July 2011 Magazine

For Active and Retired Federal Employees

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Members of the Blair House group are, from left to right: Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT; Rep. Eric I. Cantor, RVA; Sen. Jon Kyl, R-AZ; Vice President Joseph R. Biden; Rep. James E. Clyburn, D-SC; Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD; and Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-HI.

Answers to Questions on the Debt Limit

Cover design by Jim Richards

RETIREMENT LIFE

8 12 14 16 18 20

JULY 2011, Volume 87, Number 7

Get Ready! August Is NARFE ‘Grass-Roots Advocacy Month’ Is a 2012 COLA Possible?

Passage of GPO/WEP Repeal Bill Unlikely

6 Message From the National President

Civics 101: Leveraging Resources

24 Managing Money

‘Protect America’s Heartbeat’ Field Report

26 Live Well

COVER STORY 22

COLUMNS

Deficit Deal Makers. At Blair House in Washington, DC, six members of Congress and Vice President Joseph R. Biden are working on a budget compromise.

36 Report From the Regions

NARFE Resources NARFE-PAC Coupon . . . . . . . .14

28 37 40 43 46

DEPARTMENTS

‘Protect America’s Heartbeat’ Coupon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Questions & Answers

NARFE-FEEA Coupon . . . . . . .39

NARFE News

Alzheimer’s Coupon . . . . . . . . .40

Out & About Letters

Membership Application . . . . . .41 Dues Withholding Application . .42 NARFE Member Perks . . . . . . .44

For the Record: TSP Investments, COLA Chart

visit us online at www.narfe.org • ‘like’ us on Facebook (NARFE National Headquarters)

NATIONAL OFFICERS

Here’s How to Contact NARFE ...

JOSEPH A. BEAUDOIN, President; natpres@narfe.org PAUL H. CAREW, Vice President; natvp@narfe.org ELAINE HUGHES, Secretary; natsec@narfe.org RICHARD G. THISSEN, Treasurer; nattreas@narfe.org

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

800-627-3394 or 800-456-8410 Or go to: www.narfe.org

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

800-456-8410 E-mail:

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

800-456-8410 E-mail:

memberrecords@narfe.org

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS REGION I Gilbert W. Blaisdell (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) Tel: 978-388-1830 E-mail: narf1568@comcast.net REGION II Ronald P. Bowers (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) Tel: 410-308-0420 E-mail: narferbowers@msn.com REGION III Donald Stewart (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virgin Islands) Tel: 305-442-6388 E-mail: dejs33149@aol.com REGION IV Paul E. Johnson (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) Tel: 812-306-5137 E-mail: pejohnson@tds.net REGION V Carol R. Ek (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) Tel: 620-241-1131 E-mail: ek617@att.net

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

E-mail: memberrecords@narfeorg

If you want to:

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

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

800-627-3394 E-mail:

rr@narfe.org

For any other NARFE matter: Call NARFE Headquarters

703-838-7760 E-mail: hq@narfe.org Fax:703-838-7785 Write: NARFE 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria,VA 22314

NARFE MAGAZINE Volume 87,Number 7 Editor, Margaret M. Carter Assistant Editor, Donna J. St. John Editorial Administrator, Toni Vallario Graphic Designer, Beth Bedard Contributing Designers, Charlene Gridley, Jim Richards Editorial Board: Joseph A. Beaudoin, Paul H. Carew, Elaine Hughes, Richard G. Thissen Editorial Office: NARFE, Attn: NARFE magazine, 606 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914; Phone: 703-838-7760; Fax: 703-838-7781; E-mail: rl@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Warren Berger, Media People Inc., 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 725, New York, NY 10168; 212-779-7172, ext. 223; E-mail: wberger@mediapeople.com

NARFE for the Visually Impaired On the Telephone: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org.

On Tape: Issues of NARFE magazine are also available on cassette through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. To find out about availability in your area, call 800-424-8567 and ask for the Reference Section.

The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

NARFE (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria,VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Non-member subscription rate $45. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn:Member Records,NARFE 606 N.Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314.To ensure prompt delivery,members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken.

All submissions become the property of NARFE. Contents of this magazine are copyrighted © 2011.Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

4

JULY 2011 | NARFE

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A Message From the National President

Strength in Numbers

Y

our new NARFE National Officers assumed their duties at NARFE Headquarters on November 1, 2010, with many ideas about what we would like to do to make the organization stronger. First, we reviewed what our delegates had mandated us to do at the 2010 National Convention and then focused on what we thought were the steps we needed to take.

A number of decisions were considered drastic by some and long overdue by others. The convention delegates directed us to appoint a Bylaws Committee, which is examining our current Bylaws to see if they can be adapted to make it easier to accomplish the Association’s goals and objectives. The National Executive Board (NEB) approved the creation of other committees, including the NARFE Information Technology Advisory Committee (NIAC), as well as committees to look at ways to improve recruitment and retention. The NEB also considered and supported a new NARFE electronic membership concept – eNARFE chapters.

Because Congress and the White House are continuing their attacks on the earned rights and benefits of federal employees and retirees, the NEB voted to hire M&R Strategic Services to assist us in our fight to protect our benefits and correct the public’s misconceptions about federal employees through the “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign. Hiring this company was probably one of the most difficult steps taken by the new board because NARFE had to authorize funding to support the campaign. But as delegates to the National Convention had voted to increase NARFE national dues, we felt this was a wise use of funds.

It is no secret that, during the past two years, NARFE had been operating in the red. Without a dues increase, we would not have been able to pay our bills or support any campaign or project. But I can assure you that, in addition to the dues increase, NARFE HQ has implemented a number of cost-saving measures and will continue to look for ways

to reduce our operating costs. I mention this because we have heard from a small number of members (fewer than 1 percent) who have told us that they were dropping their memberships because of the dues increase. It seems that these members do not feel the $40 per year (plus chapter dues) is worth the price of being a NARFE member.

When a member asks me what they are getting in return, I remind them of some of the benefits of NARFE membership. NARFE Legislative Department staff work tirelessly to provide a voice for federal workers and retirees on Capitol Hill. Our Retirement Benefits Service Department provides advice and assistance to federal workers, retirees and their survivors through its team of experts who work closely with the Office of Personnel Management and the Social Security Administration. NARFE magazine is a comprehensive source of legislative analysis and reporting, as well as articles on financial planning, health, and retirement and lifestyle choices. NARFE’s website features a members-only section with the latest on benefits, legislation and other useful pre- and postretirement information. NARFE members who take advantage of the special discounts on a wide variety of products and services through our affinity partners can recoup the cost of their NARFE memberships.

NARFE is like an insurance policy that is constantly working to protect your earned benefits. At $40 per year, I will bet that NARFE membership is the cheapest insurance policy you have. And as one of our regional vice presidents wrote in last month’s issue of NARFE magazine, “Your benefits are only as safe as NARFE is strong.” NARFE needs you, and you need NARFE. Let’s stay strong and join together to protect our earned rights and benefits.

LET’S STAY strong and join together to protect our earned rights and benefits.

6

Joseph A. Beaudoin natpres@narfe.org

JULY 2011 | NARFE

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Answers to Questions on andTSP The Debt Limit Retiree Funds Used to

T

he current U.S. debt ceiling was reached on May 16. If Congress does not take action to raise the debt limit, the United States would go into default on its debt.

Below are frequently asked questions and answers on

the debt ceiling, steps being taken to avoid default and the impact on

federal benefits if default occurs.

Q: What is the debt ceiling?

A: The debt ceiling is the legal limit the U.S. government is permitted to borrow to meet existing obligations.

The current debt limit is $14.3 trillion, which was reached on May 16.

Q: Why do we need to increase the debt limit?

A: Raising the debt limit allows the government to pay for money already allocated, including the costs of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the 2009 stimulus. According to the Treasury Department website, “The debt limit does not authorize new spending commitments. It simply allows the government to finance existing legal obligations that Congresses and presidents of both parties have made in the past.”

Q: If the United States hit the debt limit on May 16, what happens on August 2?

A: After May 16, the government was not allowed to borrow any additional money, and the Treasury Department began to use some cash-flow “tools” at its disposal to prevent default. On Au-

8

gust 2, absent action by Congress, those resources will run out, and the government will have only revenue, which is not enough to cover all of its obligations, and it would default.

Q: What are some of the resources at the Treasury Department’s disposal?

A: According to an April letter to Congress from Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, there are four “extraordinary measures” available this year. Those measures are: “(1) suspending sales of State and Local Government Series (SLGS) Treasury securities; (2) determining that a “debt issuance suspension period” exists, which would permit the redemption of existing, and the suspension of new, investments of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF); (3) suspending reinvestment of the Thrift Savings Plan’s (TSP) Government Securities Investment Fund (G Fund); and (4) suspending reinvestment of the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF). Prior to hitting the debt limit, the Treasury Department suspended the

Avoid Default ■ David Brooks, NewYorkTimes

and Weekly Standard columnist and a political commentator on "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," remarking on President Obama’s visit to Central IntelligenceAgency headquarters,said on the PBS program May 13: “When you ask the political appointees, what is the quality of the professional staff in your agency, whether they are Republicans or Democrats,they almost invariably say,surprisingly high,considering the salaries and everything they get, which are not so high.”

■ In 1938,Congress passed

legislation making the 4th of July a paid holiday for federal employees in celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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

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Legislative Report sale of SLGS Treasury securities – special-purpose securities issued to state and local governments to assist in complying with federal tax laws when they have cash proceeds to invest from issuing tax-exempt bonds.

On May 16, Geithner notified Congress that the actions he would immediately take would be those impacting the CSRDF and the TSP’s G Fund.

Q: What is the Treasury Department doing in regard to the CSRDF? A: Each day, the U.S. Treasury takes in several billion dollars for federal trust funds. For Social Security, these dollars come in the form of employer and employee payroll taxes.

Federal employee and Postal Service contributions to the CSRDF also inject cash into the Treasury. Usually, this cash is immediately invested in nonmarketable government securities – to remain available to finance future benefits. But if a debt-limit breach appears imminent, the Treasury Department could “underinvest” this revenue as it arrives. The trust funds would be given a temporary IOU that does not count against the debt ceiling, and the withholdings would be used to pay off the government’s cash obligations until an increase in the debt ceiling could be settled.

