December 2014 NARFE Magazine

dec

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COVER STORY

how free are we?

Free-Speech Protection For Feds In the Workplace Is a Complex Question

P.20

P.32

FEHBP Plan Changes

P.60

Scholarship Winners

Volume 90 • Number 12

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WashingTon Watch

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Forecast for the Lame-Duck Session: Partly Cloudy

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1.7 Percent COLA Renews Call for Better Means of Figuring Costs

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Rehire Authority Extension

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State-by-State Listing of 2015 State Legislative Session Dates

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NARFE-PAC Toolkit Available Now!

10 Q&A: Who Should Attend NARFE’s 2015 Training Conference and Why

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10 Where Is the NARFE Bill Tracker?

Cover Story HOw free are we? The First Amendment does not provide absolute protection for federal employees. Find out what the freespeech rules – and your rights – are. It’s complicated.

FEHBP Plan Changes. The third installment of our annual Open Season Report covers the modifications plans are making in 2015.

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Columns

4 From the President 52 Managing Money 54 The Informed Citizen 56 Alzheimer’s Update DEPARTMENTS

12 Questions & Answers 58 For the Record: TSP

Investments, COLA Chart

60 NARFE News 68 The Way We Worked

On the Web

special section

visit us online at:

www.narfe.org

32 Open Season Report: Plan Changes

like us on facebook:

NARFE National Headquarters follow us on twitter:

@narfehq

ON THE COVER

Illustration by Bill Pragluski, Critical Stages, LLC

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december 2014 | Volume 90 | Number 12

Editor Margaret M. Carter Assistant Editor Ken Fanelli Editorial Administrator Toni Vallario

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association NATIONAL OFFICERS RICHARD G. THISSEN, President; natpres@narfe.org JON DOWIE, Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org

Graphic Design Charlene Gridley Editorial Board Richard G. Thissen, Jon Dowie

Editorial Office: narfe magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Email: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Warren Berger Media People Inc. 122 East 42nd St., Suite 1622 New York, NY 10168 Phone: 212-779-7172, ext. 223 Email: wberger@mediapeople.com NARFE for the Visually Impaired On the Telephone: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-5047300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org.

On digital audio: Issues of narfe magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider.

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

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

REGION I James P. Crawford (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) Tel: 603-630-5191 Email: seacaptains@metrocast.net REGION II Evelyn Kirby (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) Tel: 410-604-1141 Email: ekirby@atlanticbb.net REGION III Jerry Janci (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Virgin Islands) Tel: 662-412-2029 Email: lettermanj@aol.com REGION IV Edward J. Konys (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) Tel: 937-470-0566 Email: region4vp@gmail.com REGION V Carol R. Ek (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) Tel: 620-241-1131 Email: ek617@att.net

Here’s How to Contact Us… If you want to:

Join NARFE Call (toll-free): 800-627-3394 or go to: www.narfe.org Change your address, phone number or email Call (toll-free): 800-456-8410 Email: memberrecords@narfe.org

REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) Tel: 903-660-2784 Email: pappysdad@cobridge.tv REGION VII Rodney L. Adelman (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) Tel: 623-505-4719 Email: narfe7vp@cox.net REGION VIII Helen L. Zajac (California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) Tel: 707-644-7565 Email: hlz17@aol.com REGION IX Lanny G. Ross (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) Tel: 360-692-9741 Email: lannyjean@comcast.net REGION X William Shackelford (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 Email: wshack1951@aol.com

For any other NARFE matter:

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

www.narfe.org

narfe (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $45. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2014, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in narfe, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

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From the President

Be ready for defensive battle

W

e are entering the winter season; elections are over; Thanksgiving is upon us,

and soon will come all the holiday hustle and bustle leading up to the New Year.

The NARFE National Executive Board recently met, and we are moving in the dual direction of conducting the business of NARFE and looking toward the future.

Here is a legislative snapshot of this year.

In spite of the gloomy feelings that active and retired feds got when we were attacked and made the scapegoat, federal retirees were spared benefits cuts despite serious threats, and active employees made it through the year without the costly furloughs experienced in 2013. Neverthe-

less, new hires have had another increase in their Federal Employees Retirement System contributions.

In recent meetings with members of Congress, I have been advised to be ready for major fights next year to preserve our benefits. Though we have had a reprieve due to the budget agreements for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, sequestration will again take center stage in debates on the budgets for fiscal year 2016 and beyond.

Where does that leave us? I expect that the Chained CPI, an alternative method of computing cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) in federal benefits, including federal annuities and Social Security, will be back on the table next year. It would decrease COLAs by about 0.3 percent annually, and its passage would seriously reduce retirees’ long-term buying power.

Our Legislative Department is prepared to lead the charge to defend our benefits. NARFE members must join ranks and support its efforts.

The bottom line is that we have a say in our economic destiny. We can either sit on the sidelines and hope that the resulting legislation will be to our advantage, or we can work to defeat proposals that adversely impact our earned benefits.

If I know NARFE members, as I think I do, the choice can only be the latter.

Richard G. Thissen NARFE national President natpres@narfe.org

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Washington Watch

forecast for the Lame-duck session: Partly cloudy

M

embers of Congress will return to Washington in midNovember, and that’s when the real work of the 113th Congress could happen. At least, that is the thinking of

some optimists among Hill-watchers.

The only must-do item for the “lame duck” session, which convenes on November 12, two weeks after the midterm elections, is to extend funding to avert a government shutdown. The current stopgap funding measure expires December 11, and no one is contemplating spending the holidays and New Year’s Eve watching the snow fall on the Capitol’s scaffolded dome, which is under repair.

If Congress does prove itself productive in this post-election session, among the candidates for action on the docket are: confirmation of a successor to Attorney General Eric Holder, as well as other Executive Branch and judicial nominations; the potential authorization of military action against the Islamic State group; funding and other extraordinary public health measures to combat Ebola; extension of the so-called

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Medicare “doc fix” to avoid the annual rollback in provider payments built into the law; extension of the Highway Trust Fund (and a commitment to long-stalled infrastructure repairs); tax extenders; terrorism risk insurance; action on a National Defense Authorization Act (including a renewal of re-employed annuitant provisions); and even action on postal service reform before House Chairman Darrell Issa, R-CA, cedes his chairmanship of the House authorizing committee.

One wrinkle: Senate Republicans Ted Cruz, TX, and Mike Lee, UT, have pledged to block any substantial legislation in a postelection session, promising to demand unanimous consent to act on any nonemergency legislation.

Also, aside from the issue of majority control in the Senate is the outstanding question of party

leadership in the House of Representatives. Will House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, stick around with so many of her longtime colleagues calling it quits?

And will House Speaker John A. Boehner, R-OH, avoid a challenge from more conservative stalwarts in his caucus?

The new members-elect will be in Washington for orientation for the upcoming 114th Congress, and current, but departing, senators and representatives will have only until Thanksgiving to pack up their offices and transition to temporary quarters on their way out of Congress.

It is certain to be a time of major activity on Capitol Hill. It is just not clear how productive that activity might be. For NARFE members, the watchword is “vigilance.” We must always be ready for the unexpected.

Of course, the pessimists among Congress watchers expect a very brief lame-duck session – just enough time to get out of the way of the 114th Congress.

—By Alan Lopatin, Legislative Counsel

1.7 PERCENT COLA FOR 2015 RENEWS CALL FOR BETTER MEANS OF FIGURING COSTS

W

ith the October 22 announcement that federal annuities and Social Security benefits will increase 1.7 percent beginning in January 2015, NARFE renewed its call for a better means of determining the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

“Despite the partial relief this COLA will provide, the announcement is a reminder that our method for calculating the increasing cost of goods and services is out of sync with the reality faced by millions of federal annuitants, Social Security recipients and military retirees,” said NARFE’s then-President

Joseph A. Beaudoin.

Currently, COLAs are determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-W measures increases in the prices of consumer goods, including food and beverages, housing, clothing, transportation, medical care, recreation, communication and more. (See story, p. 58.)

NARFE supports efforts to switch from the CPI-W to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) for calculating COLAs, which would result in a more accurate reflection of

REHIRE AUTHORITY EXTENSION

A

measure that would extend, for another five years, the authority of federal agency heads to rehire federal annuitants on a limited and part-time basis without salary offset is expected to pass the Senate during the lame-duck session. It is anticipated that the extension will be part of the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. House consideration of a compromise bill is expected to follow.

Although not in either the original Senate version or the version approved by committee, the rehire authority extension is expected to be included in the “manager’s amendment” that will

be considered by the Senate. Sen. Susan Collins, R-ME, who originally introduced the measure five years ago, filed an amendment to extend the authority.

The House passed its version of the FY 15 NDAA in May, which included the extension of the rehire authority, thanks to the efforts of Rep. Gerry E. Connolly, D-VA, who worked with NARFE to introduce an amendment on this issue.

Prior to the enactment of the authority in 2009, an agency rehiring an annuitant had to request a waiver from the Office of Personnel Management to ensure the employee’s pay was not offset by his or her annuity.

seniors’ spending, particularly on health care.

Meanwhile, NARFE continues to strongly oppose efforts to adopt the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (Chained CPI-U) to calculate COLAs, which would slow the growth of future increases.

The proposal has received support from the president and some congressional Republicans in the context of a compromise budget deal. As budget talks resume next year, the Chained CPI is expected again to be debated as a way to reduce the deficit.

—By Jason Freeman, legislative staff assistant

Legislative Resources • Legislative Hotline: A weekly update of legislative news, compiled by the NARFE Legislative Department staff, distributed via email and available by phone (toll-free) at 877-217-8234 and online at www.narfe.org.

• Legislative Action Center: A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org.

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Washington Watch

state-by-state listing of 2015 state legislative session dates

T

he convening and adjournment dates for state legislatures, listed below, should be of interest to a growing number of NARFE federations and chapters.

In most states, the session is fairly brief. This listing is available on the website of Stateside Associates at www.stateside.com/ state-information/2015-statelegislative-session-dates.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) also tracks legislative sessions at www.

NCSL.org. NCSL’s database of state ballot measures includes all those on the ballot this year: 137 in 40 states plus the District of Columbia.

State of the State Addresses. In November, gubernatorial elections were held in 36 states and three territories. The winners

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include a mix of newcomers and the re-elected. In almost all cases, these governors will be inaugurated and deliver a state of the state address before their legislatures in early 2015.

Governors of the 14 other states and two territories will also address their legislatures and citizens. Often these speeches set the agenda for the legislative sessions.

These speeches are usually covered by television stations. If so, the speech will be simulcast by C-SPAN, the cable TV public affairs network, making the address available to a national viewing audience.

C-SPAN now archives all its programming and makes it readily available on its website, www.c-span.org.

NARFE federations with a state

State

Convene Adjourn

State

Convene Adjourn

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri

3/3/15 1/20/15 1/12/15 1/12/15 12/1/14 1/14/15 1/7/15 1/13/15 3/3/15 1/12/15 1/21/15 1/12/15 1/14/15 1/13/15 1/12/15 1/12/15 1/6/15 4/13/15 12/3/14 1/14/15 1/7/15 1/14/15 1/6/15 1/6/15 1/7/15

Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

1/5/15 1/7/15 2/2/15 1/7/15 1/13/15 1/20/15 1/7/15 1/14/15 1/16/15 1/5/15 2/2/15 2/2/15 1/6/15 1/6/15 1/13/15 1/13/15 1/13/15 1/13/15 1/26/15 1/7/15 1/14/15 1/12/15 1/14/15 1/5/15 1/13/15

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6/15/15 4/19/15 4/25/15 3/12/15 11/30/16 5/14/15 6/3/15 6/30/16 5/1/15 3/9/15 4/23/15 11/30/16 Dec. 2016 TBA 5/2/15 90 days 3/30/15 6/11/15 6/17/15 4/13/15 11/18/15 Dec. 2016 5/18/15 4/6/15 5/30/15

4/29/15 90 days 6/1/15 12/7/16 1/12/16 3/21/15 Dec. 2016 TBA 4/29/15 Dec. 2016 5/29/15 7/11/15 Dec. 2016 TBA 6/4/15 3/30/15 90 days 6/1/15 3/12/15 TBA 2/13/15 4/27/15 3/15/15 TBA 40 days

legislative program are advised to attend, tune in to the live broadcast or watch the streaming video on C-SPAN. —By Christopher Farrell, Senior Analyst

MYTH vs.

REALITY Myth: Declining mail volume and increased competition have forced the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to operate at a financial loss.

Reality: The USPS would be earning a profit if it were not required to prefund retirement health benefits at an accelerated rate. In 2006, as a way for the Congressional Budget Office to declare (“score”) a bill “deficit neutral,” Congress began requiring the USPS to prefund future retirement health benefits over a 10-year period. Forcing the USPS to pay billions of dollars for benefits for workers who have not yet been born is the single biggest reason for the deficit. No other public or private organization has such a mandate. Without the prefunding requirement, the USPS would have made a profit in 2013. The agency, which gets no federal operating funds, reported a loss of $5 billion for the year. However, $5.7 billion went toward health benefits for future retirees.

NARFE-PAC Toolkit Available now!

New election cycle Begins in 2015

A

new NARFE-PAC Toolkit is available from the NARFE website or by request from the Legislative Department.

It is designed to help NARFE leaders on the federation and chapter levels raise funds for process works and how NARFEPAC coordinators facilitate NARFE-PAC, the Association’s recommendations regarding political action committee. candidates. It also provides tips The toolkit provides an overon raising funds and outlines “Six view of NARFE-PAC and its imReasons to Give to NARFE-PAC.” portance, and explains the roles The Toolkit is available online and responsibilities of NARFEon the NARFE website, www.

PAC coordinators, including how narfe.org.

Members should log in, the NARFE-PAC consultative 2013-14_PAC_Coupon_2013 Coupon 4/1/14 9:47 AM Page 1

then click on the Legislative home page link under Legislation. It also is available at www.protectamericas heartbeat.org. Members also may obtain it by calling 703-838-7760, ext. 201; or by emailing leg@narfe.org.

The next election cycle (20152016) will bring many changes to NARFE-PAC — new pins, new incentives and an increased focus on NARFE-PAC. The NARFEPAC Toolkit will equip leaders to hit the ground running in January.

NARFE-PAC CONTRIBUTION FORM Name: _____________________________________ NARFE Member Number: ______________________ I would like to make a one-time contribution of: q $100 Gold (qualifies for Gold 2013-14 NARFE-PAC lapel pin and a blue NARFE-PAC LEADER hat)

q $50 Silver (qualifies for Silver 2013-2014 NARFE-PAC lapel pin) q $20 Basic (qualifies for Basic 2013-2014 NARFE-PAC lapel pin) q Other: ______ -orI would like to be a Sustainer and make a monthly credit card contribution to NARFE-PAC of: q $25/month q $10/month

q Please find my check or money order enclosed payable to NARFE-PAC q Please charge to my credit card (required for monthly contribution) Credit Card Information Type: q MasterCard q VISA q Discover q AMEX Card #: ________________________________ Expiration Date: ____ / ____ Name on Card:__________________________ Signature: ______________________________ Date: __________________________________

q Other: ______/month (minimum of $10) Monthly contributions qualify you to receive a NARFE-PAC Sustainer lapel pin along with a blue NARFE-PAC LEADER hat.

q I do not want to receive any gifts for my contribution marked above.

Mail to: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Attn: NARFE-PAC 606 North Washington St. | Alexandria, VA 22314

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

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Washington Watch

Q&A: WhO SHould attend NARFE’s 2015 training conference and why

N

ow that registration is open, the Legislative Department is receiving questions about who should attend the 2015 Legislative Training Conference. Below are answers to some of those questions.

Why should I attend when I may not be able to meet with my members of Congress?

While it is true that some members of Congress may be tied up with other things while NARFE is on Capitol Hill, many members make themselves available to NARFE. If you are unable to meet with your legislators directly, you should be able to meet with a senior member of their Capitol Hill team. These staff members influence the member of Congress’ votes. This provides a unique opportunity to meet senior members of the staff and make an important connection with the Hill office. Forming a relationship with staff may become helpful later in the Congress as members vote on issues that affect you.

Additionally, if you are unable to schedule a meeting with the member of Congress for this March, you can start the conversation to schedule a meeting when he or she is next in the district.

