October 2022 NARFE Magazine

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

October 2022 VOLUME 98 ★ NUMBER 8

28

Ensure Good Health With the Right Insurance

38

Reaching for the Stars

47

Scorecard for the 117th Congress

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Contents OCTOBER 2022 COVER STORY PAGE 28

ENSURE GOOD HEALTH WITH THE RIGHT INSURANCE Tammy Flanagan offers tips on choosing the best coverage for your situation.

FEATURE PAGE 38

REACHING FOR THE STARS NASA is poised to make history again with plans to send humans back to the moon and beyond.

Washington Watch

8 WEP/GPO Repeal Bill

Surpasses Key 290-Cosponsor Milestone in House

9 Advocacy Roundup: Pay

Parity, RMD Suspension, First Responder Fair RETIRE Act

10 Grassroots Advocacy Tactics

Must Be Timely to Be Effective

11 House Passes Appropriations Legislation, Includes Customer Service Reporting from OPM

12 NARFE Sends a Letter to OPM

Special Features

47 How They Voted: 117th 28

60 Open Season Report

Ensure Good Health With the Right Insurance

Columns

4 From the President 26 Benefits Brief 64 Managing Money Departments

6 NARFE Online 22 Questions & Answers

13 House Passes Anti-Schedule F

23 Countdown to COLA

14 Bill Tracker

October 2022 VOLUME 98 ★ NUMBER 8

Congress

Regarding FLTCIP Premium Increases NDAA Amendment

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

66 NARFE News 70 NARFE Perks

38

Reaching for the Stars

47

Scorecard for the 117th Congress

ON THE COVER Illustration by TGD

Connect with us!

38

Visit us online at www.narfe.org Like us on Facebook NARFE National Headquarters

Reaching for the S Follow us on Twitter @narfehq

Follow us on LinkedIn NARFE

72 The Way We Worked NARFE_1022.indd 1

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

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OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 98 ★ NUMBER 8

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jenn Rafael

REGION I James C. Risner

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Beth Bedard ADDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN TGD EXECUTIVE EDITOR Helen Mosher EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth J. Thomas, Kathryn E. Hensley, Johann De Castro CONTACT US NARFE Magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Editorial: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Anita Nelson advertising@narfe.org

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

NATIONAL OFFICERS KENNETH J. THOMAS President; natpres@narfe.org KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer natsectreas@narfe.org

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHANN DE CASTRO jdecastro@narfe.org

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REGION X William Shackelford (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 Email: rvp10@narfe.org

NARFE Magazine (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly except in February and July by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $48. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2022, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

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From the President NARFE’S MISSION STATEMENT To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests.

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

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

Keep an Eye on the Midterms

T

he battle for control of the House of Representatives is heating up as general election matchups are

increasingly being set. In the Senate, the outlook is hazy; with the upper chamber split 50-50, it is anyone’s game.

Americans are increasingly pessimistic. Only 13% say the nation is on the right track, the lowest point since the monetary crisis more than a decade ago. The consensus is that the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Republicans are favored to win back the majority in the lower chamber, given both the national mood and historical precedent of a first-term president’s party losing seats in the midterm elections. In the Senate, where the Democratic Party had hoped strong swing state candidates could help save the majority, fears are also growing.

With redistricting steadily decreasing the number of true swing districts, the battle for the majority could come down to a small number of districts deemed toss-ups. “Democrats haven’t done things they promised,” said Connor Farrell, founder of the progressive consultancy firm Left Rising.

Unreasonable prices of daily essentials, the gloomy appraisal of what is happening around the country, and the prospect of more impending losses are leaving the Democratic Party more concerned than ever about their November odds.

While social issues remain important in Democratic circles, economic issues topped the list of topics voters care about. Some 20% of registered voters said the economy, including jobs and the stock market, is the most important problem facing America today. Inflation and the cost of living came in second, with 15%.

Bright spots for the Dems include more jobs created in any quarter by any president in 40 years and the decline of gas prices.

As the clock ticks closer to midterm elections and voters struggle with inflation, gas prices, and COVID-19 and its many variants, families are scared. It is time for our legislators to get something done that will help restore safety and security in our communities. Failure cannot be an option.

Stay safe.

KENNETH J. THOMAS NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

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

Save More with NARFE Perks

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hether you are dreaming of your next vacation, looking to move closer to family, switching cell phone carriers or planning for retirement, you can save money on everyday purchases

with special discounts from our Affinity Partners.

With nearly 30 exclusive discounts, you’ll find services and products you need to help you achieve and maintain the best possible quality of life.

And remember: Taking advantage of just one offer could more than pay for your annual membership.

Visit www.narfe.org/perks (or see p. 70) to see how your savings could add up.

TSP UPDATE ONLINE

NARFE partners with the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to give members the most recent monthly and annual Thrift Savings Plan returns (G, F, C, S, I and L Funds) online. Find them online at www.narfe.org/tsp-funds.

TRACKING RETIREMENT CLAIMS

READ NARFE MAGAZINE ONLINE NARFE’s website offers a digital flipbook for NARFE Magazine. You can read the magazine on your computer, phone or tablet—or download it to peruse later. You can also access previous issues of NARFE’s award-winning magazine dating back to 2008. Log in and visit www.narfe.org/ magazine-issues.

CONNECT ON FEDHUB If you haven’t checked out NARFE’s new online community yet, what are you waiting for? FEDHub supports your federal journey, leveraging the knowledge and value of our entire NARFE community—all that’s missing is you. Join the conversation at fedhub.narfe. org/quick-start-guide.

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

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

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Washington Watch

WEP/GPO Repeal Bill Surpasses Key 290-Cosponsor Milestone in House

I

n July, the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, a bill to repeal both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), exceeded the key

290-cosponsor threshold that could force a House floor vote.

Since WEP and GPO were first implemented in 1983 and 1977, respectively, millions of people have been negatively affected by these unfair policies.

Both provisions lower Social Security benefits for public servants, and their spouses, who receive a pension in connection with government employment that was not covered by Social Security. The WEP can result in monthly benefits that are $512 lower than under the standard benefit formula. The GPO reduces spousal benefits by twothirds of a government annuity for public servants.

For decades, NARFE has worked tirelessly to gain support for repeal of both provisions. But even when it has gained hundreds of cosponsors, the bill remained 8

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

locked up in committee, never heard from again.

However, with a new House of Representatives rule, adopted at the start of the 116th Congress in 2019, any bill receiving 290 or more

cosponsors can be placed on the House Consensus Calendar for a required House floor vote, so long as the bill maintains 290 or more cosponsors for 25 legislative days (essentially, days when the House is in session) and is not reported by the committee with primary jurisdiction (here, the House Committee on Ways & Means).

On July 15, after reaching the 290-cosponsor mark, the

OCTOBER ACTION ALERT: URGE YOUR LAWMAKERS TO COSPONSOR WEP AND GPO REPEAL BILL Members must keep up momentum on grassroots efforts to increase cosponsors for the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82/S. 1302. This bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). Thanks to member engagement, the bill has surpassed 290 cosponsors, the number needed to have the bill placed on the House Consensus Calendar for a potential floor vote, per House rules. Use NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, located at www.narfe.org, to personalize a message to your Representative and Senators urging them to support the bill.

MYTH VS. REALITY MYTH: NARFE endorses candidates running for the House and Senate.

REALITY: NARFE is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse candidates running for Congress. However, NARFE does produce a congressional voting scorecard to provide members with information on how their legislators voted on NARFE-related legislation, but this scorecard does not represent any form of endorsement or lack thereof. You can find the 2021-2022 scorecard beginning on p. 47 of this issue. Also, NARFE’s political action committee, NARFE-PAC, supports the campaigns of numerous congressional candidates, but NARFE-PAC is a separate fund of NARFE made of voluntary contributions rather than dues or general fund money.

bill was placed on the House Consensus Calendar, queuing it up for a possible vote. By the time this magazine hits mailboxes, the bill may have received a House vote; if it keeps the 290 cosponsors and the Committee on Ways & Means does not mark the bill up, it should. Only time will tell.

While NARFE has been advocating for repeal of WEP and GPO for decades, we’ve secured a potential path to either a House floor vote or committee action for the first time ever. That’s thanks to participation of NARFE members across the country contacting their members of Congress, the hard work of NARFE officers

meeting with lawmakers, and the continued advocacy from NARFE staff who are lobbying Congress directly and coordinating grassroots advocacy.

Keep an eye on NARFE NewsLine for the latest from Congress on this issue.

—HANNAH MCLAIN, GRASSROOTS AND PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

Advocacy Roundup: Pay Parity, RMD Suspension, First Responder Fair RETIRE Act

F

or several months, NARFE’s advocacy department has been working to promote further advancement of certain bills and proposals, including pay parity for federal employees, the suspension of required minimum distributions (RMDs) from qualified retirement accounts, and the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act.

PAY PARITY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

On July 11, NARFE National President Ken Thomas sent a letter to Congress voicing his support for parity of pay rate increases for civilian and uniformed military personnel for fiscal year 2023.

In the letter to congressional appropriations leaders, Thomas noted that Congress should take into consideration that high

inflation rates not only affect military personnel, but also civilian federal workers. Should Congress consider a higher pay rate increase for military personnel due to high inflation, the same consideration should be given to federal employees. As NARFE’s advocacy department continues to push pay parity, we also count on our members to give their representatives a call, as well as send emails, or even arrange meetings (virtually or in person) to emphasize the importance of this proposition.

All this information can be found on NARFE’s Legislative Action Center for members’ convenience.

RMD SUSPENSION

Due to high inflation rates and market instability, Thomas issued a letter to Congress on July 8, detailing his support for

suspending required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2022 from retirement savings accounts, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). With market highs coming at the end of 2021, seniors will be forced to withdraw a far greater percentage of their retirement accounts than expected or face a punishing 50 percent tax penalty.

Thomas expressed that in previous times market downturn, such as with COVID-19, Congress has reacted appropriately in relation to RMDs. Currently, NARFE continues to advocate for the suspension of RMDs to better protect retirees living on fixed incomes.

FIRST RESPONDER FAIR RETIRE ACT

Introduced on January 28, 2021, by Rep. Connolly, (D-VA), the First Responder Fair SEE ADVOCACY ON P. 12 NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

9

Washington Watch

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

Grassroots Advocacy Tactics Must Be Timely to Be Effective

N

ARFE harnesses the power of grassroots and grasstops advocacy to affect policy change. It is a strategy that typically takes a long time to achieve. At times, it can take a decade or more to see significant progress on the issue.

Using grassroots advocacy to affect policy involves putting deliberate pressure on elected leaders and administration officials to support or oppose issues that affect the earned pay and benefits of active and retired federal employees. This means, at the grassroots level, NARFE stakeholders engage in meetings, send letters, make phone calls, participate in rallies and more.

However, although this type of tactic can bring attention to the issue, when and how they are used during the legislative process determines how successful the campaign will be.

Look at NARFE’s grassroots strategy for the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) repeal campaign. In the beginning stages, after H.R. 82/S. 1302 was introduced, NARFE’s advocacy team in Washington, DC, focused on developing communication materials to educate stakeholders, blanketing all members of Congress with the ask to cosponsor the bill from grassroots and grasstops advocates.

10

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

After the initial stage, the team developed an advocacy campaign utilizing membershipwide grassroots mobilization and targeted grasstops tactics to build momentum around the issue, and gain support from the most susceptible congressional

USING GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY TO AFFECT POLICY INVOLVES PUTTING DELIBERATE PRESSURE ON ELECTED LEADERS AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE EARNED PAY AND BENEFITS OF ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. holdouts. Members were asked to meet, send messages, make phone calls and more to urge lawmakers to cosponsor the bill. This stage often lasts for months as the bill sits in committee. As progress is being made and congressional consensus around the issue is being realized, the team focuses on timely, one-on-one tactics, as NARFE’s professional lobbyists press on.

Thanks to the determination of NARFE members who pushed aggressively to increase cosponsors of H.R. 82 to the 290 total required for consideration by the House, the bill was added to the Consensus Calendar the week of July 17, with 295 cosponsors as of August 9. This achievement reflects the strong desire of stakeholders who understand the value and power of their voice. It happened because of strong collaborative and timely grassroots and grasstops effort. Getting on the consensus calendar is one more incremental step on the way to aiding those affected by these unfair penalties.

NARFE values the time and efforts of its members and advocacy leaders who understand the importance of advocacy and that it cannot be successful without the voices of the people who are affected. It takes commitment, patience and a strong desire to make a change.

Grassroots advocacy is everyone’s responsibility.

Activities are open for all members who want to lend their voice to an effective, combined effort to protect the earned pay and benefits of all active and retired Feds.

Thanks for your advocacy!

—BY MARSHA PADILLA-GOAD, DIRECTOR, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM

House Passes Appropriations Legislation, Includes Customer Service Reporting from OPM

O

n July 20, the House of Representatives voted 220-207 to pass a sixbill appropriations minibus, which included budget authority for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), among other agencies. The package’s accompanying committee report language included language requiring OPM to publicly report initial retirement claim and adjustment processing times, along with quarterly congressional briefings on processing delays and issues surrounding OPM’s call center.

NARFE requested the language in a letter to appropriators expressing concern with delays within

the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Retirement Services (RS) division. The letter highlighted significant retirement processing delays and the inability of annuitants and their families to connect with OPM RS. NARFE continues to hear numerous complaints from its members regarding delays and inability to connect with OPM to address issues, with problems trending in the wrong direction. These OPM Retirement Services issues are undermining federal annuitants’ retirement security.

NARFE National President Ken Thomas praised inclusion of the report language in the

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bill: “We are heartened that House appropriators share our concerns and included report language to focus heightened oversight and request increased transparency into processing delays and call center responsiveness from OPM Retirement Services. We hope this increased attention will elevate the urgency of the administration’s efforts to solve these problems.”

NARFE continues to work with Congress to press for improved customer service for millions of federal employees and retirees nationwide.

—BY JOHN ROBERT AYERS, POLICY AND PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

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To comply with federal law, we must use our best efforts to obtain, maintain and submit the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 each calendar year. NARFE-PAC is for the benefit of political candidates and activities on a national level. NARFE members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal, and NARFE will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution or failure to make a voluntary contribution. The suggested amounts are only suggestions and not enforceable. Only members of NARFE may contribute to the PAC. Contributions from non-members will be returned. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

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

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

NARFE Sends a Letter to OPM Regarding FLTCIP Premium Increases

I

n July, NARFE National President Ken Thomas sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) urging the agency to explore providing enrollees the option of a partial refund in response to an upcoming increase in premiums for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).

Recently, enrollees were sent letters informing them of OPM’s intent to renew its contract with the program’s insurer, John Hancock, and that they should expect premium increases in connection with the renewal.

