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Retirees' Fall Fling 2008

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Open Season

NAPUS Postmasters Retired has a national email network (managed by Paul Youtsey @ pbybky@earthlink.net). This past summer there was numerous emails from retirees and spouses that were confused about Medicare A, B, D and their respective health plans.

I am going to try and discuss the retirees options with regards to our health plan options. To cover it all would be impossible. Each person reading this article will have a variable in their life that will affect how they choose a health plan. I just want to let you know what is available, and that you should spend some time to examine your particular circumstances.

There will be an Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program from November 10 through December 08, 2008. During this time, you may change the Health Plan that you are currently enrolled in.

So, I will try to add what little knowledge I have, mainly from personal experience. I will also list in this article, web pages and telephone numbers of organizations and government agencies that can further assist you.

First, let’s get the alphabet soup out of the way. FEHBP stands for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program. FEHB stands for Federal Employee Health Benefits. OPM is the US Office of Personnel Management. FEHBP is a group of plans that as employees and retirees, we are eligible to participate in. OPM overseas these plans and regulates them.

There is a multitude of plans available to us. The first word of advice is: If you are an annuitant and you terminate coverage under the FEHBP, you may not re-enroll. So, for most of us, we would want to maintain at least the very minimum plan so that we stay enrolled in the FEHBP. Once you leave the program as a retiree, you cannot go back into it.

The second word of advice is to use the Internet. If you are not comfortable with a computer, this is a great time to learn. Go to your public library and try one of theirs. Or see if there is an adult education class available in your area. Computers are here to stay and they will make your life a lot easier. Plus, all of the information for health plans that are available to you are on the Internet, just a mouse click away. The web address for OPM Health Benefits Information is: www.opm.gov/insure/health

However, if you do not want to use the Internet, the phone number for OPM, Retired Services is: 1-888-767-6738. The phone is manned from 7:30am until 7:45pm (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday.

The third word of advice is: Do your homework. You have to look over your present plan and see if perhaps you have too much coverage or perhaps too little. Do not take your present plan for granted. Plans change coverage from year to year and you should thoroughly read your present plans brochure and check for changes that might affect you. Are you covered by Medicare? Medicare B? Medicare D?

OPM wrote a letter basically stating that the prescription drug coverage offered by plans in the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program is, on the average, comparable to Medicare Part D. Thus, you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D and pay extra for prescription drug benefits. This letter may be found at: http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/medicare/disclosure.asp

Medicare B is a different story. Coverage under Medicare B is a viable option for retirees. Again, you have to do your homework. How is your health? Have you and your spouse had a lot of doctor visits? Review the deductible, coinsurance and co-payment features of your plan. Don’t forget the plan’s catastrophic coverage also.

According to the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, better known as NARFE, the majority of us Federal Retirees have Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage. The national dues for NARFE is around $40 a year, and if you can afford it, this is a great organization to belong to. They work hand in hand with NAPUS and other federal employee groups. They have very dedicated workers that can assist you in making the proper decisions regarding health and other retirement issues. Their magazine has a wealth of information in it with each issue. If you are a NARFE member, try to read their article titled “Medicare and Federal Health Benefits”.

With Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the 2009 Standard rates will be: Self-$152.06, Family-$356.59. In 2009, this coverage has a $15 co-pay for Doctor visits. There is a $300 deductible per year per member.

http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/09rates/nonpostalffs2009.pdf

If you have a fee-for-service plan such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, NALC, APWU and you are enrolled in Medicare B, Medicare pays first for most services. The FEHB plan picks up the difference in most cases. Between the two, they provide nearly complete coverage for all expenses (except prescriptions). Fee-for-service plans waive most of their deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments (except for prescription drugs) for Part B enrollees.

Medicare B will be $96.40 per month in 2009. For an individual with BC/BS and Medicare part B, the monthly cost would be $248.46 a month or $2981.50 per year. For a couple the cost would be: $549.39 a month or $6592.68 per year. These are considerable amounts of money, but this would cover almost all doctor and hospital costs that you might incur during the year.

One of the other items to consider when choosing a FEHB plan is if your travel or not. If you have an HMO, many of those plans limit the area of the state or country that they cover. If you need services outside that area, the monetary coverage is reduced.

I have tried to keep this as general as possible. I just would like to show you that a little planning and calculating could help you get the most coverage for your money. As Federal Retirees, we are fortunate to have the FEHBP. Organizations such as NAPUS and NARFE are in the forefront, fighting for our benefits. Please remember that these are benefits and not rights. They are subject to the powers that be, and without our organizations representation, they can and will be whittled away.