Many past participants have told us that the networking and brainstorming that happens among NARFE members are just as valuable as the time on Capitol Hill. While members mix and mingle at the NARFE National Convention, the Legislative Training Conference is a unique opportunity to talk to each other about grass-roots advocacy in your

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states and share best practices.

I’ve been to the conference.

Why should I come back?

The trainings and briefings provided by NARFE Legislative Department staff and national speakers are offered only every two years. The staff will provide the latest legislative news and provide updated briefing materials; training topics are updated to reflect the issues that are likely to arise over the next two years; and the national speakers will talk about what to expect in the 114th Congress (2015-2016).

I’m not a current NARFE legislative leader. Should I attend?

Absolutely! Whether you play a leadership role or are active in grass-roots activities on your own, you should participate in the Legislative Training Conference.

Members of Congress want to hear from everyday constituents – not just leaders. And you have an excellent story to share; by attending the Legislative Training Conference, you will learn how to best use your voice.

Can my chapter or federation help me pay for travel?

Where possible, chapters and federations should support their members who would like to participate in the conference. Federations can use 10 percent funds to offset the costs, and chapters should reimburse members’ registration fees, at a minimum. This is an excellent opportunity for chapters or federations to invest in their grass-roots advocacy efforts. NARFE members who participate are often asked to provide a recap, or even do training, when they return home. They can also provide leadership on local outreach efforts.

Registration and hotel information. The Legislative Training Conference will be March 14-17, 2015, at the Arlington Renaissance Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA. Registration is open and available online or by completing the registration form on page 11 of this issue. More information, including hotel information, is available on the NARFE Legislative Homepage, www. narfe.org/legislation.

—By Sarah Weissmann, Grass-Roots Program manager

Where is the NARFE Bill Tracker?

AS THE YEAR DRAWS TO A CLOSE, so, too, will the 113th Congress. When this Congress adjourns “sine die,” bills that did not pass in the 113th Congress will expire. Because most of the bills in the NARFE Bill Tracker are not likely to be considered during the lame-duck session of Congress, the Tracker will be on hiatus until key pieces of legislation are introduced in the 114th Congress. In the meantime, please visit the NARFE Legislative Action Center at www.narfe.org/legislation to check the status of all bills NARFE is watching. Contact the Legislative Department with questions at 703-838-7760, ext. 201, or leg@narfe.org.

NARFE 2015 Legislative

TRAINING CONFERENCE

March 14-17, 2015

Registration must be returned by February 3, 2015

REGISTRATION FORM

Each participant must complete a form. Please write legibly.

Name:

o Mr. o Mrs.

o Miss

o Ms. o Dr.

_______________________________ Last

NARFE Membership # ______________________

________________________

___________________________

First

Middle

Name as you would like it to appear on badge: _________________________________________________ Federation or chapter officer title for your badge (choose only one title — Examples: President, Ohio Federation; or NARFE-PAC Chair, Chapter 192/Raleigh, NC): ___________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Home address: ____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Preferred phone: _____________________________ Email address: ______________________________ Notify in case of emergency: ________________________________________________________________ Name

$175 registration fee is not refundable.

Please complete registration form and return with check made payable to NARFE, or charge to your credit card.

Phone number

o Charge to my credit card $____________ o MasterCard

o VISA

Exp. Date ________ / _______ (mm)

(yy)

Name on card (print) ________________________________ Signature ________________________ Date ____________

For Internal Planning Purposes Only:

For Internal Planning of March 17 on Capitol Hill:

Conference meals and events are included for registered attendees.

Are you planning on attending the Saturday night dinner? o Yes

o No

Are you planning on attending the breakfasts on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday? o Yes o No Registered attendees may bring guests to all NARFE-provided meals for a separate $175 fee. Will you have a guest? o Yes o No Name of guest(s) _______________________________________________ Is this your first NARFE Legislative Training Conference?

o Yes

o No

I am a(n): o Active Federal Employee o Active Federal Employee Spouse o Annuitant Spouse

o AMEX

Card # ____________________________________________

Mail to: NARFE Legislative Conference Budget & Finance 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

o Annuitant

o Discover

o Survivor Annuitant

Can NARFE include your name, chapter and title on a list of attendees that will be distributed to participants? o Yes o No

Do you plan to ride the NARFE-provided bus to Capitol Hill on March 17? o Yes o No Do you plan to return to the hotel from Capitol Hill on the bus later that afternoon? o Yes o No What time do you plan to leave Capitol Hill? _______________________

Questions & Answers

The following Questions & Answers were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Service Department staff.

NARFE does not provide advice or assistance on legal, financial planning or tax matters.

employees sick leave and retiring at 80 percent

Q A

No. By law, your annuity cannot be more than 80 percent of your high-three years’ average salary (reached after 41 years and 11 months of service); however, unused sick leave can be used in the formula to produce a greater result. Your unused sick leave is converted into months and days and added to your other service. Credit is given for whole months only (30 days).

However, the time representing days of unused sick leave is not counted toward your high-three years’ average salary or for establishing eligibility for retirement.

eral Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) coverage of disabled adult children incapable of self-support?

disabled adult child

Editor’s note: David Snell, NARFE director of Federal Benefits Service, participated October 22 in a call-in question-

Q 12

I am still working and will have 41 years and 11 months when I retire. I will have 30 days of unused sick leave when I retire. Will I lose my sick leave?

Did passage of the health care reform law affect the eligibility for Fed-

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A

Yes. It extended eligibility. Prior to health care reform, children over age 22 who are incapable of selfsupport due to a disability that began before age 22 were eligible for FEHBP coverage. Beginning January 1, 2011, children over age 26 who are incapable of selfsupport due to a disability that began before age 26 are eligible for FEHBP coverage.

and-answer program on the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program on Federal News Radio.

The next two questions and answers are adapted from that exchange.

going from self-only to family plan in FEHBP

Q

I have a five-year-old son who is on his mom’s health insurance plan. His mom works in the private sector, and the health insurance through her for our son is less expensive (and just as good, or better) than it would be for me to put him on my Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) plan.

I am eligible to retire in five years.

Do I need to go from self-only to a family plan right now to cover my son, just in case his mom loses her job after I retire?

I have heard about needing to have a spouse on the health plan for five years prior to the federal

employee’s retirement, but have not seen anything about whether it is the same requirement for a child.

A

No, you do not need to change to family coverage now. As long as you — the FEHBP enrollee — meet the eligibility requirement to continue your FEHBP into retirement, you will be able to change to family coverage during a future Open Season or outside of the annual Open Season if a Qualifying Life Event occurs. One of these Qualifying Life Events is loss by a spouse of insurance coverage under an employer group insurance plan.

Keep Your fehbp options open

Q

I am a 32-year Civil Service Retirement Service federal employee (Department of Defense). I am married to an active duty Air Force retiree who is a 100 percent service-connected disabled veteran. I have never participated in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program because I have TRICARE and retiree Delta Dental benefits. I am eligible to retire within the next year (if I desire). Should I enroll in the FEHBP during Open Season to ensure I meet the requirement of being an FEHBP participant prior to retirement?

If I understand correctly, I would meet the five-years-prior-to-retirement requirement because I have been a participant in a federal medical program (TRICARE).

My husband is on Medicare and TRICARE For LIFE. TRICARE For LIFE provides prescription drug coverage, so the extra expense that usually comes with Medicare drug benefits is not an issue for him.

I don’t know if participating in the FEHBP would be beneficial to us because of the extra expenses of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. I’ve been hesitant to ask this question, not knowing who to ask because an FEHBP rep would definitely say “yes” as an invested interest party.

A

Our advice would be to enroll during Open Season in the lowest cost FEHBP plan you are eligible for, just to keep your future options open. At any time after your retirement is processed, you can “suspend” your FEHBP enrollment as a retiree and not have to pay premiums while you are covered under TRICARE/ TRICARE For Life. This allows you the opportunity as a retiree to reenroll in the FEHBP at any time in the future.

retirees Does WEP affect survivor benefits?

Q

I am a widow of a retired federal employee who was receiving his federal retirement under the Civil Service Retirement System and Social Security. His Social Security check was reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Will my check also be reduced?

A

No, the WEP does not affect the benefits of widows of beneficiaries who were subject to that provision of the law.

No Pre-tax benefit for Retirees

Q

I am retired from the federal government. My Federal Employees Health Benefits Program insurance premiums are deducted from my annuity. For income tax purposes, are these premiums paid after income tax or before?

A

After tax. Retired federal employees pay taxes on their health insurance premiums.

Unlike retirees, however, federal employees have the benefit of premium conversion – that is, having their health insurance premiums deducted before taxes. NARFE has helped introduce legislation over the years to obtain the same preferential tax treatment for retirees and will continue to do so.

Effect of divorce on military retired pay

Q

I am getting a divorce from my spouse, who was in the military. Are former spouses of military retirees automatically entitled to a portion of the retirees’ pay?

A

No. There is no federal law that automatically entitles a former spouse to a portion of an individual’s miliw w w. n a r f e . o r g

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13

Questions & Answers

tary retired pay. A former spouse must have been awarded a portion of the individual’s military retired pay in a state court order incidental to a separation or divorce.

Open enrollment for medicare is On Now

I am enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan under Medicare Part C and would like to make changes to my current Medicare Part C enrollment. When is the deadline to make a change?

When I submitted my application, I didn’t realize there was a 5 percent penalty for every year that I am under age 62. Had I known this, I would have applied for 12 weeks of Family Medical Leave, then worked until December 22, 2015, for my full 30 years with full pension.

I read your article about rehired federal annuitants. I know I can’t have my original job back, but I would like to be able to work 18 months at another federal agency to restore my full pension, once I heal from surgery.

A

A

Q

The deadline to make changes is December 7 this year. The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2014, for the 2015 year.

During the annual Open Enrollment, you can enroll in, change your enrollment or cancel your enrollment in one of the many available Medicare Part C Advantage plans or Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

How to Become a Re-employed Annuitant

Q

Because of upcoming medical revisions to my recent total knee replacements, I retired May 31, 2014, from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as a technician.

My total federal service was 28.5 years, which included temporary government employment. When I applied for retirement, there was no local or state CBP admin help in explaining the Federal Employees Retirement System.

The employee does it solo and is assigned a retirement coordinator in Washington, DC.

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If you want to be what is known as a re-employed annuitant, you first must apply for a job in a position you feel you are qualified for. Former employees do not have any shortcuts to being hired again by an agency. You can find a list of available positions throughout the government at www.usajobs.gov.

Normally, if you are hired as a re-employed annuitant, your salary is reduced by the amount of your annuity. There are some exceptions. A provision of the law, which expired at the end of October, allowed agencies to hire annuitants on a limited part-time schedule without offset of salary.

NARFE supports legislation to have this provision continued for another five years and is hopeful it will be passed in the “lame duck” session of Congress (see p. 6).

Some agencies, mainly in the Department of Defense, have authority to waive the salary offset requirement for hard-to-fill positions. Others may request a waiver from the Office of Personnel Management.

However, to have your annuity increased, you must work the

equivalent of five years full time as a re-employed annuitant.

Medicare Part B and FEHBP

Q

I retired two years ago from the U.S. Postal Service under the Federal Employees Retirement System.

I will turn age 65 next March. My wife retired two years ago from the local public school system under the Virginia State Retirement System. She will turn 65 next June. We both receive Social Security. We have family coverage under Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) Standard option in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

We would like to keep the BC/ BS option indefinitely when we start on Medicare Part A. Are there any automatic changes or risks to our current FEHBP BC/ BS coverage if we do not enroll in Medicare Part B? For example, will we lose our current prescription coverage under our current FEBHB plan? When should we apply for Medicare, or will we automatically be enrolled and notified by Social Security?

A

If you decide not to enroll in Medicare Part B, your FEHBP plan will continue to be your primary insurer to cover your physician and medical bills. Your costs and benefits, including your prescription drug benefits, will not change. Since you are already eligible for and are receiving Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) should be sending you both a notice regarding your Medicare eligibility. If not, you can enroll online at the SSA main

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website, www.ssa.gov, or visit your local SSA office.

Fate of Retirement Contributions

Q A

What happens to my military and civil service retirement money when I pass away. Can I give it to my sister?

After you retire, the amount you contributed to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) during your federal career is first used to pay your monthly gross annuity. Your retirement contributions are usually used up in annuity payments

16

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in about three years. After your contributions have been used up, your annuity is paid out of the CSRDF, and there are no unexpended retirement contributions left to be paid to anyone else.

If, at retirement, you did not provide for a survivor annuity in the event of your death or if you do not have dependent children either under the age of 18 or disabled prior to age 18 and incapable of self-support, your monthly annuity will stop at your death. Your annuity for the month in which you die is prorated, and the amount of annuity accrued for the days you survived that month is payable to whomever you designate as a beneficiary. If you desig-

nate your sister, then she would be paid that accrued annuity.

Cancelling and re-enrolling in FEDVIP

Q

If you cancel vision coverage under the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) during Open Season, can you enroll again at another Open Season or only with a life change? Whom do you contact, and what is the phone number?

A

You can re-enroll within an Open Season or outside if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

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Questions & Answers

NARFE at Your Service With very few exceptions, vision insurance can be dropped only during Open Season. The Office of Personnel Management will mail you a post card with a phone number for you to call to drop your insurance. You can re-enroll in the future during an Open Season or, if you have a QLE, you can re-enroll outside of Open Season.

QLEs that allow you to enroll or re-enroll in FEDVIP outside of Open Season now include marriage. Other QLEs are losing other dental/vision coverage (eligible employee/retiree or covered person), returning to pay status from active military duty (enrollee or spouse), annuity or compensa-

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To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 703-838-7760 and ask for the Federal Benefits Service Department; send your question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.

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Cover Story

Free-Speech Protection For Feds in the Workplace Is a Complex Question The U.S. Supreme Court recently handed down a major decision favorable to the First Amendment rights of government employees, but before federal employees emerge from their offices and cubicles to shout about it, they should understand that there are a lot of caveats to exercising freedom of speech in the workplace.

Different types of speech in the workplace carry different protections, with much speech enjoying no protection at all.

By David Tobenkin

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Illustration by Bill Pragluski, Critical Stages, LLC

Perhaps the biggest surprise for many federal employees is that while they do enjoy rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution at work, such rights are not absolute.

“The biggest misconception is that federal employees enjoy the same First Amendment free speech protections within the scope of their employment as do ordinary citizens,” says Neil McPhie, partner and director of legal services at the law firm Tully Rinckey PLLC. “Federal employees are free to practice their religion, join political parties and speak on matters that are of ‘legitimate public concern.’ However, there is less protection provided to employees when they speak upon matters of ‘personal interest’ not related to the ‘public concern.’ ” First Amendment protection for employees is unique to public employees, McPhie explains, as the First Amendment applies only to government action, not actions by private employers.

The recent Supreme Court decision, Lane v. Franks, illustrates the balancing of interests that often takes place under federal law. In that case, Edward Lane, director of a program for underprivileged youth operated by an Alabama state community college, testified before a grand jury to discuss his termination of Suzanne Schmitz, a state legislator on the program’s payroll, whom he fired for allegedly being paid despite not reporting to work. After testifying, Lane was terminated by the community college president, Steve Franks. Lane sued Franks, alleging that Franks had violated Lane’s First Amendment rights by firing him in retaliation for his testimony against Schmitz.

After an initial trial court decision in favor of college president Franks, Lane appealed the case all the way to the Supreme Court, which in June ruled that the community college had violated Lane’s First Amendment speech rights.

It found, however, that the college president was protected from certain of Lane’s claims by “qualified immunity,” and it sent other claims back to the lower courts.

“The question presented [is] whether the First Amendment protects a public employee who provides truthful sworn testimony, com22

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pelled by subpoena, outside the scope of his ordinary job responsibilities. We hold that it does,” noted Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the author of the unanimous Supreme Court opinion that reversed the lower court decision.

She noted that the Supreme Court nearly 50 years earlier had held that citizens do not surrender their First Amendment rights by accepting public employment. Rather, the First Amendment protection of a public employee’s speech depends on a careful balancing “between the interests of the [employee], as a citizen, in commenting upon matters of public concern and the interest of the State, as an employer, in promoting the efficiency of the public services it performs through its employees,” as stated in the Supreme Court’s Pickering v. Board of Ed. of Township High School Dist. 205, Will Cty case (391 U.S. 563 (1968)).