The Treasury Department could also make cash available from the trust fund by “disinvesting” some of the money used to buy government bonds. Under this approach, bonds held on behalf of trust funds would be converted to cash earlier than normally needed. Like the “underinvestment” option, cash from this transaction would be used to pay federal obligations on a temporary basis.

Q: Does the Treasury Department’s action have an impact on my current annuity checks?

A: No. Payment of federal annuity checks to retirees and survivors and disbursement of, and the accrual of earnings to, TSP G Fund accounts are unaffected by Geithner’s disinvestment of the civil service retirement funds to avoid a government default.

Q: What happens when the debt limit is raised?

A: Federal law requires that the TSP G Fund and the CSRDF be reinvested and made whole for any interest lost once a debt-limit increase becomes law, and the period of debt suspension ends. Indeed, the CSRDF was disinvested and underinvested in 1985, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 to prevent the federal government’s default, and in each instance the fund was reimbursed with interest after

Congress and the president agreed to raise the debt limit.

The 1985 debt crisis prompted the adoption of the “make whole” provision in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, which NARFE fully supported, as an amendment to the retirement law.

Q: What if there is no congressional agreement?

A: For the first time in American history, the U.S. government would have to default on its obligations. Since 1960, Congress has raised, temporarily extended or revised the debt-limit definition 78 times. If a default were allowed to occur, a broad range of government payments would have to be stopped, limited or delayed, including federal civilian and military salaries and retirement benefits, Social Security and Medicare payments, interest on the debt, unemployment benefits and tax refunds. But as Geithner has said, “Default would cause a financial crisis potentially more severe than the crisis from which we are only now starting to recover.”

According to the Congressional Research Service, in order to pay its responsibilities without an increase in the debt limit, the federal government would have to eliminate all spending on discretionary programs, cut nearly 70 percent of outlays for mandatory programs, increase revenue collection by nearly two-thirds or take some combination of those actions in the second half of fiscal year 2011 (April through September 30, 2011).

Q: What are the chances that Congress and the president would allow the government to default?

A: At press time, some lawmakers who want to use their vote to increase the debt limit as leverage to pass large spending reductions were engaging in considerable political posturing. What is likely to happen by August is that majorities in the House and Senate will agree to a negotiated compromise on the budget, which would include an increase (at least in the short term) in the debt ceiling. Once that occurs, the CSRDF and G Fund will be made whole with back interest. In sum, the operation of federal law will ensure the integrity of the CSRDF and G Fund. What is more worrisome, however, are specific proposals to cut federal retirement, pay and health benefits that would be part of a deal to increase the debt limit (see “Blair House Group Could Decide Budget Deal,” p. 22). Therefore, NARFE members should continue to focus on our fight against plans to cut our earned compensation.

FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES that the TSPGFund and the CSRDF be reinvested and made whole for any interest lost.

10

By Sarah Holstine,Legislative Specialist JULY 2011 | NARFE

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Legislative Report

Get Ready! August Is NARFE ‘Grass-Roots Advocacy Month’

T

he last several months have not been kind to the image of federal employees and annuitants, and that makes this August’s ”Grass-Roots Advocacy Month” more important than ever. It is vital that NARFE members get involved in defending the earned retirement, pay and health benefits of federal workers and annuitants. And it’s not too late to plan a grassroots event.

MEETING YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS Members of Congress will be in their districts August 6September 6 to meet with constituents. You can request a meeting with your representative or senators and NARFE members to discuss issues of importance to the federal community. A sample meeting request letter is available online as part of NARFE’s “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign grass-roots toolkit. The toolkit was mailed to federation and chapter presidents and legislative officers in May and is available online at www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org/resources. The toolkit also includes materials on how to organize your meeting and what topics to discuss.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ NARFE has designatedAugust as“Grass-Roots

Advocacy Month.”

■ All NARFE members are urged to contact their

members of Congress when they are home in their districts August 6-September 6.

■ Contact can be through a visit,attendance at a town hall meeting,or through a letter or phone call. for members to remain engaged on these important issues.

Before adjourning for the summer, chapters can provide members with sample letters and the mailing addresses of their members of Congress. Then, members can take a few minutes to write a letter explaining their personal situation and why cuts contained in the proposed legislation would hurt them directly.

Remember: For security reasons, it is recommended that you mail letters to the local district and state office directly. The address is available online through the NARFE Legislative Action Center, www.capwiz.com/narfe.

While a hand-written letter is the most effective means of communication to an elected representative, a personal email can be helpful as well. NARFE’s Legislative Action Center provides the opportunity to contact your members directly with a form letter, or you can write your own. Background information and talking points are available in the toolkit.

Chapters and federations also can hold call-in days.

Chapters can pick a day, and have members call their congressional offices with a short message encouraging support of the federal community. This is a great event to host with community partners.

The August recess is an opportunity for members of Congress to hear from their constituents. It is important that some of those constituents include NARFE members. If you have questions on how you can be active during August Grass-Roots Advocacy Month, contact the Legislative Department at 703-838-7201 or leg@narfe.org.

IT IS VITAL that NARFE members get involved in defending the earned retirement,pay and health benefits of federal workers and annuitants.

TOWN HALL MEETINGS Members of Congress often hold town hall meetings with their constituents during the August recess. These meetings are excellent opportunities to meet briefly with lawmakers or their staff. These public forums also provide an opportunity to ask questions, encourage support of NARFE’s concerns or thank members for their support of the federal community, all while in front of other constituents. To find out where and when your representative or senators might be hosting a town hall meeting, go online at www.narfe.org/legislation or contact your member of Congress’ office.

LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGNS While many NARFE chapters do not hold meetings during the summer months, a letter-writing campaign is an easy way

12

By Sarah Holstine,Legislative Specialist JULY 2011 | NARFE

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Legislative Report

Is a 2012 COLA Possible?

A

n automatic 2012 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for federal annuitants depends on whether the average Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the third quarter (July, August and September) of 2011 is higher than the highest previous thirdquarter average, which occurred in 2008.

The CPI-W for April was 2.9 percent above the 2008 thirdquarter average. If unchanged through the third quarter of this year, it would translate into a 2.9 percent COLA for Civil Service Retirement System annuitants and a 2 percent COLA for Federal Employees Retirement System annuitants.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the CPI-W based on consumer price data collected in 87 urban areas from 23,000 retail and service establishments, and rent data from 50,000 landlords and tenants. The CPI-W measures prices for a subset of the population – urban wage earners and clerical workers, who comprise about 32 percent of the U.S. population. The index includes the prices of all goods and services purchased for consumption by this subset, including: • Food and beverages (including restaurant meals); • Housing (including utilities, rent, furniture); • Clothing (including dry cleaning); • Transportation (including gas, cars, insurance); • Medical care (including prescription drugs, hospital and physician services, medical supplies); • Recreation (including admission costs, entertainment equipment);

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ The CPI-W has been rising this year,which could

mean a COLA in 2012 for retired feds.

■ This index measures prices paid for goods by urban

wage earners and clerical workers.

■ A proposal to change to a different index,the C-

CPI-U,could mean lower,less frequent COLAs. • Education and communication (including tuition, computers, telephone service); and • Services and user fees (including bank fees, sewer charges, car registration fees).

The CPI-W does not always accurately reflect the price of a market basket of goods and services for retirees. Retirees tend to spend a greater percentage of their money on health care than does the CPI-W population. And because health care costs have been rising at a greater rate than the price of other goods, the CPI-W does not adequately reflect those increased costs. NARFE supports using the CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as a more accurate measure of consumer prices for retirees.

But the political winds are pushing in the other direction.

The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and others have proposed changing to the “Chained” CPI-U (C-CPI-U), which would result in lower or less frequent COLAs. NARFE opposes this proposal, which could mean a 3-percent reduction in annuities over a 10-year period.

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

Please circle:

Mr.

Mrs.

Miss

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

Name

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Address

Card #

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

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

14

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Legislative Report

Passage of GPO/WEP Repeal Unlikely

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bill that would repeal both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) was introduced by Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-CA, on April 1.

H.R. 1332, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2011, now has 77 cosponsors (16 Republicans and 61 Democrats). At press time, no repeal bill had been introduced in the Senate.

Repeal of the GPO and WEP would cost about $83 billion over 10 years, according to the most recent estimate by the Social Security Administration. Considering the current political environment and state of the economy, it is unlikely that Congress would pass a bill that would increase projected federal deficits. Recently, the House of Representatives passed a budget that would cut federal pay and retirement and health benefits by $375 billion over 10 years, and numerous politicians, the media and pundits have been claiming that state, county and federal workers are overpaid and receive far too much in benefits. Instead, proposals to reform the GPO and WEP would have a better chance at passage since they are projected to cost less than full repeal.

NARFE leads the Coalition to Assure Retirement Equity (CARE), a group comprised of more than 45 national, state and local organizations dedicated to addressing the Social Security offsets – the GPO and the WEP.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ Rep.Howard“Buck” McKeon,R-CA,has

■ ■ ■ ■

introduced a bill in the House to repeal the GPO and WEP. The legislation now has 77 cosponsors.

No repeal bill has been introduced in the Senate.

Because of the cost of the full repeal bill,about $83 billion over 10 years,it is unlikely to pass.

NARFE will continue to advocate for reform or repeal of these two Social Security provisions.

Congressional interest in overhauling Social Security may provide an opening for NARFE and its CARE partners to push for action on the GPO and WEP. However, some lawmakers may be more interested in cutting Social Security for deficitreduction purposes rather than reforming the program.

The GPO reduces Social Security spousal benefits (benefits received as a financially dependent spouse) by two-thirds of the amount of a pension earned by the person receiving spousal benefits from work not covered by Social Security.

The WEP changes the formula for computing Social Security benefits for workers who also are entitled to a pension from work not covered by Social Security, such as federal retirees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System.

By John Hatton,Legislative Specialist

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Legislative Report CIVICS 101:

THE INFORMED CITIZEN

Leveraging Resources

S

ince NARFE magazine is the only publication that reaches each of our members, this column urges all NARFE members to use July to prepare for August’s “Grass-Roots Advocacy Month.” Members should connect with chapter and federation officers and leaders to plan for activities, such as meetings with members of Congress and submitting letters to the editor (see p. 12).