While OPM is taking actions in response to the situation, which Thomas commended, he argued that “those actions do not promise a satisfactory remedy for FLTICP’s failure to live up to its agreement

with enrollees. Enrollees did not sign up for an essentially unlimited cycle of premium

to retain it, or perhaps hold onto reduced coverage for the same price.

increases” Unfortunately, the current circumstance would force enrollees to either lose the value of their coverage entirely (by canceling), pay extremely elevated premiums (from when they first enrolled)

NARFE will continue to represent our members as we work with OPM and Congress to find solutions to the premium increase.

—BY JOHN ROBERT AYERS, POLICY AND PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

ADVOCACY FROM P.9

RETIRE Act, H.R. 521, would allow federal first responders and other public safety officers who suffer from an on-the-job disabling injury to remain in the same retirement system they qualified for prior to injury. Public safety officers pay a higher percentage of their salary toward their annuity rate to retire after

12

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

20 years of service at age 50, or after 25 years of service at any age, with mandatory separation from service at age 57. In order to gather support, NARFE’s advocacy team urged its members to contact their representatives through our toll-free phone number: 1-800456-8410 option 5. Additionally, on July 12, Thomas sent a letter on behalf of its members

urging Congress to pass the bill, arguing, “Our nation’s federal responders should not have to face additional hardship for sacrifices made for this nation.”

H.R. 521 passed in the House with overwhelming support, 417-0, the same day. Now it moves to the Senate for further consideration.

—BY HANNAH MCLAIN, GRASSROOTS AND PROGRAMS ASSISTANT,

House Passes Anti-Schedule F NDAA Amendment

I

n July, an amendment limiting the ability of the executive branch to bypass the framework of the merit-based civil service was included in the House version of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 215-201. Specifically, the amendment, introduced by Reps. Gerry Connolly, D-VA, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-PA, would prohibit the reclassification of any position in the competitive service to an excepted service schedule that was created after September 30, 2020, and limit federal employee reclassifications to the five excepted service schedules in use prior to fiscal year 2021. Broadly speaking, this amendment would prevent

future attempts to implement a new excepted service category (Schedule F) with rules more akin to those covering political appointments.

NARFE sent a letter to House lawmakers in support of the Connolly-Fitzpatrick amendment before it was considered, urging every Representative to vote in favor.

In the letter, NARFE National President Ken Thomas wrote, “Our country deserves a competent civil workforce that holds the trust of the American people, and the ConnollyFitzpatrick amendment represents an opportunity for Congress to do just that, by ensuring the civil service remains the professional

NARFE WEBINARS Answers for the Federal Community NARFE WEBINAR PRESENTERS

and nonpartisan system that Americans have come to rely on.”

NARFE strongly opposed Schedule F when it was implemented late in 2020, expressing concern that its broad application could return the federal government to the spoils system. The current administration rescinded Schedule F, but future administrations could simply reverse that decision. If passed into law, the Connolly amendment would prevent this situation from occurring.

The House version of the NDAA, which includes the Connolly amendment, passed the chamber by a vote of 329-101.

—BY JOHN ROBERT AYERS, POLICY AND PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Don’t Miss Our Fall 2022 Webinar Series

OCTOBER 13

Understanding Medicare Advantage

OCTOBER 25

Which FEHB Plan is Right for You? Active Employee Edition

NOVEMBER 3 Which FEHB Plan is Right for You? Retiree without Medicare Edition NOVEMBER 17 So Many Choices: Which FEHB Plans Work Best with Medicare Parts A & B? Tammy Flanagan Federal benefits and retirement expert

Mark Keen, CFP Financial planner helping Feds prepare for retirement

Online Q&A sessions follow each webinar. For details and to register, visit NARFE.org/Institute.

DECEMBER 14 Estate Planning

NARFE FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE Questions? Members can call 800-456-8410 x2 or email NARFE’s federal benefits specialists at fedbenefits@narfe.org.

Not a member? Join NARFE today at NARFE.org/Join.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

13

NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R. 82/S. 1302: The Social Security Fairness Act / Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH

WHAT BILL WOULD DO Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Cosponsors: H.R. 82: 203 (D) 81 (R) S. 1302: 34 (D) 4 (R) 2 (I)

Referred to Senate Committee on Finance (S. 1302) 04/22/2021 Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 04/01/2021

Fully repeals the Windfall Elimination H.R. 4788: Well-Being for Every Public Servant Act of 2021 / Rep. Provision for individuals whose combined monthly income from Julia Letlow, R-LA their non-Social Security covered government annuity and Social Security Cosponsors: benefits is $5,500 or lower, with H.R. 4788: 0 graduated implementation on benefits above that amount.

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 04/01/2021

Cosponsors: H.R. 2337: 189 (D) 0 (R)

H.R. 5723: Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust / Rep. John Larson, D-CT Cosponsors: H.R. 5723: 202 (D) 0 (R) H.R. 5834: Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2021/ Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX Cosponsors: H.R. 5834: 3 (D) 50 (R)

IDENTITY PROTECTION

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means (H.R. 82) 01/04/2021; Motion filed to be placed on the House Consensus Calendar 07/15/2022

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly rebate of $150 to current beneficiaries (age 62 or older before 2023) and creating a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEP-affected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2023).

H.R. 2337: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA

SOCIAL SECURITY

LATEST ACTION(S)

H.R. 7657: Reducing the Effects of the Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Response Act Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC

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

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce 10/27/2021

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly payment of $100 to current WEPaffected beneficiaries (age 62 or older before 2023) and $50 for an affected spouse or child. Creates a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEPaffected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2023).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 11/03/2021

Provides a lifetime’s worth of free identity protection coverage for those whose data was breached during the 2015 hack of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform 05/03/2022

Provides for the admission of the State of Washington, DC, into the Union.

Passed the House 4/22/2021, by a vote of 216-208

Cosponsors: H.R. 7657: 1 (D) 0 (R)

DC STATEHOOD

H.R. 51/S. 51 Washington D.C. Admission Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC / Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 06/22/2021

Cosponsors: H.R. 51: 216 (D) 0 (R) S. 51: 44 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) NARFE’s Position: 14

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

Support

Oppose

No position

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NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R. 302/S. 4702: Preventing a Patronage System Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

LATEST ACTION(S)

Requires presidential administrations to obtain the agreement of Congress to reclassify competitive service positions outside of merit system principles.

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 08/02/2022

Cosponsors: H.R. 302: 9 (D) 3 (R) S. 4702: 5 (D) H.R. 6066: Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 6066: 2 (D) 1 (R)

FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY

H.R. 6104: Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 6104: 3 (D) 0 (R) H.R. 7376/S. 3487: Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act / Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-VA /Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-AZ Cosponsors: H.R. 7376: 6 (D) 1 (R) S. 3487: 2 (D) 3 (R) H.R. 6967/S. 3423: Chance to Compete Act of 2021 / Rep. Jody Hice, R-GA / Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-AZ

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

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform by a vote of 25-14 12/02/2021

Establishes a comprehensive Federal Internship and Fellowship Center within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to administer, manage and promote all federal internship and fellowship programs. The bill also credits fellows and interns who meet all qualifications with an additional five points in the competitive service examination.

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform by a vote of 20-15 05/11/2022

Increases death benefits and funeral allowances Advanced from the House for federal employees ($90,000 increase in death Committee on Oversight and benefit for survivors and $8,000 increase to funds Reform, 24-14 05/10/2022 granted for funeral allowances).

Advanced from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 02/22/2022 Implements merit-based reforms to the civil service hiring system that replace degree-based hiring with skills- and competency-based hiring.

POSTAL REFORM

RETIREMENT

Cosponsors: H.R. 3076: 58 (D) 44 (R)

H.R. 2954: Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021 Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA Cosponsors: H.R. 2954: 55 (D) 48 (R)

An amended version of the bill addresses previous NARFE concerns and includes provisions that would prevent unintended increases to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan premiums for all federal employees and retirees, preserve choice for current postal retirees regarding whether to enroll in Medicare Part B, repeal the mandate to prefund future postal retiree health benefits, and codify the standard six-day mail delivery schedule.

Amended version of H.R. 3076 passed the House by a vote of 342-92 and the Senate by 79-19; signed into law 4/6/2022

Increases the age at which required minimum distributions (RMDs) start and increases the limit on catch-up contributions to qualified employersponsored retirement plans, such as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Passed the House by a vote of 414-5 03/29/2022

NARFE’s Position: 16

NARFE MAGAZINE MONTH 2022

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform unanimously 04/06/2022 Advanced from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 02/02/2022

Cosponsors: H.R. 6967: 3 (D) 2 (R) S. 3423: 1 (D) 2 (R) H.R. 3076: The Postal Service Reform Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in a 22-18 vote 05/25/2021

Support

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 03/30/2022

Oppose

No position

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Celebrating the 100th Anniversary with Legal-Tender Morgans

Honoring the 100th anniversary of the last year they were minted, the U.S. Mint struck five different versions of the Morgan in 2021, paying tribute to each of the mints that struck the coin. The coins here honor the historic New Orleans Mint, a U.S. Mint branch from 1838–1861 and again from 1879–1909. These coins, featuring an “O” privy mark, a small differentiating mark, were struck in Philadelphia since the New Orleans Mint no longer exists. These beautiful

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NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

H.R. 304/S. 4221: The Equal COLA Act Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Alex Padilla, D-CA

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

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform 01/13/2021

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

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Reform, and Armed Services 09/07/2021

Allows federal employees who started their careers in temporary positions before transitioning into permanent roles to retroactively contribute toward their retirement for the years they held a temporary position.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform 06/30/2021

Allows disabled federal first responders (e.g., law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, and firefighters) to continue receiving federal retirement benefits in the same manner as though they had not been disabled.

Passed the House by a vote of 417-0 07/12/2022

Provides federal employees with a 5.1 percent average pay raise in 2023.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform 1/13/2022

Cosponsors: H.R. 304: 29 (D) 4 (R) S. 4221: 4 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) H.R. 4315: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA Cosponsors: H.R. 4315: 51 (D) 1 (R) FEDERAL ANNUITIES

H.R. 4268: Federal Retirement Fairness Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA Cosponsors: H.R. 4268: 58 (D) 18 (R) H.R. 521/S. 129: First Responder Fair RETIRE Act Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Jon Tester, D-MT Cosponsors: H.R. 521: 20 (D) 4 (R) S. 129: 1 (D) 3 (R) 1 (I) H.R. 6398/S. 3518: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

FEDERAL COMPENSATION

Cosponsors: H.R. 2499: 176 (D) 27 (R) S. 1116: 20 (D) 2 (R) 1 (I)

NARFE MAGAZINE MONTH 2022

Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 07/13/2022

Advanced by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform 07/20/2021

Creates a presumption of occupational illness for federal firefighters, covering ailments such as cardiovascular disease, cancers and certain infectious diseases that 49 states already presume to be work-related for their state and local firefighters.

Passed the House by a vote of 288-131 05/12/2022

NARFE’s Position: 18

Advanced from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 08/3/2022

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

Cosponsors: H.R. 564: 36 (D) 0 (R) S. 1158: 9 (D) 0 (R) H.R. 2499/S. 1116: Federal Fire Fighters Fairness Act of 2022 Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-CA / Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 05/16/2022

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 01/19/2022

Cosponsors: H.R. 6398: 57 (D) 0 (R) S. 3518: 14 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) H.R. 564/S. 1158: Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

LATEST ACTION(S)

Support

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 04/15/2021

Advanced from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 05/12/2022

Oppose

No position

Smile, you’re covered GEHA provides access to almost 400,000 dental provider locations and comprehensive services. And with no in-network deductibles, we’re making sure federal retirees have everything they need to start their next chapter with a smile.

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The TruHearing Program Includes: Personalized Care Guidance and assistance from a TruHearing Hearing Consultant Professional exam from a local, licensed provider 1 year of follow-up visits for fitting and adjustments to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your hearing aids

1

Next-Generation Sound The latest chips and algorithms combine to make speech clearer, even in the most challenging environments Advanced sensors automatically adjust to the noise around you for better clarity and natural sound New models include sound enhancement technology to make your voice sound more natural to you

The Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit for Standard and Basic Options up to $2,500 total every 5 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. FEP Blue Focus does not have a hearing aid benefit. Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information.

All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure. 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 the 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 benefit first before accessing the savings of the Blue365®

Devices for Your Lifestyle Bluetooth connectivity for streaming your favorite music, TV and phone calls straight to your ears3 A wide variety of rechargeable models that keep a charge for an entire day4 Options to match your lifestyle including virtually undetectable devices

Discount Program. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the customer service number on the back of your member ID card. The products and services described herein are neither offered nor guaranteed under any local Blue company’s contract with the Medicare program. These items are not subject to the Medicare appeal process. Any disputes regarding these products and services are not subject to the Disputed Claims process. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) may receive payments from Blue365 vendors. Neither the Service Benefit Plan, 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.

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Price shown does not include cost of comprehensive hearing exam. Examination and testing for prescribing of hearing aids is covered under the Service Benefit Plan. The member should confirm that the provider rendering the hearing exam is a Preferred provider. If the provider is Non-preferred, the member may be charged a maximum fee of $45 for the exam, and the member may need to submit a claim for reimbursement. Must be a Service Benefit Plan member to access TruHearing discounted pricing. TruHearing is offered through Blue365, which provides exclusive health and wellness deals and is a program of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® words and symbols, Federal Employee Program®, FEP® and Blue365® are all trademarks owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

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Smartphone compatible hearing aids connect directly to iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod® Touch devices. Connectivity also available to many Android® phones with use of an accessory.

Rechargeable features may not be available in all models and styles.

All content ©2021 TruHearing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TruHearing® is a registered trademark of TruHearing, Inc. All other trademarks, product names, and company names are the property of their respective owners. Listed benefit amount may differ from customer's actual benefit. Actual customer payment will vary. Follow-up provider visits included for one year following hearing aid purchase. Hearing aid repairs, and replacements subject to provider and manufacturer fees. For questions regarding fees, contact TruHearing customer service.

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Questions & Answers

Q&A

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

EMPLOYMENT LEAVE AND EARNINGS STATEMENT

Q

What is the significance of the block on my Leave & Earnings Statement (LES) titled “cumulative retirement”? Should I be concerned if the amount changes?

A

Most payroll providers will include the cumulative retirement deductions withheld during your appointment under the same payroll office on your LES. This is the running total of your retirement contributions made from your basic pay under CSRS or FERS while you are employed at the same payroll office.

When you transfer from one agency to another, your payroll records are closed and forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for record keeping, and the amount of retirement contributions will start over at your new payroll office. Your payroll records are also closed and reported to OPM when you resign.