For an employee to receive First Amendment protection, a court must first find the public employee’s speech is about a matter of public concern. The Court noted that speech involves matters of public concern “when it can ‘be fairly considered as relating to any matter of political, social, or other concern to the community,’ or when it ‘is a subject of legitimate news interest; that is, a subject of general interest and of value and concern to the public.’ ” Applying that standard, the Supreme Court concluded that the content of Lane’s testimony – corruption in a public program and misuse of state funds – “obviously involves a matter of significant public concern.”

Somewhat counterintuitively, however, the Supreme Court has held that public employees’ speech, even if it concerns matters of public concern, is not protected if it is made as part of their official duties, as opposed to speech made as a citizen. While Lane’s testimony passed muster as not being part of his official duties, even though it related to his official duties, many types of federal employee speech would not. For example, applying that rule to the facts before it, in an earlier case, Garcetti v. Ceballos, 510 U.S. 410 (2006), the Supreme Court found that an internal memorandum prepared by a prosecutor

in the course of his ordinary job responsibilities constituted unprotected employee speech.

Even so, that does not end the matter. If an employee speaks as a citizen on a matter of public concern, the next question is whether the government had “an adequate justification for treating the employee differently from any other member of the public” based on the government’s needs as an employer. In Pickering, the Supreme Court decision that originated the balancing test between the interests of the employer and the government, the Court struck the balance in favor of the public employee, extending First Amendment protection to a teacher who was fired after writing a letter to the editor of a local newspaper criticizing the school board that employed him.

In Lane, the Supreme Court held that there was no strong government interest in curtailing Lane’s speech. “There is no evidence, for example, that Lane’s testimony at [the fired legislator’s] trials was false or erroneous or that Lane unnecessarily disclosed any sensitive, confidential, or privileged information while testifying,” Sotomayor noted.

A scenario not addressed is whether, if Lane’s duties included testifying before court, his speech still would have been protected.

“The Supreme Court expressly refused to opine on that issue, but it reasoned that anyone who testifies in court bears an obligation, to the court and society at large, to tell the truth,” says Tejinder Singh, an attorney at Goldstein & Russell, P.C., who represented Lane before the Supreme Court. “I expect the Court will one day hold that sworn testimony is protected even if it does fall within the employee’s duties. But as of today, that’s an open question in many jurisdictions.”

Putting the two criteria required for First Amendment protection

together – that the speech at issue must be outside of an employee’s duties yet of public interest – one can see that there is a great deal of federal employee speech that will not qualify.

STATUTORY SPEECH PROTECTIONS

While the First Amendment is perhaps the most fundamental speech protection, it often is not the best speech protection available to federal employees, as they — as well as private employees — are also covered by federal and state laws in different areas.

At the federal level, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 and the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 offer employees some protections.

“Both private and federal sector employees may not be terminated for complaining about discrimination based on race, age, sex, national origin or disability status,” notes McPhie.

“Additionally, there are a number of state and federal laws that prohibit private- and public-sector employers from terminating or disciplining employees because the employee complains or speaks out against intolerable working conditions, failure to pay employees in accordance with law, or criminal activities or various types of fraud.”

Whistleblowing is a good example of a type of speech with strong protection under the law. Federal employees enjoy consider-

While the First Amendment is perhaps the most fundamental speech protection, it often is not the best speech protection available to federal employees.

able whistleblower protections under the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPEA). “Whistleblowing” is defined as: “any disclosure of information by an employee or applicant which the employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences a violation of any law, rule or regulation or gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety…” (5 U.S.C. § 1213).

Whistleblowing involves making any disclosure of wrongdoing (as defined above) to: the employee’s supervisor, the employee’s agency’s office of inspector general, the Office of Special Counsel, or other employees at the agency that have the power to address the issue(s).

Unlike First Amendment protection, under the WPEA, the whistleblower disclosure can be made during the course of the employee’s normal duties. Thus, the WPEA provides greater protections than the First Amendment with respect to whistleblower disclosures.

It can sometimes be a bumpy ride for whistleblowers, however. U.S. Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers was fired in 2004 by the agency for comments to The Washington Post about budget shortfalls within her agency, but was reinstated in 2011 by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) after it re-examined evidence in her case and concluded that its 2006 decision against her was made in error, and she was protected under the whistleblower laws.

And unauthorized statements by federal employees about their agencies found to be outside of whistleblower or other protected speech classes can expose federal employees to adverse actions. Therefore, whistleblowers and those who wish to pursue speech involving official duties in the workplace likely to anger management should seek counsel from an employment attorney before doing so, says McPhie.

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The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 provides greater protection than the First Amendment with respect to whistleblower disclosures.

On the other hand, some adverse actions by supervisors that are not related to whistleblowing, but are made in response to speech, could be actionable as violating applicable federal human resources rules, McPhie says.

“The Merit Systems Protection Board has jurisdiction over some cases involving supervisors taking an adverse action against employees (such as removals, reductions in grade or pay, suspensions of more than 14 days and furloughs) where the action is in violation of a law, rule or regulation that implements or directly concerns a merit systems principle,” notes McPhie, a former chairman of the MSPB. “It depends on the nature of the statement made by the employee to the boss and the actions taken by the boss against the employee following the statement.”

In McDonnell v. Dept. of Agriculture, 108 MSPR 443, 448-439 (2008) — a case before McPhie while he was MSPB chairman – a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee who complained about a supervisor giving unauthorized preferences to other employees successfully argued that she was retaliated against for reporting issues concerning merit system principles.

But much of the day-to-day speech, including written product, of federal employees is not protected by any statutes.

Generally, agencies and supervisors retain authority to edit and censor employee statements, such as reports and documents, as a matter of agency discretion to edit official work product. Federal law (5 U.S.C. § 7106)

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This fully-escorted program includes four reformation lectures and 15 meals.

Departs June 3 & August 12, 2015. Your adventure begins in Calgary for your tour through the majestic Canadian Rockies. Visit Banff and Banff National Park and stop at Canada’s “Diamond in the Wilderness,” Lake Louise. Travel along the Icefields Parkway where you will break and experience an excursion onto Athabasca Glacier, followed by the quaint resort town of Jasper and Jasper National Park. Then enjoy stunning views en route to Kamloops and Vancouver before boarding Celebrity Cruises Infinity for your eight-day cruise. Relax and unwind as you sail the inside passage with abundant wildlife to Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, that routinely sheds massive blocks of ice into the sea; Juneau and Ketchikan. Disembark and travel to Seattle for an overnight stay before flying home.

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Federal employees also face some special speech limits. Would-be Edward Snowdens, for example, should be aware that classified documents are generally protected from disclosure. sets forth a list of inherent management rights in the federal government, which include assigning and directing employees and their work, as well as the methods and means of performing work.

Some types of managerial censorship, however, may actually constitute violations of the WPEA. “The WPEA added protections to disclosures concerning the censorship of scientific integrity,” notes McPhie. “However, not all opinions regarding a report or work product rise to the level of coverage under the WPEA.”

SPECIAL LIMITS

If federal employees enjoy some special speech protections compared to private-sector employees, such as some First Amendment protection, they also face some special limits.

Would-be Edward Snowdens, for example, should be aware that classified government documents are generally protected from disclosure.

“If the report or information that the employee is contemplating disclosing is classified information, then the employee may not disclose that information to the local newspaper,” notes McPhie. “Additionally, there is a case currently pending before the Supreme Court, MacLean v.

Department of Homeland Security, No. 13-894, where the Court is deciding whether employees have the right to disclose ‘Sensitive Security Information’ as designated by an agency.”

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Political speech is another area where federal employee speech is specifically limited.

The Hatch Act of 1939 contains five major prohibitions on federal employee partisan political activities, including speech activities. A single ill-advised politically partisan email at work or solicitation of money for a partisan election campaign can result in severe penalties. (See the February 2014 narfe magazine story, “The Hatch Act.”) Nor will general speech rights overcome various federal rules that govern employee speech.

For example, speech on topics related to official government duties, including public speaking, teaching and writing, is also limited under federal ethics rules for fear that such speech will impair federal employee performance or mislead the public (5 C.F.R. § 2635.807).

“I have represented federal employee clients who want to write books about their experiences,” says Washington, DC-based federal employment attorney John Mahoney. “Generally, they need to get government clearance before publishing those books. Recent examples of that are the books written by Navy Seals related to the Osama bin Laden operation.”

Federal employees also have a duty of candor to the government. “It’s a crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 for a federal employee to make a false statement in a matter of official interest, such as during their manager’s investigation of alleged misconduct or an EEO investigation,” notes Mahoney.

Union collective bargaining agreements often include specific grievance procedures that provide an open forum for employees to air issues with management, challenge personnel actions or practices, or voice concern with working conditions, McPhie says. “Management may not retaliate against employees for filing grievances pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement,” McPhie points out.

Another route to speaking out may be an agency’s inspector general. “Generally, most employees are permitted to raise concerns to their agency’s office of inspector general,” McPhie explains. “Inspector generals mainly

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focus their investigations on allegations of agency accountability, integrity and efficiency.”

While employees generally are free to have personal conversations about political or hotbutton topics during personal or nonofficial time with co-workers and others, even then caution may be warranted, particularly concerning any comments that could be seen as discriminatory against protected classes like race, gender and national origin, McPhie says. “These conversations can potentially be used against the employee in a future discrimination complaint or in a personnel action.”

Untoward conduct at work involving speech can also be the basis for punitive action. In Social Security Administration v. Abruzzo, CB-7521-10-0014-T-1 (2012), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld an MSPB decision permitting the U.S. Social Security Administration to remove an administrative law judge from his position for, among other things, telling co-workers that his supervisors were acting like “Nazis.”

In Curry v. Dept. of Navy, 13 MSPR 327 (1982), the MSPB upheld the U.S. Department of the Navy’s demotion of a supervisor for making sexist comments to a female apprentice that she should look for a ‘typewriter job,’ which the MSPB found were not protected by the First Amendment. The MSPB held that taking action against an employee to “promote the efficiency of the service” includes dismissal for speech as well as for other conduct when the comments made are subversive to order and discipline in the workplace.

Federal employees also can be disciplined for religious proselytizing at work and could face claims of discriminatory harassment by their co-workers, Mahoney says.

The manner in which employees criticize their bosses and their agencies, even in government-sanctioned places for such comments, such as comments that the Office of Personnel Management permits to be attached to employees’ performance evaluations, can come back to haunt employees, McPhie notes. “The employee should be careful about the language and 28

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Federal employees also can be disciplined for religious proselytizing at work and could face claims of discriminatory harassment by their co-workers. tone of the criticism as well as be aware that the employee’s comments may be used against him or her to support a future disciplinary action by the supervisor,” McPhie says.

Abusive, profane or obscene language toward a supervisor is a form of insubordination and can support discipline of federal employees, adds Mahoney, citing Pinegar v. FEC, 105 MSPR 677, 689, 2007 MSPB 140 ¶ 26 (2007).

McPhie says that the potential of employees to get into trouble with comments they make in social media outside of work is an increasing federal employee speech issue. “Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn have become commonplace tools for communication. However, sometimes personal messages or ‘Facebook posts’ can have an impact on the employee’s job,” he says.

An example is Shannon v. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014 MSPB 41 (2014), in which the MSPB upheld the Department of Veterans Affairs’ issuance of a notice of proposed removal because of personal Facebook messages a federal employee exchanged with a veteran in contravention of agency policy and that provided evidence of a prohibited personal relationship between them.

And in Special Counsel v. Lewis, 2014 MSPB 33 (2014), a Hatch Act violation case, the MSPB affirmed the removal of a federal U.S. Postal Service employee for maintaining a Facebook page soliciting campaign contributions.

“Agencies should try to educate their employees about using social media in and outside of the workplace,” McPhie says.

—David Tobenkin is a freelance writer based in the greater Washington, DC, area.

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shown does not include cost of comprehensive hearing exam. Examination and testing for prescribing of hearing aids is covered under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. The Insured may need to submit for reimbursement. Must be a Service Benefit Plan member to access TruHearing MemberPlus discounted pricing. State and local taxes and/or fees may apply. Prices and products subject to change.

§

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit up to $2,500 total every 3 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in your Service Benefit Plan brochure. The Blue365® Discount Program offers access to savings on items that you may purchase directly from independent

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All appointments must be scheduled through TruHearing. vendors, which may be different from items covered under your Service Benefit Plan or any other applicable federal healthcare program.

For hearing aids, acupuncture, chiropractic and vision services, you must exhaust your Service Benefit Plan benefits first. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the Service Benefit Plan. The products and services described herein are neither offered nor guaranteed under any local Blue company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, these items are not subject to the Medicare appeal process. Any disputes regarding these products and services are not subject to the Service Benefit Plan’s Disputed Claims process. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) may receive payments from Blue365 vendors. Neither the Service Benefit Plan, BCBSA, nor any local Blue company recommends, endorses, warrants or guarantees any specific Blue365 vendor or item. The Service Benefit Plan reserves the right to change, modify, or terminate any item and vendors made available through Blue365, at any time.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies.

Open Season Report

o

pen season Report

FEHBP plan changes

This is the third of a three-part series.

T

he 2014 Federal Benefits Open Season for Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) enrollment changes ends Monday, December 8. You should receive this issue of narfe magazine in late November, so there is still time to review health plans and make an informed decision.

FEHBP participants will be able to choose from 257 health plan choices during this Open Season.

If you are a federal employee and not presently enrolled in the FEHBP, you may enroll during Open Season if you are not otherwise excluded from coverage because of the nature of your appointment.

If you are a federal annuitant and are not presently covered by the FEHBP as an enrollee or a family member, you cannot enroll in the FEHBP during Open Season, except if you previously suspended your FEHBP enrollment in favor of coverage under TRICARE, TRICARE For Life, a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, CHAMPVA, Medicaid or as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Open Season changes for em32

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ployees are effective at the beginning of the first pay period after January 1, 2015.

Open Season changes made by annuitants and survivor annuitants are effective on January 1, 2015, and the premium changes will be effective in the February 1, 2015, annuity payments.

Plan Brochures

When deciding which plan is best for you, be sure to review your current plan’s 2015 brochure, as well as the brochures for other plans you are considering. The 2015 plan brochures for all of the FEHBP plans can be viewed online and downloaded at www. opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.

Each brochure is formatted the same way, with sections on specific topics such as “How Our Plan Has Changed,” “Your Costs for Covered Services” and “Coordinating Benefits With Other Coverage.” And all plan brochures have a box on the cover that provides the page numbers to find the new premium rates and the plan’s changes for the new year.

Since the implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act,

all plans provide a Summary of Benefits and Coverage with easyto-understand information about out-of-pocket costs, coverage and rights of enrollees.

Premium Changes

The overall weighted average total premium increase for nonpostal employees and all annuitants in the FEHBP for 2015, based on all of the enrollees in all of the plans, is 3.2 percent. For postal employees, it is 3.4 percent.

The 3.2 percent figure is not an across-the-board increase per plan. It is the weighted average increase for the total premium (government and employee share) for all of the plans in the FEHBP. This means that some plans’ premiums decreased, some did not change at all and some increased.

Fee-for-service (FFS) plans’ total premiums will rise an average of 3.1 percent, while local health maintenance organization (HMO) plans’ premiums will increase an average of 4.0 percent.

Federal employees with selfonly coverage will pay, on average, $2.93 more per two-week pay period, while those with fam-

ily coverage will see an average increase of $6.89. Enrollees in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Standard option, the most popular enrollment, will see monthly premiums rise $6.95 for self-only coverage and $18.05 for family.

There are HMO enrollees who will see very large increases in premiums and some whose premiums have dropped considerably. If you are currently enrolled in one of the Aetna Open Access plans or one of the Health Net plans, look at your premiums for next year.

These have double-digit increases

and, in some cases, triple-digit increases in the enrollee’s share of the premiums. For example, the enrollee’s share of the monthly premium for family coverage for Aetna Open Access of Delaware will increase by more than $264 a month for both Standard and High option family coverage.

On the other end of the spectrum, monthly premiums for Arkansas QualChoice enrollment codes DH1 and DH2 will decrease $151.62 and $352.40, respectively, for 2015. Kaiser Foundation of Northern California is another

whose premiums will be lower.

But even if your particular plan’s premiums are not rising by much, make sure you read the plan brochure – particularly Section 2, “How We Change for 2015.”