FAIRNESS AND ACTION In his June column, NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin stated, “We cannot sit by and watch our benefits be reduced unfairly.” Grass-Roots Advocacy Month is all about arousing NARFE members to use the resources and tools at their disposal to share a message with Congress and the public.

MARRYING TOOLKIT AND MEDIA GUIDE The “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign toolkit, mailed to NARFE leaders earlier, is now available on the Protect America’s Heartbeat website, www.ProtectAmericas Heartbeat.org, under “Resources.” The toolkit gives you the facts about federal worker and retiree compensation and benefits, and the resources to help you raise your voice in your community. Convert the generic toolkit “letter to the editor” into your letter to your editor by using the Media Guide on NARFE’s Legislative Action Center. These tools and resources provide leverage in impacting public opinion.

To find media outlets in your area, including postal and web addresses and an e-mail template, go to http://capwiz.com/ narfe/dbq/media/.

NARFE-PAID TOLL-FREE NUMBERS Your dues allow NARFE to sponsor three toll-free telephone services. The first is the Legislative Hotline (877-2178234), which provides timely advocacy messages. The Hotline includes by voice much the same information that is carried by GEMS – NARFE’s e-mail system for some 65,000 members who have provided us with their e-mail addresses.

Call regularly; the taped message is available 24/7. Consider listening as a group at a chapter meeting.

TOLL-FREE ADVOCACY LINES The other two toll-free numbers connect callers to the Capitol switchboard (866-220-0044) and the White House

18

STORY HIGHLIGHTS ■ August is NARFE“Grass-RootsAdvocacy Month.”

■ NARFE provides lots of resources to help

members connect with Congress and the public, including facts and figures about federal workers and retirees,sample letters to the editor,toll-free lines to Congress and easy-to-use online tools.

Comment Line (888-225-8418). As this issue goes to press, deficit-reduction plots are hatching everywhere, and we plan to push back against unfair deficit scapegoating by both Congress and the Obama administration.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, a web partnership with CQ Roll Call, provides an easy yet vital tool for personal advocacy. Even members without a computer can harness this tool by asking a local librarian to access the following address on the Internet: www.capwiz.com/narfe. Then, insert your ZIP code and follow the prompts. Spend a few minutes exploring the site, which contains both generic information and your delegation’s NARFE voting record.

CONGRESSMERGE.COM The congressional office visit, if used, is a NARFE strength. With or without an appointment, visiting the district office of your representative or state office of your senators is a powerful way “to seek redress of grievances.”

NARFE’s Legislative Action Center provides the addresses of all congressional offices. An even more user-friendly site, www.CongressMerge.com, includes office locations and Google® maps. There is also a “Get Directions” feature, including a public transportation option.

EXTREMELY HIGH STAKES The House-passed Budget Resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 34, is still pending consideration in the Senate. H. Con. Res. 34 includes $375 billion in 10-year savings from federal employees and retirees. To get to so large an amount, income security (cost-of-living adjustments) and health security (the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program) would be in play.

By Christopher Farrell,Legislative Representative JULY 2011 | NARFE

Legislative Report

Success Abounds in the Field inNARFE’s Campaign to‘Protect America’s Heartbeat’

A

s of mid-May, NARFE’s “Protect America’s Heartbeat” (PAH) campaign had been up and running in 10 specially targeted states for 60 days.

So, what have we got to show for it? A lot!

NARFE members and officers hand-delivered more than 1,000 personal letters to members of Congress, had letters to the editors of their local newspapers published and are more organized than ever before.

And Congress is paying attention.

In April, NARFE members met with more than 15 senators or their staff members right in their home states, and two Senate offices went even further by dispatching high-level staff members to visit with NARFE members at their federation conventions.

There are even more successes to be told in every one of the PAH-targeted states.

Florida. In the photo at right, Jane Lemley, Florida Federation vice president; Bob Lemley, president of Strawberry Chapter 1224, Plant City; and Chapter 1224 members Greg Elkins, Robert Britton and Karren Britton strengthened NARFE’s relationship with Rep. Dennis A. Ross, R, during an office visit on April 25. The policy discussion with District Director Blaine Gravitt built upon existing ties and acted as an important stepping stone toward a scheduled event at Chapter 1224 on June 2.

Illinois. NARFE members in Illinois have submitted more than 650 letters to Sen. Mark Kirk, R, and Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D. Under the leadership of

20

★ ★ ★

★ ★

★★

★ ★ Ten states have been targeted in the “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign.

ryMeeting Chapter 1796; Claire Breton of Androscoggin Valley Chapter ★ 1804, Lewiston; and Roland Metayer, legislative chair of Chapter 1804, met with staff from Sen. Olympia J. Snowe’s, R, office and discussed the PAH campaign and other issues that are important to NARFE and its members in Maine. Noel and other NARFE members also met, via video conference, with Sen. Susan M. Collins, R, in mid-May. Maryland. Under the leadership of Evelyn Kirby, Maryland Federation 1st vp, increased dialogue with Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin, D, and Barbara A. Mikulski, D, has strengthened existing ties. A PAH campaign article in the federation’s statewide spring newsletter asked NARFE members to share their personal stories as federal workers and to take action online at www.Protect AmericasHeartbeat.org. So far, more than 100 stories have been received and similar newsletters are being drafted in chapters across the state.

Michigan. David Adams, president of Chapter 89, Detroit, coordinated

Charlotte Berman, Chapter 361 in Quincy has been particularly successful in its letter-writing campaign, with more than 500 letters coming from that area.

Rockford Chapter 415 also has made great strides with letter writing. Gene Niewoehner (Chapter 1771, DuPage), Charlie Booker (Chapter 852, Northwest Chicago) and Margaret Murphy (Chapter 1309, Arlington Heights) met with Sen. Kirk’s constituent director in Chicago. The group spoke for 45 minutes, and the NARFE representatives reported that the meeting was successful in making inroads with that office.

Maine. Lorraine Noel, Maine Federation president; Susan Hyde of MidCoast Rockland Chapter 2169; Richard Neal of Pine Tree Chapter Meeting with Blaine Gravitt (back left) of Rep. Ross’ office are NARFE 1917, Sanford; Dan members, left to right: Greg Elkins, Robert Britton, Jane Lemley, Bob Strauss of Mer- Lemley and Karren Britton.

JULY 2011 | NARFE

Fighting for Federal Retirees and Employees meetings between NARFE members in the Detroit area and staff members of Sens. Carl Levin, D, and Debbie Stabenow, D. Missouri. Linda Kurz, president of NARFE Chapter 2071, W. St. Louis County; and Ned Diekroeger, legislative chair for Chapter 313, Jefferson City, led an aggressive effort to collect more than 300 letters from members throughout the state. Those letters were hand-delivered to Sens. Roy D. Blunt, R, and Claire McCaskill, D, at meetings in Missouri.

Nevada. Tom Berly of Ted Travers Chapter 2275, Las Vegas; Eric Bien of Chapter 2031, Henderson; and Bill Dwyer, Nevada Federation legislative chair, met with Janice Miller of Sen. Harry Reid’s, D, office to discuss concern over federal employees and benefits, current budget discussions and general NARFE issues.

Ohio. Ed Konys, Ohio Federation president, led a train-the-trainer session that successfully established four regional Campaign Captains for the

T

he Protect America’s Heartbeat campaign was launched in February 2011 to support the reduction or elimination of all proposed cuts that affect federal retirees and employees. The campaign selected 10 specially targeted states to educate and engage key senators to oppose any and all cuts directed at NARFE members. Learn more at: www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org.

state: Don Wiese, federation vice president of state legislation; Tim Gartner, federation vice president of membership; Dennis Petrack, federation past president; and Joe Cinadr, federation North Central District vice president.

The five leaders have since gone across their respective regions disseminating campaign material, engaging chapter presidents and establishing the foundation for what is quickly becoming an advanced advocacy network.

Oklahoma. Charles Stanphill, NARFE-PAC chair of Sooner Cowboys State Chapter 2351, and Jean Samuels, District 1 vice president, brought hand-signed letters from NARFE members to meetings with Sen. Tom

Coburn’s, R, field representative and 15 hand-signed letters to a meeting with staff of Sen. James M. Inhofe, R. Virginia. Bill Shackelford, Virginia Federation president; Leslie Ravenell, area vice president for Region VIII; and Gaston Gianni, federation public relations chair, took key roles in collecting letters from NARFE members and leading breakout sessions geared toward PAH campaign activities during the Virginia Federation Convention.

More than 120 letters were collected and delivered to two members of Sen. Mark R. Warner’s, D, staff, who attended the convention.

By JulieTagen, Assistant Legislative Director

I support Protect America’s Heartbeat. Enclosed is my contribution of:

■ $100 ■ $50 ■ $25 ■ Other $________ This contribution is not tax-deductible.

Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________________

■ Please find my check enclosed.

Please make checks payable to NARFE. ■ Please charge to my credit card.

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

NARFE | JULY 2011

State _________

ZIP ____________________

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION: Card Type: ■ MasterCard ■ Visa ■ Discover ■ AMEX Card # ________________________________ Valid thru _____/_____ MO

YR

Name on card (print) ________________________________________ Signature ________________________________ Date _____________

21

Blair House Group Could Decide Budget Deal

O

f the 535 members of Congress, only six and Vice President Joseph R. Biden could broker a budget compromise that many lawmakers are demanding in exchange for their vote to pass a needed increase in the statutory limit on the public debt. At press time, Biden’s group, meeting at Blair House, the president’s historic guest quarters in Washington, DC,

could not agree on much. But according to a May 16 front page article in The Washington Post, the Obama

administration seemed to support a proposal that would require federal employees to significantly increase their payroll contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF).

The plan had also been included in the Budget Resolution passed by the House of Representatives in April and the December 2010 report of the president’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

“NARFE has repeatedly said that

22

federal employees and annuitants are willing to do our fair share to put our fiscal house in order, and, in fact, we have already contributed $5 billion toward deficit reduction through the two-year pay freeze,” said NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin. “What is alarming to us is that the federal family is first in line for what is ultimately a 5-percent tax on 2.3 million middleclass Americans, while lawmakers are increasingly reluctant to go after popular programs with larger constituen-

cies. That means we get singled out.

That’s not shared sacrifice.”