Since these contributions were paid with after-tax dollars, these contributions will not be subject to tax if refunded, and you will be eligible to receive a tax-free portion of your retirement if you later apply for CSRS or FERS retirement benefits. OPM will provide the 22

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

total amount after your annuity is finalized. The total may include deposits and/or redeposits you may have paid into CSRS or FERS, including deposits for post-1956 military service, along with any interest you paid on service credit deposit payments.

You will find details on how to report the tax-free portion of your retirement in IRS Publication 721: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p721.pdf.

WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION

Q

I am going to retire at the end of the year after completing a full career of civilian service covered under CSRS. I was a National Guard reservist for a number of years as well, and I paid FICA taxes during my service with the Guard. I will be eligible for both Social Security retirement as well as CSRS. I am not sure I understand the Windfall Elimination Provision that seems to penalize me for having earned both retirement benefits. Please explain.

A

Your CSRS retirement, which was earned from service not covered

by FICA taxes, can impact the amount of Social Security you will receive due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Many CSRS retirees find that their Social Security benefit will be computed under a modified formula that reduces the amount of the Social Security benefit due to their CSRS retirement.

If you have completed more than 20 years of substantial earnings subject to the FICA tax, there is an exception to the WEP. This WEP fact sheet provides additional details and lists what SSA considers such earnings by year: https://www. ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10045. pdf. There is also a calculator to compute your Social Security benefit using the modified WEP formula at https://www.ssa.gov/ benefits/retirement/planner/ anyPiaWepjs04.html.

The rules for FERS are different. If you have “nondeduction” service under FERS, this time is not creditable for retirement eligibility or computation of your FERS basic annuity benefit. This service will be included for leave

accrual. However, this means it is included in your “leave” service computation date (SCD) that is reported on your Leave & Earnings Statement and on your SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action statements.

The rules for crediting service toward leave are sometimes different from the rules for service credit under CSRS and FERS retirement. If you have performed civilian service that was not covered by FERS retirement deductions prior to January 1, 1989, you may elect to make a service credit deposit for this time so that it will be credited for both eligibility and computation of your retirement.

RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Q

I currently have more than 42 years of service and my retirement coverage is CSRS. I understand that I have reached the maximum CSRS annuity benefit and I am wondering when will my withholding for CSRS retirement deductions stop from my biweekly salary payments?

A

As long as you continue to work, your agency is required to continue to withhold CSRS retirement contributions. Normally, total service of 41 years 11 months (excluding unused sick leave credit) produces the maximum annuity under CSRS. There is no maximum annuity under FERS. This is determined once your retirement is finalized at the OPM. OPM will apply excess contributions to any deposit due for civilian service that was not subject to retirement deductions such as temporary service or seasonal employment and/or to any redeposit that may be due for refunded retirement contributions from service that ended on or after October 1, 1990.

OPM will then refund the amount of excess deductions and interest.

At that time, you will be advised that you can return the amount to purchase additional retirement annuity. The additional annuity is computed in the same way as an employee who has made voluntary contributions under CSRS. More information may be found in the CSRS and FERS Handbook, Chapter 50, Computation of the Annuity Under the General Formula: https://www.opm. gov/retirement-services/ publications-forms/csrsfershandbook/c050.pdf.

Q

I am preparing to retire and have requested a retirement estimate. I noticed that the estimate didn’t include all my service in the calculation of my retirement benefit.

The retirement specialist in my agency’s human resources office has told me that some of my service is not “creditable.” I’ve worked for 30 years and now learn that four of my years do not count. What can I do?

A

Usually, retirement eligibility is based on service that was covered

by FERS or CSRS retirement deductions. Under CSRS, the rules allow credit for service performed prior to 10/1/82, where no deductions were withheld.

The rules for FERS are different. If you have “nondeduction” service under FERS, this time is not creditable for retirement eligibility or computation of your FERS basic annuity benefit. This service will be included for leave accrual. However, this means it is included in your “leave” service computation date (SCD) that is reported on your Leave & Earnings Statement and on your SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action statements.

The rules for crediting service toward leave are sometimes different from the rules for service credit under CSRS and FERS retirement.

If you have performed civilian service that was not covered by FERS retirement deductions prior to January 1, 1989, you

COUNTDOWN TO COLA The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPIW) increased 1.57 percent in June 2022. To calculate the 2023 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the 2022 thirdMonthly % % Change MONTH CPI-W Change from 253.412 quarter indices will OCTOBER 2021 271.552 0.92 1.17 be averaged and compared with the NOVEMBER 273.042 0.55 1.72 2021 third-quarter DECEMBER 273.925 0.32 2.05 average of 268.421.

JANUARY 2022 276.296 0.87 2.93 The percentage FEBRUARY 278.943 0.96 3.92 increase determines MARCH 283.176 1.52 5.50 the COLA. June’s index, 292.542, is up 8.99 APRIL 284.575 0.49 6.02 percent from the base.

MAY 288.022 1.21 7.30 The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services.

JUNE

292.542

1.57

8.99

JULY

292.219

-0.11

8.87

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

For FECA COLA updates, visit narfe.org and search for FECA.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

23

Questions & Answers may elect to make a service credit deposit for this time so that it will be credited for both eligibility and computation of your retirement.

Unfortunately, most civilian service performed after December 31, 1988, that was not subject to FERS retirement deductions is not creditable and there is no option available at this time to make a service credit deposit. One exception is for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps or Vista volunteer service that is creditable with a deposit. Also, all honorable, active military service is also creditable with a military service credit deposit.

You can find the recorded version of the recent webinar on deposits and redeposits at the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute. https://www. narfe.org/federal-benefitsinstitute/narfe-webinars/ webinar-archive/.

NARFE believes all federal work should be credited toward retirement calculations.

Ask your Representative to cosponsor the Federal Retirement Fairness Act, H.R. 4268, introduced in 2021, which would allow federal employees to credit their temporary service performed after 1988 into their retirement calculations.

RETIREMENT DEFERRED VS POSTPONED RETIREMENT

Q A

I get confused with the difference between postponed and deferred annuity. Can you provide any insight?

It does get confusing, as the terms “postponed” and “deferred” are sometimes used interchangeably.

First, let’s look at the rules for a deferred retirement.

24

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

• CSRS: An employee who separates from service or transfers to a position that is not covered by the retirement system is entitled to a deferred annuity commencing at age 62 if they are not eligible for an immediate annuity within one month of separation and they meet the minimum civilian service requirement of five years of creditable civilian federal service. An “immediate” annuity is payable when you separate at age 55 with at least 30 years of creditable service, 60 with at least 20 years or at age 62 or later with a minimum of five years of service. CSRS employees must also meet the “1-out-of-2” requirement of having service covered by CSRS retirement deductions one of the last two years preceding their separation.

• FERS: You are eligible to receive a deferred retirement annuity if you are not eligible for an immediate annuity within one month of separation and you meet the minimum civilian service requirement of five years of service. The minimum requirement to apply for a deferred FERS retirement benefit is at age 62 with at least five years of creditable service or the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with at least 10 years’ creditable service. There is no “1-out-of-2” requirement under FERS. If the former employee has at least five years of civilian service, but less than 10 years of total creditable service, the deferred annuity commences on the first day of the month after the individual reaches age 62.

When a former employee with 10 or more years of service applies for a deferred annuity, they must designate a commencing date of annuity. The designated commencing date may be the first day of the month after the

former employee attains the MRA, or a date (must be first day of a month) within 90 days after the application is filed, but not later than the second day before the employee’s 62nd birthday.

An election of a commencing date becomes irrevocable on the day OPM authorizes the first regular annuity payment.

Under both CSRS and FERS, to be eligible for retirement, you must have a minimum of five years of creditable civilian service. If you took a refund of retirement deductions after separating from service (or transferring to a noncovered position), you would forfeit the deferred annuity benefit.

A “postponed” retirement is only available under FERS. The purpose of postponing your retirement is to avoid some or all of the age reduction that applies for employees under age 60 who wish to begin retirement with 10 to 29 years of service. The unreduced annuity is reduced by five-twelfths of 1 percent for each full month your annuity commencing date precedes your 62nd birthday. The reduction is 5 percent for each year you are under age 62. The reduction is permanent and does not stop when you reach age 62. A former employee who has not begun receiving MRA + 10 benefits may elect to have a postponed annuity begin on any date later than the first day of any month following separation from federal service, subject to the following conditions: • An election of a commencing date should be filed approximately 60 days before the designated commencing date, and must be elected on form RI 92-19 (Application for Deferred or Postponed Annuity).

OPM will accept an informal written election that designates a specific commencing date, but the election must be ratified on form RI 92-19.

• The former employee may not elect a postponed commencing date that is earlier than the 31st day after the date the election is filed.

• A postponed annuity cannot begin later than the second day before the employee’s 62nd birthday.

• An election of a commencing date becomes irrevocable on the day OPM authorizes the first regular annuity payment.

If you are eligible for an MRA + 10 annuity upon separation, but decide to postpone the commencing date of annuity, then FEHB and FEGLI coverage terminates; you may elect to convert to individual insurance policies, and you also may elect temporary continuation of FEHB. When your postponed annuity begins, your FEGLI may be reinstated based on the

coverage you had at separation and was eligible to continue into retirement. You may elect reduced FEGLI coverage during the adjudication of the annuity application. You may reenroll in the FEHB program if you met the usual requirements for continuing coverage into retirement at separation, and you may enroll in any FEHB plan or option you would be otherwise eligible.

Application for Deferred or Postponed Retirement under FERS, for RI 92-19, https://www.opm.gov/forms/ pdf_fill/ri92-19.pdf and FERS pamphlet https://www.opm. gov/retirement-services/ publications-forms/pamphlets/ ri92-19a.pdf.

CSRS employees eligible for a deferred retirement use OPM Form 1496a, Application for Deferred Retirement (CSRS):

https://www.opm.gov/forms/ pdf_fill/opm1496a.pdf and may refer to the CSRS Pamphlet on deferred retirement: https:// www.opm.gov/retirementservices/publications-forms/ pamphlets/ri83-13.pdf.

NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute has webinars members can watch to help prepare to apply for regular or a deferred retirement. To view them visit: https://www. narfe.org/federal-benefitsinstitute/narfe-webinars/ webinar-archive/.

To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.

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NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

25

Benefits Brief

Are You Taking Full Advantage of Insurance Options?

O

pen Season for employees and annuitants will be held November 7 through December 12. Why do we find it overwhelming to think about changing our insurance?

There are many options, so narrowing down your choices by reviewing the top three or four is much easier than trying to analyze dozens of plans. Remember that all FEHB plans provide comprehensive coverage as well as catastrophic protection.

Fine-tune your selections with plan information available throughout the annual Open Season.

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS (FEHB) • Consider the specific health care needs of you and your eligible family members.

Do you need a plan that provides additional physical, speech or occupational therapy sessions? Would you like a plan that provides prescription drugs by mail?

Use keywords to search your plan brochure online.

• High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) offer tax savings if you are eligible to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). These plans typically have lower premiums and provide a partial premium “rebate” to lower costs even more. If not eligible for an HSA, the plan will contribute the funds to a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). There are several HDHP plans available in the FEHB Program.

• Employees turning 65, along with spouses age 65 and over of employees who are not retiring, may delay enrollment 26

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

in Medicare Part B without a late enrollment penalty while covered by current employment health coverage.

There is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that will last eight months following retirement to enroll in Medicare Part B without penalty.

• Military retirees and spouses may delay enrolling in TRICARE for Life, which requires enrollment in Medicare A and B, by enrolling in FEHB prior to retirement. Once retired, FEHB coverage may be suspended, if not needed.

Reenrollment in an FEHB plan that has been suspended can happen during a future Open Season.

• Retirees may use form RI 79-9 to suspend FEHB coverage that may not be needed, when also covered

by TRICARE, TRICARE for Life, CHAMPVA, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (Part C), or Peace Corps health coverage. Find this form at www.opm.gov/forms.

• Do you plan to travel or live overseas? All FEHB plans will cover emergency care overseas, but some plans require that your bills be translated into English and currency converted to dollars.

OPM has a list of facts about overseas coverage at https:// www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/ plan-information/importantfacts-about-overseascoverage/.

• With very limited exceptions, Medicare covers care within the 50 US states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

For the exceptions, see: https://www.medicare.gov/ Pubs/pdf/11037-MedicareCoverage-Outside-UnitedStates.pdf.

• Be sure to check out the webinars archived at the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute to learn more about coordinating Medicare and FEHB. https://www.narfe. org/federal-benefits-institute/ narfe-webinars/webinararchive/.

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

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

Ensure Good Health With the Right Insurance Tammy Flanagan offers tips on choosing the best coverage for your situation

BY TAMMY FLANAGAN

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

29

Most people consider good health more important than great wealth. Maintaining good health and staying in peak conditions, especially as we age, requires effort, including: ✚ Eating healthy ✚ Exercising ✚ Maintaining a healthy body weight ✚ Reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking ✚ Getting enough sleep ✚ Drinking plenty of water ✚ Keeping a check on mental and physical health

Despite our best efforts to maintain our health, we may find ourselves diagnosed with a serious medical condition or chronic health problem. Or we may suffer an injury requiring surgery or extensive and expensive treatment for recovery. This is when preventive care can turn into expensive medical treatment and having excellent health insurance can make a big difference.

The American Health Association urges you to shop carefully to find the best health insurance coverage because good health insurance: • Reduces financial strain • Ensures better health outcomes, as individuals with solid coverage are more likely to obtain an early diagnosis and treatment • Improves access to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment Walt Francis, author of the Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Federal Health Plans, says the most important reason to buy health insurance is to protect yourself and your family against financial catastrophe. You may, therefore, wish to approach Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan selection by comparing potential financial risk, rather than average cost. All FEHB plans have several things in common, regardless of which plan or option you choose.

30

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

• All FEHB plans provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for you, your spouse and your children under age 26.

• There are no waiting periods and no restrictions on pre-existing conditions.

• All plans offer preventative services at no cost when received from a Preferred Provider. This includes childhood immunizations, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and tobacco cessation services and medications.

• No matter where you live, you have 11 or more health plan options to choose from, each covering the following: routine physical exams; doctor’s office visits; specialist visits; lab tests and X-rays; prescriptions; ambulance services; inpatient hospital care; surgery; maternity care; urgent care; mental health services; smoking cessation aids; physical therapy; and more.

If all FEHB plans are good, then why do the premiums vary so much? As Francis says, it’s the amount of potential financial risk.

Using the Checkbook Guide, let’s look at four of the nationwide FEHB Plans with the lowest premiums (the following illustrations are self-only options). These plans shift more of the risk for highcost medical treatment to you and may have more restrictive prescription formularies and in-network providers.