This section will reveal which, if any, out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-payments and coinsurance, will increase in 2015.

When reading each plan’s brochure, note which costs are not included in meeting the plan’s yearly deductible. These out-of-pocket expenses can really add up.

—Federal Benefits Service Department

Medicare Premiums: Part B and Part D Medicare Open Season began October 15 and ends December 7.

Part B

The monthly Medicare Part B base premium will remain at $104.90 in 2015.

Part D

The Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit is generally geared to people who do not have any employer-provided or union-provided prescription drug coverage. Under your FEHBP coverage, you simply pay copayments and/or coinsurance for your prescription drugs, so the vast majority of FEHBP enrollees will not need Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Anyone covered under the FEHBP has what is known as “creditable prescription drug coverage.” This means that the FEHBP prescription drug coverage is at least as good as, if not better than, the Part D coverage.

This also means if a person with

FEHBP coverage turns down Part D when he or she is first eligible to enroll but signs up at some point in the future, he or she will not be required to pay a penalty for late enrollment in Part D. The FEHBP plan brochures for 2015 contain statements certifying the creditability of each individual plan’s drug coverage for Part D late-enrollment purposes.

These statements will be found at the beginning of each plan’s brochure, immediately before the table of contents, and will be headlined “Important Notice From (Plan’s Name) About Our Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare.”

Part D requires a monthly premium in addition to the Medicare Part B premium. The estimated average monthly basic premium for 2015 will be about $32. Some may pay a higher monthly premium based on their income.

In 2015, the Part D enrollee may have to pay up to the first $320 in prescription drug costs, the Part D deductible amount. (Some Part D enrollees will not be required to pay the $320 deductible.) In addition, Part D enrollees will be subject to co-pays until the combined amount paid by both the enrollee and the Part D plan reaches $2,960. After that, the coverage gap (donut hole) kicks in, and the enrollee pays 65 percent of the cost of generic prescriptions and 45 percent of the cost for brand name prescriptions until they reach $4,700. After that threshold is met, Part D enrollees will have to pay only a small co-pay or coinsurance for the rest of the calendar year.

If Medicare is a person’s primary insurer, FEHBP plans will coordinate prescription drug payments with the Medicare Part D carrier.

w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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33

Open Season Report

Fee-for-Service Plan Changes

F

ollowing are the six fee-forservice (FFS) plans available to all employees and annuitants and the changes in benefits, taken from their brochures.

In addition to the six open-toall plans, there are four FFS plans open to specific groups of federal employees and annuitants. For space reasons, they are not listed here. And because there are so many FEHBP health maintenance organizations (HMOs), it also is not possible to list their changes. Premium rates for the 10 FFS plans are shown in the chart on p. 37.

OPM issues a “Guide to Federal Benefits” for federal employees (RI 70-1) and a similar one for federal retirees and their survivors (RI 709). These provide premium and outof-pocket expense data on all of the plans in the FEHBP. You can access and download these guides at www. opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.

Click on “Healthcare” on the left, then “Reference Materials.”

When reviewing each plan’s changes, take special note of announced changes in preferred provider organizations (PPOs). If you live in a state where your plan is changing its PPO network, you need

to contact the plan and ask for a new PPO directory for 2015 to assure that your doctors, hospitals, etc., will be in the new PPO network. Otherwise, you may wish to change plans during Open Season.

American Postal Workers Union Health Plan (APWU) High Option Changes The plan now has a single combined catastrophic maximum for both medical and prescription drugs.

The plan has changed from an open formulary for prescription drugs to a preferred formulary known as the “Express Scripts National Preferred Formulary.”

Pre-approval for outpatient mental health and substance abuse services is no longer required.

The plan has implemented additional prescription drug medication management, step therapy and prior authorization programs.

The plan now covers U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved weight-loss drugs to treat obesity, with prior approval.

The plan has eliminated the “Wellness Benefit” previously found in Section 5 (h).

The plan now offers a CignaPlus Savings discount dental card when a Health Risk Assessment is completed.

The plan now covers out-of-network costs for the Tobacco Cessation Program and has eliminated limits on counseling and therapy sessions.

One annual low-dose CT scan for those at risk of lung cancer is now covered at no cost in-network for adults ages 55-80.

Emergency ambulance services will no longer be subject to a deductible.

The plan will now limit insulin and supplies to specific brands in the Express Scripts National Preferred Formulary.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) Standard Option Changes The co-payment for care related to a medical emergency provided at a preferred urgent care center will decrease from $40 to $30 per visit.

Several changes have been made to cost-sharing for inpatient mental health and substance abuse services.

See the plan brochure, pages 97-98.

Basic Option Changes Cost-share for cardiovascular monitoring services is now $40 for

Using OPM’s Plan Comparison Tool to guide your decision The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers an online plan comparison tool at its website, www.opm.gov, that allows you to evaluate up to four plans at once.

In the plan comparison tool, you can evaluate plans’ rates and customer satisfaction. You can search plans by ZIP code, by

34

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plan name and by plan code.

OPM provides detailed information on costs under “Rates” and “Benefits.” You can see catastrophic limits and calendar-year deductibles, as well as hospital inpatient admission co-pay and room and board charges, doctor outpatient surgery, primary doctor

visits, prescription drug deductible per person and more.

In addition, you can compare plans by federal worker satisfaction, including: overall satisfaction, how well doctors communicate, customer service, plan information on costs, the ability to get needed care and more.

Open Season: November 10 to December 8, 2014

With the APWU Health Plan’s High Option and Medicare you can go to any doctor or facility you wish. We coordinate with Medicare for you. Many retirees prefer the APWU Health Plan because of its affordable premium and excellent coverage.

See your steps to better health: No deductible or coinsurance on covered expenses * 100% coverage for lab tests when performed by LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics Discounts on eye care and hearing needs Diabetes & Hypertension Management offers $0 costs for generic medicine and lab tests ** Pharmacy benefits include mail order with auto refills Cancer Centers of Excellence covered at 95% Preventive care and screenings paid at 100%** Affordable monthly premiums for High Option members *High Option members with Medicare Part A and B ** In-network

1-800-222-2798 | www.apwuhp.com Click on Season" w w w. n a"Open r f e .org | 35

Open Season Report

services performed by preferred professional or facility providers.

Previously, there was no co-payment. There continues to be no co-pay for standard EKGs. Co-payments for care related to an accidental injury or medical emergency provided at a preferred urgent care center is now $35 per visit. Previously, the co-payment was $50 per visit.

Changes to Both Standard and Basic The plan will now provide additional benefits for BRCA testing, including for males whose family history is associated with an increased risk for harmful mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. You must obtain prior approval for testing. See p. 41 in the brochure.

The plan will now provide preventive care benefits to screen for diabetes mellitus in adults.

The plan will now provide preventive care benefits for Hepatitis C screening in adults.

The plan will now provide preventive care benefits for low-dose CT screenings for lung cancer in adults ages 55-80 with a history of tobacco use.

The plan will now limit benefits for tocolytic therapy and related services to those services provided on an inpatient basis. Previously, benefits also were available for in-home services.

Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) Overall Plan Changes CVS/Caremark is the plan’s new pharmacy benefit manager. The plan will be using a new prescription drug formulary. Certain drugs require prior authorization for medical necessity. Several other changes have been made to 36

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prescription drug benefits. See the brochure for all the details.

Aetna Signature Administrators replaces the current PPO network in Arizona, California, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Covered adult routine preventive services include Hepatitis C screening and low-dose CT lung cancer screening for individuals who satisfy criteria established by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

The plan has increased the cash rewards and merchandise incentives under the GEHA Health Rewards/Health Assessment Program.

The plan will no longer limit acupuncture to procedures performed by a licensed medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy.

Acupuncture is covered when performed by a licensed provider in the state where the service is rendered.

The plan will cover diabetic shoes up to $150 per person per calendar year.

Generic Tamoxifen and Raloxifene are a covered preventive care service for women age 35 and over who have an increased risk for breast cancer.

Standard Option Only Changes Changes have been made to outof-pocket maximums for PPO and non-PPO providers.

The non-PPO coinsurance for nonaccidental injury local ground ambulance transport has decreased from 35 percent to 15 percent.

The benefit for hearing aids has increased from $500 per ear every five years up to $1,000 in total every five years.

The PPO office visit co-pay will

increase from $10 to $15 per vist to a primary care physician; the co-pay will increase from $25 to $30 per visit to a specialist.

Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP) NOTE: MHBP will not offer a Medicare sub-option program in 2015. See the 2015 MHBP plan brochure, Section 9, for all of the details.

Overall Plan Changes The plan added coverage for HIV, Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infection screenings when done by a network provider. Benefits will be paid at 100 percent of the plan’s allowance and are not subject to the calendar-year deductible. Previously, the plan had no benefit for these services under preventive care.

Extended care/skilled nursing care facility benefits are available only when the plan is the primary payer. Previously, benefits were available when other plans, excluding Medicare Part A, were the primary payer.

The plan reclassified coverage of partial hospitalization and facility-based intensive outpatient treatment benefits as outpatient hospital services. Previously, coverage was considered inpatient hospital.

The plan changed the benefit structure for medications, supplies and preparatory medications for colorectal cancer screenings.

Benefits are available at network retail pharmacies with no member cost-sharing. Previously, these services required member costsharing.

The plan changed the benefit for specialty oral and self-administered medications to align exclusively under the CVS/Caremark

2015 premiums* — Fee for Service

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

Enrollee Increase / Plan Option Code Total Premium Gov’t Pays Enrollee Pays Decrease

biweekly | monthly biweekly | monthly biweekly | monthly biweekly | monthly APWU High self High family CDHP self CDHP family

OPEN TO ALL 471 472 474 475

$258.69 | $560.50 $584.92 | $1,267.33 $185.24 | $401.35 $416.73 | $902.92

$194.02 | $420.38 $438.69 | $950.50 $138.93 | $301.01 $312.55 | $677.19

$64.67 | $140.12 $146.23 | $316.83 $46.31 | $100.34 $104.18 | $225.73

$1.58 | $3.42 $3.57 | $7.73 $1.35 | $2.92 $3.03 | $6.58

Blue Cross / Blue Shield Standard self 104 Standard family 105 Basic self 111 Basic family 112

$293.04 | $634.92 $661.88 | $1,434.07 $253.62 | $549.51 $593.86 | $1,286.70

$202.01 | $437.69 $448.57 | $971.90 $190.22 | $412.13 $445.40 | $965.03

$91.03 | $197.23 $213.31 | $462.17 $63.40 | $137.38 $148.46 | $321.67

$3.21 | $6.95 $8.33 | $18.05 $2.44 | $5.29 $5.71 | $12.37

GEHA High self High family Standard self Standard family HDHP self HDHP family

311 312 314 315 341 342

$296.26 | $641.90 $673.80 | $1,459.90 $196.18 | $425.06 $446.12 | $966.59 $203.47 | $440.85 $464.72 | $1,006.89

$202.01 | $437.69 $448.57 | $971.90 $147.14 | $318.80 $334.59 | $724.94 $152.60 | $330.64 $348.54 | $755.17

$94.25 | $204.21 $225.23 | $488.00 $49.04 | $106.26 $111.53 | $241.65 $50.87 | $110.21 $116.18 | $251.72

$.48 | $1.04 $2.26 | $4.90 $.96 | $2.08 $2.19 | $4.74 $.00 | $.00 $.00 | $.00

MHBP Value self Value family Standard self Standard family HDHP self HDHP family

414 415 454 455 481 482

$227.44 | $492.79 $542.24 | $1,174.85 $294.66 | $638.43 $674.36 | $1,461.11 $256.90 | $556.62 $582.10 | $1,261.22

$170.58 | $369.59 $406.68 | $881.14 $202.01 | $437.69 $448.57 | $971.90 $192.68 | $417.47 $436.58 | $945.92

$56.86 | $123.20 $135.56 | $293.71 $92.65 | $200.74 $225.79 | $489.21 $64.22 | $139.15 $145.52 | $315.30

$4.70 | $10.18 $11.20 | $24.25 $-3.87 | $-8.39 $-7.59 | $-16.44 $1.26 | $2.73 $2.85 | $6.18

NALC High self High family CDHP self CDHP family Value self Value family

321 322 324 325 KM1 KM2

$278.95 | $604.39 $604.27 | $1,309.25 $200.24 | $433.85 $434.79 | $942.05 $172.40 | $373.53 $374.38 | $811.16

$202.01 | $437.69 $448.57 | $971.90 $150.18 | $325.39 $326.09 | $706.54 $129.30 | $280.15 $280.79 | $608.37

$76.94 | $166.70 $155.70 | $337.35 $50.06 | $108.46 $108.70 | $235.51 $43.10 | $93.38 $93.59 | $202.79

$2.53 | $5.48 $4.65 | $10.08 $1.81 | $3.92 $3.93 | $8.51 $1.56 | $3.37 $3.38 | $7.33

SAMBA High self High family Standard self Standard family

441 442 444 445

$339.89 | $736.43 $800.46 | $1,734.33 $243.16 | $526.85 $555.35 | $1,203.26

$202.01 | $437.69 $448.57 | $971.90 $182.37 | $395.14 $416.51 | $902.45

$137.88 | $298.74 $351.89 | $762.43 $60.79 | $131.71 $138.84 | $300.81

$10.85 | $23.51 $27.17 | $58.87 $.00 | $.00 $.00 | $.00

RESTRICTED

Compass Rose Health Plan (members of the Intelligence Community, employees of Departments of Defense and State) High self 421 $279.49 | $605.56 $202.01 | $437.69 $77.48 | $167.87 $5.42 | $11.74 High family 422 $642.51 | $1,392.11 $448.57 | $971.90 $193.94 | $420.21 $13.76 | $29.82 Foreign Service Benefit Plan (American Foreign Service personnel, Departments of State and Defense, USAID, Foreign Agricultural and Commercial services, other executive branch employees assigned overseas; Foreign Service retirees) High self 401 $240.67 | $521.45 $180.50 | $391.09 $60.17 | $130.36 $2.32 | $5.01 High family 402 $593.00 | $1,284.83 $444.75 | $963.62 $148.25 | $321.21 $5.70 | $12.36 Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (active and retired rural letter carriers) High self 381 $292.49 | $633.73 $202.01 | $437.69 High family 382 $557.72 | $1,208.39 $418.29 | $906.29

$90.48 | $196.04 $139.43 | $302.10

$3.19 | $6.91 $.00 | $.00

Panama Canal Area Benefit Plan High self 431 $222.72 | $482.56 High family 432 $464.88 | $1,007.24

$55.68 | $120.64 $116.22 | $251.81

$4.13 | $8.94 $8.61 | $18.65

$167.04 | $361.92 $348.66 | $755.43

* Nonpostal rates w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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37

Open Season Report

Specialty Pharmacy. Previously, coverage for these was available under the medical benefit.

The plan added a Specialty Pharmacy Step Therapy Drug Program, which requires the use of a specialty preferred drug prior to authorization of a specialty nonpreferred drug. Preauthorization continues to be required for all specialty drugs.

Standard Option Changes The plan combined the catastrophic protection benefit for out-of-pocket medical and prescription drug expenses. The plan also changed the benefit structure for the catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum. See the plan brochure for all the details.

The plan will no longer offer the Medicare Part B Premium Savings Program for Standard option members. The plan will waive some out-of-pocket costs for Medicare enrollees. See the brochure for all the details.

Value Plan Changes The plan combined the catastrophic protection benefit for out-of-pocket medical and prescription drug expenses. The plan also changed the benefit structure for the catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum. See the brochure for all the details.

The plan reduced the network co-payment for visits to a convenient care clinic by dependent children through age 21 to $5 per visit.

Previously, the co-payment for visits to a convenient care clinic was $15 per visit for all members.

The plan removed the requirement that the calendar-year deductible must be met before benefits are available for emergency treatment of an accidental injury at a network urgent care center.

38

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National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) The plan will now cover: • Three doses of Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine for adults ages 19 and over with medical indications; • Routine alcohol and drug abuse screening for adults ages 22 and over; • Routine Hepatitis C virus screening for adults born between 1945 and 1965; • Annual routine lung cancer screening for adults ages 55 through 80 who have a history of smoking; • Routine HIV screening for pregnant women and all adults ages 65 and younger and for children ages 15 and older; • Routine pap tests for females ages 21 through 65; • Routine Human Papillomavirus tests for women ages 30 through 65; • Isolated small intestine transplant; • Tamoxifen and Raloxifene for risk reduction of primary breast cancer for certain women.