Requiring workers to contribute a much higher share of their salary toward their defined-benefit annuity would have the effect of a significant pay cut. An employee’s Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) contribution would rise from 0.8 percent of salary to 5.8 percent of salary under the

By Dan Adcock, Legislative Director JULY 2011 | NARFE

Members of the Blair House group are, from left to right: Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT; Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-VA; Sen. Jon Kyl, R-AZ; Vice President Joseph R. Biden; Rep. James E. Clyburn, D-SC; Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD; and Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-HI.

proposal, costing workers a total of 17 percent of salary – 5.8 percent for FERS, 6.2 percent for Social Security and 5 percent for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – to take minimum advantage of their retirement savings options. The additional contribution would not result in any change in an employee’s retirement annuity. In fact, workers would pay more for a smaller retirement, since their future annuities will be reduced by the two-year pay freeze, which became law in December 2010.

While employees currently make contributions from their salary to the CSRDF, most large private-sector employers historically have not required their workers to make any contribution toward their defined-benefit pensions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, private-sector workers put in $1 for every $109 their employers contributed to their definedbenefit plans in 2008, the latest year for which statistics were available.

Beyond the retirement contribution proposals, NARFE continues to hear that key lawmakers are interested in a plan to shift a significant percentage of Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premium costs to employees and annuitants.

ANNUITIES “GENEROUS”?

The lead sentence of the May 16 article in The Washington Post was notable because it called federal civilian retirement annuities “generous.”

“It is bad enough when an editorial comment is slipped into a news article,” says Beaudoin. “If The Washington Post is trying to promote the false belief that federal civil service annuities are ‘generous,’ then lawmakers are given further license to consider proposals like annuity cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reductions.”

While lawmakers have not publicly embraced a federal retirement COLA NARFE | JULY 2011

cut, Congressional Quarterly (CQ) reported on May 20 that “fiscal hawks representing both ends of the political spectrum are pressing budget negotiators to endorse a technical but politically challenging change in the way the government calculates cost-ofliving adjustments.”

The president’s Fiscal Commission suggested in December 2010 that the so-called Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CCPI-U) should be used to set COLAs for Social Security (and other indexed benefits, including federal and military annuities). This has been estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to lower Social Security benefits by 3 percent after a 10-year period and would likely result in a similar reduction to federal civilian and military retirement COLAs. Rather than adjust the COLA to reflect the disproportionately higher health care costs paid by older Americans, the proposal supported by some budget hawks would use the C-CPI-U to further erode federal annuitant inflation protection.

CQ reported that former Congressional Budget Office Director Robert Reischauer, now president of the nonpartisan Urban Institute, says the change is not inconceivable. “This is the kind of thing that at 11:30 at night, right before you have to unveil the deal at midnight, all parties come together, hold hands and jump off the cliff together,” he told CQ. In addition, CQ said that the COLAlowering plan had the backing of policy experts from the liberal Center for American Progress to the centrist Bipartisan Policy Center to the conservative Heritage Foundation.

WHO IS IN THE ROOM? Sens. Max Baucus, D-MT; Jon Kyl, RAZ; Daniel K. Inouye, D-HI; and Reps.

Eric I. Cantor, R-VA; James E. Clyburn, D-

SC; and Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, are the select group of key members of Congress negotiating a budget/debtlimit deal. The NARFE legislative team has reached out to these lawmakers.

NARFE members who are represented by these legislators should write, phone and visit them in June and July before the debt situation forces them to make a deal. At press time, Van Hollen, a longtime NARFE ally, was the primary champion of federal employee and annuitant interests during the talks.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING As reported in the June issue and on p. 8 of this issue, Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner was forced to take extraordinary measures on May 16 to avoid a government default, including short-term use of the CSRDF and the TSP G Fund to manage the U.S. Treasury’s cash flow, because Congress failed to increase the statutory debt ceiling. Once Congress raises the debt limit and the period of debt suspension ends, the Treasury Secretary is required by federal law to “make whole” the retirement funds, with back interest.

However, Geithner’s cash-flow management will only avoid a default until August, according to estimates, which coincides with the start of the five-week congressional summer recess. That means there will be tremendous pressure on the Blair House group to settle their differences on a budget deal and debt-limit increase by August.

Any compromise brokered by negotiators at Blair House would also have to be agreeable to House Speaker John A. Boehner, R-OH; Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV; and President Obama. Ultimately, Boehner, Reid and Obama could make a separate agreement and supersede the work of the vice president and his band of six.

NARFE Legislative Counsel Alan Lopatin contributed to this article.

23

Managing Money

IRA Custodial Agreements

By Mark A. Keen, CFP®

I

t’s not uncommon for someone to go through the motions of signing paperwork to open an individual retirement account (IRA), either traditional or Roth, without ever reading the IRA custodial agreement. And it’s no wonder. The custodial agreement that you receive when opening your IRA is often a voluminous, fine-print document full of legalese.

Although the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created a set of rules governing IRA distributions, some IRA custodians may choose to be more restrictive than the IRS rules permit. That said, it’s important to know what the IRA custodial agreement says because the terms and conditions binding you and your beneficiaries are found in this document.

Here are several questions to consider when selecting an IRA custodian.

• Can your designated beneficiary stretch the IRA distributions over his or her own life expectancy, as permitted by the IRS? A beneficiary can maximize the tax advantages of an inherited IRA by stretching the required minimum distributions over the beneficiary’s life expectancy, so it’s important that your IRA custodian allows this.

• Can your beneficiary name his or her own beneficiary? If your beneficiary inherits your IRA and cannot name his or her own beneficiary, the ability to stretch the IRA distributions could be lost or at least severely curtailed.

• Can your beneficiary’s beneficiary keep the IRA stretch going? For example, if your daughter has a 30-year life expectancy when she inherits your IRA but dies after five years, the next

24

beneficiary should be allowed to continue taking minimum distributions over the remaining 25 years. But if the IRA custodian forces the account to be emptied after the original beneficiary’s death, the beneficiary’s beneficiary would lose out on 25 years of tax deferral (or tax-free growth if a Roth IRA).

• Can your nonspouse beneficiary move the inherited IRA to another IRA custodian via a trustee-to-trustee transfer? As we have learned in previous articles on IRAs, a nonspouse ben-

a look at the two general payout options – per stirpes and per capita.

If a distribution is per stirpes, it means that when there are several beneficiaries on an inherited account, and one of the beneficiaries predeceases the IRA owner, then the deceased beneficiary’s share would go to his or her descendants.

A per capita distribution means that if one of the beneficiaries predeceases the IRA owner, the deceased beneficiary’s share would be split by the re-

THE CUSTODIAL agreement that you receive when opening your IRA is often a voluminous,fine-print document full of legalese. eficiary is not allowed to roll over an inherited IRA (which involves withdrawing funds from an IRA, taking possession of the funds, and then returning the money to the same IRA or to another IRA within 60 days to avoid any taxes or penalties). So, if an IRA custodian doesn’t permit trustee-to-trustee transfers, the beneficiary would be forced to stick with that IRA custodian forever or withdraw the funds from the inherited IRA. • Is a per stirpes payout permitted?

Shockingly enough, there are many IRA custodians who refuse to allow a per stirpes payout, and unknowingly sticking with an IRA custodian who does not may have disastrous consequences, such as unintentionally disinheriting a family member. To understand the importance of this, let’s take

maining beneficiaries, rather than going to the deceased’s descendants.

For example, let’s assume Tom, an IRA owner, has three children: John, Jane and Sally. We’ll also assume that Tom’s son, John, has two children of his own: Bobby and Sue. Tom’s three children are listed as beneficiaries, with each of them to receive one-third of his IRA upon his death. We’ll assume John predeceases his father, and Tom does not update his beneficiary designation prior to his death.

Under a per stirpes payout, John’s one-third share would be split and inherited by his two children (Tom’s grandchildren). The IRA would be inherited as follows: Jane would receive one-third; Sally would receive onethird; Bobby would receive one-sixth; and Sue would receive one-sixth.

JULY 2011 | NARFE

Under a per capita payout, John’s one-third share would be split by the remaining beneficiaries rather than going to his children. In other words, the IRA would be inherited as follows: Jane would receive one-half, and Sally would receive one-half. John’s children would receive nothing.

Most large investment companies will usually permit everything discussed in this column, including the per stirpes payout. Banks, and in particular smaller banks, will often have more restrictive rules. In fact, a NARFE member recently alerted us to the fact that all of the local banks where he lives in the state of Washington do not permit per stirpes payouts. This is unfortunate, as most people want their child’s share to go to the grandchildren if their child predeceases them. If your

NARFE | JULY 2011

child does predecease you, you can, of course, update your beneficiary designation to reflect this. But the unexpected sometimes happens, and beneficiary designations may not be updated in a timely fashion.

A note about the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). A spouse who inherits a TSP account from a deceased spouse can continue the account as a beneficiary participant account with the TSP. However, when the spousal beneficiary dies, the surviving spouse’s beneficiary must take the TSP account as a lump-sum distribution. Furthermore, the lump-sum distribution is not eligible to be rolled over or transferred to a beneficiary IRA. This is important because it means the spouse’s beneficiary could lose out on decades of tax deferral.

If the spouse transferred the inherited TSP account to his or her own IRA and named a beneficiary, that beneficiary would be able to stretch the required minimum distributions over his or her own life expectancy.

If you don’t know the rules of your IRA custodian, take the time to find out.

You have options and can take action by moving your IRA to a more flexible IRA custodian – one that fits your circumstances.

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

25

LiveWell

Too Much Iron Can Be Harmful

By Marilyn S. Radke, M.D.

H

emochromatosis or iron overload is one of the most common genetic diseases in America. Too much iron is toxic to your body and can poison your organs or cause organ failure. Iron buildup in the liver, heart and pancreas can cause serious complications and even death if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis usually appear in women after age 50 (after menopause), and in men who are ages 40 to 60. In women, fatigue is often the first symptom of hemochromatosis. In men, diabetes and cirrhosis (liver scarring) are often the first signs of the disease. Other common signs and symptoms are joint pain, general weakness, weight loss and stomach pain. Nearly half of all people who have hemochromatosis have no signs or symptoms of the disease.