BC/BS Focus

GEHA Elevate

NALC CDHP

NALC Value

Annual premium

$1,380

$1,270

$1,420

$1,170

Enrollment code

131

254

324

KM1

Plan provides a health savings None fund

None

$1,200

$100

Regular deductible

$500

$500

$2,000

$2,000

Hospital stay deductible

None

None

None

None

You pay for room and board in 30% hospital

25%

20%

20%

Yearly limit on cost to you or the most you will pay (excluding dental)

$9,420

$7,850

$7,550

$7,380

Plan will pay for hearing aids

Nothing

Nothing

$500

$500

Skilled nursing days covered

0

0

0

0

Infertility treatment

Little

Little

Little

Little

You pay at a local drug store for brand name on formulary

40%

50%

$40

$40

On the other end of the premium spectrum, you will find these four nationwide plans with broader nationwide networks, along with more costs covered by the insurance plan.

APWU High

BC/BS Std

GEHA High

SAMBA High

Annual premium

$2,770

$3,310

$2,730

$4,130

Enrollment code

472

104

311

442

Savings account

None

None

None

None

Regular deductible

$450

$350

$350

$300

Hospital Stay deductible

None

$350 stay

$100 stay

$200 stay

You pay for room and board in 15% hospital

$0

10%

$0

Yearly limit on cost to you or the most you will pay (excluding dental)

$8,350

$8,060

$6,820

$7,750

Plan will pay for hearing aids

$1,500

$2,500

$2,500

$1,000

Skilled nursing days covered

30

30

21

45

Infertility treatment

Yes

Little

Yes

Little

You pay at a local drug store for brand name on formulary

25%

30%

25%

30%

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

31

Remember that fixed costs can promote better health than when it is necessary to decide to spend savings on unexpected medical costs. Here are a few conclusions based on the above comparisons: • If you are healthy and you have no chronic health conditions, then the least expensive plans may work well.

• If you are likely to be admitted to the hospital, a plan with little or no hospital out-of-pocket costs may be a better option than a plan with high coinsurance for room and board and related hospital costs.

• A person who may need hearing aids or skilled nursing care to recover from a fall or serious illness may benefit from a plan with coverage for these expenses.

• If you have a major health care event, all the FEHB plans will protect you from catastrophic out-of-pocket costs. Remember, however, that you may need to use preferred providers who are in the network of your plan to be covered or to incur the lowest cost-sharing.

Tips for evaluating the best FEHB coverage: • Consider all plans available to you in your area.

Some of the value options are geared toward young, healthy people, and some of the most expensive plans cover many older and sicker individuals, who can drive up the cost of the plan. Use a plan comparison program to show plans available to you and compare benefits. You may find that the best choice for you is neither the most expensive nor the least expensive. ◦ Office of Personnel Management’s Healthcare Compare. https://www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/plan-information/ compare-plans/ ◦ Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees: https://www.checkbook.org/ • List pre-existing conditions or other health care needs for which you and your family members are currently receiving treatment and compare plans based on the following criteria: ◦ Are your providers and health care facilities in the plan’s network of preferred providers? ◦ Does the plan’s prescription drug formulary cover the specific drugs needed to treat your condition? ◦ If you need services such as physical therapy, alternative medicine treatments, outpatient surgery or diagnostic procedures, does the plan provide adequate coverage?

32

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

◦ How much did you spend out of pocket on health care this year?

▪ Was spending mostly on prescription copays, or did you receive care in a hospital or other health care facility?

▪ Will these needs continue into next year?

▪ If your largest out-of-pocket costs were spent on dental or vision expenses, consider supplemental dental/vision plans under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. Go to benefeds.com for plan options and comparisons. ◦ With increasing probability of needing care due to age, a plan with lower cost-sharing along with comprehensive coverage may be a good choice.

▪ Children 18 and younger account for 9% of all health care spending.

▪ Adults ages 19 to 34 account for 12% of all health care spending.

▪ Adults ages 35 to 44 account for 9% of all health care spending.

▪ Adults ages 45 to 54 account for 13% of all health care spending.

▪ Adults ages 55 to 64 account for 21% of all health care spending.

▪ Adults age 65 and older account for 35% of all health care spending.

HEALTHCARE NEED BY AGE

9% Children 18 and younger

12%

35%

Adults 55 to 64

Adults 65 and older

9% Adults 35 to 44

21% Adults 55 to 64

13% Adults 45 to 54

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• Consider your wealth. If you can afford to cover some costs out of pocket, look at the following types of health plans: ◦ If you are in a higher tax bracket and do not have any other health insurance besides FEHB, consider a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). You may qualify to set aside funds that can accumulate year after year that may be used later in life or during the current year.

HSAs allow you to contribute, earn interest and spend funds on qualified health care expenses, tax-free! The IRS announced that 2023 HSA contribution limits will rise to $3,850 for self-only HSAs and to $7,750 for family HSAs, which are increases of $200 and $450, respectively, from 2022. Catch-up contributions of $1,000 may be made by those age 55 and older. ◦ A Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) may have a higher deductible but may offer a health fund to cover a minimal amount of health care expenses before the deductible period begins.

A HDHP is a type of CDHP. • Consider other coverage available to you: ◦ TRICARE is the uniformed services health care program for active-duty service members, active- duty family members, National Guard and Reserve members and their family members, retirees and retiree family members, survivors and certain former spouses worldwide. TRICARE brings together military hospitals and clinics with a network of civilian health care professionals, institutions, pharmacies and suppliers. ◦ The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) is a health benefits program in which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shares the cost of certain health care services and supplies with eligible beneficiaries who aren’t qualified for Tricare, including the current or surviving spouse or child of a veteran with disabilities or a service member who died in the line of duty.

▪ Retirees may suspend their FEHB coverage to use TRICARE or CHAMPVA using form RI 79-9 Health Benefits Suspension/ Cancelation Form.

▪ When enrolled in FEHB and Tricare or CHAMPVA, FEHB is the primary payer.

34

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

◦ Take advantage of additional benefits when adding Medicare Parts A and B to your FEHB plan when you are age 65 and retired.

Although Medicare Part B has a standard monthly premium for 2022 of $170.10 per person, there can be considerable savings by linking the right FEHB plan with Medicare Parts A and B coverage. There are higher rates under the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for higher income beneficiaries. Learn more at Medicare.gov.

▪ Medicare caters to the needs of the elderly and disabled enrollees and may provide additional services and enhance your existing health coverage.

▪ TRICARE for Life requires enrollment in Medicare A and B. If you are covered by current employment FEHB coverage, you may delay enrollment in Medicare Part B and TRICARE for Life until retirement without incurring a late enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B. ▪ Chapter 9 of your FEHB plan brochure or your plan website will provide information on how your plan coordinates with Medicare. Consider FEHB plans that work best with Medicare, especially those plans that offer: ◊ Lower premiums ◊ A health fund or Medicare reimbursement ◊ Wrap-around coverage so that when Medicare is the primary payer; the FEHB plan will waive its applicable deductible, copayment and/or coinsurance, leaving you with little or no out-of-pocket costs for covered health care expenses. ◊ Enhanced benefits of adding Medicare Advantage through the FEHB plan or by adding Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, along with your FEHB coverage. Part C plans may offer additional benefits such as vision benefits, dental coverage, meal delivery, gym membership and some non-emergency medical transportation.

Retirees may suspend their FEHB coverage to use Medicare Part C plans using form RI 79-9 Health Benefits Suspension/Cancelation Form.

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Half of adults report that they have delayed or gone without medical services due to costs in the past year. This includes more than one-third who have put off dental services, and one-fourth who have put off vision care or general visits to their doctor or health care provider.

What Isn’t Covered

When skilled care turns into custodial care, Medicare and FEHB will not be of much help to cover the cost of caregiving. Custodial—or personal—care is for people who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include things a person does every day, such as getting up out of a chair (referred to as “transferring’’), bathing, dressing, eating and toileting. Custodial care may also provide supervision for a person with severe cognitive impairment. Medicare and FEHB cover the costs associated with skilled care and some custodial care while recovering from an accident, illness or surgery. For example, Medicare, along with some FEHB plans, may pay for up to 100 days of skilled care if the patient is showing improvement. On the other hand, Medicare does not cover any of the costs of custodial care when recovery has plateaued and improvement in the condition is no longer observed. Custodial care is provided by family caregivers or professionals who may provide services in the home or a facility setting. The costs are out of pocket (sometimes referred to as “private pay”), through long-term

36

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

care insurance or through public benefits such as Medicaid or veterans’ benefits.

Better Insurance, Better Health

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation 2022 tracking poll, half of adults report that they have delayed or gone without medical services due to costs in the past year. This includes more than one-third who have put off dental services, and one-fourth who have put off vision care or general visits to their doctor or health care provider. Fewer say they have put off mental health care or hospital services due to cost. One in 10 report putting off hearing services, such as getting hearing aids, due to cost—including one in five adults age 65 and older.

Do yourself a favor and ensure you can take the best advantage of your medical coverage. It may require taking a closer look at your insurance options, but thanks to the many great FEHB plans you have to choose from, staying in good health doesn’t have to break the bank.

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

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REACHING FOR

NASA’s Artemis program would send astronauts back to the moon for the first time since the 1970s. The agency plans an unmanned mission in the next year, followed by a crewed mission to orbit the moon, with the goal of landing humans on the moon in 2025.

Photo illustration by TGD; photos courtesy of NASA

38

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

T

he National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is poised to make history

again with plans to send humans back to the moon and beyond.

NASA PREPARES FO R MOO N MISSION, MARS EXPLORAT ION

THE

STARS

BY GEORGE KEVIN JORDAN

The agency is now conducting testing for Artemis I, a mission featuring the Orion spacecraft, which will be carried by the new Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket.

Eventually the mission will launch from Earth and travel 280,000 miles around the moon and beyond during its four- to sixweek mission.

“This is a mission that truly will do what hasn’t been done and learn what isn’t known,” according to Mike Sarafin, Artemis I mission manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. “It will blaze a trail that

people will follow on the next Orion flight, pushing the edges of the envelope to prepare for that mission.”

And while this test will be uncrewed, it is part of a larger goal for this federal agency: getting humans back to the moon by 2025.

A little history

For more than 60 years, NASA has been part of our national imagination. Charged with leading the world in civilian aerospace research and development, the agency literally strives to go where no one has gone before.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

39

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, left, will carry the Orion spacecraft on its mission to the moon. In the background, an image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope shows the Horsehead Nebula.

NASA photos

Who can forget the iconic moment when astronaut Neil Armstrong, during one of NASA’s earlier missions, Apollo 11, spoke the now infamous line on the moon, about taking “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

That moment was the embodiment of American drive, ingenuity and imagination.

But the NASA of the past may not match the international program that you see today.

NASA is no longer a lone outfit trying to best foreign competitors. The agency often works in conjunction with other space programs. In fact, the International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative effort of 15 nations and five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The ISS has been aloft for more than 20 years, providing results from countless experiments.

Domestically, the agency is a powerhouse of federal employees, boasting about 18,000 civil servants collaborating with contactors, international partners and academia to enrich lives through exploration and discovery.

President Joseph R. Biden’s 2023 budget would earmark $7.48 billion for the moon-to-Mars exploration program and the return of American astronauts to the moon by 2025, according to Vanessa Lloyd, public affairs officer for NASA’s 40

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate.

The budget request includes $2.6 billion for Artemis, covering development efforts related to Gateway, a human landing system and other systems required for humans to live and work at the moon, such as suits and rovers, Lloyd adds.

And while it may seem as if the government is devoting a lot of money for space exploration, space exploration also generates money. A 2020 economic impact study, NASA’s first, details the type of real-world impact the agency is having on everyday lives.

For instance, NASA workers, engineers and scientists helped develop technology to understand the coronavirus better, according to the report. NASA Jet Propulsion Labratory engineers were also able to develop a ventilator specifically for patients battling COVID. The agency filed 85 patent applications and received 122 patents in 2019, the report states.

And the financial impact of the agency on the US was more than $64 billion in 2019 alone.

But space exploration central to NASA’s mission has always been central to NASA’s mission, particularly manned missions. And the Artemis program will be a huge part of that.

Man, the Moon and Beyond

The Artemis campaign is a multi-pronged array of missions designed to get humans back to the moon and to the farther reaches of space.

“This is the decade in which the Artemis generation will teach us how to live on other worlds,” NASA’s Artemis plan states.

NASA has been testing equipment over the past few years and is now set to do a set of progressively more difficult missions, including a flyby of the moon, and then finally a lunar landing mission.

Artemis I will test the space launch system and an unmanned Orion spacecraft to see how heat shields hold up, according to the plan. Early testing of the deep space environment will be done with the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and Habitation and Logistics Outpost

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The James Webb Space Telescope, launched last year, is sending deep-space images from its orbit of the sun, roughly 1 million miles from Earth.

NASA photos

(HALO) projects. Artemis II will include a 10-day crewed mission around the moon. Finally, Artemis III will be a crewed launch of the Orion craft to the moon, where astronauts will board the human landing system. This last mission will make history by having the first woman and the first person of color to land on the lunar surface, according to plan documents.

HALO will provide quarters for astronauts on the Gateway, a space station being built to go into lunar orbit. It’s just a bit smaller than the current International Space Station (ISS) hanging out in low Earth orbit.

All this may seem like a lot of testing and preparation to get to space, but Steve Creech, assistant deputy associate administrator for the Artemis Campaign Development Division, says it’s all part of the process.

“If you go back to the Apollo program, you will see they really had a progressive approach, too,” Creech says.

Creech talks with excitement about the diverse workforce on these upcoming missions and the mandate that a woman and a person of color will be on this next moon-landing mission.

“Everyone's going to be able to see themselves in the astronauts that are going to be on these journeys,” Creech says.

“This is largely a US program,” Creech added, “but we also have a lot of international participation.” He says that Canada, Japan and European countries are participating in the upcoming space missions.

“NASA started that way, with a big space race,” Creech says of the traditional competition to be the first nation to explore space, but “it has definitely evolved over time. We're very much about global cooperation and peaceful uses of space.”

Creech is quick to point out that, with its innovations and discoveries, the Artemis project “is a stepping stone to eventually be able to go to Mars.”

Mission to Mars

A mere 50,000,000 kilometers from Earth is the location of one of NASA’s most ambitious destinations: Mars.

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

Humans may one day soon travel to Mars. Here, the rover Curiousity tests soil on the surface of the red planet in 2016.

The red planet may be the subject of hundreds of films, but it is of particular interest to NASA. Why? Because, as the agency states, it is the most accessible planet in the solar system for humans.

The planet bears many similarities to Earth. It has weather. It has a day and night cycle.

