January 2021 Scoop

2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: New year means no retiree health care for new hires

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Friday, January 1, 2021

Headlines https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--New-year-means-no-retiree-health-care-for-new-hires.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=JEiBF0X4y5k

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: New year means no retiree health care for new hires

New hires no longer offered health care at retirement Starting today, newly hired state employees and teachers will no longer receive health care benefits at retirement. A provision in the 2017 state budget ends this benefit, which has been seen as a great recruiting tool for state government. Several news agencies reached out to SEANC to discuss the issue this week.

Director of Government Relations Suzanne Beasley pointed out that the State Health Plan will not see savings from the change for 30 years. A more effective approach to saving money with the health plan is to fully implement the Clear Pricing Project, which would help rein in health care costs and provide transparency to hospital billing.

COVID outbreak at Tabor prison claims life of leader Tragic news out of Tabor Correctional Institution this week, as the Charlotte Observer reported that more than 670 inmates and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, and two of its top leaders died in December.

Associate warden Julian Priest, a 29-year veteran of the state prison system, died from coronavirus complications on Dec. 24, his son confirmed. The prison’s warden, 46-year-old Brad Perritt, also died, on Dec. 15, though, a family member said that Perritt did not die as a result of COVID-19.

SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins said the situation at Tabor should show state leaders that more needs to be done to protect state employees at our prisons. Specifically, she said, the movement of inmates needs to end.

"If the governor is encouraging individuals to stay in their homes, it seems we'd be rational enough to shut down the movements in our prison system," Watkins said.

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: New year means no retiree health care for new hires

Membership

Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: New year means no retiree health care for new hires

See the difference with SEANC's vision plans SEANC offers three nationwide vision plans through Spectera that include eye exams, lenses, eyeglass frames and contact lenses. The enhanced plan option covers many eyeglass lens extras, such as progressive lenses.

Discounts are available on non-covered cosmetic options and laser vision correction procedures.

Learn more

Save your smile with SEANC dental insurance SEANC's United Health Care dental plan includes an annual deductible from $25 to $50 and preventative care is 100% covered with no deductible for two visits per year. Rates start at just $23.21 per month for the member standard option, and once the plan is in effect, there are no waiting periods.

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Discount of the Week Find discounts in your area with PerksConnect Take advantage of thousands of discounts at local and national businesses through the SEANC PerksConnect website! Discounts are available in automotive, beauty, clothing, entertainment, financial services, fitness & wellness, food & dining, health & medical services, contractors, insurance, legal services, event services, real estate services, retail, travel and more. You can also search for discounts specifically in your location.

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: New year means no retiree health care for new hires

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

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Friday, January 8, 2021

Headlines

COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page The New York Times exposed the dangers of COVID outbreaks facing N.C. correctional officers in a front-page article in last Saturday’s issue. In the article, SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins called for the transfer of inmates or staff between correctional facilities as well as jails be halted until the pandemic is under control.

“The nature of the job is, ‘anything could happen, including getting killed.’ But what they’re not used to is knowing that going to work might mean their family can get a disease that they could die from,” she said.

Watkins also pointed out, “People don’t see the prison system. They don’t think about it. In this pandemic, the work that’s done that is so dangerous is not being valued. So that frustration is growing. They feel like, as usual, they’re forgotten and left behind.” https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--COVID-dangers-at-N-C--prisons-highlighted-on-NY-Times-front-page.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=4B_8I…

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

SEANC continues to fight for increased safety for all state employees during the pandemic. If you have any concerns at your worksite, please reach out to us at seanccares@seanc.org.

Are you a SEANC member going to college? Do you have a son, daughter, legally adopted grandchild or a spouse going to college? Do you want help paying high tuition, room and board and even book bills?

Then apply today for a scholarship from the SEANC Scholarship Foundation.Applications for the 2021-22 academic year awards are now available online.

Last year, the SEANC Scholarship Foundation and SEANC’s districts gave out more than $100,000 to help members, their spouses and their dependents attend either two- or four-year institutions.

An application must be turned in to your district scholarship chairperson postmarked no later than April 15.