The plan will no longer cover: • Routine double contrast barium enema for adults; • Routine prostate specific antigen (PSA) test for adult men.

Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association (SAMBA) Overall Plan Changes The plan has added the CVS/ Caremark Specialty Preferred Drug Step Therapy Program to the prescription drug benefits.

This requires the use of preferred drugs for: TNF inhibitors (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease), Human Growth Hormone and Multiple Sclerosis.

Prior approval is required when

specialty medications for the targeted therapies are prescribed.

The calendar-year prescription drug out-of-pocket maximum was decreased from $4,000 per person to $2,000 per person (limited to $4,000 per family) under the High option and from $5,000 per person to $1,500 per person (limited to $3,000 per family) under the Standard option.

Prior authorization is no longer required for outpatient treatment and day- or after-care treatment (partial hospitalization) for mental health and substance abuse conditions.

Christian Science practitioners and Christian Science sanatoriums are no longer covered providers or facilities under the plan. The plan no longer covers services from these providers or facilities.

The plan made changes in PPO benefits for same-day services performed in conjunction with an office vision. See the plan brochure for details.

The plan will provide up to $15,000 for outpatient hospice care. Previously, it did not limit outpatient hospice care.

The calendar-year deductible will apply to all covered ambulance services. Previously, local professional ambulance transport was not subject to the deductible.

The calendar-year deductible will apply to all covered inpatient professional anesthesia services.

Members and eligible dependents have access to the Cigna Quit Today tobacco cessation program at no additional cost.

Covered members over age 18 who complete a Health Risk Assessment will receive a $25 CVS Pharmacy SelectGift Card (limit to two per family).

Quality health plans & benefits Healthier living Financial well-being Intelligent solutions

A whole new level of value for federal retirees Introducing Aetna Direct

Aetna Direct is unlike any other federal health plan you’ve seen. It’s not Medicare, but it works seamlessly with Medicare. With Aetna Direct you can get unmatched value for your money – low plan premiums, low out-of-pocket costs, and a large national network of doctors. Aetna Direct is a whole new level of value with: • Low monthly premiums – below the federal average • A fund to help you pay Medicare Part B premiums ($750/self and $1,500/self+family) • Waived deductibles and copayments for medical services – if Medicare Part A and Part B are primary and your provider accepts Medicare assignment

Call or go online for more details If you’re a federal retiree, and currently enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, check us out. There’s not been a federal plan quite like Aetna Direct.

See why it could be the right plan for you.

Learn more

Visit aetnafeds.com/aetnadirect or call 1-855-277-4356 This open season

Health benefits and health insurance plans are offered by Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates. This is a brief description of the features of this Aetna health benefits plan. Before making a decision, please read the plan’s applicable federal brochure(s). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the federal brochure. Plan features and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to www.aetnafeds.com. ©2014 Aetna Inc.

2014088

Open Season Report

The plan has eliminated the per-prescription fill co-payment for specialty drugs purchased through a physician’s office, home health agency, outpatient hospital or other outpatient facility. The coinsurance for these services has increased. See the brochure for details.

Members and eligible dependents have access to the CVS/ Caremark AccordantCare Program, which helps members understand and manage complex and chronic diseases.

High Option Changes The plan has eliminated the $150 co-payment per outpatient facility charge under the non-PPO benefits for outpatient hospital,

40 IN_NARFE_HP_TANK_0765_112514.indd | d e c 2 0 1 4

1

clinic or ambulatory surgical care expenses. See the plan brochure for all of the details.

The calendar-year catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum for services other than prescription drugs has increased from $3,500 per family to $3,500 per person and $7,000 per family for PPO services and from $5,000 per family to $6,500 per person and $13,000 per family for nonPPO services.

Standard Option Changes The inpatient hospital co-payment will be $200 per confinement in PPO facilities and $400 per confinement in non-PPO facilities. Previously, members paid $150 per day up to $450 per

confinement in PPO facilities and $200 per day up to $600 per confinement in non-PPO facilities.

The number of covered chiropractic manipulations has decreased from 26 per person per calendar year to 12.

The calendar-year catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum has changed from $5,000 per person ($7,000 per family) to $5,000 per person ($10,000 per family) for PPO services and from $7,000 per person ($9,000 per family) to $7,000 per person ($14,000 per family) for non-PPO services. See the plan brochure for all the details. —Federal Benefits Service Department

10/15/14 2:22 PM

NETWORK ACCESS FOR OVER 99% OF FEDVIP DENTAL MEMBERS

WITH AFFORDABLE RATES AND BENEFITS FOR ALL. United Concordia’s FEDVIP dental plan is better than ever. With impressive orthodontic benefits, an annual maximum benefit of $10,000, and affordable rates, you and your family simply get more value.

And because our network reaches over 99% of federal employees and annuitants nationwide, you can be sure you’ll find a dentist near you. If you want the plan that has it all, contact us today.

Protecting More Than Just Your Smile.™ ADV-0141(0913)

FEDVIP Open Season: November 10–December 8, 2014

|

uccifedvip.com

Open Season Report

2015 FEHBP Prescription Drug Guide

I

n the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, prescriptions can be filled by health plans through the plan’s preferred retail pharmacies, nonpreferred retail pharmacies and the plan’s mail order service. The plans charge coinsurance and/ or co-payments for prescription drugs when they are purchased through any of these sources.

Some plans provide prescription drug plan benefits even if the plan’s annual deductible is not met. Other plans may have a specific annual deductible that must be met before the plan begins to pay prescription drug benefits.

Health plans will substitute avail-

able generic equivalent drugs for brand name drugs for prescriptions submitted to local pharmacies and mail order services, unless the prescribing physician indicates that the patient is to receive only the brand name medication.

To keep prescription drug benefit costs down for the plans, some are reducing out-of-pocket costs for generic drugs and raising them for brand name drugs. This will make prescription drugs more costly for enrollees needing life-saving and life-extending medications, which are usually brand name specialty drugs. You also will see that some plans have capped the yearly amount of out-of-pocket expenses

for prescription drugs to keep enrollees who need the expensive brand name drugs – sometimes called specialty drugs – from possible financial hardship.

Enrollees covered by Medicare Part A and Part B may note that some plans waive their own deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for hospital and medical services. These waivers do not apply to the prescription drug co-payments and/or coinsurance.

Some plans will charge lower coinsurance and co-payment rates for enrollees who are covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. In addition, there are some plans that charge Medicare enroll-

Prescription drug benefits for selected FEHBP plans Benefit

Rx Deductible Per Person

APWU - High PPO NonPPO

BC/BS - Standard PPO NonPPO

GEHA - Standard PPO NonPPO

None

None

None

None

None

None

Rx Deductible Per Family

None

None

None

None

None

None

Rx Generic Local Pharmacy $8 50%

Rx Generic Mail Order $15 N/A Rx Generic Mail Order for Medicare $15 N/A

Rx Brand Local Pharmacy 25% 50%

Rx Brand Mail Order 25% N/A

RX Brand Mail Order for Medicare 25% N/A

Rx Nonformulary Local Pharmacy 25% 50%

Rx Mail Order / Supply Size Per Co-pay 90 Days 90 Days

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20%/ 15% Medicare B

45% + $10 $10 T1-T5

$15

N/A

$20

$20

$10 Medicare B

N/A

$20

$20

30% Tier 2/ 45%+ 30% Tier 4

50% 50% Max $200 Max $200+

T4 30%/$95 N/A T5 30%/$155

50% 50% Max $500 Max $500+

T3 $105 Mail N/A T5 30% Local

50% 50% Max $500 Max $500+

T2 30%/$80 45%+ N/A N/A T3 45%/$105 Up to 90 days

N/A

90 days

90 Days

ees the same coinsurance and co-payments as non-Medicareeligible enrollees in one option, while charging Medicare enrollees smaller coinsurance and/or copayment amounts than nonMedicare enrollees in the plan’s other option.

Usually, patients will fill orders for short-term prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, at a local pharmacy. They will use mail order services for maintenance drugs, such as medications used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease, etc.

It is wise to compare the prices of medications at local pharmacies with the cost of obtaining

the medications through mail order services. Many times, the cost of filling a prescription at a local pharmacy is less than the co-payment for using a mail order service. Some plans charge the full mail service co-payment even though the actual cost of the prescription drug is less than the copayment; other plans charge only the cost of the prescription drug if the actual cost of the drug is less for the mail service pharmacy than the co-payment. In other words, do not expect the mail service pharmacy to charge less than the co-payment because the local pharmacy has the prescription drug at a lower price.

Some plans have limitations on the amount and frequency of dispensing prescription drugs. Plan members should be aware of those limitations and also should be aware that more plans have priorapproval requirements before certain prescriptions can be filled.

The general rule for most plans is that refills can be obtained when 75 percent of the current supply is used up.

With some plans’ co-payments for brand name drugs increasing January 1, check your current prescription level to see if you can order a refill before the end of the year and avoid any increase.

—Federal Benefits Service Department

MHBP - Standard PPO NonPPO

NALC - High Samba - standard PPO NonPPO PPO NonPPO

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

None

$8

$8

$5 50%

20% 45% 10 % Medicare B

$10

$10

N/A

$8/$8/$12

$15

$15

$10

$10

N/A

$4/$7/$10

$15

$15

30% Max $70

30% Max $70

30% 50% 45%+ 30% Max $200

$80/$120 $80/$120 N/A

$43/ 60 day $65/ 90 day

30% Max $150

30% Max $150

$80/$120 $80/$120 N/A

$37/ 60 day $55/ 90 day

30% Max $150

30% Max $150

40% Max $110

40% Max $110

90 days

90 days

50% 50% 45%+ 45% Max $200 90 days

90 days

90 days

90 days

w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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43

Open Season Report

2015 FEdvip plan

O

pen Season for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) coincides with the Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Eligible individuals will be able to choose benefits that cover dental care, vision care or both.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) contracts with 12 insurance carriers to provide comprehensive coverage under 14 different plans.

Three types of enrollment are available: self only, for the enrolled employee or annuitant; self plus one, for the enrolled employee or annuitant and one eligible family member; and self and family, for the enrolled employee or annuitant and all eligible family members. For more information, go to www.BENEFEDS.com or call 877-888-3337.

Dental Plans

There are six nationwide and four regional dental plans. Premiums are based on rating areas, determined by where enrollees live. A rating area is a group of ZIP codes.

Each dental plan can have up to five rating areas. See the chart, p. 47, for premiums for nationwide plans. For regional plan rates, go to www.BENEFEDS.com.

Nationwide Plans

(Nationwide plans include international coverage.)

Aetna Single High option plan • In addition to in-network benefits, will offer out-of-network benefits based on the Fair Health reimbursement rates (www. fairhealthconsumer.org), using the same payment percentages as in-network benefits, even in areas 44

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where access is adequate; • No deductibles; • Orthodontia covered after a 12-month waiting period for adults and dependent children with no age limit ($2,000 per person lifetime maximum on covered orthodontia services); • Free add-on discounts such as fitness, vision, weight-loss programs and natural products; • Benefit provided for medically necessary/noncosmetic implants.

Delta Dental Two plan options • No waiting periods outside of orthodontia; • Expansive network of Delta Dental PPO dentists; • No ID card required to receive services and no claim forms to file – PPO dentists file the claim; • No deductible charged when using in-network; • Out-of-network services provided.

FEP BlueDental Two plan options • No deductible for preventive, diagnostic, intermediate or major services under either option innetwork; • Out-of-network – High option has a $50 deductible, and Standard option has a $75 deductible; • Under both options, preventive and diagnostic services are paid in full when services are provided by in-network dentists; • Annual maximum – High option, $15,000 in-network; $3,000 out-of-network; • Annual maximum – Standard option, $1,500 in-network; $750 out-of-network; • Orthodontia has 12-month waiting period; adult orthodontia

is offered under the plan.

GEHA Two plan options • Orthodontia covered after 12-month waiting period with no age limitation; • Under Standard option, the per person lifetime maximum on covered orthodontia services is $2,500; • Members enrolled in GEHA’s dental plan options will receive the same association benefits as other GEHA plan members, including hearing and vision discounts, at no additional cost; • In addition to in-network benefits, will offer out-of-network benefits based on the American Dental Association fee schedule, using the same payment percentages as for in-network benefits, even in areas where access is adequate; • Benefit provided for medically necessary/noncosmetic implants.

MetLife Two plan options • No waiting period for orthodontia ($2,000 in-network per person lifetime maximum on covered orthodontia services under Standard option; $3,500 per person lifetime maximum under High option); • Adult orthodontia is available for the High option only with a lifetime maximum of $1,500; • Out-of-network benefit (there is a deductible for both the Standard and the High options’ out-ofnetwork services); • Benefit provided for medically necessary/noncosmetic implants.

United Concordia Single High option plan • No deductible;

Smile! Choose the MetLife Federal Dental Plan for a picture perfect smile.

Open Season Enrollment: Nov 10Dec 8, 2014

THE METLIFE FEDERAL DENTAL PLAN The 500,000 federal employees and annuitants who’ve already chosen us have plenty of reasons to smile. So many, in fact, 95% of our customers would recommend us to friends.* • No waiting period to receive benefits • No deductible, no co-pay, and no out-of-pocket costs for all in-network preventive care • A choice of two plan options including one with a $20,000 annual maximum and orthodontia coverage for adults and children • 15-45% savings when you visit any network dentist**

Enroll at 1-877-888-FEDS, or for more information visit federaldental.metlife.com * 2013 Plan Participant Survey. Results based on participants who visited a network dentist and reported that they would probably recommend (37%) or definitely recommend (58%) their MetLife PPO Dental plan to a friend. ** Savings from enrolling in a dental benefits plan will depend on various factors, including plan design and premiums, how often participants visit the dentist and the cost of services rendered.

Covers dependent children through the end of the month of their 19th birthday. Like most group benefit programs, benefit programs offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, waiting periods, and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact MetLife or your plan administrator for costs and complete details. ©2014 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10166. PEANUTS © 2014 Peanuts Worldwide LLC. L0914390300[exp0915][All States][DC,GU,MP,PR,VI]

Open Season Report

• Orthodontia covered after 12-month waiting period for all members ($3,000 per person lifetime maximum on covered orthodontia services); • Coverage for certain implant prosthetics and resin crowns and an annual maximum of $10,000; • Out-of-network benefit at a lower percentage rate.

Dental Plans / Regional Plans

options, Select Standard and Select High • The only dental HMO plan offered in the FEDVIP program; • No maximum dollar limits, waiting periods or deductibles; • Covered benefits include cleanings, fillings, endodontics, periodontics, crowns and bridges, implants and orthodontics for adults and children; • Predetermined fees (fixed copayments); • Access to one of the largest dental HMO networks in the MidAtlantic.

Dominion Dental Services, Inc. Service Area: Mid-Atlantic Region, including the District of EmblemHealth Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylva(formerly GHI) nia, Delaware, most of Virginia Service Area: All of New York and southern New Jersey. state and some ZIP codes in the Two dental health mainteUHC3454 FedNARFEad_Layout 1 7/23/14 2:13 PM Page 1 states of Pennsylvania, Connectinance organization (HMO)

cut and New Jersey.

• 100 percent coverage for all in-network dental services; • Out-of-network benefit, even in areas that meet access, that pays benefits up to a scheduled maximum; • Orthodontia covered after a 12-month waiting period for adults and dependent children ($2,000 per person lifetime maximum on covered orthodontia services); • Nonorthodontia annual maximum is $5,000; • Annual maximum rollover feature.

Humana Service Area: Available in the following states: all of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California,

Vision wellness for a healthier, stronger America.

Did you know 80% of vision loss is preventable?* UnitedHealthcare Vision offers two plans that include an annual comprehensive eye exam, savings on progressive no-line bifocals, and much more! Whatever your individual or family need is we make it easy to maintain healthy eyes and save money while you’re at it. Protect the precious gift of sight and your overall health.

FEDVIP Open Season Enrollment at: www.benefeds.com or 1.877.888.3337 November 10 – December 8

2015

www.myuhcvision.com/fedvip 1-866-249-1999 ®

*WHO, 2010.

