)

“Prices are up, however, because of the way things are right now.”

The average cost of a new car in April 2023 was $48,275, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB). “That’s going to be an eye-opener for a lot of people,” Weisbaum tells us. Insurance rates, too, will “dramatically surprise people, especially if you haven’t bought a car in a while. Auto insurance rates are up nearly 15% in some states in the past year.”

Why Are Prices so High?

According to Weisbaum, who has been helping consumers save time and money and make smarter decisions for more than 40 years on radio, television and on the internet at www.consumerman.com, demand for today’s new cars exceeds supply. Because of this, there are very few dealer incentives, which are programs offered to consumers or car dealers to stimulate new car sales. The most common such programs are cash rebates to the dealer or the buyer, low-interest financing and subsidized vehicle leases.

“Dealers don’t have to wheel and deal like they used to,” Weisbaum continues. “Some are adding to the sticker price because they can demand additional money for very popular vehicles—including some electric cars that are incredibly popular. And you may be waiting three or four months after you order a vehicle to get it. At this moment in time, that’s what the market is like.”

Another reason car prices are high and may never drop significantly again is that manufacturers can make a greater profit selling higher-priced vehicles than lower-priced ones. During the pandemic, carmakers realized there were many people who wanted the features and technologies today’s higher price cars offer, and were willing and able to pay for them.

In a recent blog post, Jessica Caldwell of Edmunds, a company offering online resources for car shoppers (www.edmunds.com), wrote that “without many new vehicle options left on the lower end of the price spectrum, buying a new vehicle will likely be out of reach for many consumers. In fact, it’s shocking how few vehicles are purchased at ‘affordable’ prices.”

Fewer and fewer “entry-level” cars, produced to introduce first-time buyers to an automaker’s brand in hopes they will develop a loyalty to that company, are now available. Their profit margins aren’t as great, and the computer chips needed to run

In March of 2023, only

0.3% average cost of a new car in April 2023 of all new vehicles sold cost $20,000 or under

$48,275

modern cars are in short supply and are often saved for higher-end vehicles.

Five years ago, according to Edmunds, 8% of all new vehicles sold cost $20,000 or under; in March 2023, it was only 0.3%. This March, 17% of all new vehicles sold cost under $30,000, compared with 44% five years ago.

Because new car prices are higher than ever, many people turn to used cars instead. As a result, used car dealers are finding it difficult to get sufficient inventory, both because of the increased number of buyers and because people are holding on to their cars longer when they see what a new car costs.

Finding a good deal isn’t easy. To get one, Weisbaum suggests shopping around. “If you look for a vehicle that’s not the most popular in the world, but is a good reliable vehicle, you may get a better deal, especially if you shop outside major cities. You may find dealers who offer a better price because of lower tax rates in their area or because of their current inventory situation. But the only way you’re going to know if you’re getting a good price is to get offers from a couple of dealers.”

Getting offers can be as simple as sending emails to a few dealers telling them you are in the market for a particular car and that you want one offer from them, so you can pick the best one you are given.

Before asking for offers, however, Weisbaum urges prospective buyers to test drive a car in

3 THINGS TO REMEMBER IN TODAY’S MARKET

1. The cost of new and used cars are higher than ever due to a variety of factors, and your geography could determine your price point, tax rate and access to inventory.

2. Choosing a reliable brand over a popular brand still holds true in finding a better deal. Be sure to pay attention to everything during your test drive.

3. Going electric or wanting the latest safety and technology features? Great! But first, always know your bottom line for the price of your vehicle.

www.narfe.org/perks.

person. He cites his own experience considering a car that sounded great on paper. “My wife and I drove it, and said ‘this is too big, and we can’t see over the hood.’ It made me very uncomfortable. Unless you actually drive the vehicle at highway speeds, and try to park it, it’s not enough just to say a car looks nice or gets good reviews. Check the trunk room, especially if that’s important for you.”

“How do you feel when you’re driving the vehicle?” he adds. For example, many new cars have sensors that will let you know when you are drifting out of your lane. “Some cars will jerk you back into the center of your lane. Do you like the way it feels when it does this? Does it scare you? Does it make you feel uncomfortable?

“You’ll learn a lot taking that test drive,” he concludes.

Weisbaum also suggests checking the reliability of brands and models you are considering. Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) conducts an annual survey of its members to ask about problems they’ve had with their vehicles in the past 12 months. They address 17 trouble areas,

including the engine, transmission and in-car electronics, and provide reliability ratings on a scale of 0 to 100 points for every mainstream automobile model. In 2023, the magazine found that Toyota, Lexus and BMW were the three most reliable brands, with Mazda and Honda coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Weisbaum believes brand reliability is a particularly important factor in choosing a used car, and adds another essential item: having a car you like checked by a qualified independent mechanic before you buy the auto. “You would not believe,” he tells us, “how many people call me and say I had my vehicle checked after I bought it and it’s got a problem. In most cases, if you buy it and drive it off the lot, it’s yours. It’s your problem.’