For more information, visit seanc.org/scholarship or contact Phyllis Byrd at (919) 833-6436.

In addition to the local scholarships offered by the districts, the SEANC Scholarship Foundation offers funding assistance in three categories:

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders and staff members who work to provide the best services to our members every day.

This week's profiles include a veteran and volunteer coach, a motorcycle enthusiast, and a Formula One racing fan!

Membership

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!

Save money on your auto/home insurance SEANC offers auto insurance through three companies.Take advantage of the special discounted group insurance rates you can receive as a SEANC member! Convenient payment plans such as payroll deduction, bank draft and direct billing are also available. You can receive a quote by using the information below.

Liberty Mutual 1-800-230-0827 Client Code: 101391 MetLife 1-800-438-6388 Discount Code: BMO Travelers 1-888-695-4640 Discount Code: 4110 Learn more

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: COVID dangers at N.C. prisons highlighted on NY Times front page

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns

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Friday, January 15, 2021

Headlines State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns The 2021 General Assembly long session opened on Wednesday with a largely ceremonial gathering.

Given the current climate nationally, the two parties pledged a more cordial tone in Raleigh over the next few months. Legislators will return on Jan. 27 to begin their work on a new state budget, issues facing the state caused by the ongoing pandemic, and more.

SEANC looks forward to working with legislators on both sides to ensure the issues facing state employees and retirees are addressed in this session. Our lobbyists will be on hand throughout the session to advocate for better pay, affordable health care and secure retirement for all of our members.

In other news this week: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--State-employees-honor-legacy-of-MLK--Jr---Legislature-returns.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=ZKPoLXEk…

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns

The State Treasurer’s office reported this week that despite economic upheaval, massive job losses, business shutdowns and uncertainty in the investment market throughout 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic, the state pension plan achieved a record $114.9 billion valuation entering 2021.

WUNC reported that three state auditors have told the General Assembly that the state health plan overpays providers. The state health plan reported to its own board of trustees in 2018 that the amount the plan pays for medical treatments was sometimes up to 10 times the cost of Medicare reimbursement rates. “That's sort of a nobrainer that overpaying to that amount is going to put your plan in financial jeopardy,” SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins said.

The state employees' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Program was held today. This program honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and announces the winner of the annual John R. Larkins Award, an accolade given to a state employee who demonstrates exceptional commitment to justice and equality. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/qC9oDCpHRGA

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns

Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders and staff members who work to provide the best services to our members every day.

This week's profiles include a Navy veteran, world traveler and former NC State Trombone player!

Membership Recruit for a chance to win $250 Recruit for SEANC! Every time you recruit a new member from NOW through JANUARY 31, you and the new member will be entered in a grand finale drawing to WIN $250!

Also, recruit at least one member now through Jan. 31, to receive $20 per member and be entered in Friday https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--State-employees-honor-legacy-of-MLK--Jr---Legislature-returns.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=ZKPoLXEk…

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns

drawings for prizes through the end of the month.

Learn more

If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.

Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!

Enroll in our new BenExtend product today Aflac is excited to offer to ALL SEANC members, including retirees, the new BenExtend product. BenExtend coverage is guaranteed-issue, which means you may qualify for coverage without having to answer health questions.

With hospitalization, critical illness, term life, and counseling benefits included, the Aflac BenExtend product is a wellrounded plan to help protect you and your loved ones from the unexpected.

Learn more

Discount of the Week https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--State-employees-honor-legacy-of-MLK--Jr---Legislature-returns.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=ZKPoLXEk…

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns

Now is a perfect time to refresh with Dell! I’m reaching out to share details on our upcoming 72 Hour Member Exclusive offer. This 72 hour event starts 1/19/2021 and runs through 1/23/2021.

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: State employees honor legacy of MLK, Jr.; Legislature returns

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2/19/2021

Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates

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Friday, January 22, 2021

Headlines Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates The Department of Public Safety announced this week COVID-19 vaccines are slowly being administered to staff and inmates. DPS reported that prisoners first started receiving shots Wednesday when the department received 1,000 doses of its allotment of the Moderna vaccine. NC Health News reported that 1-in-5 inmates have had COVID-19, and 40 have died.