UnitedHealthcare Vision® coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, located in Hartford, Connecticut, or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by Spectera, Inc., United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

46

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2015 premiums - Nationwide Dental plans Plan Name Rating Self Only Self Plus One Region* biweekly | monthly biweekly | monthly AETNA PPO High

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly self and Family biweekly | monthly

1 2 3 4 5

$13.56 | $29.38 $14.94 | $32.37 $15.89 | $34.43 $17.53 | $37.98 $19.04 | $41.25

$27.13 | $58.78 $29.87 | $64.72 $31.80 | $68.90 $35.08 | $76.01 $38.08 | $82.51

$40.69 | $88.16 $44.81 | $97.09 $47.68 | $103.31 $52.61 | $113.99 $57.12 | $123.76

Delta Dental PPO Standard 1

2

3

4

5 High 1

2

3

4

5

$8.74 | $18.94 $9.52 | $20.63 $10.27 | $22.25 $10.83 | $23.47 $12.37 | $26.80 $16.72 | $36.23 $18.34 | $39.74 $20.11 | $43.57 $21.39 | $46.35 $24.88 | $53.91

$17.48 | $37.87 $19.05 | $41.28 $20.53 | $44.48 $21.64 | $46.89 $24.74 | $53.60 $33.44 | $72.45 $36.67 | $79.45 $40.22 | $87.14 $42.79 | $92.71 $49.77 | $107.84

$26.22 | $56.81 $28.57 | $61.90 $30.81 | $66.76 $32.47 | $70.35 $37.11 | $80.41 $50.16 | $108.68 $55.01 | $119.19 $60.33 | $130.72 $64.19 | $139.08 $74.65 | $161.74

FEp Blue Dental PPO Standard 1

2

3

4

5 High 1

2

3

4

5

$9.42 | $20.41 $10.72 | $23.23 $11.87 | $25.72 $12.52 | $27.13 $13.84 | $29.99 $16.37 | $35.47 $18.63 | $40.37 $20.64 | $44.72 $21.80 | $47.23 $24.11 | $52.24

$18.85 | $40.84 $21.43 | $46.43 $23.74 | $51.44 $25.04 | $54.25 $27.69 | $60.00 $32.74 | $70.94 $37.25 | $80.71 $41.28 | $89.44 $43.61 | $94.49 $48.22 | $104.48

$28.27 | $61.25 $32.15 | $69.66 $35.61 | $77.16 $37.56 | $81.38 $41.53 | $89.98 $49.11 | $106.41 $55.88 | $121.07 $61.92 | $134.16 $65.41 | $141.72 $72.33 | $156.72

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

$9.03 | $19.57 $9.92 | $21.49 $11.27 | $24.42 $12.16 | $26.35 $13.50 | $29.25 $15.28 | $33.11 $16.80 | $36.40 $19.07 | $41.32 $20.59 | $44.61 $22.87 | $49.55

$18.07 | $39.15 $19.85 | $43.01 $22.53 | $48.82 $24.32 | $52.69 $27.01 | $58.52 $30.57 | $66.24 $33.61 | $72.82 $38.16 | $82.68 $41.19 | $89.25 $45.76 | $99.15

$27.12 | $58.76 $29.77 | $64.50 $33.79 | $73.21 $36.48 | $79.04 $40.50 | $87.75 $45.86 | $99.36 $50.45 | $109.31 $57.23 | $124.00 $61.81 | $133.92 $68.66 | $148.76

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

$8.96 | $19.41 $9.71 | $21.04 $10.78 | $23.36 $11.96 | $25.91 $13.14 | $28.47 $16.58 | $35.92 $18.56 | $40.21 $20.22 | $43.81 $21.89 | $47.43 $24.50 | $53.08

$17.92 | $38.83 $19.43 | $42.10 $21.55 | $46.69 $23.92 | $51.83 $26.28 | $56.94 $33.16 | $71.85 $37.11 | $80.41 $40.44 | $87.62 $43.79 | $94.88 $49.00 | $106.17

$26.89 | $58.26 $29.14 | $63.14 $32.33 | $70.05 $35.88 | $77.74 $39.43 | $85.43 $49.74 | $107.77 $55.67 | $120.62 $60.66 | $131.43 $65.68 | $142.31 $73.50 | $159.25

$13.75 | $29.79 $15.44 | $33.45 $17.13 | $37.12 $18.83 | $40.80 $20.52 | $44.46

$27.51 | $59.61 $30.89 | $66.93 $34.26 | $74.23 $37.65 | $81.58 $41.03 | $88.90

$41.25 | $89.38 $46.32 | $100.36 $51.41 | $111.39 $56.48 | $122.37 $61.55 | $133.36

GEHA PPO Standard

High

metlife PPO Standard

High

United Concordia PPO High 1

2

3

4

5

* Rating regions for each carrier are not the same for all plans w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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47

Open Season Report

Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and most of Maryland.

• Fixed co-payments for each service, regardless of the amount of the charge; • No waiting period for orthodontia; • Per person annual maximum benefit, $15,000; • No out-of-network benefit in areas that meet the access standards.

Triple-S Salud Service Area: Puerto Rico • Orthodontia covered with a 50 percent coinsurance after a 12-month waiting period for dependents up to age 22 ($2,000 per person lifetime maximum on covered orthodontia services); • No out-of-network benefit in areas that meet access standards.

Vision plans

There are four vision plans. See the chart below for premiums.

Aetna Vision • Coverage for exams and lenses (including contacts) every 12 months and the option to cover frames every 12 or 24 months; • Fixed pricing for premium progressive and premium antireflective lenses; • In- and out-of-network benefits; • No deductible in the voluntary plan; • Extra discounts at participating providers on balances over the allowance for frames and conventional contacts, Lasik laser surgery, retinal imaging and second pairs of eyeglasses.

FEP BlueVision (Blue Cross/ Blue Shield) • Flat-rate reimbursement in areas without adequate access; • Low-vision services offered; • Discounts on laser vision correction; • Unconditional breakage warranty to repair or replace any plan frame or lens(es) for a period of one year from the date of delivery; • Coverage for elective contact lenses and medically necessary contact lenses;

2015 premiums - Nationwide vision PLANs

• High option provides an outof-network benefit based on a fee schedule; • No out-of-network benefits under Standard option.

UnitedHealthcare Vision Plan • Will pay out-of-network, limited access and international benefits based on a published fee schedule; • Low-vision services offered; • Discounts on laser vision correction; • Prosthetic eye replacement on a lifetime maximum basis; • Coverage for elective contact lenses and medically necessary contact lenses.

VSP (Vision Service Plan) • Will pay out-of-network international benefits based on a published fee schedule; • Offers a WellVision Exam designed to detect conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glaucoma and macular degeneration; • Guaranteed pricing on retinal screening; • Discounts on laser vision correction.

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

Plan Name Self Only Self Plus One

biweekly | monthly biweekly | monthly AETNA vision Standard High

$3.18 | $6.89 $6.17| $13.37

$6.08 | $13.17 $11.75 | $25.46

$8.93 | $19.35 $17.25 | $37.38

FEP BlueVision Standard High

$3.73 | $8.08 $4.71 | $10.21

$7.45 | $16.14 $9.42 | $20.41

$11.18 | $24.22 $14.14 | $30.64

UnitedHealthcare Vision Plan Standard High

$2.91 | $6.31 $4.12 | $8.93

$5.69 | $12.33 $8.04 | $17.42

$8.47 | $18.35 $11.97 | $25.94

$3.67 | $7.95 $6.34 | $13.74

$7.33 | $15.88 $12.69 | $27.50

$11.01 | $23.86 $19.04 | $41.25

VSP (vision Service Plan ) Standard High 48

self and Family biweekly | monthly

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If you are a federal employee or retiree with Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan insurance coverage you may be eligible for two Beltone True 3 hearing aids for zero out-of-pocket

A pair of Beltone True 3 hearing aids for zero out-of pocket!

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Your savings on two Beltone True 3 digital hearing aids TM

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Apply your unused Benefit $2,500.00

You pay $0.00

Here’s how it works:

1

2

3

4

Call Beltone at Present your BCBS If you need hearing Next, your 1-888-418-6763 Service Benefit aids, you’ll receive a unused $2,500 for a complimentary Plan Member ID special price of $2,500 hearing aid hearing screening. card when you arrive. per pair of True 3 benefit will be hearing aids. applied.

Your net out-of-pocket on two Beltone True 3 hearing aids— TM

ZERO!

Beltone True 3 hearing aids offer six channels, two programs and wireless connectivity.

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Three-year product warranty, with three-year Loss & Damage coverage Three-year supply of batteries (48 cells per aid per year) 45-day guarantee period Unlimited office visits and no membership fees – ever!

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Call Beltone at 1-888-418-6763 to schedule your complimentary hearing screening, today!

Beltone is an independent company providing discounts on hearing aids.

The insured may need to submit for reimbursement. State and/or local taxes may apply. Prices and products subject to change. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit up to $2,500 every 3 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to a $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in your Service Benefit Plan brochure. The Blue365® Discount Program offers access to savings on items that you may purchase directly from independent vendors, which may be different from items covered under your Service Benefit Plan or any other applicable federal healthcare program. For hearing aids, acupuncture, chiropractic and vision services, you must exhaust your Service Benefit Plan benefits first. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the Service Benefit Plan. The products and services described herein are neither offered not guaranteed under any local Blue company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, these items are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding these products and services are not subject to the Service Benefit Plan’s Disputed Claims process. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) may receive payments from Blue365 vendors. Neither the Service Benefit Plan, BCBSA, nor any local Blue company recommends, endorses, warrants or guarantees any specific Blue365 vendor or item. The Service Benefit Plan reserves the right to change, modify, or terminate any item and vendors made available through Blue365, at any time. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies.

Open Season Report

2015 FSAFeds

E

ligible federal employees can enroll in FSAFEDS, the federal government’s flexible spending program, each year during the Federal Benefits Open Season. Under the program, employees contribute money from their salary into an FSAFEDS account before taxes are withheld and use it to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses.

The federal government offers three types of FSAFED accounts: • Health Care Flexible Spending Account, used to pay for qualified medical costs and health care expenses that are not paid by an employee’s Federal Employees Gift Membership half pg ad_New Design 10/28/14 Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)

plan or any other insurance.

• Limited Expense Health Care Flexible Spending Account, only available to employees who enroll in an FEHBP High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account, and limited to dental and vision care services/products.

• Dependent Care (Day Care) Flexible Spending Account, used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses such as child care.

Open Season FSAFEDS enrollments are effective January 1, 2015. Current enrollees must enroll each year to continue participating in FSAFEDS. Federal retirees are not eligible for FSAFEDS. 1:50Two PM Page 1 changes have been made to

the FSAFEDS program for 2015: First, the minimum election for all accounts has been lowered from $250 to $100.

Second, the ability to carry over funds has been adopted for health care and limited expense health care FSAs effective with the 2015 Benefit Period. If employees are enrolled in one of these FSAs next year, they will be able to bring up to $500 of unspent funds from 2015 into 2016. These funds can be used to reimburse eligible expenses incurred in 2016.

Employees must re-enroll for the 2016 Benefit Period to be eligible for the carry-over. (The carry-over change has no effect on dependent care FSAs.)

Give the GIFT of NARFE Membership Share NARFE this Holiday Season!

CHOOSE MEMBERSHIP TYPE o Local Chapter Close-to-Home Membership – $40*

Affiliation with the NARFE chapter closest to your home.

Receive narfe magazine each month; attend meetings, often with invited speakers; network; and get involved in grassroots lobbying efforts.

What does a Gift Membership include?

All the benefits afforded NARFE members.

FROM: Sponsor Name _____________________________________________ Membership ID No. _________________________________________

______________________________________________________ TO:

Chapter Affiliation: Chapter # __ __ __ __(if known, otherwise enroll me in the chapter closest to my ZIP code).

OR

*First-year dues. Subsequent years, $40 plus local chapter dues.

o eNARFE Chapter Online Membership – $40

NARFE’s electronic chapter. Receive narfe magazine by mail each month, and all other communications by email and on eNARFE.org. Get important updates and legislative action alerts, and have access to the eNARFE blog.

Recipient Name ____________________________________________

TOTAL DUES

Address __________________________________________________

$40 First-Year Dues X ___________ = __________ Per Person # Enrolling Total Dues

Apt./Unit _________________________________________________ City _______________________ State _____ ZIP _________________ Phone (__________) ________________________________________ Email_____________________________________________________ n Active Federal Employee n Active Federal Employee Spouse n Annuitant n Annuitant Spouse n Survivor Annuitant MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO: NARFE / Recruitment and Retention 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

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PAYMENT OPTIONS n Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE) n Charge my: n MasterCard n VISA n American Express n Discover Card No. ____________________________________________ Expiration Date _________ /_________ mm

yyyy

Name on Card ________________________________________ Signature ______________________________ Date ________

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Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

Managing Money

RMDs Do apply to Roth IRAs if you inherit one

Y

ou have likely read, or been told at some point, that Roth IRAs are not subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Unfortunately,

what many don’t know is this is only true for the original owner (grantor) of the Roth IRA. In fact, regardless of age, when a nonspouse beneficiary inherits a Roth IRA, he or she must follow distribution rules similar to those pertaining to an inherited traditional IRA. If you inherit a Roth IRA as a nonspouse beneficiary, it’s imperative you follow the RMD rules as the penalty is a punitive 50 percent on any missed RMD − or on the amount of an RMD that should have been distributed, but wasn’t. Considering Roth IRAs are supposed to provide tax-free distributions, it would be regrettable for a nonspouse beneficiary to pay this penalty.

Fortunately, unlike the nonspouse beneficiary RMD rules for traditional IRAs, beneficiary RMD rules for Roth IRAs are fairly straightforward. According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 5305-R (Roth Individual Retirement Trust Account), a nonspouse beneficiary must follow one of two rules when inheriting a Roth IRA: • The inherited Roth IRA will be distributed, starting by the end of the calendar year following the year of the grantor’s

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death, over the designated beneficiary’s remaining life expectancy as determined in the year following the death of the grantor; or • The inherited Roth IRA will be distributed by the end of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the grantor’s death.

Option 1 is often referred to as a “stretch IRA,” because the nonspouse beneficiary stretches the annual minimum distributions over his or her lifetime.

When electing the stretch option, the nonspouse beneficiary will calculate his or her first RMD by dividing the account value, as of December 31 of the preceding year, by his or her life expectancy factor as determined by the Single Life Table (which can be found in IRS Publication 590). In each successive year, the nonspouse beneficiary will calculate his or her life expectancy by simply

By Mark A. Keen,

CFP®

subtracting one from the prior year’s life expectancy factor.

This is called the Term Certain method as it’s designed to liquidate the Roth IRA over a fixed term.

For example, let’s assume John inherited a $150,000 Roth IRA from his mother after she died in 2013. Following the life expectancy option, John will need to take his first RMD

by December 31, 2014. Using the Single Life Table, John will look up his life expectancy factor based on his age as of December 31 of the year his first RMD is required. Assuming John turns 45 in 2014, his life expectancy factor for his first RMD is 38.8. Assuming no growth on the Roth IRA, John divides $150,000 by 38.8, resulting in an RMD for 2014 of $3,866.

In 2015, John will determine his RMD by dividing the balance as of December 31, 2014, by his prior year’s life expectancy factor minus 1. Once again assuming no growth, John’s 2015 RMD would be $3,866 ($146,134.02 divided by 37.8).

A beneficiary always has the option to distribute more than the RMD, so unless you need the cash, there’s really no reason not to follow the life expectancy method.

But what happens if the ben-

FINANCIAL TOOLS NARFE offers an online retirement calculator and other financial planning tools. Find out more at www.narfe.org/ federalbenefits.

eficiary fails to take the RMDs in a timely fashion?

While the IRS cannot change the RMD requirements, it does have the flexibility to waive the penalty if there is a good reason for having missed an RMD. A beneficiary should take corrective action and distribute the required amount as soon as possible.

Then he or she will need to file form 5329 with the IRS, along with a letter explaining why the RMD

was missed and pleading for forgiveness. Be forewarned, some IRA custodians default to the five-year rule if the RMD rules aren’t followed, so you may not have the option to correct your errors.

Without an IRS waiver, a beneficiary will need to put serious thought into whether it’s better to pay the penalty and retain the Roth IRA or to follow the five-year rule and completely distribute the Roth IRA by the fifth year to avoid penalties.