Complications of hemochromatosis include: • Liver disease – enlarged liver, liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis; • Heart problems – irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and heart failure; • Diabetes – especially in people who have a family history of diabetes; • Joint damage and pain – arthritis; • Early menopause in women; • Erectile dysfunction (impotence), shrinkage of the testicles and loss of sex drive in men; • Changes in skin color – gray or bronze;

26

• Underactive thyroid and pituitary glands; and • Damage to the adrenal glands.

Abnormal genes that cause the body to absorb too much iron from food cause primary hemochromatosis.

A person who inherits a hemochromatosis gene from each parent is at risk for iron overload, and signs and symptoms of the disease.

Secondary hemochromatosis results from another condition that causes iron overload, including: • Certain types of anemia – thalassemias, sideroblastic anemia; • Rare inherited diseases – atransferrinemia, aceruloplasminemia; • Chronic liver diseases – hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; • Blood transfusions; • Oral iron pills or iron injections; and • Long-term kidney dialysis.

The disease is more common in Caucasians of Northern European descent, men and older people.

Additional risk factors for hemochromatosis include alcoholism and a family history of heart attack, liver disease, diabetes, arthritis and erectile dysfunction.

A combination of methods is used to diagnose hemochromatosis, including medical and family history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging studies and diagnostic procedures.

The blood tests used to assess iron

overload are: • Transferrin saturation – shows amount of iron carried in the blood; • Serum ferritin level – shows amount of iron stored in the body’s organs; and • Liver enzymes – shows severity of liver damage.

The procedures used to assess iron overload in the liver are: • Liver biopsy – uses a needle to remove a small sample of liver tissue, which is checked for damage (scarring, cancer); • Magnetic resonance imaging – creates pictures of the liver; • Superconducting quantum interference device – uses magnets to measure iron in the liver.

The goals of treating hemochromatosis are to maintain a normal level of iron in the body, prevent or delay organ damage from iron overload and treat complications of the disease. Treatment methods include: • Therapeutic phlebotomy – as in

TOO MUCH iron is toxic to your body and can poison your organs or cause organ failure.

To Learn More

F

or more information, write to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Health Information Center, Attention: Website,P.O.Box 30105,Bethesda,MD 20824-0105;or call 301-592-8573 (TTY: 240-6293255); or visit the website at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

JULY 2011 | NARFE

Technology Breakthrough

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

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the blood donation process, a needle inserted into a vein removes blood (and iron). One pint of blood is removed once or twice a week until iron levels are normal, then blood is removed every two to six months.

• Iron chelation therapy – medication, either injected in a doctor’s office or taken by mouth at home, removes excess iron from the body.

• Dietary changes – avoid taking iron pills or multivitamins containing iron and having iron injections. Limit intake of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron from food. Avoid uncooked fish and shellfish, which may contain bacteria that can cause infections. Limit alcohol intake because alcohol increases the risk of liver disease and makes liver disease worse.

• Treatment for complications – as needed for liver disease, heart problems or diabetes.

Family doctors and internal medicine specialists also may involve one of the following in diagnosing and treating the disease: • Hematologist (blood disease specialist); • Cardiologist (heart specialist); • Endocrinologist (gland system specialist); • Hepatologist (liver specialist); • Gastroenterologist (digestive tract specialist); and • Rheumatologist (joint and tissue disease specialist).

Blood relatives of people who have hemochromatosis should have a doctor check their iron levels. If you have signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis, see your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent, delay or reverse complications of the disease.

¼

*UL #E332700 Copyright © 2010 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

27

Questions & Answers NOTE: The following Questions & Answers were compiled by Retirement Benefits Service Department staff. These are real questions received by the Department and real answers, based on the members’ personal circumstances.

The answers are not universal and may include information that is relevant to the correspondent’s particular situation. NARFE does not provide legal advice or assistance, does not provide financial planning advice or assistance, and does not provide tax advice or assistance. For legal, financial planning or tax advice/assistance, NARFE recommends members contact an attorney, financial planner or certified public accountant/tax adviser.

. RETIREES

LONG-TERM CARE QUESTION: I have been thinking about getting long-term care insurance. My neighbor waited until he got sick to apply and wasn’t approved.

What advice do you have for me?

Response: We really can’t make this decision for you. You need to explore your options before making a decision. Certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage. By applying while you’re in good health, you could avoid the risk of having a future change in your health disqualify you from obtaining coverage.

Remember that Federal Employees Health Benefits Program plans do not cover the cost of long-term care. While Medicare covers some care in nursing homes and at home, it does so only for

28

a limited time, subject to restrictions.

The federal government offers longterm care insurance, which provides care in many settings, such as at home, or in a nursing home, assisted living facility and adult-dependent care facility.

You need to contact the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) for information about the options that are available, instructions on applying for coverage, a package describing the plan and the cost of the insurance. You can contact the FLTCIP by calling 800-582-3337 or go to the FLTCIP website at www.ltcfeds.com.

NARFE also offers long-term care insurance. You will need to call 800358-3795 to obtain information about this insurance.

MEDICARE PART A QUESTION: In one of your previous “Q &A” columns,you advised an individual who is under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) that Medicare Part A is free. I am under the CSRS and am paying for Medicare Part A.

these accounts when I die? She is already listed as my primary beneficiary.

Response: For TSP death benefits to be processed, the survivor must submit TSP Form TSP-17, “Information Relating to Deceased Participant,” along with a copy of the participant’s certified death certificate. You can obtain a copy of the TSP booklet on death benefits by calling 877968-3778. You also can download the document from the TSP website at www.tsp.gov. Your wife also can contact the TSP by telephone at the above number in the event of your death.

We can’t answer your question about your particular IRAs because each IRA has different rules. You need to contact the company that manages your IRAs concerning the actions your wife needs to take upon your death.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE QUESTION: I am trying to decide whether to sign up for a MedicareAdvantage plan offered under Medicare Part C. Would you please help me select a plan?

QA &

Response: CSRS employees began paying a 1.45percent Medicare tax on their wages in 1983. Those CSRS employees, therefore, are eligible to enroll in Part A at no cost. CSRS employees who retired prior to 1983 would have to pay a premium for Part A unless they were awarded the Part A benefit based on their spouse’s work record.

TSP BENEFICIARY QUESTION: I am over age 70-1/2 and am receiving the minimum distribution from my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account and some of my individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

What does my wife need to do about

Response: Medicare has the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to assist you. SHIPs are state programs that get funds from the federal government and provide free personalized Medicare counseling on decisions about coverage; help with claims, billing or appeals; and provide information on programs for people with limited resources and income. Call 800-633-4227 to get the telephone number of the SHIP in your state. SHIPs are independent and not connected to any insurance company or health plan.

RE-EMPLOYED ANNUITANT QUESTION: I am retired and am thinking of returning to work for the JULY 2011 | NARFE

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They were minted to raise money for the Stone Mountain Civil War memorial near Atlanta, where the image on this coin is now carved in bas relief.

The detail and relief make each coin a work of art.

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Questions & Answers federal government.How would such a decision impact my annuity?

Response: There are two ways for a retiree to be re-employed with the federal government. The human resources office decides on the way you would be re-employed. The first is that you could be brought back as a regular re-employed annuitant, which typically causes your salary from the agency to be offset by your annuity unless your Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity stops altogether.

The second way is to be re-employed under a waiver. Whether to grant a waiver is at the agency’s discretion.

Under the CSRS, if you are brought back as a regular re-employed annuitant, re-employment would cause your annuity to stop if:

30

NARFE now offers an online retirement calculator and other financial planning tools for members only.Find out more about this new membership benefit at www.narfe.org.

• You are a disability annuitant whom the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has found recovered or restored to earning capacity prior to re-employment; • You are a disability annuitant who was medically disqualified for continued membership in the National Guard; • Your annuity is based on an involuntary separation, and your new appointment is permanent in nature; or • You received a presidential appointment subject to retirement deductions.

Under FERS, re-employment would cause your annuity to stop if: • You are a disability annuitant whom OPM has found recovered or restored to earning capacity prior to reemployment; or • You are a disability annuitant who was medically disqualified for continued membership in the National Guard.

When your CSRS or FERS annuity stops, you have the same status as any other federal employee hired in an equivalent position with a similar service history. When you again leave federal service, you would be entitled either to an immediate or a deferred annuity based on this new separation.

Generally, the annuity would be computed on the basis of your service and salary history at the time of the future separation from federal service.

If your CSRS or FERS annuity does not stop under the rules above, you would continue to receive your annuity while you are working. Your pay would be reduced by the amount of your annuity paid for the period you work. If you do not work full time, the reduction in pay would be adjusted proportionately.

Re-employment may increase your retirement and death benefits. As a re-employed annuitant, you can earn either a supplemental annuity or a redetermined annuity. A supplemental annuity is an annuity that is added to your present annuity. If you work as a re-employed annuitant on a full-time, continuous basis for at least one year, you may be entitled to a suppleJULY 2011 | NARFE

NARFE SERVICE OFFICERS are available to answer questions and to mental annuity. If you work part time, you must work a proportionately longer period to earn a supplemental annuity. A redetermined annuity is a recomputed annuity that takes the place of your present annuity. If your re-employment continues for at least five years, or the part-time equivalent, you may elect a redetermined annuity.

If you are rehired under a waiver provision, your annuity would continue, and you would receive your full salary from the agency.

You would not receive any supplemental or redetermined annuity when you separate from the position.

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

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

SS BENEFITS

64 and have only 24 credits under Social Security. My wife is drawing Social Security at age 62. I received a letter from the Social Security Administration stating,“It has come to our attention that you may be eligible for spouse’s benefits on your wife’s record.” Is it possible to collect Social Security benefits on a spouse’s record if you do not have the required 40 credits yourself?

QUESTION:I retired under the Civil Service Retirement System.I am age

Response: Yes, it is possible. You would, however, be subject to the Government

NARFE | JULY 2011

Pension Offset. Your Social Security benefits from your spouse would be reduced by two-thirds of your government pension. In other words, if you get a monthly civil service pension of $600, two-thirds of that, or $400, must be deducted from your Social Security benefit. For example, if you are eligible for a $500 spouse’s, widow’s or widower’s benefit from Social Security, you would receive $100 per month from Social Security ($500 – $400 = $100). We encourage you to contact the Social Secu-

31

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Neutronic Ear is the easy, virtually invisible and affordable way to turn up the sound on the world around you.