“You wouldn’t buy a home before doing a home inspection. And you’d do the home inspection before you buy the house. That’s the No. 1 tip I can give used car buyers. If you choose a reliable brand and have it checked by a qualified mechanic, you can get a good vehicle that will last for a long time.”

Good news for many buyers is they may be surprised by the trade-in value of their car. “Make sure you shop around for a price for what you’ll get for your vehicle,” says Weisbaum. CarMax (www. carmax.com) offers a seven-day written guarantee on the price they’ll pay for your car, and many dealers will match that price when it is presented to them if it’s higher than their original offer. If not, he suggests, just sell the car to CarMax instead.

To EV or Not EV?

One dilemma new and used car buyers often face is whether to buy a traditional gas-powered vehicle; an electric vehicle (EV); a hybrid car, which uses electricity to power systems like the stereo or air conditioning (some even power the car at slower speeds); or a plug-in hybrid, which automatically switches between electrical power and gasoline power when the battery charge runs down.

“EVs are clearly the future,” Weisbaum believes. “They tend to have much lower maintenance costs because they just don’t have as many engine parts.

You can use NARFE Perks’ Member Options Auto and Home Insurance Program to get a deal on car insurance tied to purchasing your new car, and enjoy quotes from top-rated carriers. To learn more, visit

Invisible Hearing Aid Uses Advanced Technology So Powerful That It Can Pick

Across the Room

Most modern hearing aids have serious flaws:

• Everybody notices them – they’ll make you look 20 years older the instant you put them on

• They collect sounds from behind you – which makes hearing your friends in a restaurant or crowded room impossible

• They use 10-year-old technology that amplifies everything (sometimes too loud!)– which can cause even more hearing loss!

Fortunately, there is a better way. Soundwise uses advanced technology that was specifically designed to pick up whispers so hearing your loved ones or the television so much clearer is virtually guaranteed.

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And in the long run, you’re going to save money because of rising gasoline prices.”

He suggests those interested in going electric consider how they will usually use the vehicle. Typical top-of-the-line electric vehicles can easily go between 250 and 350 miles or more on a single charge. “So, if you’re just going downtown to work and you have a charger at home, there’s no problem whatsoever. But you have to add in the cost of the home charger (between $300-$1,000 or more, according to Car and Driver magazine) and the cost of electricity in your area, which can vary widely.’

“Also, if you often drive long distances and know you’re going to be on main highways and have no problem stopping off and letting the car charge, that’s fine. But if you’re going to be driving in parts of the country where there are not many chargers yet, you may be better off getting a plug-in hybrid. If you can’t find a charger, a hybrid will switch over to gasoline to get you where you’re going.”

KBB reports EVs had an average price of $55,089 in April 2023, about $7,000 more than the average for all cars. One way to bring their cost down is through tax rebates and incentives. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), purchasers of new, qualified plug-in EVs may qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500. The availability of the credit depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s suggested retail price; where the vehicle is assembled; the minerals used in the power source; and your

$55,089 average cost of a new EV in April 2023

modified adjusted gross income. You can even get a tax credit of up to $4,000 if you purchase a used EV. To learn the amount of the tax credit any vehicle may be eligible for, go to www.fueleconomy.gov, a federal government-operated site that also provides other important information about EVs. Some states offer tax credits and rebates besides those the federal government offers, and some local utility companies offer incentives for installing chargers in your home. Finally, Weisbaum advises that you not purchase an EV in its first year of production—good advice for any make of new vehicle.

Safety and Other Considerations

One reason to purchase newer cars is they offer a number of advanced driver assistance systems, such as blind spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, advanced cruise control, adaptive headlights, automatic crash notification and parking assistance.

If your budget allows, Weisbaum advises buying models with many, if not all, of these features. “Most people buying a car right now are making a longterm investment. You’re going to be living with this

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of NARFE Magazine. Read the issue at www.narfe.org/ magazine-issues.

vehicle a long time. So, you should buy one with safety features because you want that protection for the long term. Even if it costs you a couple thousand dollars to get a trim package that includes them, they can save your life. To me, that’s a no-brainer.”

He is skeptical, however, about claims some of today’s cars can virtually drive themselves. “There are no cars that can do that,” he tells us. “There are none that will allow you to not pay attention. The bottom line is no car is going to drive itself for you. The fear is that you can get a false sense of security that you don’t need to pay attention, and that’s when accidents happen. You must pay attention, and you must be engaged, and you have to drive your car.”