As Michelle Rucker, Mars Architecture Team Lead, puts it, “If you were a human on Mars, it is going to feel like home.” And that’s good, because it could be one of the only places humans could go should Earth become uninhabitable.

But even Earth’s only possible hope is still far, far away.

Roundtrip to to Mars is roughly 2,000 times the distance to the moon and back, Rucker says.

She goes on to describe how we need to reposition the way we think about past explorations to places like the moon. In those missions, Earth was always the center. When you think of Mars, the sun is the center. And that’s just distance. There’s aso the length of time needed.

“Roundtrip to Mars and back, depending on how long we stay and what kind of transportation system we take, it could be anywhere from two to three, maybe three and a half years,” Rucker says.

“People think that because NASA has been putting humans in space for 60 years now that we know how to keep people in space for three years at a time,” Rucker says. “The longest we've ever put a person in space is about a year.”

Those hoping to see a Mars mission in the next few years will be disappointed.

“We still only know half of what we need to be able to get humans to Mars and back,” Rucker says.

“There's a lot of research that will be done there.”

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This is why Rucker says research from the moon projects is so important. And the ISS and the Gateway project are key for researchers to find out what the long-term effects are of living away from Earth.

“I look at Mars [exploration] as a way to get humans further from Earth,” Rucker says, “if we ever want to explore beyond our solar system.”

And if the idea of traveling beyond our solar system seems unfathomable, Rucker puts it into perspective.

“In 1969, the moon was unthinkable to put humans on, and now it’s like camping in our backyard,” Rucker says. “We’ve learned how to make it more comfortable living on the moon.”

The goal now is to replicate that type of comfort on Mars and then beyond. And it’s a team effort that includes federal employees across all levels of the work.

“From a workforce point of view, we work for NASA, but we work all across the federal government,” Rucker says. For example, Rucker highlights how NASA leans on the Department of Energy to develop some of the power systems that will be used on the surface of Mars.

But this is a long-range goal.

“Steve’s team,” Rucker says, referring to Creech and the Artemis campaign, “they’re the sprinters of our industry. They're racing to get to the moon there. They are building hardware today. We are the other end of the spectrum, on my team. We're not just a long-distance team. We are a longdistance relay team.”

As Patrick Chai, Mars Architecture In-Space Transportation lead, says, “We know the people who will be walking on Mars—they’re not working at NASA right now. They may be taking their first steps now. But they will be taking the first steps on Mars.”

The Juno spacecraft, launched in 2011, is expected to continue collecting information about Jupiter through 2025.

NASA photo

The Future Awaits

Due diligence, perseverance and understanding the long game is critical for the Mars team. The same is true for other projects in the pipeline that are even further down the road.

Understanding how the solar system and Earth were formed would not be possible without studying larger planets like Jupiter. In 2011, the Juno spacecraft took a five-year, 1.7-billion-mile trip to Jupiter, according to the NASA website.

The ship orbited Jupiter 35 times and captured data and images of the planet.

The Juno project was extended in 2021 through 2025 and will expand its exploration reach to the Jovian solar system.

The work NASA does can take years, even decades, before it could result in an actual mission to another planet or even into space.

But for Michael Chappell, an electrical engineer at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL, the chance to solve problems has been a great draw.

“The opportunity to work with this diverse group of people who are truly brilliant in their fields, working on these incredibly challenging problems, problems that you know there are not … solutions that we know of,” Chappell says, “to have the opportunity to address these problems and try to solve them? It keeps me getting up in the morning and coming to work.”

—GEORGE KEVIN JORDAN, IS A FREELANCE WRITER AND EDITOR BASED IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Artemis campaign will deliver humans to the moon’s surface for the first time in decades.

NASA photo

44

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

CONTROL WHAT YOU CAN. INSURE WHAT YOU CAN’T. You can control many things in your life — diet, exercise, even on-demand TV — but life has its own plans.

A serious accident or illness can happen at anytime.

The high cost of a hospital stay, and the expense of home recovery afterward can take a serious toll on your personal and retirement savings.

NARFE Hospital Indemnity and Short Term Recovery Insurance Plan This plan can help you manage how life’s surprises affect what you’ve worked so hard for. It pays cash benefits to you, or anyone you choose, to use the money as you see fit. Use the cash benefits to stay more in control of your health care choices, maintain your self reliance, and receive the level of care you’ve earned and deserve.

Benefits include: Guaranteed Acceptance to NARFE Members and Spouses Age 65–99.*

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• Cash benefits paid in addition to any other coverage you may have.

• Coverage cannot be canceled because of your health or your age.

• Economical group rates specifically negotiated by NARFE for our members.

To learn more or enroll in the NARFE Hospital Indemnity and Short Term Recovery Insurance Plan, call 1-800-233-5764 or visit us at www.narfeinsurance.com *This policy is guaranteed acceptance, but it does contain a Pre-Existing Conditions Limitation. All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company detail exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits and terms under which the policies may be continued in full or discontinued.

Plans may vary by state.

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HOW THEY VOTED: 117TH CONGRESS NARFE publishes this voting scorecard of the 117th Congress (2021-2022) to ensure NARFE members are as informed as possible about the how the Representatives and Senators seeking reelection to Congress have represented the concerns of federal community. The vote descriptions below refer to the votes in the scorecard on pp. 49-58.

KEY SENATE VOTES, 117TH CONGRESS 2021 Senate Vote #110, March 6, 2021

2021 Senate Vote #499, December 15, 2021

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) NARFE supported this bill, a $1.9 trillion COVID19 relief package, because it included provisions affecting federal workers, which NARFE expressed support for in a letter to lawmakers.

The provisions included ensuring federal frontline workers who contract COVID-19 are eligible for workers’ compensation, providing emergency sick and family leave for federal employees who contract COVID-19, and extending the Paycheck Protection Program to all 501(c) nonprofit organizations. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 50-49.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) NARFE supported this legislation, the final version of the NDAA negotiated between the House and Senate, because it contained a new paid parental bereavement leave benefit for federal employees, providing up to two weeks of paid time off within a year if an employee experiences the death of a child. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 88-11.

2021 Senate Vote #245, June 22, 2021 Nomination of Kiran Ahuja to be Director of the Office of Personnel Management (PN220) NARFE supported the nomination of Kiran Ahuja to be the Director of the Office of Personnel Management based on her qualifications and after her testimony demonstrated her commitment to revitalizing the federal workforce and recognition that OPM needs to innovate. Ahuja’s testimony included supporting an IT modernization fund, moving OPM toward digital processing and improving call center operations. Her nomination was confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie in favor of confirmation.

2021 Senate Vote #397, September 30, 2021 Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) NARFE supported this bill, which extended fiscal year 2021 government funding levels through December 3, 2021, because passage would prevent a government shutdown. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 65-35.

2022 Senate Vote #71, March 8, 2022 Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) NARFE supported this postal reform bill after it was amended to address NARFE’s concerns.

Specifically, the bill prevents unintended increases to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program premiums for federal employees and retirees while simultaneously providing the Postal Service with much needed financial flexibility. The bill creates a new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program within FEHB and, unlike past iterations of postal reform, preserves choice for current postal retirees regarding whether to enroll in Medicare Part B. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 79-19.

2022 Senate Vote #78, March 10, 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) NARFE supported this legislation, which funded federal agencies for the remainder of fiscal year 2022 and ended the need for continuing resolutions to keep the government open. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 68-31.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

47

KEY HOUSE VOTES, 117TH CONGRESS 2021 House Vote #72, March 10, 2021 American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) NARFE supported this bill, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, because it included provisions affecting federal workers, which NARFE expressed support for in a letter to lawmakers.

The provisions included ensuring federal front-line workers who contract COVID-19 are eligible for workers’ compensation, providing emergency sick and family leave for federal employees who contract COVID-19, and extending the Paycheck Protection Program to all 501(c) nonprofit organizations. The bill passed the House by a vote of 220-211.

2022 House Vote #65 and #66, March 9, 2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) NARFE supported this legislation, which funded federal agencies for the remainder of fiscal year 2022 and ended the need for additional continuing resolutions to keep the government open. The bill initially had its sections split to allow for two separate votes in the House. The passed sections were then consolidated into a final bill, per the rule adopted by the House for consideration of the bill.

The first vote passed the House by a vote of 361-69, and the second vote passed by a vote of 260-171.

2021 House Vote #290, September 23, 2021 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (H.R. 4350) NARFE supported this legislation because it contained a new paid parental bereavement leave benefit for federal employees, providing up to two weeks of paid time off within a year if an employee experiences the death of a child. This specific roll call vote was a package of amendments, one of which contained the bereavement leave policy. The vote agreeing to pass the package of amendments was 360-66.

2022 House Vote #86, March 29, 2022

2021 House Vote #311, September 30, 2021

2022 House Vote #149, May 11, 2022

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) NARFE supported this bill, which extended fiscal year 2021 government funding levels through December 3, 2021, because passage would prevent a government shutdown. The bill passed the House by a vote of 254-175.

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022 (H.R. 2499) NARFE supported this bill, which would create a presumption of occupational illnesses for federal workers engaged in fire protection services who suffer from heart disease, lung disease and specific types of cancer, aligning federal law with presumption laws in 49 states. The bill passed the House by a vote of 288-131.

Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021 (H.R. 2954) NARFE supported this bill, which would change existing law to promote retirement savings.

Notably, the bill would increase the age at which required minimum distributions (RMDs) start and increase the limit on catch-up contributions to qualified employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The bill passed the House by a vote of 414-5.

2022 House Vote #38, February 8, 2022 Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) NARFE supported this postal reform bill after it was amended to address NARFE’s concerns.

Specifically, the bill prevents unintended increases to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program premiums for federal employees and retirees while simultaneously providing the Postal Service with much needed financial flexibility. The bill creates a new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program within FEHB and, unlike past iterations of postal reform, preserves choice for current postal retirees regarding whether to enroll in Medicare Part B. The bill passed the House by a vote of 342-92.

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

2022 House Vote #344, July 14, 2022 Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 NARFE supported this amendment, which would prohibit the reclassification of any position in the competitive service to an excepted service schedule that was created after September 30, 2020, and limit federal employee reclassifications to the five excepted service schedules in use prior to fiscal year 2021. Broadly speaking, this amendment would prevent future attempts to implement a new excepted service category (Schedule F) that circumvents merit system protections and hiring rules. The amendment passed by a vote of 215-201.

STATE BY STATE RECORD ON

KEY NARFE VOTES MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AL At-large representative R Retiring, not seeking reelection S Representative running for Senate D Defeated in primary O Seeking other office * Senator whose term expires in 2022 2024 Senator whose term expires in 2024 2026 Senator whose term expires in 2026

VOTE LEGEND P Voted for the NARFE position x Voted against the NARFE position NV Did not vote S Speaker of the House, rarely votes I Not yet elected when vote taken

117th Congress: SENATE Vote # Year

110 245 397 499 71

Alabama Shelby (R) R* 2026

Alaska * 2026

Tuberville (R)

2024

Sinema (D)

Arkansas Boozman (R) * 2026

Cotton (R)

California Padilla (D) * 2024

Feinstein (D)

Colorado Bennet (D) * 2026

x x

Hickenlooper (D)

Murphy (D)

Delaware 2024 Carper (D) 2026

Florida * 2024

2024

%P

P P

x x

P P

50 33

36 33

x x

P x

P P

P P

P x

67 40

56 57

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

100 87

x x

x x

x x

P P

P P

x x

33 33

45 35

P P

P P

P P

x

P

P P

P P

83 100

83 82

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

84 100

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

93 92 88 97

P

x

Coons (D)

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

Rubio (R) Scott (R)

x x

x x

x x

P P

x x

x x

17 17

35 36

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

100 100

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

96 88

Georgia Warnock (D) * 2026 Ossoff (D) Hawaii *

CAREER

P

Connecticut Blumenthal (D) P * 2024

117th %P

x x

Murkowski (R) x Sullivan (R) NV

Arizona Kelly (D) *

78

2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022

Schatz (D) Hirono (D)

Vote # Year

Idaho *

2026

Illinois *

2026

110 245 397 499 71

Iowa *

2026

Kansas * 2026

Maine 2024

2026

x x

P P

x x

x x

17 17

23 25

Duckworth (D) Durbin (D)

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

94 96

Braun (R)

x x

x x

P

P

P

P x

67 0

44 9

Grassley (R) Ernst (R)

x x

x x

x x

P P

P P

P P

50 50

34 52

Moran (R) Marshall (R)

x x

x x

x x

P P

P P

P

50 33

52 37

x x

x x

P

P

P

P

x

0 67

11 41

x x

x x

P P

P P

P P

x x

50 50

59 37

P

P x

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 67

96 77

P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

98 97

P P

P P

P P

x x

P P

P P

83 83

74 70

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

98 95

McConnell (R)

Cassidy (R)

King (I) Collins (R)

x

Maryland Van Hollen (D) P * 2024

Cardin (D)

Massachusetts 2024 Warren (D) 2026

Markey (D)

Michigan 2024 Stabenow (D) 2026

%P

x x

Louisiana Kennedy (R) * 2026

CAREER

x x

Kentucky Paul (R) * 2026

117th %P

Crapo (R) Risch (R)

Indiana Young (R) * 2024

78

2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022

Peters (D)

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

49

HOW THEY VOTED

117th Congress: SENATE Vote # Year

110 245 397 499 71

Minnesota 2024 Klobuchar (D) 2026

Smith (D)

Mississippi 2024 Wicker (R) 2026

Hyde-Smith (R)

Missouri Blunt (R) R* 2024

Hawley (R)

Montana 2024 Tester (D) 2026

Daines (R)

Nebraska 2024 Fischer (R) 2026

Sasse (R)

Rosen (D)

New Hampshire Hassan (D) * 2026

Shaheen (D)

New Jersey 2024 Menendez (D) 2026

Booker (D)

New Mexico 2024 Heinrich (D) 2026

Ray Luján (D)

New York Schumer (D) * 2024

Gillibrand (D)

North Carolina Burr (R) R* 2026

Tillis (R)

North Dakota Hoeven (R) * 2024

Ohio R*

2024

Cramer (R)

Portman (R) Brown (D)

Oklahoma Lankford (R) * R

50

Inhofe (R)

117th %P

CAREER

%P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

94 93

x x

x x

x x

P P

P

P P

50 33

52 58

x x

x x

P

P P

P P

P

67 33

59 36

P

P

P x

P P

P P

P x

100 33

83 45

x x

x x

x x

P P

P x

x x

33 17

48 27

P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

88 100

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

94 94

P P

P P

P P

P x

P P

P P

100 83

94 74

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

96 93

P P

P P

P P

P x

P P

P P

100 83

98 79

x x

x x

P P

P P

P P

x x

50 50

34 64

x x

x x

x x

P P

P P

x x

33 33

48 64

x

x

x

P

P

P

P P

P P

P P

50 100

40 97

x x

x x

x x

P P

x NV

x NV

17 25

29 29

x

Nevada Cortez Masto (D) P * 2024

78

2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022

x

x

x

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

x

CONTINUED

Vote # Year

Oregon Wyden (D) * 2026 Merkley (D)