“I’m 96 years old, and I think Neutronic Ear is a great product. I had a digital hearing aid that cost over $2000, but I lost it in the supermarket. There’s nothing wrong with my hearing, I can hear sounds just fine, like a car door shutting or a plane going overhead, but when someone talks to me, I can’t understand the words. My daughter has what I call a “Lauren Bacall” voice– very low, and I just can’t hear her.

It’s embarrassing to have to constantly say “Excuse me” and although people say they don’t mind repeating themselves, I think they are only saying that because I’m 96! With Neutronic Ear I can hear and understand her. If I need to, I can turn up the volume. I’m originally from Missouri, and Neutronic Ear has sure “Shown Me” that it works.

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ACTIVE EMPLOYEES DEPOSITS AND REDEPOSITS QUESTION:I was told that in order to use some of my civilian service in the computation of my annuity,I owe a redeposit for this service.Is this correct?

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It works… but don’t take our word for it. Why For thousands of folks like Georgia, Neutronic pay thousands to make everything sound Ear is an easy and affordable way to rejoin louder when what you really need is a Personal conversations and get the most out of life. First Sound Amplification Product? We’re so sure of all, Neutronic Ear is not a hearing aid; it is you’ll be absolutely thrilled with the quality and effectiveness of this a PSAP, or Personal Sound Just think of the product that we are Amplification Product. Until places you’ll enjoy offering it to the public at PSAPs, everyone was required a low introductory price to see the doctor, have hearing Neutronic Ear tests, have fitting appointments Parties • Restaurants with our exclusive trial offer. If, for any reason, (numerous visits) and then pay Church • Lectures you are not completely for the instruments without Book Groups amazed by how this any insurance coverage. These product improves your devices can cost up to $5000 Bird-watching life, simply return it for a each! The high cost and Movies refund of the product inconvenience drove an And almost purchase price within 30 innovative scientist to develop any daily activity days. Call now. the Neutronic Ear PSAP.

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Questions & Answers

Response: Many employees do not hear about deposits and redeposits until they are about to retire – which is not a good time to discover that you owe money to the retirement fund, plus retroactive interest on this money. Below is information on deposits and redeposits.

If you received a refund of your retirement contributions when you separated from the government, you may owe a redeposit to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Employees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) have always had this option of making a redeposit for their refunded service. Even if you do not make a redeposit, you would be able to use this service to become eligible for retirement. CSRS employees have the option of repaying this redeposit for service performed before March 1, 1991. However, refunded service on or after March 1, 1991, will not be used in the computation of the annuity without a deposit.

When the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) was originally established, there were no provisions for refunded FERS service. A FERS employee lost the service and could never use it for retirement purposes. The good news is that the provision has changed. FERS employees first became eligible to make a redeposit for refunded contributions on October 28, 2009. Under FERS, you must make a redeposit to get credit for that service JULY 2011 | NARFE

Aging in the Home™ Technology

INTERIM ANNUITY QUESTION: It is my understanding that, while receiving interim retirement payments from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the agency does not make deductions and payments for health,life or long-term care insurance, all of which I want to continue into retirement. How do I make premium payments while these NARFE | JULY 2011

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in the computation of the annuity.

If you served in a job where you were not permitted to pay into the retirement fund (called deposit service) and are still employed with the government, you may owe money to OPM. For deposit service or CSRS noncovered service, CSRS employees may have to pay a deposit to have the service included in their annuity computation.

FERS noncovered service performed before January 1, 1989, may be used if a deposit is made. FERS employees may not buy this service after January 1, 1989. And if you have deposit service after January 1, 1989, note that you have always been given credit for post1988 service in the service computation date for leave purposes. But you may be disappointed when you discover that you are not able to receive credit for this service for retirement purposes.

Interest is charged on the unpaid balance of this money. You may find that the amount you owe is three or more times greater than the original amount owed if you haven’t made the deposit. You will need to contact your human resources office for an application to repay this money.

For those who do not know whether they will be required to make a deposit or redeposit, it is never too soon to check your records to see if you have this type of service. You will then have time to explore the advantages and disadvantages of repaying this money.

Are you in love with your home, but afraid of your staircase?

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Questions & Answers Open SeasonAlert: This Open Season,to Get a Paper FEHBP Benefit Brochure, YouWill Have toAsk for It

T

he Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has asked NARFE to help it spread the word that getting a paper brochure from health plans during the 2011 Federal Employees Health Benefits Open Season will be by request only. The following is the statement OPM has asked NARFE to disseminate to members: “Beginning this Open Season, paper copies of health plan brochures will not be automatically mailed to Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) members.

“If you would like to lower administrative costs and help save trees, then start this Open Season by visiting the FEHBP website at www.opm.gov/insure/health/planinfo/index.asp or visit your health plan’s website where you can quickly and easily view your health plan’s brochure online at any time.

“During the next several months,your FEHBP health plan will contact you to offer you the option of obtaining your benefit brochure online or requesting a paper copy. If you want your health plan to mail a paper copy of your brochure to you for the next Open Season (November 14 through December 12,2011),follow the instructions your health plan provides you.(If you change plans,your new health plan will mail you a paper copy of its brochure.)

“If you choose to review the online version of your plan’s benefit brochure, you will continue to receive the Open Season package your plan normally mails to you. This package will include an explanation of benefit changes for the next year and your new premium rate.In addition,you can still request Open Season material from OPM’s Retirement Operations Center. This effort to conserve resources applies only to paper copies of the plans’ benefit brochures.” partial annuities are in effect to ensure that my insurance coverage is maintained? Do I pay them to the various insurance companies directly?

Response: OPM only withholds federal income tax. You may find that the federal income taxes withheld from your first interim payment will be higher than the federal tax withholdings from your subsequent interim payments and regular annuity. OPM will make any necessary tax-withholding adjustments when it finishes processing your application.

Your health and life insurance coverage will continue while you are receiving interim pay. OPM will begin withholding health and life insurance premiums retroactive to the commencing date of your annuity when it finishes processing your application.

OPM withholds retroactive deductions for health and life insurance from your first final annuity check and then will withhold these premiums on a monthly basis. You are not required to do anything. However, long-term care insurance is different if you are paying pre-

34

miums through payroll deductions. You will need to notify Long Term Care Partners that you are retiring. Long Term Care Partners will let you know your options for paying premiums.

FERS SUPPLEMENT QUESTION: I am under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and was told that my supplement could be taken from me if I work after I retire.Can you explain this?

Response: If you retire voluntarily on an immediate annuity that is not reduced for age, you may be eligible for the annuity supplement, in addition to your regular monthly FERS benefit. You also may receive the supplement if you retired involuntarily before attaining your minimum retirement age (MRA), or voluntarily because of a major reorganization or a reduction in force. However, in these instances, you would not receive your supplement until you reach your MRA. If you receive a deferred benefit, a disability benefit or an immediate MRA+10 benefit, you would not be el-

igible for the annuity supplement.

The FERS annuity supplement is paid in addition to gross monthly FERS annuity benefits. It represents what you would receive for your FERS civilian service from the Social Security Administration and is calculated as if you were eligible to receive Social Security benefits on the day you retired.

Eligibility for the annuity supplement continues until you reach age 62.

As with Social Security benefits, the FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test. It is reduced if you earn more than the Social Security-exempt amount of earnings in the immediately preceding year. The supplement is reduced by $1 for every $2 of earnings over the minimum level. It is possible that the supplement could reduce to $0.

However, the FERS basic benefit would not be reduced. If you are receiving a supplement, you must report your earnings to the Office of Personnel Management. You will receive instructions on how to report your earnings, once you begin receiving the supplement.

JULY 2011 | NARFE

QUESTION: I am under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If I die while I am still employed, will my spouse be paid any death benefits?

Response: When a FERS employee dies, a surviving spouse (or eligible former spouse) could be eligible for the basic employee death benefit if the employee had at least 18 months of federal civilian service. This basic death benefit is equal to 50 percent of the employee’s final annual pay (or high-three average pay, if higher), plus a $15,000 payment that is increased annually by Civil Service Retirement System cost-ofliving adjustments. For deaths that occur before November 30, 2011, that payment would be $29,722.95.

The surviving spouse also may be entitled to a monthly benefit when: • The employee who died completed at least 10 years of creditable service (18 months of which must be creditable civilian service); and • The employee who died was covered by FERS when he or she died; and • The surviving spouse was married to the employee for at least nine months. If the death were accidental, or if there were a child born of the marriage to the employee, the nine-month requirement does not apply.

A surviving spouse also may be entitled to money from your Thrift Savings Plan account, your federal life insurance policy, your unpaid compensation and the Social Security Administration.

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

NARFE | JULY 2011

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

The cell phone that’s right for me. Sometimes I think the people who designed this phone and the rate plans had me in mind. The phone fits easily in my pocket, and it flips open to reach from my mouth to my ear. The display is large and backlit, so I can actually see who is calling. With a push of a button I can amplify the volume, and if I don’t know a number, I can simply push “0” for a friendly, helpful operator that will look it up and even dial it for me. The Jitterbug also reduces background noise, making the sound loud and clear. There’s even a dial tone, so I know the phone is ready to use.

8003415456

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And if I do talk more than I plan, I won’t find myself with no minutes like my friend who has a prepaid phone. Best of all, there is no contract to sign – so I’m not locked in for years at a time or subject to termination fees. The U.S.–based customer service is second to none, and the phone gets service virtually anywhere in the country.

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2011 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2011 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

35

Report From the Regions Into the 21st Century

By Donald Stewart Region III Regional Vice President dejs33149@aol.com

N

ARFE has transitioned into the 21st century and is adapting to change to meet the needs of a new generation of NARFE members. As an organization, NARFE understands that it, too, must evolve with advancements in technology and changing times. Those “tried and true” solutions of the past are often out of place today and may have little relevance to the current gen-

36

eration of potential members. While adapting to attract new members and adjusting to meet future needs, we are continuing to take into account the needs of our current membership.

Today’s potential member was born into the computer generation and matured professionally in the technology age. GoToMeeting is replacing the faceto-face gathering. Information at the click of a mouse means that making decisions based on instant access to information is a common occurrence among this generation. Time is at a premium, and optimizing time equates to efficiency. It is easy to transmit a message electronically throughout an office, across the city or around the world.