Also, there’s a new cost factor those who have not purchased cars in some time may not know about: subscription services. Many cars offer subscription packages to purchase, such as for SiriusXM radio or to be connected to roadside assistance or concierge services. Now some manufacturers are extending those subscription services to more essential safety features, such as the ability to remotely start your

vehicle, additional navigational service features including live traffic updates and hands-free driving enhancements.

Weisbaum believes these services will continue to increase in number because they provide manufacturers with a constant revenue stream. Eventually, he argues, many important safety devices and capabilities will be tied to monthly payments. He suggests asking dealers about which of the car’s features are subscription-based before you buy.

Final Thoughts

Should you buy or lease a car? “In most cases, you should buy unless you have a business deduction reason to lease,” Weisbaum explains. “Unless you’re like my brother who wants to turn over a new car every two to three years. That’s sort of his thing.”

He notes, however, leasing incentives for EVs are currently being offered by manufacturers that may be worth considering. Leasing an EV also gives you the chance to get rid of the vehicle in two or three years, “in case for some reason you really don’t like the new technology.” Also, self-employed people and business owners who drive for work may be eligible for tax deductions for leased cars as well as cars they own.

And finally, before making any decisions about buying a car, “know what your bottom line is. First, agree on the price of the vehicle. Don’t negotiate with salesmen based on monthly payments.”

Instead, Weisbaum suggests getting loan rates from your bank or credit union, asking them how much you should be borrowing, and heeding their advice. “Then tell the dealership you want a vehicle that’s in your price range, and see if their loan rate is better than the one you already have. Know what you plan to spend—and work from there!”

—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.

Learn what older drivers should look for in a new car, how to save money on car insurance, and when to turn over the keys in the June/July 2023 issue

Become a Silver Circle Contributor Today

NARFE offers members a way to give to the association’s General Fund through its donor recognition program, the Silver Circle.

Your contribution to the Silver Circle supports the direct work of NARFE as we continue to provide you resources and advocacy that you rely on and that member dues alone cannot support. When you donate to the Silver Circle, you are ensuring that NARFE has the resources to continue to fight for the financial security and earned benefits for you and the federal community.

NARFE appreciates all financial support you provide to us and would like to recognize you for your generous contributions to our cause. Donate now to the Silver Circle at narfe.org/silvercircle.

With NARFE’s thanks, you will receive:

• A Silver Circle pin and recognition on NARFE.ORG with a donation of $100 or more.

• A Silver Circle pin, your name plate placed on the Silver Circle plaque at NARFE Headquarters, recognition on NARFE.ORG and recognition at the NARFE yearly conference with a donation of $1,000 or more.

To learn more about the Silver Circle donor recognition program or how to recommend an outstanding NARFE member to the Silver Circle, please visit www.narfe.org/silvercircle or email us at donatenow@narfe.org

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I-Bonds: A Look Back Over the Past Year

Series I bonds (I-bonds) are a type of U.S. government savings bond that help protect investors from inflation. Last October, demand for I-bonds was so high that the treasurydirect.gov website—the website where I-bonds are purchased—crashed. There was good reason for the buying frenzy—I-bonds purchased between May 2022 and October 2022 carried an interest rate of 9.62%, which was far higher than any safe alternatives people were paying at the time.

Circumstances have changed over the past year—interest rates on cash and cash alternatives have jumped while rates on I-bonds have dropped. In fact, those juicy I-bonds from last year will soon pay less than many conservative alternatives, such as high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, and treasury bills.

An I-bond’s interest rate, known as the combined or composite rate, is based on two components: a fixed rate and an inflation rate. The fixed rate is determined at the time of purchase and remains constant for the life of the bond, but the inflation rate is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) and is adjusted every six months, on May 1 and November 1.

The fixed rate component for I-bonds issued between May 2022 and October 2022 is 0%, which means the entire 9.62% composite rate is attributed to the inflation component that adjusts every six months. As inflation has been coming down, so too has the inflation component of I-bonds.

For example, following the 9.62% rate paid on I-bonds

issued between May 2022 to October 2022, the composite rate for I-bonds issued between November 2022 and April 2023

bonds/i-bonds/i-bonds-interestrates for additional details.

The current I-bond rates mean the 9.62% I-bonds from last year will adjust down to just 3.38%, but that doesn’t happen immediately. When an I-bond is purchased, the then-current rate is locked in for six months, and while new rates for I-bonds are introduced in May and November, the date when the rate changes for previously issued I-bonds is every six months from the issue date of the I-bond.