110 245 397 499 71

78

117th %P

CAREER

P P

83 83

84 81

2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022

%P

P P

x x

P P

x

x

x

P

P P

x

P P

P

P

17 100

28 97

P P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

97 96

x x

x x

x

P P

x

x

P

P

P

17 67

32 49

x x

x x

P

P P

P P

P x

50 50

46 68

x x

x x

x x

P P

x NV

x x

17 20

19 20

x x

x x

x

P P

x x

x

P

P

17 50

38 49

x x

x x

P

P

x

x x

x x

0 33

11 40

P P P P

P P

P x

P P

P P

100 83

89 84

P P P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

96 91

2024 Cantwell (D)

P P P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

98 95

West Virginia 2024 Manchin (D)

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 67

90 71

17 100

34 96

50 20

48 9

Pennsylvania Toomey (R) R* 2024 Casey (D)

P P P P x

Rhode Island 2024 Whitehouse (D) P 2026 Reed (D)

South Carolina Scott (R) *

2026 Graham (R)

South Dakota Thune (R) *

2026 Rounds (R)

Tennessee 2024 Blackburn (R) 2026 Hagerty (R)

Texas 2024 Cruz (R)

2026 Cornyn (R)

Utah *

Lee (R) 2024 Romney (R)

Vermont Leahy (D) R*

2024 Sanders (I)

Virginia 2024 Kaine (D)

2026 Warner (D)

Washington Murray (D) *

2026 Capito (R)

Wisconsin Johnson (R) * 2024 Baldwin (D)

Wyoming 2024 Barrasso (R) 2026 Lummis (R)

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

P

P P

x

P P

P

P

x x

x x

NV

P

P P

P

x x

x

HOW THEY VOTED

117th Congress: HOUSE Vote # Year

Alabama Carl (R) 1 2

3

4

5

6

7

S

Moore (R) Rogers (R) Aderholt (R) Brooks (R) Palmer (R) Sewell (D)

72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

CAREER

x x x x x x P

P P P P P x P

x x x x x x P

x x P P x x P

P x P P P P P

P x x x x x P

P P P P P P P

x x x x x x P

x x x x x x P

44 22

44 22

P P P x x x P x P

P P P x x x P NV P

P P P x x x P NV P

P P P x x x P x P

P P P x x x P NV P

P P P x x x P NV P

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P P P x x x P x P

P P P x x x P x P

x x x x

P P P P

x x x x

x P P P

P P P P

x x P x

P P P P

x x x x

x x x x

56 44

42 22

x P P x P P P x P P P P P P P P P P P P x I x P x P P P P P P P P P P P P P x P

x P P x P P P P P P P S P P P P P P P P P I P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P I x P x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P I P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P x P P P P P P P P I P P P P P P P P P P P x P P P P P P

x P P x P P P x P P P P P P P P P P P P P I P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P x P P P P P P P S P P P P NV P P P P I x P P P P P P P P P P P NV P P P P P

P P P P P P NV P P P P S P NV P P P P P P P I P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

x P P x P P P x P P P P P P P P P P P P x x x P x P P P P P P P P P P P P P x P

56 100 100 22 100 100 100 67 100 100 100 100 89 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 78 0 56 100 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 89 100 100 100 100 78 100

32 94 93 15 96 96 88 67 92 96 90 95 94 95 94 93 87 95 91 90 54 0 37 100 55 88 93 95 94 94 90 95 90 81 92 91 93 96 78 96

290

311

38

%P

44 44 33 22 100

43 28 26 17 98

100 100

94 93

Alaska Vacant AL Arizona O'Halleran (D) 1 2 R Kirkpatrick (D) Grijalva (D) 3 4

5

6

7 8 9

Gosar (R) Biggs (R) Schweikert (R) Gallego (D)

Lesko (R) Stanton (D)

Arkansas Crawford (R) 1 2

3

4

Hill (R) Womack (R) Westerman (R)

California

1 LaMalfa (R) 2 Huffman (D) 3 Garamendi (D) 4 McClintock (R) 5 Thompson (D) 6 Matsui (D) 7 Bera (D) 8 Obernolte (R) 9 R McNerney (D) 10 Harder (D) 11 DeSaulnier (D) 12 Pelosi (D) 13 Lee (D) 14 R Speier (D) 15 Swalwell (D) 16 Costa (D) 17 Khanna (D) 18 Eshoo (D) 19 Lofgren (D) 20 Panetta (D) 21 Valadao (R) 22 R Conway (R) 23 McCarthy (R) 24 Carbajal (D) 25 Garcia (R) 26 Brownley (D) 27 Chu (D) 28 Schiff (D) 29 Cardenas (D) 30 Sherman (D) 31 Aguilar (D) 32 Napolitano (D) 33 Lieu (D) 34 Gomez (D) 35 Torres (D) 36 Ruiz (D) 37 O Bass (D) 38 Sanchez (D) 39 Kim (R) 40 R Roybal-Allard (D)

100 11 0 11 100 20 100

92 9 6 19 90 21 100

33 44

34 34

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

51

HOW THEY VOTED

117th Congress: HOUSE 72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

CAREER

P x P P P P P x P x P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P x P P P P P x P x P P P

P P P P P P P x P x P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P x

P P P P P P P P P x P P P

P NV P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P x P x P P P

P x P P P P P x P x P P P

100 63 100 100 100 100 100 44 100 33 100 100 89

92 37 94 90 100 87 92 44 100 30 92 82 89

P P x x x P P

P P x x P P P

P P x x x P P

P P x x x P P

P P x x P P P

P P x x x P P

P P P P P P P

P P x x x P P

P P x x x P P

100 100 11 11 33 100 100

95 96 11 18 18 100 97

Courtney (D) DeLauro (D) Himes (D) Hayes (D)

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P

100 100 100 100 100

99 98 96 93 100

Delaware Blunt Rochester (D) AL

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100

94

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

x x x x P x P x P P x x P P x x x x x I P P P P x x x

x P x x P P P x P P x P P P P P x x x I P P P P P P P

x x x x P x P x P P x x P P x x x x x I P P P P P P P

x P x P P P P x P P P P P P x x x P x P P P P P P P P

x P x P P P P x P P x x P P P P P P NV P P P P P P P P

x x x P P x P x P P x x P P x x x x x P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P x x P P x P P P P P P P P

x x x NV P x P x P P x x P P x x x x x P NV P P P x x x

22 56 22 63 100 56 100 22 100 100 33 44 100 100 33 33 33 44 13 100 100 100 100 100 78 78 78

23 42 22 53 97 43 90 19 94 90 27 35 94 97 33 41 27 41 13 100 93 95 94 94 47 78 78

Vote # Year

California cont.

41 Takano (D) 42 Calvert (R) 43 Waters (D) 44 Barragan (D) 45 Porter (D) 46 Correa (D) 47 R Lowenthal (D) 48 Steel (R) 49 Levin (D) 50 Issa (R) 51 Vargas (D) 52 Peters (D) 53 Jacobs (D) Colorado DeGette (D) 1 2

Neguse (D) Boebert (R) 3 4 Buck (R) Lamborn (R) 5 6 Crow (D) 7 R Perlmutter (D)

Connecticut Larson (D) 1 2

3

4

5

District of Columbia Norton (D) AL Florida

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 52

CONTINUED

R S O

R

Gaetz (R) Dunn (R) Cammack (R) Rutherford (R) Lawson (D) Waltz (R) Murphy (D) Posey (R) Soto (D) Demings (D) Webster (R) Bilirakis (R) Crist (D) Castor (D) Franklin (R) Buchanan (R) Steube (R) Mast (R) Donalds (R) Cherfilus-McCormick (D) Frankel (D) Deutch (D) Wasserman Schultz (D) Wilson (D) Diaz-Balart (R) Gimenez (R) Salazar (R)

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Vote # Year

Georgia Carter (R) 1 2

3

4

5

6

Bishop (D) Ferguson (R) Johnson (D) Williams (D) McBath (D) D Bourdeaux (D)

7 8 Scott (R) 9 Clyde (R) 10 O Hice (R) 11 Loudermilk (R) 12 Allen (R) 13 Scott (D) 14 Taylor Greene (R) Hawaii 1 2

Case (D) O Kahele (D)

Idaho 1 Fulcher (R) 2 Simpson (R) Illinois 1 R Rush (D) 2

3

4

5

6

Kelly (D) D Newman (D) Garcia (D) Quigley (D) Casten (D) Davis (D)

7 8 Krishnamoorthi (D) 9 Schakowsky (D) 10 Schneider (D) 11 Foster (D) 12 Bost (R) 13 D Davis (R) 14 Underwood (D) 15

Miller (R)

16 R Kinzinger (R) 17 R Bustos (D) 18 LaHood (R) Indiana Mrvan (D) 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9

Walorski (R) Banks (R) Baird (R) Spartz (R) Pence (R) Carson (D)

Bucshon (R) R Hollingsworth (R)

Iowa Hinson (R) 1 2

3

4

Miller-Meeks (R) Axne (D) Feenstra (R)

Kansas Mann (R) 1 2

3

4

LaTurner (R) Davids (D) Estes (R)

Kentucky Comer (R) 1 2

3

4

5

6

Guthrie (R) R Yarmuth (D) Massie (R) Rogers (R) Barr (R)

72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

CAREER

x P x P P P P x x x x x P x

P P P P P P P P x x x P P x

x P x P P P P x x x x x P x

x P x P P P P x P x x x P x

P P P P P P P P x x P P P x

x P x P P P P x x x x x P x

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

x P x P P P P x x x x x P x

x P x NV P P P x x x x x P x

33 100 33 100 100 100 100 33 22 11 22 33 100 11

27 93 39 94 100 100 100 28 22 15 22 27 96 11

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

91 100

x x

x P

x P

x P

P P

x P

P P

x x

x NV

22 75

26 42

P P P P P P P P P P P x x P x x P x

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P x P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P x P P x P P x

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P x P P x

P P NV x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P x x P x P P x

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P NV NV P

P P P P P P P P P P P P x P NV P P x

P P P P P P P P P P P P x P x NV NV x

100 100 100 89 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 67 56 100 25 86 100 33

95 93 100 87 91 100 95 87 95 94 91 56 53 100 25 52 89 28

P x x x x x P x x

NV P P P P P P P P

P x x x x x P x x

P P x x P P P P x

P P P P P P P P P

P x x x x x P x x

P P P P P P P P P

P x P x x x P P P

P x x x x x P x x

100 44 44 33 44 44 100 56 44

100 33 32 26 44 39 95 29 27

x x P x

P P P P

x x P x

P P P P

P P P P

P P P x

P P P P

P P P P

x x P x

67 67 100 56

67 67 96 56

x x P x

P P P x

x x P x

x P P x

x P P P

x x P x

P P P P

x x P x

x x P x

22 44 100 22

22 44 95 29

x x P x x x

P P P x P P

x x P x P x

P P P x P P

P P P x P P

x x P x P x

P P P x P P

x x P x x P

x x NV x x x

44 44 100 0 67 56

30 35 97 18 45 35

290

311

38

%P

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

53

HOW THEY VOTED

117th Congress: HOUSE Vote # Year

Louisiana 1 Scalise (R) 2 Carter (D) 3 Higgins (R) 4 Johnson (R) 5 Letlow (R) 6 Graves (R) Maine Pingree (D) 1 2

Golden (D)

Maryland 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Harris (R) Ruppersberger (D) Sarbanes (D) O Brown (D) Hoyer (D) Trone (D) Mfume (D) Raskin (D)

Massachusetts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Neal (D) McGovern (D) Trahan (D) Auchincloss (D) Clark (D) Moulton (D) Pressley (D) Lynch (D) Keating (D)

Michigan Bergman (R) 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Huizenga (R) D Meijer (R) Moolenaar (R) Kildee (D) R Upton (R) Walberg (R)

Slotkin (D) D Levin (D) McClain (R) Stevens (D) Dingell (D) Tlaib (D) R Lawrence (D)

Minnesota Vacant 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8

Craig (D) Phillips (D) McCollum (D) Omar (D) Emmer (R) Fischbach (R)

Stauber (R)

Mississippi Kelly (R) 1 2

3

4 54

Thompson (D) Guest (R) D Palazzo (R)

CONTINUED

72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

CAREER

x I x x I x

P P x x P P

x P P x P P

P P x x P P

P P x P P x

x P x x x x

P P P P P P

x P P P x x

x P x x x x

44 100 33 33 63 44

27 100 31 27 63 24

P x

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 89

95 91

x P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P

P P P P P NV P P

x P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P

22 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

16 97 95 90 94 100 91 87

P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P

P x P P P P x P P

P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P

100 89 100 100 100 100 89 100 100

95 94 100 100 93 93 83 99 96

x x x x P x x P P x P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P x P

x x P x P P x P P x P P P P

P x P x P P P P P x P P P P

P x P P P P x P P x P P x P

x x P x P P x P P x P P NV P

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P x P x P P x P P x P P P P

x x x x P x x P P x P P NV P

56 22 78 33 100 78 33 100 100 22 100 100 71 100

48 18 78 32 92 52 23 100 96 22 100 90 80 95

P P P P x x x

P P P x P P P

P P P P x x x

P P P P P P P

P P P x P P P

P P P P x x x

P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P

P P P P x x x

100 100 100 78 56 56 56

100 100 97 78 33 56 61

x P x x

P P x x

x P x x

x P P x

P P P P

x P x x

P P P P

x P x x

x P x x

33 100 33 22

26 93 30 26

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Vote # Year

Missouri Bush (D) 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8

Wagner (R) Luetkemeyer (R) S Hartzler (R) Cleaver (D) Graves (R) S Long (R) Smith (R)

Montana AL

Rosendale (R)

Nebraska Flood (R) 1

Bacon (R) Smith (R)

2

3

Nevada Titus (D) 1 2

Amodei (R) Lee (D) Horsford (D)

3

4

New Hampshire Pappas (D) 1 2

Kuster (D)

New Jersey Norcross (D) 1 2

3

4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Van Drew (R) Kim (D) Smith (R) Gottheimer (D) Pallone (D) Malinowski (D) R Sires (D) Pascrell (D) Payne (D) Sherrill (D) Watson Coleman (D)

New Mexico Stansbury (D) 1 2

Herrell (R) Fernandez (D)