To appeal to this “instant” generation, NARFE launched the eNARFE member-

ship concept, which includes a website with the latest news on topics of importance to federal workers and retirees. eNARFE membership allows members to get their NARFE chapter information online and to have instant communications, including online meetings and access to items of concern that require a rapid response.

NARFE needs to attract this new generation of members, but must never forget the needs of current members nor abandon traditional chapters. We should all embrace this new concept. Let’s learn and share ideas for elevating the effectiveness and efficiency of NARFE. It is up to each and every one of us to join together and defend the benefits that we earned during a career of federal service. ■

JULY 2011 | NARFE

NARFE News Turner Gets GEICO Award

G

program, in which expert kayakers teach disabled vets to kayak, including a maneuver called a “therapeutic rollover,” which helps restore their confidence.

Turner also works with the Nashville VA Medical Center, encouraging vets who served in Iraq and Afghanistan to participate in Nashville’s annual Veterans Day Parade, and he assists the Veterans Coordinating Council with the planning of two local Memorial Day Services.

As part of the award, Turner any members have requested a way to honor former was presented National Treasurer Charles W. Saylor, who died in with a check for March.NARFE has dedicated a Silver Circle fund for him. $2,500. He plans Donations in his name should be sent to NARFE National to use a portion of Headquarters,606 N. Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314, the funds to purAttention:Linda Parsons. chase T-shirts, ball lenn Turner, a member of NARFE Chapter 2993 in Nashville, TN, received the 2010 GEICO Retiree Award for Public Service for his volunteer work with wounded returning combat veterans in a May 2 ceremony in Washington, DC. Turner, a Korean War veteran, received recognition mainly for his involvement with the Team River Runner

Fund Honors Saylor

M

Glenn Turner, left, received the 2010 GEICO Retiree Award for Public Service in the Physical Rehabilitation category. Other honorees, all active federal employees, are, left to right: Dr. Stephen Mann, Michelle Bledsoe, Scott E. Olson and Roger L. Hayes.

caps and other items for the various veterans’ events he helps coordinate.

Turner praised NARFE for the work it does to protect the benefits of retired and current federal employees, saying, “Who knows what would happen to our pay and benefits if it weren’t for NARFE?” ■

Sweet rewards.

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0.15% APY will be earned on all balances if qualifications are not met. 2Direct deposit required.

Note: Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

NARFE | JULY 2011

37

NARFE News

NARFE Working forYou: Membership

D

id you know that NARFE exhibits at eight or more trade shows annually? It’s one of our most effective marketing tools.

An exhibit at a conference of federal employees provides attendees from all across the country an opportunity to discover just what NARFE does and interact with a member of HQ staff.

Because there are more exhibit opportunities than dollars, each event is carefully evaluated. Throughout the year, staff in the Recruitment & Retention Department explore exhibit opportunities for the next calendar year.

We research industry publications as well as leads from staff and members.

We also network with other vendors to find out which shows they attend.

Our goal is to find conferences and events that will afford NARFE the maximum interaction with, and exposure to, prospective members for the best price we can negotiate. A few of the most important factors considered are: • Cost of the event; • Number and demographics of attendees; • Exhibit time that doesn’t conflict with other conference events; and • Special events in the exhibit hall.

In addition to scheduling new meetings, our presence at successful shows year after year reinforces our credibility with attendees.

Choosing a show is just the first

NARFE staff often use this type of display as a backdrop to the NARFE booth at trade shows.

step. Paperwork, budgets, travel schedules and staff assignments are worked out well in advance. Shipping materials and signage is usually done several weeks before the event and accounts for much of the cost.

The 2011 schedule includes: • March 21-23, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Las Vegas, NV; • May 31-June 3, American Society of Military Comptrollers, Minneapolis, MN; • July 18-22, Federally Employed Women, Philadelphia, PA; • July 31-August 4, National League of Postmasters, Albuquerque, NM; • August 16-19, National Rural Letter Carriers Association, Savannah, GA;

Finding Us on Facebook

I

f you are looking for us on Facebook,and you search for NARFE,Narfe,Narfe Headquarters or Narfe National Headquarters, you will get a list of sites.

Choose “Narfe National Headquarters.” Once you are on the page, click on “Like.” From then on,the Headquarters page should come up automatically in your search,or at least come to the top of the list. HINT: The easiest way to go directly to the Narfe National Headquarters page on Facebook is to click on the Facebook button on the NARFE website’s Main Home Page.

38

• August 22-26, Blacks in Government, Boston, MA; • September 7-11, Former Special Agents of the FBI, Washington, DC; • September 10-15, National Postmasters of the United States, Puerto Rico; and • October 16-20, Federal Aviation Administration Managers Association, Las Vegas, NV. The work doesn’t stop at the end of the trade show. In addition to meeting new prospects face to face, we also collect names and addresses for follow-up.

We bring those back to the office and download prospect information into our database. Everyone receives a copy of NARFE magazine, a membership application, a prepaid return envelope and background on NARFE. Six weeks later, they receive another packet of information urging them to become members.

Tradeshow exhibits serve a trifold purpose. They allow us to recruit new members, familiarize prospects with our organization and meet our current members.

By Christina Robinson, Program Manager JULY 2011 | NARFE

Bylaws Review Committee Update

By Paul Lamb, NARFE Parliamentarian

M

embers of the NARFE Bylaws Review Committee (BRC) have been working hard. They have a product of which they should be proud. And it is expected to be unveiled for members soon. Then, you will have a second chance to provide suggestions to the committee (e-mail to BRC@narfe.org).

All of us have been working to-

gether to make the process of adopting the proposed revised Bylaws and Standing Rules at NARFE’s 2012 National Convention, August 26-30 in Reno, NV, as smooth as possible. The BRC has received many comments and has considered each and every one of them. If your suggestion doesn’t make it into the final draft, you can be assured it was reviewed and discussed, and that there is a good reason for the committee’s action.

The processing of the proposed doc-

uments at the convention should go quickly, with only a few minor amendments being offered. It would be ideal if there were so few amendments proposed that we could have an early recess for that meeting of the convention.

Remember that perfection is an ideal goal, but compromise is a necessary fact of organizational life. As long as the governance documents allow for the organization to operate effectively, we can keep trying at each convention to come closer to perfection. ■

Kansas Elects Active Fed Prez

H

er job title is management program analyst at the U.S. Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center. To members of the Kansas NARFE Federation, she is “Madam President.” Cindy Renee Blythe of Burlingame was elected Kansas Federation president at the state convention in Junction City. She is believed to be the first working active federal employee to

be elected a federation president.

A member of Chapter 2099 in Osage City, she joined NARFE at the suggestion of her mother, the chapter’s secretary/treasurer. Blythe, who has worked for the federal government for 29 years, believes that participation in NARFE will help secure her retirement benefits and those of her daughter, also a Coast Guard employee. ■

Defeat Unfair Attacks. President Joseph A. Beaudoin shows off the boxing gloves sent to him by the Mississippi Federation – and signed by members at its convention – in support of the “Protect America’s Heartbeat” campaign.

NARFE-FEEA PROGRAM FUND CONTRIBUTION FORM

YES! I would like to help with my contribution.

Please check appropriate box(es). To make credit-card contributions,call 800-338-0755.

Scholarships are available to children and grandchildren of federal civilian retirees and current federal employees who are NARFE members.

❏ ❏

NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund

Amount $ Amount $

Name

NARFE | JULY 2011

Make check payable to: NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund or NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund.

Please mail coupon and check to:

FEEA

Address City

YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

State

ZIP

3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80227

39

Out & AW bout ith the Chapters

Visit our online gallery at www.narfe.org.

Click on NARFE magazine.

25th Birthday. Dunwoody, GA, Mayor Ken Wright (left) presents Tom McKinney, president of Chapter 2104, a proclamation commending the chapter for 25 years of service to the federal family and the Dunwoody community.

Public Service Recognition Week. Scottsboro, AL, Mayor Melton Potter, left, presents a proclamation declaring Public Service Recognition Week to members of NARFE Chapter 1901, from left: June Pockrus, president; Dell Cook, secretary; David Cook; and Betty Moore, vice president.

Celebrate NARFE’s 90th

NARFE has 90thAnniversary merchandise for sale: • 90th Anniversary Book, NARFE: Celebrating 90Years of Service,1921-2011,$10.

• 90th Anniversary PowerPoint Presentation, $5; • 90th Anniversary Lapel Pin,$3.

Recruiting Champs. Chapter 2229 in Frankfort, KY, was recognized at the Kentucky Federation Convention for increasing chapter membership 22 percent from October 2008 to December 2010. Members pictured are, from left: Ira Linville, David Walter, Terry Chism, Nancy Edwards and Gladys Linville.

Go to www.narfe.org,click on Leadership at the top of the page, then click on NARFE 90thAnniversary Merchandise.

To submit a photo: E-mail it to rl@narfe.org or send it by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Out & About.

NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research:

SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

$10 Million Fund

$9,192,579* *Total as of April 30, 2011 100% of all contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research.

If you have any questions, write to: National Committee Chairman Barb L. Pretzer, 4817 Rockridge Ct. Manhattan, KS 66503

Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ ___________.

Every cent that is contributed is used for research.

Please circle:

Mr.

Mrs.

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

40

Ms.

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

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

Miss

Name _______________________________________________________________

❑ MasterCard

❑ Discover

❑ AMEX

Card Number: __________________________________________________________ Expiration Date:________(mm)/_________(yy) 3-Digit Security Code: _________ Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________ Date: _______________ JULY 2011 | NARFE

Join

NARFE

Who can join?

Today!

To apply:

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

Check out eNAR FE, our new electronic m embership option, at www.NAR FE .org

• Complete the application below.

• Enclose payment information, bill pay, check or money order payable to NARFE, or request to be billed.

• Or go to our Web site at www.narfe.org.

• Or call us at 800-627-3394 and join today! *Prior to October 1, 1987

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

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

Active employee Former spouse Former employee

2. Also enroll my spouse __________________________

www.narfe.org

Contact Information:

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

full name

3. Please enroll me in NARFE chapter ______________

Street Address

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

City/State/ZIP

= __________ Total Payment

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

Credit Card Information: MasterCard Card type: Discover

VISA AMEX

Card no. ___________________________________________ Expiration Date ________________ (MM)

(YY)

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

Apt./Unit

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

MAIL TO:

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

1Q 41

NARFE Dues Withholding Application Retired Federal Employees Only If you are a Retired Federal Employee and you would like your NARFE dues to be deducted from your annuity payments, fill out the form below.