For example, I-bonds purchased in October will adjust on April 1 and October 1 each year. The October 2022 I-bonds earned 9.62% until adjusting to 6.48% on April 1, 2023. The October 2022 I-bonds won’t adjust down to 3.38% until October 2023.

was 6.89%, which included a fixed rate of 0.40% and an inflation rate of 6.48%. The rate for I-bonds issued between May 2023 and October 2023 is 4.3%, with a fixed rate of 0.90% and an inflation rate of just 3.38%. Note: the composite rate is not simply calculated by adding the inflation rate to the fixed rate. See https:// www.treasurydirect.gov/savings-

Now that higher rates can be obtained in other safe investments, some may be thinking about cashing out of their I-bonds in favor of higher yielding alternatives. While I-bonds earn interest for a maximum period of 30 years, they may be redeemed any time after 12 months. If they’re redeemed before five years, however, the bondholder forgoes the last three months of interest earned.

Before pulling the trigger, I-bond investors should consider why they bought I-bonds in the first place. Some undoubtedly purchased I-bonds as a short-term trade to capture the highest risk-free interest rate at the time, while others did so to build a longterm cash reserve or retirement

NOW THAT HIGHER RATES CAN BE OBTAINED IN OTHER SAFE INVESTMENTS, SOME MAY BE THINKING ABOUT CASHING OUT OF THEIR I-BONDS IN FAVOR OF HIGHER YIELDING ALTERNATIVES.

BENEFITS RESOURCES

NARFE OFFERS MEMBERS a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute.

nest egg. While I-bonds, from time to time, may produce a lower interest rate than other safe alternatives, those who hold I-bonds as a longterm investment can take comfort knowing that most of those other instruments don’t provide a guaranteed inflation hedge.

Those who purchased I-bonds as a short-term trade and plan on cashing them in will want to time the sale to maximize the return on their investment. If an I-bond holder must give up three months of interest when they cash the I-bond in, then they’ll at least want to make sure they give up three months of the lower interest rate.

For example, anyone cashing in the October 2022 I-bonds will need to wait until January 2024, so they

are giving up three months (October, November, and December) of interest based on the 3.38% rate rather than any months based on the 6.48% rate.

If you’re interested in learning more about I-bonds, visit https://www.treasurydirect.gov/ savings-bonds/i-bonds.

MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK. SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA), MEMBER FINRA/SIPC. ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT LLC AND SFA.

MARK KEEN IS A REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF SFA AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE OF SFA AND STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT, LLC. SFA AND STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT ARE AFFILIATED THROUGH COMMON OWNERSHIP BUT OTHERWISE UNAFFILIATED WITH KEEN & POCOCK. NEITHER STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT NOR SFA PROVIDE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE.

To succeed in your federal career, you honed skills related to your job. As a retiree, you can follow your interests wherever they lead— with Osher at JHU, learning is limitless. Our Fall 2023 schedule can take you from the Latin America to the Mayans and from films of Alaska to Music Along the Silk Road. From Bob Dylan to the history of rock ‘n’ roll.

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New Alzheimer’s Drug Donanemab Shows Promising Signs

Eli Lilly recently announced encouraging results from its latest study of its Alzheimer’s drug Donanemab, which showed significant improvement in slowing cognitive and functional decline.

This is encouraging news in our efforts to make history through our donations toward Alzheimer’s research to help find a cure.

Eli Lilly’s Phase 3 study included more than 1,000 people who showed early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a May 3 press release. The study showed those receiving Donanemab experienced roughly 35% to 40% slower and less cognitive decline while engaged in daily activities than those who received a placebo.

With this important development, Eli Lilly is better positioned for regulatory approval. It’s now in the hands of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated it will cover the drug once fully approved, but will require patients to be enrolled in registries monitoring outcomes.

This is especially important since this new data highlights the drug’s proclivity to work specifically on amyloid, the protein that appears to most affect memory and cognitive function of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

The other drugs currently approved by the FDA— Aducanumab and Lecanemab— are not accessible to all patients with Alzheimer’s. Only those who participate in clinical studies can get Aducanumab, and the

CMS limits access to Lecanemab since it, like Donanemab, targets amyloid, which the CMS says requires further studies. One exception is the Department of Veterans Affairs, which does grant access to Lecanemab.

As a reminder, FDA approval for certain drugs does not ensure total patient access to those drugs, which is the case for the drugs already mentioned.

The Alzheimer’s Association needs NARFE members to reach out to everyone they know to use every medium that they have—phone calls, postcards, letters, social media posts—so they put pressure on our national legislators to get the CMS to approve the new drug Donanemab. We’re also seeking support to remove

restricted access to the other promising drugs studies show can significantly improve the quality of life of people with Alzheimer’s disease.

This is crucial to a family member or caregiver taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These drugs, if approved, could potentially extend the lives of those who are suffering, and we’re always aiming to live with a better quality of life.

Thank you for your continued NARFE monthly contributions toward Alzheimer’s research. We also know that these donations are helping those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementiarelated diseases.