3

New York 1 O Zeldin (R) 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

O R

R R

Garbarino (R) Suozzi (D) Rice (D) Meeks (D) Meng (D) Velazquez (D) Jeffries (D) Clarke (D) Nadler (D) Malliotakis (R) Maloney (D) Espaillat (D) Ocasio-Cortez (D) Torres (D) Bowman (D) Jones (D) Maloney (D) Vacant Tonko (D) Stefanik (R) Tenney (R) Vacant Katko (R) Morelle (D) Higgins (D) Jacobs (R)

72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

CAREER

P x x x P x x x

x P x x P x P x

P x x x P x x x

P P P P P P x x

x P P P P P x P

P x x x P x x x

P P P P P P P P

P P x x P x x x

P x x x P x x x

78 56 33 33 100 33 22 22

78 39 34 30 96 32 16 17

x

x

x

x

x

x

P

x

x

11

11

I x x

I P P

I x x

I P x

I P P

I x x

I P P

I P x

x x x

0 56 33

0 55 22

P x P P

P P P P

P P P P

P P P P

P P P P

P P P P

P P P P

P NV P P

P x P P

100 75 100 100

92 36 100 100

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

P P

100 100

100 90

P x P x P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P

P x P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P

P x P P P P P P P P P x

P x P x P P P P P P P P

P P P P NV P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P

P x P P P P P P P NV P P

100 44 100 78 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 89

93 70 100 62 97 89 100 95 98 91 100 88

I x P

P x P

P x P

P P P

P x P

P x P

P P P

P P P

P x P

100 33 100

100 33 100

x x P P P P P P P P x P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P P P P P P x P x P P

x x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

x P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

x x P P P P P P NV P x P P P P P P P

22 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 78 100 100 89 100 89 100 100

29 67 87 93 96 92 92 94 92 93 78 94 84 87 100 89 100 86

P x x

P P P

P x x

P P P

P P P

P x x

P P P

P x x

P x x

100 44 44

95 59 53

x P P x

P P P P

P P P x

P P P P

P P P P

P P P x

P P P P

P P P x

P P P x

89 100 100 44

71 100 96 40

290

311

38

%P

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

55

HOW THEY VOTED

117th Congress: HOUSE Vote # Year

North Carolina 1 R Butterfield (D) 2 Ross (D) 3 Murphy (R) 4 R Price (D) 5 Foxx (R) 6 Manning (D) 7 Rouzer (R) 8 Hudson (R) 9 Bishop (R) 10 McHenry (R) 11 D Cawthorn (R) 12 Adams (D) 13 S Budd (R)

North Dakota Armstrong (R) AL Ohio 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Chabot (R) Wenstrup (R) Beatty (D) Jordan (R) Latta (R) Johnson (R) R Gibbs (R) Davidson (R)

Kaptur (D) Turner (R) Brown (D) Balderson (R) S Ryan (D) Joyce (R) Carey (R) R Gonzalez (R)

Oklahoma 1 2 3 4 5

Hern (R) S Mullin (R) Lucas (R) Cole (R) Bice (R)

Oregon Bonamici (D) 1 2

3

4

5

Bentz (R) Blumenauer (D) R DeFazio (D) D Schrader (D)

Pennsylvania Fitzpatrick (R) 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8 9

10

11

12 13 14

56

Boyle (D) Evans (D) Dean (D) Scanlon (D) Houlahan (D) Wild (D)

Cartwright (D)

Meuser (R) Perry (R) Smucker (R) R Keller (R) Joyce (R) Reschenthaler (R)

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

CONTINUED

72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

CAREER

P P x P x P x x x x x P x

P P P P P P P P x P P P x

P P x P x P x x x P x P x

P P x P P P P P x x P P P

P P P P P P P P x P P P P

P P x P x P x x x x x P x

P P P P P P P P x P P P P

P P x P x P x P x x P P NV

P P x P x P x x x NV x P x

100 100 33 100 44 100 44 56 0 50 56 100 38

97 100 29 95 29 100 27 21 7 30 56 93 27

x

x

x

P

P

x

P

x

x

33

32

x x P x x x x x P x I x P x I x

P P P x P P P x P P I P P P I P

x x P x x x NV x P P I x P x I P

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x x P x x x x x P P P x P P x P

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x x P x x x x x P x P x P x x x

56 44 100 11 44 56 50 11 100 75 100 44 100 67 67 78

19 26 96 10 23 41 29 16 92 52 100 43 95 54 67 57

x x x x x

x P P P P

x x x P x

x x P P P

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x x x P P

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x x x x x

11 33 56 78 56

17 32 39 43 56

P x P P P

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Vote # Year

Pennsylvania cont.

15 Thompson (R) 16 Kelly (R) 17 S Lamb (D) 18 R Doyle (D) Rhode Island Cicilline (D) 1 2 R Langevin (D) South Carolina Mace (R) 1 2

3

4

5 6 7

Wilson (R) Duncan (R) Timmons (R) Norman (R) Clyburn (D) D Rice (R)

South Dakota Johnson (R) AL Tennesee Harshbarger (R) 1 2

3

4

5 6 7 8 9

Burchett (R) Fleischmann (R) DesJarlais (R) R Cooper (D) Rose (R) Green (R) Kustoff (R) Cohen (D)

Texas 1 O Gohmert (R) 2

3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

32 33 34 35 36

Crenshaw (R) R Taylor (R) Fallon (R) Gooden (R) Ellzey (R) Fletcher (D) R Brady (R) Green (D) McCaul (R) Pfluger (R) Granger (R) Jackson (R) Weber (R) Gonzalez (D) Escobar (D) Sessions (R) Jackson Lee (D) Arrington (R) Castro (D) Roy (R) Nehls (R) Gonzales (R) Van Duyne (R) Williams (R) Burgess (R) Cloud (R) Cuellar (D) Garcia (D) R Johnson (D) Carter (R) Allred (D) Veasey (D) Flores (R) Doggett (D) Babin (R)

72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

117th %P

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290

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HOW THEY VOTED

117th Congress: HOUSE 72 2021

2021

2021

2021

2022

65

66 2022

86 2022

149 2022

344 2022

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94

Virginia 1 Wittman (R) 2 Luria (D) 3 Scott (D) 4 McEachin (D) 5 Good (R) 6 Cline (R) 7 Spanberger (D) 8 Beyer (D) 9 Griffith (R) 10 Wexton (D) 11 Connolly (D)

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Vote # Year

Utah 1 2

3

4

Moore (R) Stewart (R) Curtis (R) Owens (R)

Washington 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

DelBene (D) Larsen (D) D Herrera Beutler (R) Newhouse (R) McMorris Rodgers (R) Kilmer (D) Jayapal (D) Schrier (D)

Smith (D) Strickland (D)

West Virginia 1 2 3

D McKinley (R) Mooney (R) Miller (R)

Wisconsin Steil (R) 1 2

3

4

5

6

7 8

Pocan (D) R Kind (D) Moore (D) Fitzgerald (R) Grothman (R) Tiffany (R)

Gallagher (R)

Wyoming AL D Cheney (R)

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Your donation to NARFE works 365 days a year.

GIVE TODAY and we’ll send you this calendar to remind you of the great things that NARFE does for you every day.

Go to www.narfe.org/calendar to or more will go a long request your calendar.

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PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: NARFE DONATE NOW, Attn: Fundraising 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

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PEN SEASON REPORT

2022 OPEN SEASON: NOVEMBER 7 – DECEMBER 12 FEHB PLAN CHANGES

T

he 2022 Federal Benefits Open Season will run from Monday, November 7, through Monday, December 12.

During Open Season, federal employees may enroll or change their current enrollments in several federal insurance benefit programs: the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS).

Federal retirees and survivors may make changes to their current enrollment in FEHB and FEDVIP. Open Season is the only time of the year when enrollees in FEDVIP can cancel their enrollment.

In early October, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will release information regarding the 2022 premiums and benefit changes for the numerous insurance plans participating in these federal programs. This occurs well ahead of the start date of Open Season in order to give everyone enough time to study the options and decide whether to make a change.

NARFE will publish selected premium rates and information in the November and December issues of NARFE Magazine. The information will also be posted on NARFE’s website at www. narfe.org.

60

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

THIS YEAR’S FOCUS

Generally, OPM encourages carriers to consider a broad range of value- and evidence-based plan designs. In its annual call for carriers earlier this year, OPM announced its focus on advancing health equity and ensuring the federal government, as the largest employer in the country, offers competitive, comprehensive health insurance benefits to its employees, annuitants, their families, and other eligible persons and groups. For the 2023 plan year, OPM requested particular emphasis on certain areas of concern: • Maternal Health: America has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among high-income countries despite significantly higher spending on maternity care.

Additionally, 50,000 women in the U.S. each year experience pregnancy complications or severe maternal morbidity, which includes unexpected and life-threatening outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to their health. Racial disparities persist even when controlling for education, income, maternal age, hypertension, and receipt of prenatal care.

OPM is urgeing FEHB carriers to consider expanding coverage and services in support of prenatal and postpartum care including, but not limited to, childbirth education classes,

group prenatal care, home visiting programs or home health care during pregnancy and postpartum, and care management for highrisk pregnancies. OPM also encourages FEHB carriers to increase communication efforts to FEHB members who are either pregnant or of childbearing age.

• Gender Affirming Care and Services: In the 2023 plan year, OPM is focused on furthering ways FEHB carriers can improve access to gender affirming care for transgender and gender diverse individuals.

This focus is in accordance with Executive Order 14035, which directs OPM to “promote equitable healthcare coverage and services for enrolled LGBTQ+ employees” and their covered family members through the FEHB Program. For the 2023 plan year, individuals diagnosed with and/or undergoing evaluation for gender dysphoria must be provided the option to use a Care Coordinator to assist and support them as they seek gender affirming care and services. This aligns with the

practice of care coordination offered for other complex diagnoses or conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, advanced cardiovascular disease, kidney disease). OPM also is instructing FEHB carriers to review their formularies to ensure that transgender and genderdiverse individuals have equitable access to medications including medically necessary hormonal therapies. Clinical criteria should be evidence-based, transparent, easy to access and not impose unnecessary barriers to medically necessary care.

• Obesity: Obesity serves as a major risk factor for developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, renal disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and certain types of cancer. Obesity disproportionally affects some ethnic and/or racial groups.

Estimates have shown that the annual medical cost for people who have obesity are on average 42% -75% higher than those of normal weight, with costs increasing significantly with the severity of obesity.

Does MHBP have plans that work for retirees? We do.

MHBP has plans for every stage of your life.

We offer plans with highly competitive rates that are full of great features. And we understand how a health plan’s programs can help you live a healthy lifestyle.

As we approach Open Enrollment, be sure to check out all your options.

HERE’S HOW TO LEARN MORE

© 2021 Aetna, Inc. Plans offered by First Health Life & Health Insurance Company. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. This is a brief description of the features of the plans. Before making a final decision, please read the Plan's Federal brochure. All Benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure. © 2021 Aetna, Inc. 19.22.320.1-OCT (8/21)

Visit MHBP.com

Call 800-410-7778

Get live help with a one-on-one consultation, live chat or webinars

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

61

OPEN SEASON REPORT

Timely management of obesity can be cost effective, lower health risks, and prevent disease progression. OPM is instructing FEHB carriers that they are not allowed to exclude anti-obesity medications from coverage based on a benefit exclusion or a carve out. Further, FEHB carriers must have adequate coverage of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications on the formulary to meet patient needs and must include their exception process within their proposal.

COMMON FEHB OPEN SEASON QUESTIONS

Will my current health plan continue to participate in the FEHB program?

Don’t assume that your urrent plan will remain in the program or have the same coverage this year. The FEHB program adds new plans and drops others each year, and plans can change from year to year. For instance, you may find that your premium stays the same, but certain medical procedures are not covered the way they have been in the past. The best way to stay on top of upcoming changes is to read the information available from your health plan and from OPM. To ensure you do not miss any critical communication, make sure your current address is on file with both OPM and your FEHB plan.

My health plan will continue to participate in the FEHB program next year. What should I do if I want to stay with my present enrollment?

If you are satisfied with your present health insurance coverage, don’t do anything—your plan will automatically continue unless you make a change or your plan option is terminated. But do confirm that all aspects of your plan are remaining the same before making this commitment.

My health plan will not be participating next year. What happens if I do not change to another plan before Open Season ends?

If your current plan will not be participating in the FEHB program in the upcoming year,

62

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

you may elect a new plan during Open Season.

In the event of a plan termination, if you don’t proactively make an election during Open Season, by regulation, the employing agency (if employed) or OPM (if retired) will enroll the employee/annuitant in the lowest cost nationwide plan.

How do I get a plan brochure for Open Season? I didn’t get the one I expected in the mail.

Health insurance carriers are no longer required to send plan brochures through the mail. You can view the brochures online at OPM’s website (www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/plan-information/plans/) or call your carrier using the contact information on your health plan ID card.

What changes are permitted during Open Season?

During Open Season, you may enroll, cancel an enrollment, change plans or options, and waive or begin participation in premium conversion. If you waived participation in premium conversion, you can change from Self and Family enrollment to a Self Only enrollment or cancel your enrollment at any time.

I am a federal annuitant. Can I change my enrollment to Self Plus One during Open Season or was enrollment in Self Plus One required in the five years leading up to my retirement?

No, you do not have to be enrolled in Self Plus One for the five years before you retire to change during Open Season.

If I make a change during Open Season, when will it be effective?

Open Season changes for annuitants are effective January 1. Changes for most current employees are effective the first day of the first full pay period in January. If you need medical services before the effective date of your Open Season enrollment, you should contact your old plan.

— NARFE FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE

TOGETHER, WE CAN SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

We’re proud to stand with The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) in supporting federal employees.

Through our quality coverage, nationwide network and helpful tools and resources, we’re dedicated to empowering active and retired federal employees to stay healthy.

See what we can do for you at fepblue.org.

This is a summary of the features of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. Before making a final decision, please read the Plan’s Federal brochure (RI 71-005). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure.

Managing Money

Bear Markets May Prove To Be an Opportunity

A

bear market occurs when an index, such as the S&P 500, has declined 20 percent or more from recent highs. By that definition, the S&P 500 entered official

bear market territory June 13, 2022.

Bear markets can invoke many emotions, especially the fear of losing more money, which can cause investors to make emotional mistakes.

Unfortunately, through selfdestructive moves such as futile attempts at timing the market, panicked selling after a drop in value, or deviating from a long-term investment strategy, investors have a habit of sabotaging their retirement portfolios.

To that point, I’ve recently spoken with many TSP participants who, fearful of further declines, have reduced or stopped their TSP contributions.