If you’ve inherited a Roth IRA and missed an RMD, consult with your tax adviser to determine the best course of action.

Mark A. Keen, CFP®, is partner, Keen & Pocock, 10300 Eaton place, Fairfax, VA, and an investment adviser representative and registered principal of The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA). Securities and advisory services are offered through SFA. Email: mkeen@keenpocock.com.

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53

The Informed Citizen

coordinating NARFE advocacy by District

C

oordinating NARFE advocacy, always a daunting task, is now more important than ever. Current congressional district boundaries are the product of the constitutionally required redistricting that followed the 2010 census-based decennial reapportionment. These boundaries slice and dice NARFE chapters in many, if not most, cases. Equally important, NARFE’s 1267 chapters outnumber the 435 congressional districts nearly three to one.

54

The partial table below, provided in its entirety to federation and chapter officers in Florida, shows NARFE members by congressional district and congressional districts by NARFE chapter. The table reveals that

all of Florida’s 27 congressional districts have NARFE members from multiple chapters. It also shows that chapters – for instance, Chapter 0162 – have members in as many as five congressional districts.

Cong.

Dist. cHapter NARFE members 01 0086 356 01 1428 226 01 0917 73 01 2363 52 01 2364 14 02 1305 221 02 2023 141 02 2363 31 02 2364 11 03 1414 223 03 0185 209 03 2279 72 03 1548 69 03 2363 40 03 2364 17 03 0039 11 03 1984 10 04 0172 167 04 2273 97 04 1984 94 04 1671 80 04 1414 53 04 2363 35 04 2364 15 04 1548 13 05 1414 46 05 0172 43 05 2363 30

cHapter

0033 0039 0039 0058 0086 0095 0095 0095 0095 0109 0109 0109 0109 0139 0147 0159 0159 0159 0159 0160 0160 0160 0160 0162 0162 0162 0162 0162

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Cong. Dist. NARFE members 06 150 03 11 11 107 06 66 01 356 05 28 07 117 09 102 01 91 11 10 12 28 14 86 15 33 23 17 09 47 18 31 20 16 21 11 22 17 18 22 19 10 21 90 22 66 20 24 22 54 23 130 24 53 25 14

By Christopher Farrell, senior analyst

Prepare Now for the 114th Congress Literally mapping a plan for the 114th Congress (2015-2016) during the final months of the 113th Congress is a good use of time.

Chapter, district and federation officers, using a similar table for their states, can start building an infrastructure of advocacy focused on harnessing all the NARFE members of a congressional district.

In the table sent electronically to the Florida federation and chapter officers, we added hyperlinks to some of the online resources that will help them with the challenge, including links to www.NARFE.org, to access the Protect America’s Heartbeat Toolkit; a map of Florida congressional districts; the Florida congressional delegation; the NARFE Florida Federation website; and NARFE’s “How They Voted” congressional scorecard.

Example from Florida Virginia Comella, Florida Federation District 3 vice president, used the table to inform other Florida activists of the membership totals for each of the seven congressional districts in the Florida Federation’s District 3.

Her message to chapter presidents channeled her inner Benjamin Franklin, who famously said, “We must all hang together or, most assuredly, we will all hang separately.”

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Alzheimer’s Update

NARFE Awards three new research grants

O

ne of the duties of the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee is to decide each year which research projects will be awarded grants. In fiscal year 2014, NARFE

members donated $526,448 to the NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research Fund. The committee awarded three grants totaling $439,931 at NARFE’s National Convention in August. The balance of the money will be carried over for next year’s grants. This brings to 63 the total number of research grants awarded by NARFE since the program began in 1985. This year’s grants go to: • Charbel Moussa, Ph.D., Georgetown University (Washington, DC), $99,931 over two years, “Nilotinib Effects in Parkin-Mediated p-Tau Clearance.” Does the drug molecule Nilotinib enhance the clearance of the Tau protein in the brain, lessening the brain-related changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease?

Moussa and colleagues will test their hypothesis using mice engineered to develop Alzheimer’s-like brain changes. They will inhibit Abl activity in the mice by engineering some of the animals to lack Abl and by administrating other animals with Nilotinib. Results of this work could improve our understanding of the molecular pathways underlying Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. But more importantly, these findings could contribute to the development of novel drug therapies, such as Nilotinib, for a much-needed, disease-modify-

56

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ing treatment for Alzheimer’s.

• Ozioma Okonkwo, Ph.D., University of WisconsinMadison (Madison, WI), $100,000 over two years, “Aerobic Exercise for Alzheimer’s Prevention in At-Risk Middle-Aged Adults.” Does aerobic exercise help preserve brain function in middle-aged, cognitively healthy individuals with a parental history of Alzheimer’s disease?

Okonkwo and colleagues will study the impact of aerobic exercise among cognitively healthy, middle- and late-life adults with parental family history of Alzheimer’s disease. Those participants are enrolled in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP), the largest cohort of at-risk, middle-aged U.S. adults. The primary goal is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this structured, six months, three-days-a-week aerobic exercise regimen in busy adults who work full time. In addition, the researchers will

By Jane rodgers NARFE-alzheimer’s Chair

evaluate the intervention’s effect on Alzheimer’s-relevant brain changes.

• Jorge J. Palop, Ph.D., The J. David Gladstone Institutes (San Francisco, CA), $240,000 over three years, “Cell-Based Therapy to Restore Brain Functions in Mouse Models.” Can transplanting young, healthy nerve cells from one animal into the brains of mice affected by an Alzheimer’s-like condition restore normal brain rhythms and brain function?

Palop and colleagues have been studying the disruption of nerve cell networks in mice genetically altered to have an Alzheimer’s-like condition. They have identified a specific type of nerve cell, called an interneuron, that is especially vulnerable to death. They also identified a different part of the brain, known as the medial ganglionic eminence, where interneurons first arise during early development.

They will transplant young nerve cells from the medial ganglionic eminence into the brains of mice affected by an Alzheimer’s-like condition. These studies are a first step in testing whether such a cell transplant procedure could be a valuable treatment for humans with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jane Rodgers is chair of the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee. email: ajrodgers@tds.net.

This column appears quarterly.

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‘13 2014 ‘13 2014

For the Record

Thrift Savings Plan Monthly Returns G FUND

F FUND

C FUND

S FUND

I FUND

NOVEMBER

0.18%

(0.35%)

3.05%

2.49%

0.75%

DECEMBER

0.19%

(0.56%)

2.54%

2.94%

1.51%

JANUARY

0.21%

1.58%

(3.45%)

(1.91%)

(4.03%)

FEBRUARY

0.18%

0.62%

4.58%

5.43%

5.58%

March

0.19%

(0.15%)

0.85%

(0.69%)

(0.57%)

APRIL

0.20%

0.90%

0.75%

(2.47%)

1.51%

MAY

0.20%

1.21%

2.35%

1.52%

1.72%

June

0.19%

0.14%

2.07%

4.45%

0.99%

JULY

0.19%

(0.19%)

(1.37%)

(4.38%)

(1.95%)

AUGUST

0.20%

1.12%

4.01%

4.98%

(0.14%)

SEPTEMBER

0.18%

(0.58%)

(1.40%)

(5.10%)

(3.82%)

OCTOBER

0.20%

0.96%

2.45%

4.11%

(0.63%)

YTD

1.95%

5.73%

11.06%

5.34%

(1.69%)

LAST 12 MO

2.33%

4.77%

17.36%

11.14%

0.54%

10 yr

3.61%

5.25%

7.12%

10.79%

8.39%

L INCOME

L 2020

L 2030

L 2040

L 2050

NOVEMBER

0.58%

1.24%

1.54%

1.74%

1.93%

DECEMBER

0.58%

1.25%

1.56%

1.77%

1.98%

JANUARY

(0.42%)

(1.57%)

(2.04%)

(2.35%)

(2.71%)

FEBRUARY

1.15%

2.73%

3.44%

3.94%

4.44%

MARCH

0.19%

0.17%

0.14%

0.12%

0.09%

APRIL

0.31%

0.39%

0.37%

0.32%

0.32%

MAY

0.64%

1.20%

1.46%

1.63%

1.78%

JUNE

0.58%

1.19%

1.52%

1.77%

1.96%

JULY

(0.26%)

(0.97%)

(1.34%)

(1.63%)

(1.86%)

0.84%

1.64%

2.07%

2.40%

2.61%

(0.42%)

(1.36%)

(1.84%)

(2.18%)

(2.50%)

OCTOBER

0.61%

1.09%

1.36%

1.58%

1.70%

YTD

3.24%

4.51%

5.12%

5.53%

5.73%

LAST 12 MO

4.45%

7.13%

8.40%

9.27%

9.91%

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

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 G Fund: Government securities (specially issued to the TSP) F Fund: Government, corporate and mortgage-backed bonds C Fund: Stocks of large- and medium-size U.S. companies S Fund: Stocks of small- to medium-size U.S. companies (not included in the C Fund) I Fund: International stocks of 21 developed countries L Fund: Invested in the G, F, C, S and I Funds (The proportion of L Fund balance invested in each of the individual TSP funds depends on the L Fund chosen.)

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Amid volatility, Global markets rose in october

Global markets rose despite volatility caused by continued anxieties with overseas growth, a less accommodating Federal Reserve interest rate policy and concerns over possible Ebola outbreaks. Large stocks (C Fund) closed at all-time highs, bouncing back from earlier declines. Small stocks (S Fund) rallied along with large-cap stocks. International equities (I Fund) closed only slightly lower after reversing large declines. The fixed-income markets (F Fund) closed higher supported by lower interest rates.

—BY Benjamin Gong, Financial analyst, Thrift Savings Plan

2015 COLA: 1.7%

R

etirees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) will receive a 1.7 percent increase in their annuities in 2015.

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was determined when the September Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) was averaged with the indices of July and August and compared with the 2013 third-quarter average of 230.327. (See story, p. 7.)

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. September’s index is 2.18 percent higher than the December 2013 base index of 229.174.

The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services. Included are various government fees, such as water charges, auto registration fees, and sales and excise taxes.

Month

CPI-W

October 2013

229.735

November December

Monthly % Change

% Change from 230.327

-0.3

-0.26

229.133

-0.26

-0.52

229.174

+0.02

-0.50

January 2014

230.040

+0.38

-0.12

February

230.871

+0.36

+0.24

March

232.560

+0.73

+0.97

April

233.443

+0.38

+1.35

May

234.216

+0.33

+1.69

June

234.702

+0.21

+1.90

July

234.525

-0.08

+1.82

August

234.030

-0.21

+1.61

September

234.170

+0.60

Donate to NARFE Programs Support Alzheimer’s Research Write your chapter number on check; make it payable to: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research and mail to: Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633

NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $11 Million Fund

$11,013,297*

*Total as of September 30, 2014 100% of all contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research.

Your charitable contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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

Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. Name: Address: City: State: ZIP: Chapter Number: Credit Card Information:

MasterCard VISA If you have any questions, write to:

Discover AMEX National Committee Chair Card Number: Jane Rodgers, P.O. Box 234 Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Wadesville, IN 47638-0234 3-Digit Security Code: Name: (please print) Email: ajrodgers@tds.net Signature

Join the Silver CIrcle Clip this contribution form and mail to: NARFE Silver Circle, 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

•For a contribution of $25 or more, you will receive a Silver Circle pin, and your name will be listed in narfe magazine with other contributors.

•For a contribution of $1,000 or more, your name will be placed on the “Wall of Fame” at NARFE Headquarters.

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

/

Enclosed is my Silver Circle contribution: $ ID # (ID # may be found on your narfe magazine label or your NARFE membership card)

Name: Address: City: Silver Circle contributions are NOT deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Installment Plan Wall of Fame 12-month installment plan

Give to the Scholarship and Disaster Funds

Please mail coupon and check to: FEEA 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80227

/

All donations go to the NARFE General Fund to support NARFE programs and operations.

State:

ZIP:

My check is enclosed

(Please make check payable to NARFE Silver Circle.)

Please charge my credit card Card type MasterCard VISA

Discover AMEX Card Number: Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy) Name: (please print)

Signature

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

Date

YES!

Date

/

/

I would like to help with my contribution.

Please check appropriate box(es). To make credit card contributions, call 800-338-0755. Scholarships are available to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of federal civilian retirees and current federal employees who are NARFE members.

NARFE-FEEA Disaster Fund

Amount: $

NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Fund

Amount: $

Name: Address: City:

State:

ZIP:

NARFE News

Calling all NARFE photographers!

NARFE awards scholarships

N

ARFE is proud to present the 2014 NARFE Scholarship winners and their NARFE sponsors. The list appears on pp. 6162. Each student received a certificate and a $1,000 check for the 2014-15 school year. Winners are listed by their sponsor’s region of residence.

NARFE is pleased to showcase excerpts from the essay submitted by one of the scholarship winners (see below). Contestants were asked to answer the question, “What can be done to improve the public’s perception of civil service, and

to ensure that federal employees are recognized and appreciated for the work they do every day?”

The featured essay was written by Micah Still, a freshman at Auburn University in Auburn, AL, and the son of Tammy Still of Chapter 1480 in Athens-Limestone County, AL. NARFE extends special thanks to the members from NARFE’s 10 regions who served on the judging teams and to the staff of the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund, which administers this program for NARFE.

A public look at the work and value of federal employees By micah still, Region III Scholarship winner

I think that if the general population had more opportunity to observe the actual work of federal employees in their workplace, they would better understand and appreciate the role that the average federal employee plays in conducting the business of government. They would also learn to respect the qualifications, education, experience, dedication and loyalty that are embodied in the federal workforce.

Several years ago, my family and I were invited to my mother’s workplace to witness a test of an Army missile system. We got to see the results of the collaborative work of many government employees and contractors to

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design and build a missile system capable of intercepting hostile threats, as well as the targets and testing required to ensure that the missile system could do Micah Still its job. That day has a permanent place in memory and it has caused me to have a very positive attitude toward the work of federal employees.

My grandfather, who managed several Internal Revenue Service organizations, conceived an idea that was derived from the “Bring Your

Entries for next year’s NARFE Photo Contest Calendar must be in

by February 15, 2015.

All NARFE members (except those who work as professional photographers) are eligible to participate, whether or not they already have had a photo appear in past calendars.

To view contest guidelines and entry rules on the NARFE website, go to www.narfe.org, log in as a member, then click on Special Programs at the left of the next screen.

Send us your best shots!

Applications for the 2015 program will be in the February and March issues of narfe magazine and will be available at www.narfe. org beginning in February.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the NARFE Scholarship Program, please see the coupon on p. 59.

Child to Work Day” concept. Before he retired, he established a program in his workplace to allow his employees, periodically, to bring their neighbors to work with them. Their neighbors would accompany them through the normal workday to observe all nonsensitive aspects of their daily routine. When and where possible, I think similar programs should be initiated within other government organizations.

I also propose that the President of the United States, when appropriate, would publicly focus on the accomplishments and sacrifices of selected federal employees. Other government officials also should adopt a more positive public voice regarding the contributions of federal employees. The government should not only report the cost of federal employees, but also address the benefits that they provide to the public.