We believe one day soon a cure will be found and as a result, we will have our first survival. Let us continue to eat right. Exercise our minds, bodies and our souls. May our lives be made richer and we are better able to help ourselves, our families and others.

NARFE members, we appreciate all you are doing for Alzheimer’s research, both through donations and your service.

Please don’t for forget to reach out to your congressional leaders. We need their help today.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz,org or call the 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900.

OLIVIA A. WILLIAMS IS CHAIR OF THE NARFE-ALZHEIMER’S NATIONAL COMMITTEE. EMAIL: OEASHF3@ GMAIL.COM. THIS COLUMN APPEARS QUARTERLY.

NARFE MEMBERS NEED TO REACH OUT TO EVERYONE THEY KNOW … SO THAT THEY CAN PUT PRESSURE ON OUR NATIONAL LEGISLATORS TO GET THE CMS TO APPROVE THE NEW DRUG DONANEMAB.

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NARFE 2023 Fall Membership Drive Is Underway

NARFE kicks off our annual Fall Membership Drive on September 1, and the program will run through December 31, 2023. Current members can earn $10 for each new member they recruit, as well as other prizes.

This is a critical time of year when we truly need all NARFE members to step up and help us grow by reaching out to potential new members. Please use email, your websites and social media to encourage your fellow members to participate, and to promote the benefits of NARFE membership. And be sure to provide prospects with your NARFE member ID number so you get credit when the new members join.

To assist you in your recruiting efforts, we have a wide range of resources you can use to introduce active and retired federal employees to NARFE. To access them, log in at www. narfe.org and click on “For Members” on the menu bar and select “Officer Resources” on the dropdown menu. On the Officer Resources page, scroll down and click on “Membership Officer Resources” to access a page with many helpful tools, including:

• A recruitment email template that incorporates a testimonial

• The NARFE membership brochure, with powerful talking points

• An “elevator speech” to help you quickly and effectively explain the benefits of NARFE membership

• The “About NARFE” video if you have an opportunity to make a short introduction to NARFE and want the impact of professional, polished media

• A membership presentation script that covers NARFE’s advocacy efforts and all our key member benefits

• PowerPoint slides provide visuals that sync up with the script and show all the ways NARFE helps members get more out of their federal benefits

NARFE Magazine is the best source for the news and information that affect active and retired Feds. Members can find every issue online at www.narfe.org/ magazine-issues

• A full-color ad you can download featuring a member testimonial

• Excerpts from NARFE Magazine you can download and send to prospects

If you need printed supplies to support your efforts (membership flyers, applications, copies of NARFE Magazine, etc.), you’ll find a link to the F-18 Requisition for Printed Supplies interactive online order form on the “Officer Resources” page, which you can use to place your order. If you have questions, please email our membership engagement team at membership@narfe.org or call us at 800-456-8410. Thank you for your commitment and support. Together, we can help NARFE grow!

—BY NORA MACDONALD, DIRECTOR, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

MAKE CONNECTIONS ON FEDHUB

Thousands of NARFE members have checked out FEDHub, NARFE’s online community. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

FEDHub supports your federal journey, leveraging the knowledge and value of our entire NARFE community—all that’s missing is you.

Join the conversation at fedhub.narfe.org/ quick-start-guide.

Enter NARFE’s Photo Calendar Contest

Capture the image that conveys your interpretation of the phrase “From Sea to Shining Sea” and submit it to the 2024 NARFE Photo Contest. Winning photos will be featured in the 2025 NARFE Calendar. Submissions will be accepted from now through February 2, 2024.

Spread the word about the contest to friends and colleagues. If you are a NARFE federation or chapter leader, please provide a link to the guidelines, available at www.narfe.org/photocontest, on your website and e-newsletter, and include the guidelines in your print newsletter.

All NARFE members in good standing, except for those who are professional photographers, are eligible to enter, even if they’ve already had a photo appear in past calendars.

By entering the contest, you grant NARFE a nonexclusive license to use your photo in

perpetuity in any medium, including editing, publishing, distributing and republishing it in any form. Entrants retain the copyright to their images. NARFE assumes no liability for any misuse of copyright.

CONTEST GUIDELINES

Photos for the 2025 calendar will be selected and winners notified by the end of June 2024.

Send photos to NARFE Photo Contest, Attn: Francine Garner, NARFE, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

• Photos must be horizontal and 8” x 10” or 8-1/2” x 11”.

• Each member is limited to five photo entries and must put the following information on a piece of paper taped to the back of each photo: title, description (up to 15 words), member name, address, chapter (if applicable), email address and phone number.

• No photos of children or pets, please.

• Photos sent by email will not be accepted. No Polaroids. Photos will not be returned.

2023 CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Information as of July 1:

REGION X: September 12-14, Frankfort, KY; email Robert Allen, rvp10@narfe.org, for more information.