Dues Withholding Application (Retirees Only) Fill out this form completely and mail to: Attn: Member Records, NARFE, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (Do Not Send Money With This Form).

(Please Print) —

—

C

—

—

S

—

Civil Service Annuity Number

Social Security Number (9-digits)

(Include prefix CSA or CSF) (Include any applicable suffix)

(Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.) Address

Telephone

City, State, ZIP

E-mail

Date of Birth

NARFE Membership Number

NARFE Chapter Number

Authorization I authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annually obligated, in accordance with elections I make below and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership in accordance with elections I make below:

Do You Authorize Your Spouse’s Dues to Be Withheld from Your Annuity?

If YES, enter your spouse’s name and membership number below.

Name

Number

❑ Yes

❑ No

You authorize: Annual NARFE dues of $34.00 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.

I understand that this authorization shall be valid until NARFE receives & processes my written notice of cancellation in accordance with its agreement with the Office of Personnel Management & that any disputes regarding this authorization shall be a matter between NARFE & myself. I hold the Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous allotment deduction made pursuant to this authorization.

Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant

42

Date

Dues payments & gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

JULY 2011 | NARFE

Letters Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

A

word of thanks for the message sent out to NARFE members, “Subject: Disaster Relief Fund Available to NARFE Members.”

We live in Arkansas and were hit by a tornado on April 25. We were so glad to receive the message. We immediately applied and received the $500 grant very fast. We want to thank NARFE for this assistance and appreciate it very, very much.

Frank Kollatt, Jr., Hot Springs, AR Editor’s Note: Members who incurred property damage due to the recent storms

REMINDER: Chapters should plan now to participate in NARFE “Grass-Roots Advocacy Month” in August.

and tornados and the flooding along the Mississippi may be eligible for NARFE’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Following a declared natural disaster, NARFE members can request a grant for

assistance. Grants are subject to funds available and are limited to a maximum of $500 per family.

To request a grant application, call the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA), toll-free, at 800-338-0755; send an e-mail to rmartillaro@feea.org; go to www.narfe.org and click on Disaster Fund; or write to NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund, c/o FEEA, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80227.

To donate to the Disaster Fund, see the coupon on p. 39 of this issue.

Letters to the editor may be edited for grammar, clarity and length. All letters must be signed.

Send by e-mail to rl@narfe.org or by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Letters to the Editor.

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

Life Membership Fee Schedule

Membership Information

Contact Information

Ages

(Active NARFE members)

Member Number:_______________________

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

Street Address

Single or Quarterly Payment Installments

Apt./Unit

City/State/ZIP

E-mail Address

30-39 $1,796 40-40 1,408 (New members) Membership is open to civilians in 1,127 any agency of the federal or D.C. (before Oct. 1, 1987) 51-55 56-60 960 governments eligible for a federal annuity.

61-65 801 Check one: 66-70 653 Retiree Active federal employee 71-75 514 Spouse Former federal employee 76-80 392 Former spouse Survivor 81-90 251 91-100+ 127

Payment Information Single payment

or

$450.25 353.25 283.00 241.25 201.50 164.50 129.75 99.25 64.00 33.00

Quarterly Installments (4 payments)

Life Membership fee amount: $____________ Date of Birth

Credit card

Check or money order (payable to NARFE)

Credit Card Info: MasterCard

Discover

Visa

AMEX

Recruiter’s ID # (if applicable)

Card Number:______________________________ Exp. Date:_____/_____ Chapter Number (call 800-456-8410 for chapter information)

Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________ Date:______________

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

Mail application and payment to: NARFE, Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 NARFE | JULY 2011

43

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

MOVING SERVICES

INSURANCE

TRAVEL

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

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

VACATION RENTALS .

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

44

1-800-233-5764 Insurance plans designed and administered exclusively for NARFE members.

Call for information on Whole and Term Life, Hospital Indemnity, Accidental Injury and Death Plan, Dental Plan and Cancer Care Plan. For information on Long Term Care call the Long Term Care Unit at 1800-358-3795.

GEICO: 1-800-368-2734 NARFE members with good driving records may be eligible for quality automobile insurance from GEICO. Ask about the NARFE discount now available to members in many states. Call today for your free, no-obligation rate quote. Be sure to mention that you’re a NARFE member!

• Discount amount varies in some states • Discount not available in all states or in all GEICO companies • One group discount applicable per policy.

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

Call MASA Today. It Could Save Your Life!

CRUISE SALE • Save up to 50% ~ 7-night cruises from $399 • Free Cruise for 3rd & 4th passengers • Up to $500 Shipboard Credit • Special Air Fare rates There has never been a better time to book Your Next Cruise Vacation!

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

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

Call to schedule your appointment

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

JULY 2011 | NARFE

HOTELS

CAR RENTALS

CREDIT UNION

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

ALAMO Drive Happy® with Alamo® where NARFE members receive year-round discounts. Call 1-800-462-5266 and reference Contract ID 262544.

NATIONAL You Drive A Hard Bargain. Receive up to 20% off rentals at National Car Rental. To make a reservation call National Car Rental at 1-800-CAR-RENT® and reference Contract ID 5282909.

NARFE’S OFFICIAL CREDIT UNION As a member of NARFE, you have the privilege of joining NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union, which has been serving members since 1935. We offer extensive services at competitive rates to members nationwide. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

For more information, call 800-3281500, e-mail jparish@narfepremierfcu. org or visit us at NARFEpremierfcu.org.

CREDIT CARD AVIS: 1-800-331-1441

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

NARFE | JULY 2011

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

HEALTH SCREENING

LIFE LINE SCREENING Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct the following screenings using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood: 1. Stroke/Carotid Artery 2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 3. Atrial Fibrillation 4. Peripheral Arterial Disease.

You will receive a confidential written report within 21 days. Life Line Screening and NARFE encourage you to share these test results with your doctor. All four screenings cost just $135. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-324-9906 and give the operator code number: BKHN075 or visit www.lifelinescreening. com/NARFE. Coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.

Bank of America now offers the officially approved credit card program for NARFE, featuring the Platinum Plus® MasterCard® with WorldPoints. This is the only credit card that helps support NARFE every time you use it to make a purchase–at no additional cost to you.

Call toll-free 1-866-438-6262 Use NARFE’s full name, not NARFE. Use priority code: UABEWD.

NARFE MERCHANDISE NARFE GENERAL STORE

Order Official NARFE Name Badges.

Coming soon, customizable NARFE logo products and plaques.

See MEMBER PERKS on the NARFE Web site, or go to: www.narfegeneralstore.com.

Toll-Free Phone: 877-866-0102 Fax: 301-371-6824

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

214.6 214.8 215.3 216.4 217.5 220.0 221.7

MONTHLY % CHANGE % CHANGE FROM 215.5 +0.1 +0.1 +0.2 +0.5 +0.5 +1.1 +0.8

Equities Trend Lower in May

By William H. Jacobson

D

omestic and international equity prices ratcheted lower during May. The S&P 500 fell 1.1 percent, the biggest monthly drop since August, amid weaker-than-expected economic data and concern about Europe’s debt crisis. Fears that Greece will default on its loans fueled a new round of bailout talks, and Standard & Poor’s again downgraded Greece’s bonds, due to slower-than-expected progress on restructuring debt and greater likelihood of bondholders facing losses.

The I Fund fell 2.9 percent due to falling prices in foreign equity markets and a decline in currency prices relative to the U.S. dollar. Meanwhile, a flight to quality boosted U.S. Treasury prices, leading to a 1.3-percent gain in the F Fund.

William H. Jacobson, CFA, is a financial analyst for the Thrift Savings Plan.

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-0.4 -0.4 -0.1 +0.42 +0.95 +2.10 +2.90

Prices Rise Again in April

T

he Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.8 percent in April. To calculate the 2012 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices of July, August and September 2011 will be averaged for a thirdquarter determinant, which will be compared with the 2008 thirdquarter base of 215.495 (because of price deflation in the past two measurement years, the 2008 third-quarter average is still the point of comparison). The April index of 221.743 is up 2.9 percent from the base.

Benefits awarded under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to individuals suffering work-related injuries or illnesses are adjusted according to each calendar year’s percentage change in the CPI-W. April’s index is 3.01 percent higher than the December 2010 base index of 215.262. ■

Thrift Savings Plan Investments* Month G Fund June 0.24% 2010 July 0.23% August 0.22% September 0.17% October 0.18% November 0.17% December 0.20% 0.24% 2011 January February 0.22% March 0.26% April 0.25% May 0.25% Last 12 Months 2.66%

F Fund 1.56% 1.07% 1.28% 0.17% 0.36% (0.57%) (1.05%) 0.13% 0.26% 0.06% 1.28% 1.31% 5.97%

C Fund (5.24%) 7.01% (4.51%) 8.92% 3.80% 0.01% 6.68% 2.37% 3.42% 0.04% 2.96% (1.13%) 25.92%

S Fund (6.90%) 7.00% (5.59%) 11.47% 4.48% 3.00% 7.38% 1.23% 4.52% 2.06% 2.94% (1.27%) 32.93%

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

L 2020 (2.34%) 4.82% (2.29%) 5.54% 2.29% (0.49%) 4.08% 1.35% 2.15% (0.03%) 2.37% (0.74%) 17.62%

L 2030 (2.98%) 5.80% (2.88%) 6.77% 2.78% (0.56%) 4.96% 1.57% 2.60% (0.05%) 2.83% (0.97%) 21.12%

L 2040 (3.47%) 6.60% (3.33%) 7.76% 3.16% (0.64%) 5.67% 1.75% 2.95% (0.08%) 3.20% (1.15%) 23.97%

L Income (0.61%) 1.81% (0.63%) 2.00% 0.92% (0.05%) 1.49% 0.63% 0.90% 0.17% 1.01% (0.05%) 7.83%

I Fund (1.75%) 10.78% (3.14%) 9.81% 3.63% (4.84%) 8.12% 2.41% 3.33% (2.23%) 6.03% (2.90%) 31.46% L 2050

3.28% (0.15%) 3.57 (1.39%)

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

JULY 2011 | NARFE

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