2014 NARFE Scholarship Winners Region I

Karina Montgomery Indiana, PA Slippery Rock University Granddaughter of Barbara Montgomery, Chapter 2124 - PA

Dylan Kirby Tyngsboro, MA University of Maryland College Park Grandson of Edward Carrigan, Chapter 479 - MA

Amelia Sobolewski Collegeville, PA King’s College Daughter of Sally Mack, Chapter 372 - PA

Cassandra Fenton Fair Lawn, NJ Ramapo College Granddaughter of Suzanne Fenton, Chapter 1758 - NY

Kaitlyn Lavertu Rochester, NH Bentley University Granddaughter of Raymond Lefebvre, Chapter 1055 NH MaryKate Murphy Middletown, RI George Washington University Granddaughter of Mary Ann Pedro, Chapter 869 - RI Jena Nunziato Ravena, NY Syracuse University Granddaughter of Marion Shields, Chapter 2340 - NY Joseph Vandenburgh Ronkonkoma, NY John Jay Criminal Justice College Grandson of Vincent Costa, Chapter 1264 - NY

Region II

Nicole Frankel Franklin Park, NJ Towson University Granddaughter of Maxine Frankel, Chapter 1000 - NJ Shyann Gajcowski Hanover, MD Duquesne University Granddaughter of Gail Bailey, Chapter 1734 - MD Katherine Gilmartin St. Johnsbury, VT Purchase College Granddaughter of Georgia Meagher, Chapter 424 NJ Erin Jordan Odenton, MD St. Joseph’s University Daughter of Christopher Jordan, Chapter 2363 MD

Region III

Jessica Potts Jacksonville, FL High Point University Granddaughter of Terrence Schoenekase, Chapter 33 FL Jordan Reticker Atlanta, GA University of Georgia Granddaughter of Rafael De Jesus, Chapter 252 - PR Krystal Silas Orlando, FL Florida Atlantic University Granddaughter of Lavinia Cross, Chapter 95 - FL Madison Socha Summerville, SC Clemson University Granddaughter of Mable Coller, Chapter 1082 - SC Micah Still Harvest, AL Auburn University Son of Tammy Still, Chapter 1480 - AL Sarah Sullivan Helena, AL University of Alabama Granddaughter of William White, Chapter 548 - GA

Region IV

Brian DePauw Strongsville, OH University of Cincinnati Grandson of James DePauw, Chapter 470 - OH Audrey Koutny Kalamazoo, MI Michigan State University Granddaughter of Paul Bartz, Chapter 173 - MI Kathryn Maneely Newark, OH University of Findlay Granddaughter of Joseph Witalec, Chapter 310 - OH

Gianna Paden Hillsboro, IL Greenville College Granddaughter of John Paden, Chapter 575 - IL

Alexa Frazey Copperas Cove, TX University of Texas, Austin Granddaughter of Leo Frazey, Chapter 2099 - TX

Lucas Stiemann Siren, WI University of Wisconsin Madison Grandson of Louis Barber, Chapter 371 - WI

Cassidy Gierhart Choctaw, OK Oklahoma State University Granddaughter of Florence Beets, Chapter 730 - OK

Alyssa Wickham Owensville, IN Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Granddaughter of Phillip Wickham, Chapter 326IN

Region V

Hannah Hesson Omaha, NE University of Nebraska, Lincoln Granddaughter of Edna Hesson, Chapter 144 - NE Matthew Hofman Ft. Morgan, CO Belmont University Grandson of Sandra Novak, Chapter 2110 - NE Shelby Holmes Lebo, KS University of Kansas Granddaughter of Glenda Failing, Chapter 384 - KS Luke Huber Hudson, IA Iowa State University Grandson of James Huber, Chapter 875 - IA Cody Olson Elysburg, PA Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Grandson of Delores Olson, Chapter 1842 - MN Tyler Soltis St. Cloud, MN University of Minnesota Grandson of Robert Fleming, Chapter 644 - MN

Region VI

Calvin Aylward Bend, OR Pomona College Grandson of Paul Aylward, Jr., Chapter 1273 - TX

Megan Holmes Knoxville, TN Carson-Newman University Granddaughter of Teddy Holmes, Chapter 290 - LA Christa Super Cove, AR University of Arkansas Ft. Smith Daughter of Elizabeth Super, Chapter 784 - AR Rachel Toney Flower Mound, TX University of Oklahoma Granddaughter of Marcella Fragomeli, Chapter 2329 TX

Region VII

Matthew Baldin Parker, CO Georgia Tech University Son of Kirk Baldin, Chapter 2363 - CO Austin Platt Glendale, AZ Grand Canyon University Grandson of Merle Zunigha, Chapter 1395 - AZ Jenna Ritchie Scottsdale, AZ University of Arizona Granddaughter of Marlyne Falk, Chapter 1686 - AZ Teresa Roach Colorado Springs, CO University of Dallas Daughter of Paul Roach, Chapter 2363 - CO Gianna Salanitro Highlands Ranch, CO Colorado State University Daughter of John Salanitro, Chapter 2363 - CO Robert Sarafin Colorado Springs, CO University of Alabama Son of Robert Sarafin, Chapter 2363 - CO

(Continued on p. 62) w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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61

NARFE News

2014 NARFE Scholarship Winners (Continued from p. 61)

Region VIII

Maya Boults Ukiah, CA University of California Santa Cruz Daughter of William Boults, Chapter 1838 - CA Jenna Danzer San Diego, CA California State University Fresno Daughter of Jerrold Danzer, Chapter 4 - CA Hailey Fines Aiea, HI University of Hawaii Manoa Granddaughter of Rosaline Fines, Chapter 1657 - HI Samuel Holman Greenwood, CA University of California Davis Grandson of Rollin Klink, Chapter 531 - CA Patricia Pope Lodi, CA California Polytech San Luis

Obispo Daughter of Marjory Pope, Chapter 2363 - CA Michaella Scholz Hanford, CA Brigham Young University Great-granddaughter of Dwight Evans, Chapter 2208 - CA

Region IX

Tiffany Couch Portland, OR University of Oregon Granddaughter of Willo Dillon, Chapter 29 - OR Evan Hathaway Portland, OR George Fox University Grandson of Arthur Hathaway, Chapter 32 - WA Shannon Riley Harrison, ID Oregon State University Daughter of Lisa Hawdon, Chapter 32 - ID

Melody Smith Vancouver, WA Hardin-Simmons University Granddaughter of Ronald Wilson, Chapter 2363 - WA Brandon Terlouw Normandy Park, WA University of Washington Grandson of Joseph Terlouw, Chapter 163 - WA Katherine Zechnich Portland, OR Stanford University Granddaughter of Lois Ann Colaianni, Chapter 2363 OR

Region X

William Atkinson Edgewood, KY University of Kentucky Grandson of Monta Kay Atkinson, Chapter 1643 - KY Kendall Banks Candler, NC College of Charleston

Granddaughter of Val Gene Banks, Chapter 1420 - NC Daniel Larrowe Galax, VA Georgia Institute of Technology Grandson of Reba Poe, Chapter 2226 - WV Rachel Murphy-Weast Midlothian, VA Virginia Commonwealth University Granddaughter of Sally Weast, Chapter 2265 - VA Brooke Mustain Fairfax, VA University of Virginia Daughter of Leslie Mustain, Chapter 2363 - VA Summer Wegwerth Sevierville, TN University of Tennessee Knoxville Daughter of Randy Wegwerth, Chapter 2363 TN

narfe Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1.Publication Title: narfe 2.Publication Number: 4632-60 3.Filing Date: Oct. 1, 2014 4.Issue Frequency: Monthly 5.Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6.Annual Subscription Price: $45 7.Address of Known Office of Publication: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 8.General Business Office of the Publisher: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 9.Names and Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Editor: Margaret M. Carter, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Managing Editor: Not Applicable 10.Owner: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 11.Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None 12.Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13.Publication Title: narfe 14.Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2014 15.Extent and Nature of Circulation:

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

A. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) 251,532 242,915 B. Paid Circulation 1.Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 239,441 230,805 2.Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 3.Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Ouside USPS 547 528 4.Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS 525 525 C. Total Paid Distribution 240,513 231,858 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1.Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 35410 3,290 1,744 2.Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 3.Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS 7,147 8,278 4.Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail 48 535 E.Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 10,485 10,557 F.Total Distribution 250,998 242,415 G.Copies Not Distributed 534 500 H.TOTAL

251,532 242,915 I.Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 95.8 95.4 16.Publication of Statement of Ownership: December 2014 17.I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete.

Margaret M. Carter, Editor/Oct. 1, 2014

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Active and Retired Federal Employees ...

JOIN NARFE TODAY!

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association The only organization dedicated solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE informs you of any developments and proposals that affect your compensation, retirement and health benefits, AND provides clear answers to your benefit questions.

Who Should Join?

Three Easy Ways To Join 1.

2.

3.

N A R F E M E M B E R S H I P A P P L I C AT I O N n YES. I want to join NARFE. n Mr. n Mrs. n Miss n Ms. Full Name ________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________ Apt./Unit ________________________________________

I am a (check all that apply) n n n n n

Active Federal Employee Active Federal Employee Spouse Annuitant Annuitant Spouse Survivor Annuitant

n Please enroll my spouse

City _______________________ State _____ zIp ________

Spouse’s Full Name ________________________________

phone (__________) _______________________________

Spouse’s Email ____________________________________

Email____________________________________________

NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members, and will not be sold or rented to third parties without your express permission.

Choose Your Membership Type o Local Chapter Close-to-Home Membership – $40* Affiliation with the NARFE chapter closest to your home.

Receive narfe magazine each month; attend meetings, often with invited speakers; network; and get involved in grass-roots lobbying efforts.

Chapter Affiliation: Chapter # __ __ __ __(if known, otherwise enroll me in the chapter closest to my zIp code). *First-year dues. Subsequent years, $40 plus local chapter dues.

OR

o eNARFE Chapter Online Membership – $40 NARFE’s electronic chapter. Receive narfe magazine by mail each month, and all other communications by email and on eNARFE.org. Get important updates and legislative action alerts, and have access to the eNARFE blog.

Including email address strongly recommended.

Total Dues $40 First-Year Dues X __________ = __________ per person # Enrolling Total Dues

PAYMENT OPTIONS n Check, Money Order or Bill pay (payable to NARFE) n Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) n Charge my: n MasterCard n VISA n Discover n American Express Card No. _____________________________________ Expiration Date _________ /_________ mm

yyyy

Name on Card _________________________________ Signature _____________________________________ Date _________________________________________ MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? If applicable, please provide the name, membership and chapter number of the member who introduced you to NARFE: Recruiter’s Name __________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID __________________________ Recruiter’s Chapter Number _________________________

MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO NARFE Member Records / 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program What is dues withholding?

It is a dues-payment method that gives NARFE members (retirees) the option of having their annual NARFE membership dues deducted from their annuities on a monthly basis.

How does it work?

One-twelfth of your total dues is automatically deducted from your monthly annuity. Your monthly deduction is determined by the following formula: (National dues ÷ 12) + (Chapter dues ÷ 12) = Total Monthly Deduction

Advantages • Save 15% off your annual membership dues!

• Sign up your spouse and double your savings!

• You’ll never get another dues reminder from us!

• Your monthly payment is affordable and convenient!

• You may cancel your dues withholding at any time!

Application process It takes 60-90 days to process your application. Once the process is complete, you will receive a special membership card distinguishing you as a NARFE dues-withholding member.

To learn more about dues withholding, call 800-627-3394.

Retirees, spouses of retirees and annuitant survivors are eligible for dues withholding.

NARFE Dues Withholding Application for Retirees n YES. I want to enroll in NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program (Annual dues of $34 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.)

Social Security Number (9-digit number)

–

Civil Service Annuity Number

–

C S

–

–

–

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

n Mr. n Mrs. n Miss n Ms. Full Name _______________________________________

NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Street Address ___________________________________

NARFE Membership ID ____________________________________

Apt./Unit________________________________________

NARFE Chapter Number____________________________________

City _________________________ State _____ ZIP _____

n YES. I Also Authorize My (NARFE Member) Spouse’s Dues To Be

Phone (__________) ______________________________ Email ___________________________________________ Date of Birth _________ /_________ / ____________________ dd

mm

yyyy

Withheld From My Annuity. (Additional annual dues of $34 plus Chapter dues of record to be withheld annually.)

If YES, enter spouse’s information below.

Spouse’s Name ___________________________________________ Spouse’s Membership ID ___________________________________

AUTHORIZATION (Withholding will begin in 60-90 days). No payment should be forwarded with application.

I authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annually obligated, in accordance with elections I make below, and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership in accordance with elections I make below: Please allow 60-90 days for processing.

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

Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant

Date

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

MAIL THIS FORM TO: NARFE, ATTN: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 www.narfe.org 800-627-3394 rr@narfe.org Do not send money with this form

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Member Perks

NARFE Member Perks

are designed to provide NARFE members with a quality option in their search for commonly used products and services.

NARFE makes no guarantee on any products and services listed, and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter.

Credit Union

NARFE Premier Federal Credit Union 800-328-1500 www.NARFEpremierfcu.org 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 the number above, email jparish@narfepremierfcu.org or visit the website.

insurance

NARFE Insurance Services 800-233-5764 www.narfeinsurance.com Designed and administered by Mercer Health & Benefits Insurance Services, LLC, exclusively for NARFE members: Senior Whole Life, Term Life, Medicare Supplements, Hospital Income Plan, Short Term Recovery Insurance, Pet Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Cancer Care, Enhanced Dental Insurance and Long Term Care. Go to the website for more information on these programs.

GEICO 800-368-2734 NARFE members with good driving records may be eligible for quality au-

66

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tomobile insurance from GEICO. Ask about the NARFE discount 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.

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program 800-LTC FEDS www.LTCFEDS.com Make long-term care insurance part of your retirement plan. With benefits designed specifically for the federal family, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program offers a smart way to help protect savings and assets, and remain independent should you need long-term care services someday. Start planning for the future. Visit www.LTCFEDS.com today.

Vacation rentals

Government Employees Travel Opportunities® 877-867-3639 www.getravelop.com/narfe Offers government employees, retirees and their families 7-night stays for only $349 on accommodations at popular destinations worldwide.

Book online and save on your next vacation stay.

hotels

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

Wyndham Hotel Group 877-670-7088 As a member of NARFE, you will receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating locations.

Call and give the agent your special discount ID number, 8000002694, at time of booking to receive discount.

Whether you are looking for an upscale hotel, an all-inclusive resort or something more cost-effective, we have the right hotel for you... and at the right price. So start saving now.

Call our special member-benefits hotline 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®.

car rentals

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-CARRENT® and reference Contract ID 5282909.

Alamo

mention you are a NARFE member and ask for Todd.

Wheaton World Wide Moving 800-248-7960 www.narfe@wvlcorp.com At Wheaton, we know interstate relocating is much more than trucks and boxes. Moving is not simply an address change. It’s a life change.

With a network of top-quality agents throughout the United States, Wheaton provides peace of mind with every relocation. We offer you, as a NARFE member, benefits to help you have a positive interstate relocation experience. Call Angela and mention you are a NARFE member to start the moving process.

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

The employees/owners of Avis offer guaranteed low rates and quality services to members of NARFE. Call 800-331-1441 and mention ID# A991900.

Moving services

Bekins Van Lines 800-248-4810 www.narfe@bekins.com All NARFE members will receive contracted pricing for all interstate shipments. This will apply to packing, transportation and full-value coverage against damages. In addition, Bekins Van Lines can assist with instate shipments, local moves and international moves with competitive pricing and quality service. Please

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 the number above and give the operator code number BKHN075 or visit the website. Coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.

narfe merchandise emergency services

Avis

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.

MASA 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!

health screening

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

NARFE General Store 855-99NARFE (855-996-2733) www.narfegeneralstore.com As the official provider of NARFE merchandise, the NARFE General Store offers NARFE-approved name badges, business cards, customizable logo products and plaques. Check out our online catalog.

NOT A MEMBER? GO ONLINE: It’s easy to join online at www.narfe.org. Click “Join NARFE.” TURN TO PAGE 63: Fill out the Membership Application and mail it to NARFE to receive all the perks of being a NARFE member.

Call (Toll-Free) 800-627-3394.

w w w. n a r f e . o r g

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67

The Way We Worked

census by sled: counting us all The U.S. Constitution requires a federal census to be conducted once every 10 years for the apportionment of members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This photograph shows a Census Bureau employee taking the 1940 Census, which was conducted in April 1940. Here, the census enumerator visits communities in rural Alaska on his dog sled. Unlike recent censuses where data was collected mainly by mail, the 1940 Census was taken entirely by census enumerators going door to door.

Photo courtesy of David McMillen, External Affairs Liaison, National Archives; photo credit, Records of the Bureau of the Census, National Archives; in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. Website: http://shfg.org/shfg/.

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| d e c

2 0 14

Did you know?

From 1790 to 1820, U.S. Marshals conducted the census, supplied their own paper and used whatever methods they chose to record the required information.

Uniform printed forms were introduced in 1830. In 1960, households received forms in the mail, and enumerators picked them up. Mail out/mail in data collection, which is used today, began in 1970.

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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 minutes carry over and are available for 60 days. If you exceed the minute balance on your account, you will be billed at 35¢ for each minute used over the balance. 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 GreatCall phone and the activation fee (or set-up fee) if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will be deducted from your refund for each minute over 30 minutes. You will be charged a $10 restocking fee. The shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2014 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2014 GreatCall, Inc. ©2014 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

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