ALASKA: September 23, virtual; email Paul McIntosh, mcintoshpaul10@gmail.com, for more information; https://us02web. zoom.us/j/88666139423, passcode

SDNCV0xROW1RRk96RytVTkwwZ2l4QT09.

ILLINOIS: September 26-28, 1202 N. Keller Drive, Thelma Keller Convention Center, Effingham; federal election and business meeting

September 28 during conference; email Linda J. Glasgow, glasgowljg43@aol.com, or visit http:// www.narfe.net/site/il/ for more information.

IOWA: September 19-20, hybrid; 1504 305th Street, Meskawke Conference Center, Tama, Iowa; email Dorman Otte, dormanotte@gmail.com, for more information.

MONTANA: September 11; email Leland “Wally” Walbruch, leland.walbruch@gmail.com, for more information and to register.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: November 1, 172 N. Main St., Concord, NH, Holiday Inn Concord Downtown; email Patricia Grandmaison, patspoint2@gmail. com, for more information.

WASHINGTON: September 27; email Cray Henry, cray.henry@gmail.com, or visit http://narfewa.org for more information.

WISCONSIN: November 6; contact Melanie Miller, melanie.miller@wisc.edu, for more information.

New Content Manager at NARFE

Matt Sanderson has joined NARFE as content manager. In this role, he is joining a nimble communications team producing digital and print material for members and partners. Matt will partner with teams across the organization to drive NARFE brand awareness, engagement, and growth through content.

He has more than 15 years working in journalism, digital media and communications.

In 2010, Matt quickly evolved from print to online media as a successful editor, curator and storyteller at AOL’s Patch Media. He rapidly raised the disruptive local news outlet’s profile in less than a year through persistent community building and audience engagement tactics. Within four years, he covered some of the biggest breaking local news stories on New England and Southern California Patch websites while achieving some of the highest website metrics throughout the company.

Matt went on to help launch a newspaper in Los Angeles and branch out from local news into technical writing, marketing and public relations within a few industries. His devotion to journalism inspired him to get involved in local government. In 2014 he was appointed, and later elected in 2016, to the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council, one of 96 quasigovernment boards overseeing local planning and public safety matters through the city’s Department of Neighborhood Empowerment. While also expanding his digital marketing training, Matt’s experience serving local government exposed him to advocacy issues within sustainability and the food space that resonated deeply.

In 2019, he began volunteering at two nonprofits in food advocacy: The Los Angeles Food Policy Council and Food Forward. On one of the council’s subcommittees at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Matt led momentum and awareness around the groundbreaking Good Food Zone pilot program through business outreach, PR and social media marketing efforts that led to its future implementation. From here, Matt led a small communications team to grow the visibility of new nonprofit Farm2People and soon after, as a social media manager, built the social strategy and e-commerce operations in his first pivot for a sustainable food and beverage brand.

In his position at NARFE, Matt will use his storytelling ability and content marketing expertise to develop relevant, high-performing content for new audiences with a keen eye for turning long-form content into engaging, digestible formats. Among other media functions, this includes creating and curating content for NARFE’s

daily, weekly and bimonthly email newsletters, and managing NARFE Magazine through the production process.

Born and raised in Cranston, RI, Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of New Hampshire. He relocated to Springfield, VA, in 2021, and married his wife, Kibby, in 2022; they met during his time in California.

Matt enjoys volunteering in the Washington area, and currently serves as a communications coordinator for the Fairfax County Food Council and as a marketing consultant for the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. When he is not busy, Matt loves cooking, swimming and cycling, and plans to expand his gardening prowess.

Welcome, Matt!

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE TODAY

If we don’t have your current mailing address, email address and other contact information, you could be missing out on some of your NARFE member benefits. Please make sure your NARFE member profile is updated. To update your profile online, go to www.narfe.org and click “Member Portal” at the top right portion of the window. Log in to the member portal and click the “Profile” icon to view your member profile and review your current contact information. To make changes, click the “Update Contact Information” button, make the necessary changes, then click “Save” to review your changes.

If you’d prefer to talk through your changes with someone, just call 800-456-8410 and press 1 for membership; our member services team will be happy to help you make your changes.

Active and Retired Federal Employees ... Join NARFE Today!

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 questions.

Who Should Join NARFE?

If your future security is tied to federal retirement benefits—federal retirees, current employees, spouses and individual survivors—you should join NARFE.

NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

q YES. I want to join NARFE for the low annual dues of $48.

I am a (check all that apply)

NARFE MEMBER BENEFITS

• Access the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute for powerful resources to help you fully understand and manage your benefits.

• Access to FEDHub, NARFE’s online community, where members share ideas, information and solutions—it’s the go-to place where active and retired Feds connect

• Visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives about bills affecting federal benefits.