Prison health care staff are currently administering the shots, though possible assistance from the state National Guard will help in coming weeks as more doses become available.

SEANC is here to assist any member with questions or concerns about the vaccine administration or any other problem that may arise. Please contact us at seanccares@seanc.org to let us know your issue.

In other news this week: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Department-of-Public-Safety-begins-COVID-vaccinations-for-staff--inmates.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=wIV34qmemQo

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2/19/2021

Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates

Humana announced this week that it will host New Member Orientation webinar events in coming months to help Medicare recipients on the State Health Plan learn more about the new Humana Medicare Advantage PPO plan.

Information about these events are available on the custom Humana State Health Plan website here. You may also register today for one of the webinars, just click here. After registering for a webinar, you will receive a registration confirmation email with instructions on how to log into the webinar on the day of the event.

Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders and staff members who work to provide the best services to our members every day.

This week's profiles include a dashiki designer, pianist and beach radio host who has been on 37 cruises!

Membership https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Department-of-Public-Safety-begins-COVID-vaccinations-for-staff--inmates.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=wIV34qmemQo

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2/19/2021

Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates

Want to help SEANC grow?

Recruit for SEANC! Every time you recruit a new member from NOW through JANUARY 31, you and the new member will be entered in a grand finale drawing to WIN $250!

Also, recruit at least one member now through Jan. 31, to receive $20 per member and be entered in Friday drawings for prizes through the end of the month. Need recruitment materials to get started? Let us know by emailing lcote@seanc.org.

Contact Us

If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.

Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!

Enroll in our Mass Mutual Final Expense product today SEANC now offers a Final Expense/Whole Life insurance policy to members by Mass Mutual. Final expense insurance is a type of whole life insurance designed to cover medical bills and funeral expenses when you pass. A final expense policy is also known as burial or funeral insurance and is popular with seniors.

Learn more

Benefits

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2/19/2021

Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates

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4/6

2/19/2021

Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates

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5/6

2/19/2021

Department of Public Safety begins COVID vaccinations for staff, inmates

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

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Friday, January 29, 2021

Legislators open session in earnest https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--Legislators-open-session-in-earnest.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=5R8sWFcJUFA

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

Legislators returned to Raleigh this week and got down to business in the 2021 General Assembly session. Bills impacting state employees and retirees were among the first filed in both chambers.

SEANC’s Government Relations team discussed House Bill 5, which would extend the state’s $15 minimum wage to non-certified public school personnel, as well as other bills filed at the start of session in this week’s Legislative Update.

Behind the Scenes with SEANC SEANC is proud to highlight the leaders and staff members who work to provide the best services to our members every day.

This week's profiles include a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, a collector of purses and a shopaholic.

Membership

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

Register for the New Member Event

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

Register for the Recruiter Event

Recruit for a chance to win $250!

Every time you recruit a new member now through Feb. 28, you and the new member will be entered in a drawing to win $250.

Contact SEANC Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote TODAY at lcote@seanc.org or 919-880-9815 to arrange the recruiting/materials assistance you need. Recruiters will receive $20 for every new member recruited.

Referral Member Program: Send us the name and contact information for a possible new member. If they sign up, you get $20!

Contact Us If you would like printed copies of the Membership Guide and Insurance Guide, please contact Director of Member Relations Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org. https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SEANC-Scoop--Legislators-open-session-in-earnest.html?soid=1134625057515&aid=5R8sWFcJUFA

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

Save with SEANC Insurance Reminder: You don't have to wait for open enrollment to take advantage of SEANC's Insurance programs. Visit seanc.org/insurance for more!

Secure Financial Protection for the Unexpected The Boston Mutual Critical Illness plus plan will provide you and your family with a peace of mind when the unexpected occurs. This plan provides benefits for Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, Coma, Paralysis, Severe Burns, Major Organ Transplant, ALS, Loss of Sight/Speech/Hearing, Benign Brain Tumor and End Stage Renal Disease.

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

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2/19/2021

SEANC Scoop: Legislators open session in earnest

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