No question, it’s unnerving to watch the stock market drop, but reducing or stopping TSP contributions is a mistake.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides few opportunities to save for retirement in taxadvantaged accounts, and participants who stop TSP contributions are throwing away an opportunity if they reduce or stop contributions.

Fortunately, there’s no reason for participants to reduce or stop contributions to avoid losing money, as the TSP allows participants to set two allocations – one allocation for the current balance and a 64

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

separate allocation for future contributions. Rather than reducing contributions, nervous participants may simply direct contributions to the G fund, which will not decline in value (please note I’m not advocating or suggesting this).

There’s an alternative strategy to consider, however—embracing

BEAR MARKETS CAN INVOKE MANY EMOTIONS, ESPECIALLY THE FEAR OF LOSING MORE MONEY, WHICH CAN CAUSE INVESTORS TO MAKE EMOTIONAL MISTAKES.

the market volatility and directing contributions to the TSP’s stock funds rather than a low-risk, low-return investment like the G fund. Even though you may feel like you’re throwing good money at bad, bear markets can prove to be an opportunity, especially for active participants who are dollar cost averaging into the TSP. Dollar cost averaging (DCA) is the process of buying a fixed

dollar amount of an investment at regular intervals. With DCA, fewer shares are purchased when prices are high and more shares are purchased when prices are low, which can make DCA a good way to invest during periods of market volatility.

For example, consider the 2008 bear market when between October 2007 and March 2009, the S&P 500 declined about 57% before recovering in full by March 20121. As I illustrated in the September 2021 NARFE webinar, “Understanding TSP Funds and How to Diversify for Your Life Stage,” a $54,000 lump sum investment into the TSP’s C Fund on October 1, 2007, would have fallen to about $26,000 by March 2009 before recovering to its original value of $54,000 by March 2012 (assuming no contributions)2.

By contrast, let’s assume a TSP participant invested $1,000 each month into the C Fund over the entire 54-month period, beginning October 2007 and ending March 2012. In this case, the TSP participant invested a total of $54,000 into the C Fund, but would have had balance of nearly $70,000 by March 20122.

JP Morgan Asset Management Source: www.tsp.gov. The performance is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.

Investor returns may differ from the results shown.

This is an illustration of a simulated investment that assumes the initial investment was made on the first day of the period indicated. The performance data represents past performance and is not indicative of future results.

1 2

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

In other words, over the 54-month period, when the S&P 500 and C Fund delivered a 0% total return, the $1,000 monthly investment would have earned an annualized return of about 11 percent.

The point of this isn’t to say a dollar cost averaging strategy won’t lose money. In this case, there was a point when the value of the C Fund was less than the amount invested. In fact, in March of 2009, the low point for the S&P 500, the monthly investments totaled $17,000 while the value of the C Fund was only about $10,500.

Rather, the point is to illustrate how dollar cost averaging throughout an entire bear market cycle can benefit TSP participants, and to

highlight the fact TSP participants can maintain an allocation for their current balance that allows them to sleep at night while allocating their contributions more aggressively to take advantage of market volatility.

MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK. SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA), MEMBER FINRA/SIPC. ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT LLC AND SFA. MARK KEEN IS A REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF SFA AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE OF SFA AND STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT, LLC. SFA AND STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT ARE AFFILIATED THROUGH COMMON OWNERSHIP BUT OTHERWISE UNAFFILIATED WITH KEEN & POCOCK. NEITHER STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT NOR SFA PROVIDE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE.

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2020_02_NARFE_Apr_HHoriz.indd 1

2/12/20 9:51 AM

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65

NARFE News PREVIOUS ISSUES OF NARFE MAGAZINE

NARFE 2022 Fall Membership Drive Is Underway

N

ARFE kicked off our annual Fall Membership Drive on September 1, and the program will run through December 31, 2022. Current members can earn $10

for each new member they recruit, as well as other prizes (go to www.narfe.org/officer-resources and search for “Membership Officer Resources” for complete rules).

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

To assist you in your recruiting efforts, we have a wide range of resources you can use to introduce active and retired federal employees to NARFE. To access them, log in and visit www.narfe.org/membershipresources, where you will find many helpful tools, including: • A recruitment email template that incorporates a testimonial

66

NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

• The NARFE membership brochure, with powerful talking points • An “elevator speech” to help

WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF RESOURCES YOU CAN USE TO INTRODUCE ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO NARFE. you quickly and effectively explain the benefits of NARFE membership • The “About NARFE” video if you have an opportunity to make a short introduction to NARFE and want the impact of professional, polished media

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

• A membership presentation script that covers NARFE’s advocacy efforts and all our key member benefits • PowerPoint slides that sync up with the script and show all the ways NARFE helps members get more out of their federal benefits • A full-color ad you can download featuring a member testimonial • Excerpts from NARFE Magazine you can download and send to prospects, including the article “Open Season: Worth Another Look” If you need printed supplies to support your efforts (membership flyers, applications, copies of NARFE Magazine, etc.), you’ll find a link to the F-18 Requisition for Printed Supplies interactive online order form on the “Officer Resources” page which you can use to place your order. If you have questions, please email our membership development team at membership@narfe.org or call us at 800-456-8410. Thank you for your commitment and support. Together, we can help NARFE grow!

—DAVE BOWMAN, SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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to NARFE programs

Join the Silver Circle

Enclosed is my NARFE Silver Circle Contribution: $ ________

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE (write Silver Circle on memo line)

Name: ___________________________________________________________

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

PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: NARFE / 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314 or donate online at www.narfe.org/ silvercircle With NARFE’s thanks, you will receive: • A Silver Circle pin and recognition on narfe.org with a donation of $100 or more.

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

Address: _________________________________________________________

Silver Circle contributions are NOT tax-deductible.

Name: (please print) _______________________________________________

City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________

Credit Card Information: q M/C q VISA q Discover q AMEX Card Number: ____________________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______ (mm)/ _____ (yy)

Security Code: ______________

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____ / ___/____

Support Alzheimer’s Research NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $15 Million Fund $14,637,710.96* *Total as of July 31, 2022. All contributed funds go directly to Alzheimer’s research, with the exception of funds given to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or The Longest Day.

If you have any questions, write to: National Committee Chair Olivia Williams 22 Garden Springs Road Columbia, SC 29209 OR EMAIL: oeashf3@gmail.com MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research (write your chapter number on memo line)

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

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________ Chapter number: __________________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633

Credit Card Information: q M/C q VISA q Discover q AMEX

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

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____ / ___ / ______

Give to the

NARFE-FEEA Fund MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-FEEA Fund PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: FEEA 1641 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314

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

Card Number: ____________________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______ (mm)/ ____(yy)

Security Code: _______________

Name: (please print) _______________________________________________

The NARFE-FEEA Fund supports NARFE members during disasters; provides scholarships to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and funds other programs to support NARFE members at the direction of NARFE and FEEA. Enclosed is my NARFE-FEEA Fund Contribution: $ ________ Name: ___________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________

To make credit card or e-check contributions, visit www.feea.org/givenarfe.

NARFE News

Enter NARFE’s Photo Calendar Contest

C

apture the image that conveys your interpretation of the phrase “Colors of America” and submit it to the 2023 NARFE Photo Contest. Winning photos will be featured in the 2024 NARFE Calendar. Submissions will be accepted from now through February 10, 2023 Spread the word about the contest to friends and colleagues.

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

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

CONTEST GUIDELINES

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

• Each member is limited to five photo entries and must put the following information on a piece

2022 FEDERATION CONFERENCES This information was correct as of press time in late August.

CONNECTICUT: October 12 in Cromwell FLORIDA: October 13-16 in Jacksonville WASHINGTON: October 11-13 online; contact Steven Roy, stevenroy1@ comcast.net.

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

of paper taped to the back of each photo: title, description (up to 15 words), member name, address, chapter (if applicable), email address and phone number.

• No photos of children or pets, please.

• Photos sent by email will not be

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

Photos for the 2024 calendar will be selected and winners

accepted. No Polaroids. Photos will not be returned.

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

notified by the end of June 2023.

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

Share Your Interests on FEDHub

N

ARFE members from specific groups or agencies can connect with fellow active and retired Feds who share their interestes in targeted communities on FEDHub. These include: • The Retirement Zone: Active federal employees approaching retirement can post questions and get answers from peers who’ve recently retired, as well as from our federal benefits experts.

• U.S. Postal Service Community: Discuss the latest USPS news, connect with old friends or make some new ones.

• Federal Human Resources Professionals: Discuss recent and emerging developments at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and in federal HR management.

Have an idea for a community?

Share your thoughts at www. narfe.org/fedhub-communityrequest-form/.

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

Active and Retired Federal Employees ...

Join NARFE Today!

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

Who Should Join NARFE?

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

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

• Get NARFE Magazine with news and insights for the federal community.

• Save time, hassle and money with NARFE Perks.

• The opportunity to get involved at the local level by joining a chapter in your area.

1Q6

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

q

q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.

q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE) q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) q Charge my: q MasterCard

______________________________________________

Full Name

______________________________________________

Street Address

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

City

State

ZIP

______________________________________________

Phone

______________________________________________

Email

I am a (check all that apply) q Active Federal Employee

q Active Federal Employee Spouse

q Annuitant Spouse

q VISA

q Discover

q AMEX

___________________________________________ Card No. Expiration Date _____ /________ mm

Apt./Unit

q Annuitant

PAYMENT OPTIONS

yyyy

___________________________________________ Name on Card ___________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date

TOTAL DUES $48 Annual Dues X ___________ = ___________ Per Person # Enrolling Total Dues Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

q Survivor Annuitant

q Please enroll my spouse _________________________________________

Spouse’s Full Name

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

_________________________________________

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

THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN

MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? Did someone introduce you to NARFE? Please provide their Name and Member ID.

Spouse’s Email

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

2. Join online at www.NARFE.org.

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

___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Name ___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members, and will not be sold or rented to third parties.

(01/21)

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

PRODUCTS...........................................................................................................................................

ADT Home Security | 844-892-3513 | https://Partners.ADT.com/SSE-P1

Get your ADT-monitored home security system today for $28.99 a month with AND $100 Visa reward card from Protect Your Home ADT Authorized Premier Provider. *New customers only. Visit website for full details of offer.

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

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

LegalShield | 410-419-7130 | www.legalshield.com/info/narfe

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

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

(Previously Office Depot/Office Max)

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

Purchasing Power | www.PurchasingPower.com/NARFE

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

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

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

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

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

Member Options Auto and Home Insurance Program - Save Money with Multiple Quotes! Get quotes from top-rated insurance carriers on Auto, Home, Renters, Pet insurance and more in a matter of minutes.

Answer a few simple questions online or over the phone with our licensed insurance experts to compare multiple options that meet your specific needs. To review and choose what’s best for you, go to the link above or call 833-378-8224.

PRE-PLANNING...................................................................................................................................

Neptune Society | 800-NEPTUNE (637-8863) | www.neptunesociety.com

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

MOVING SERVICES..................................................................................................................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Collette Travel | 844-311-6563 | www.gocollette.com

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

NEW!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WELLNESS....................................................................................................................................................

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

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

Discounts are for new move-ins/customers only.

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

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

Operator code BKHN075.

ADDITIONAL PERKS................................................................................................................................

SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE AT

www.NARFE.ORG/memberperks

The Way We Worked

WPA Men at Work This 1936 photograph shows Works Progress Administration (WPA) laborers building a fence at the Lower Souris National Wildlife Refuge—now the J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge—in North Dakota.

The WPA was a New Deal agency created in 1935 to hire workers for federal public works projects. Some of the projects supported infrastructure, such as public buildings, bridges and roads.

Workers from the WPA and Civilian Conservation Corps, another New Deal agency, built and expanded nearly half of the National Wildlife Refuge System’s stations in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska in the late 1930s until the programs were discontinued in the early 1940s.

PHOTO from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, courtesy of Meg Van Ness, Regional Historic Preservation Officer, FWS, in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org.

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NARFE MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

DID YOU KNOW? The Works Progress Administration employed more than 8.5 million people on 1.4 million public projects during the Great Depression.

Learn more at www.narfe.org/ wpa-history.

5 Great Reasons

Why Oticon MoreTM could be the answer to your hearing problems.

1 Oticon More with Brain HearingTM technology

A revolutionary hearing aid that gives the brain more of the relevant information it needs to make better sense of sound. So you can get better speech understanding with less effort and the ability to remember more.

2

3

Connectivity made easy

Never change a battery again

Simple, wireless connectivity to your favorite devices via Bluetooth®. Make hands-free calls, stream music, connect to smart devices and more!

A trouble-free rechargeable solution allows you to recharge at night for a full day of hearing. FREE charger included!1

4

5

The hearing aid with built-in intelligence

Take advantage of your $2500 benefit

Works more like how the brain works because it learned through experience. Clinical studies prove Oticon More delivers 30% more sound to the brain and increases speech understanding.2

Exclusive pricing for NARFE members. Your insurance may cover all or part of the cost. Call for more information.3

This special offer for federal employees and retirees is available only at Your Hearing Network locations. To find your location call

877-696-5335

Lithium-ion battery performance varies depending on hearing loss, lifestyle and streaming behavior. 2Compared to Oticon Opn STM, Santurette, et al. 2020. Oticon More clinical evidence. Oticon Whitepaper. 3Your out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on plan benefits, eligibility, deductible, co-insurance, and model of device chosen.

This is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Benefit is not available through all insurance plans. Please call us to verify your coverage.

1

Members,

Pay $0

out-of-pocket!

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members may be eligible for two fully covered hearing aids with zero out-of-pocket cost on many models when applying your hearing aid benefit*. HearUSA offers all these features and follows all safety protocols for our customers and employees. Call 1-855-252-0025 to discover more or visit www.blue365deals.com/hearusa.

EXPERIENCE - HearUSA has been changing lives through better hearing since 1987 and a proud NARFE Circle Sponsor since 2016.

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

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

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

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

Three-year manufacturer’s warranty covers repairs Three-year loss and damage coverage provides peace of mind One-year of FREE batteries eliminates an extra expense One year of FREE in-office service will get you off to a great start!

Call 1-855-252-0025 to schedule a FREE in-person or telehealth hearing appointment today! *The Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit for Standard and Basic Option up to $2,500 total every 5 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. FEP Blue Focus does not have a hearing aid benefit.

Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure. Blue365® offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services that members may purchase from independent vendors, which are not covered benefits under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental and/or Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision. These products and services will be offered to you through the entire benefit year.

During the year, the independent vendors may offer additional discounts on these products and services. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the customer service number on your member ID card. Any disputes regarding your health insurance products and services may be subject to your plan’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from vendors providing products and services on or accessible through the Site. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific vendor, product or service available under or through the Blue365 Program or Site.