• Get NARFE Magazine and our weekly e-newsletter, NewsLine—your best sources for the latest news and information on issues impacting federal employees and retirees.

• NARFE Perks discounts on insurance, travel, health services and more!

• Nearly 800 local chapters unite federal employees, retirees, their spouses and survivors, and provide networking, advocacy and leadership opportunities.

q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE)

q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.)

q

q Please enroll my spouse

Spouse’s Full Name Spouse’s Email

THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN

1. Complete this application and mail with your payment to NARFE Member Services / 606 N Washington St / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914.

2. Join online at www.NARFE.org.

3. Call 800-456-8410, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

LOOKING TO MEET OTHERS in the federal community and participate in NARFE at a local level? Call 800-456-8410 to learn about a NARFE chapter in your area.

Would you like to receive a FREE one-year chapter membership? Choose one: q Chapter closest to home OR q Chapter #____________

THANK YOUR RECRUITER Did someone introduce you to NARFE? Please provide their Name and Member ID.

Recruiter’s Name ___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID

NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members. Some NARFE member benefits are provided by third parties (NARFE Perks), and not NARFE.

PRODUCTS

SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE AT www.NARFE.org/memberperks

GE Appliances Store | Use the link below to start shopping!

Save with NARFE members-only access to the GE Appliances Store! You will enjoy up to 25% off MSRP every day on the latest in high-quality appliances. *Orders can not be shipped to P.O. boxes, APOS, Canada, Puerto Rico, HI, AK or U.S. Territories. https://www.myapstore.com/GEStore/Appliances/ Registration?AuthCode=MONARFE21

LegalShield | 410-419-7130 | Shieldbenefits.com/narfe

Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, you have affordable legal help when you need it. Members receive the discounted rate of $18.95 for families of 10 (two adults and up to 8 children) when you sign up through the website above.

ODP Business Solutions | 1-800-650-1222 | www.officediscounts.org/narfe

Because you’re a member of NARFE, you now have access to exclusive members only discounts at ODP Business Solutions (previously Office Depot/Office Max). Members save up to 75% off on ODP Business Solutions Best Value list of preferred products and can take advantage of products discounted off the officedepot.com regular prices. Restrictions may apply so visit officediscounts.org/narfe for details. Product and service discounts may no longer be available for in-store purchases.

Purchasing Power | www.PurchasingPower.com/NARFE

While not a discount program, Purchasing Power is an exclusive purchase program helps members buy brand-name computers, electronics, appliances and furniture via annuity allotment when cash is not an option. No credit check or down payments.

Active&Fit Direct | https://www.narfe.org/narfe-perks-for-members/activefit-direct/ Stay active from anywhere for $28/mo. Active&Fit Direct includes 12,200+ Gyms, 9,300+ On-Demand Videos and 1:1 Well-Being Coaching. A fitness program with no annual fees and no long-term contracts. Switch gyms anytime. Membership options for your spouse. No Enrollment Fee With Promo Code: SWEAT4SPRING1

Brookdale Senior Living Communities | 877-713-2762 | www.brookdale.com/narfe

NEW!

As the largest operator of senior living communities in the US, Brookdale has over 1,000 locations all across the country. Members are eligible for 7.5% discount at Brookdale Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities and 10% discounts on Brookdale Private Duty Home Care. Discounts are for new move-ins/customers only.

Life Line Screening | 800-324-9906 | www.lifelinescreening.com/NARFE

Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct health screenings using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood.

PRE-PLANNING

..................................................................................................................................

Our prearranged plans cover all necessary expenses for one guaranteed price even if the services are not needed for 40 or 50 years. The Neptune Society offers a $100 discount to all NARFE members. *Discounted offer is not valid for residents of Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. Void Where Prohibited.

ADDITIONAL PERKS

.......................................................................................................................

USE YOUR NARFE PERKS AND YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL MORE THAN PAY FOR ITSELF!

1-800-GOT-JUNK? | 800-468-5865 | www.narfe.org/1-800-got-junk

NARFE Members Save 10% with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Do you have old furniture, appliances, electronics, construction debris, yard waste or other junk you need to make disappear?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? can take away almost any material we can fit in our trucks, without you ever lifting a finger—all you have to do is point! Use code NARFE10 when you book. To get started, give us a call or book online.

Coleman Allied | 850-375-0917 | jack.jacobs@colemanallied.com

With over 300 agency partners and an entire team dedicated to a quality move experience, Coleman Allied provides customized discount levels for all NARFE members for Interstate moves. *The NARFE pricing only applies to moves that leave the state you currently reside in.

Wheaton World Wide Moving | 800-248-7960 | narfe@wvlcorp.com

At Wheaton, we know interstate relocation is much more than trucks and boxes. With a network of topquality agents throughout the United States, Wheaton provides peace of mind with every relocation.

TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ENTERTAINMENT ...........................................................................

Choice Hotels International | 800-258-2847 | www.choicehotels.com

With 6,400 hotels throughout the world, Choice Hotels offers something for everyone. As a member, receive 20% off your next stay at participating hotels when you use Special Rate ID 00801967.

Collette Travel | 844-311-6563 | www.narfe.org/gocollette

With over 160 tours to all 7 continents and travel styles varying from small group to river cruising, Collette offers something for everyone. As a NARFE member, you receive an additional $50-$100 off all tours including sales and offers! Just use your member benefit code NARFESAVE or let our reservation agent know you are a NARFE Member when booking.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car® | Book Now! | https://partners.rentalcar.com/narfe

When you’re ready to go, Enterprise Rent-A-Car makes it easy. We offer everyday low rates on a great selection of cars, trucks and vans and customers are picked up at no extra cost*. See website for exclusions.

Hotel Engine | https://members.hotelengine.com/join/narfe175

Hotel Engine, a private booking platform, connects organizations and their members to deeply discounted hotel rates.

Member Deals | https://memberdeals.com/narfe/?login=1

MemberDeals is your one stop for great discounts on nationwide travel and entertainment! Find exclusive discounts, special offers, preferred seating, and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, hotels, and much more. Visit MemberDeals and find savings such as up to 40% on top theme parks nationwide and preferred access tickets to your favorite concerts, sports & more!

National Car Rental® | 800-CAR-RENT | www.nationalcarrental.com

NARFE members receive great rates with National Car Rental! At National, we pride ourselves on always providing you with unsurpassed convenience and choice. https://partners.rentalcar.com/narfe

INSURANCE .........................................................................................................................................

NARFE Insurance Services | 800-233-5764 | www.narfeinsurance.com

Designed exclusively for NARFE members, (plans administered by AMBA Administrators, Inc.) Senior Age Whole Life Insurance, Senior Term Life Insurance, Hospital Indemnity and Short Term Recovery Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, AssistPlus, Discount Prescription Plan and Pet Insurance.

Member Options | 833-378-8224 | https://www.member-options.com/narfe

Member Options Auto and Home Insurance Program - Save Money with Multiple Quotes! Get quotes from toprated insurance carriers on Auto, Home, Renters, Pet insurance and more in a matter of minutes. Answer a few simple questions online or over the phone with our licensed insurance experts to compare multiple options that meet your specific needs. To review and choose what’s best for you, go to the link above or call 833-378-8224.

Surveying the U.S.-Mexico Border

This photo from the early 1900s shows three International Boundary Commission (IBC) workers installing or repairing one of the Barlow-Blanco Boundary Monuments in New Mexico. The monuments were named for John Whitney Barlow and Jacobo Blanco, U.S. and Mexican Commissioners. Barlow and Blanco resurveyed the boundary line, located and rebuilt the old monuments, and installed additional markers. The IBC was the predecessor of today’s International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which has responsibility for applying the boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico and settling differences that may arise in their application.

PHOTO from the Records of the International Boundary and Water Commission, courtesy of Mark L. Howe, Cultural Resources Specialist, International Boundary and Water Commission, 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 www.shfg.org.

DID YOU KNOW?

The IBWC is an international body composed of the United States Section and the Mexican Section, each headed by an Engineer-Commissioner appointed by his/her respective president.

Find out more at www.ibwc.gov/about-us/

Oticon Real™ Featuring RealSound Technology™

A quantum leap in sound processing

New Oticon Real gives users access to the full sound scene, while protecting them from disruptive sounds – so they can stay sharp in the real world. Evidence shows that Oticon Real significantly reduces listening effort in the presence of sudden, disruptive sounds, helping to keep hearing aid users engaged when listening to speech in complex environments.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members may be eligible for two fully covered hearing aids with zero out-of-pocket cost on many models when applying your hearing aid benefit* . Call 1-855-252-0025 to discover more or visit www.blue365deals.com/fep.

EXPERIENCE - HearUSA has been changing lives through better hearing since 1987. Our experienced Hearing Care Professionals will recommend solutions that fit your lifestyle and unique needs.

CHOICE - All major hearing aid brands and styles available, including completely-in-the-canal, the smallest custom hearing aids on the market.

TECHNOLOGY - Smart technology helps you hear more clearly and eliminates annoying feedback “whistling.”

RECHARGABLE - Most models have rechargeable options; no need to ever replace batteries! Plus, many models connect with your cell phone!

TELEHEALTH - Take advantage of HearUSA Telehealth Services where you obtain quality care at home.

©2023 HearUSA. All Rights Reserved.

*The Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit for Standard and Basic Option up to $2,500 total every 5 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. FEP Blue Focus does not have a hearing aid benefit. Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure. Blue365® offers access to