Ralph Viegelmann

FROM THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF THE RETIREES

RETIREES FALL FLING

Even though it has been some time since I hit the street with a satchel of mail I still enjoy the cooler weather and beauty of Fall. The cool, clear, crisp fall mornings with blue skies and low humidity always made that satchel a little lighter and the steps a little easier. Earlier today I had the opportunity to do some reminiscing with an Active Postmaster, Tom Gray, who was one of my supervisors when I was Postmaster of Albemarle. Now Tom is my Postmaster as I depend on him and his team to deliver my mail to me in Norwood. I used to be amazed at the many people who seemed to view the arrival of the mail as a highlight of their day. Now I am learning that the arrival of the mailman is an important event of the day. Even though I am usually gone when my carrier Susie Bowers or Andy Johnson deliver my mail I always have a feeling of anticipation as I swing open the lid of my box to see what is in it today. So Postmasters, carriers and clerks never forget that you are consistently “making somebody’s day” as you make your rounds and insure that people are enjoying one of the highlights of their day.
Tom refreshed my memories of function 4’s, grievances, the looming fear of doing or saying something that could be construed as harassment and many of the other negative emotions that tugged at my senses as I strove to complete my duties. But as I enjoy retirement I would have to say it “was worth it all”. So to Tom and all the other friends I made during my postal career, thanks for your support and friendship as I navigated the somewhat turbulent waters of Postal management.
I also had a conversation with another friend and former fellow postal employee, retired carrier Bob Furr from Albemarle. This conversation was similar to some I engaged in as Postmaster, the timeliness of mail delivery. He shared with me that his church had mailed newsletters on Tuesday that were delivered on Saturday. When he inquired he was told not to expect first class treatment for bulk mail rates, and that after all if they were delivered by Saturday that should be sufficient since they would have the newsletter before they went to church on Sunday. I spoke with another employee who said that after I retired the color code scenario went out the window. So I began to ponder. I recalled the days of the Harry Potter books, when the Postmaster’s job was on the line if the book wasn’t delivered on “Potter” day and political mail that had to be delivered on the stated date no matter how late the carriers were back or how much overtime was expended. I also recalled the day, ok it was nearly thirty years ago, that we were encouraged to give church mail a little extra effort to accomplish timely delivery. As I continued to ponder, I began to ask the question what has changed? Why has church mail dropped so drastically on the list of priorities for delivery? Why should this type service be acceptable for any type of mail, deposited on Tuesday and delivered on Saturday?
As I added research to my pondering I asked my friend, and Postmaster if the color codes had been abolished and he was quick to inform me that they were still alive and well. “Things are a changing!”
The Retirees Fall Fling will be on October 11, 2008 in Black Mountain at the Monte Vista Hotel; 308 W. State Street. If travelling east on I-40 take exit 64 and turn left to go under I-40. Go to the Third traffic light and turn left again. After the next traffic light the Hotel will be on your right in the next block. If travelling west take exit 65. After going through three traffic lights the hotel will be in the next block on the right.
Hope to see all of you retirees there.
Howard Pate has agreed to serve as Post Office closing representative for North Carolina. He can be contacted by phone at 910-497-2498, or by mail at 305 N. Second St
Spring Lake, NC 28390-3336. If you hear any rumors of closings please notify him as soon as possible. Thanks Howard for taking on this task.
Well I have pushed it to the limit with the deadline and I don’t want to make Sarah’s job any worse by being late submitting my article so I will close with God Bless
You all and keep up the good work of making your patron’s day.
Virgil

Brenda Ward
P O Box 2703
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949-2703
252-480-2246
Wbrendasword@aol.com
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Borrowed from the: Ohio Buckeye Postmaster
Doug Clark submitted the following pages. Several articles containing important information will continue in the next few issues of the Buckeye. Keep your eyes open, and save them for your personal use.
Welcome to Being Prepared for Life’s Events

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Help with Federal Retiree Death Benefits NAPUS NATIONAL OFFICE 1-703-683-9027 www.napus.org
(see Postmasters Retired Section)
OPM 1-888- 767-6 783 www. opm.gov/employment
(can download forms for claim Death Benefits)
FEGLI 1-800-633-4542 www.opm.gov/insure/life
NARFE 1-703-838-7760 www.narfe.org (free downloads- members only)
AARP 1-800-424-3410 www.arp.org
(free booklets on life's events available)
SOCIAL SECURITY 1-800- 772-1213 www.socialsecurity.gov "CARING CONVERSATION" WORKBOOK www.practicalbioethics.org
LAST WILL & TESTAMENT -FREE DOWNLOADS Various websites by typing information requested.
(Example: last will; living will; power of attorney) (Google, AOL, MSN, etc.)
(Some of the information listed above requires a free Adobe download from that site.) If you need assistance or materials, please contact:
Ms. Judith A. Gorden
NAPUS- Postmaster Retired
Associate Member 745 Loveland Street
Golden CO 80401-4043 JUDNDON57@aol.com
or
Stan Ostwinch- ostwinch(a)pa.net
Please be advised that the information provided is for your use and no claim or guarantee is made or implied by NAPUS or any individual.
Some forms require notarization or proper signatures. Consult your attorney for legalized information.

WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD KNOW FOR EMERGENCIES
LOCATION OF PAPERS

Important papers should be kept in (most cases) a bank's safety deposit box.. However, recognize that when one dies, the ank is usuajlyrequired to seal the box until such time as it receives authority from the court, executor, etc. You may wish to have originals stored where accessible.
Birth or adoption certificates for all family members
Citizenship papers, if any members are naturalized citizens
Marriage certificate
Marriage and divorce certificates for any previous marriages
Physicians Directive
Last will and testament/trust documents
Deed to cemetery plot
Letter of instruction regarding funeral and or donation of body parts.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Names and addresses of each spouse's employers
Employer's benefit plans in which each spouse participates such as group insurance, pension plan, 401(K), etc.
Spouse's social security number
Location of social security cards
Length of time each has been covered by the social security program
Location of copies of previous year's income tax returns and supporting data or documents for the past three years, including cancelled check for most recent tax payment
Location of current withholding tax forms and receipts from employers

FAMILY DATA
Name, address and place of birth of each spouse's mother and father

MILITARY SERVICE
Service serial number
Dates of entry and discharge
Location of discharge papers
List of veteran's benefits received (disability payments, places and dates of any hospitalization, education)

PROPERTY INFORMATION
Location of:
Safety deposit box
Key to safety deposit box
Papers for any owned real estate, including your home- deed, copy of mortgage, title insurance policy, surveys, closing statements, insurance policies, tax receipts, leases, building cost figures
Checkbooks and savings pass books for all bank accounts
Records of purchase and sale for stock certificate and bonds
List of any personal property not located in home or safety deposit box
Automobile title and registration certificates
Notes or loans agreements relating to debts owed to husband or wife
Income tax basis information for each asset

INSURANCE
Life Insurance: Location of policies, receipts of paid premiums, data on any loans made against the policies
Disability insurance: location of policies
Property insurance on house, car, etc.: location of policies, name of agent
Other insurance policies (hospitalization, mortgage, tuition, etc.): location of policies

PERSONS TO CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Person you have designated as children's guardian Close relatives and/or close friends
Executor of your estate Trustees of trusts
Doctor Lawyer Accountant Financial Planner
Clergyman Banker
Stockbroker Insurance (Life)
Insurance (Property and Liability)
Pharmacist Hospital/HMO

SURVIVOR CHECKLIST: Here are a few items you need to review upon the death of a spouse or close relative
• If you have a will, make sure it is up to date and review it with an attorney to assure compliance with current state
and federal law. If you don't have a will, do one as soon as possible
• If you have life insurance, make sure your beneficiary list is up to date. Also remember that, irrespective of
anything put in the will, life insurance proceeds go directly to the person named- so don't provide them more than
another unless that is your desire
• Review the title to real estate- joint, community property, etc. and make adjustments as necessary.
• Review the title/ownership on accounts at savings and loans, credit unions, brokerage firms, mutual funds,
stocks, bonds, etc. Adjust as necessary. Remember, creditors of the other joint tenant may possibly attach all joint
accounts, so pick wisely. It might be better to keep in sole ownership and leave asset in will (though asset will be
picked up for probate)
• If you wish to change ownership on US Savings bonds, take them to your bank
• What is the ownership of your safety deposit box and what happens in your state when you or a spouse dies.
The problem might be that the bank will seal the box closed until the administrator has papers allowing access.
Perhaps there are papers that you would need to get immediately.
• Did the decedent own any vehicles in joint title? They will need to be changed
• If you had a mortgage with the decedent, you need to contact the mortgagor and have the ownership changed.
While you are at it, is there anything else with the mortgage you might want to change.
• Did you have any leases with the decedent- auto, home/apartment, machinery, etc? Contact each for ownership
change
• Were you in business with the decedent? Are there corporate insurance policies? Will the business continue
or dissolve. What about creditors- have they been informed. Can you get a delay for payment? If no formal
agreement, you need to check with an attorney to see how to proceed with your rights, if any.
• Contact the employee benefits department at the decedents place of work and check for all accounts- pension,
401(k), etc. Check about continuing medical coverage under COBRA or whether the company will continue
coverage to the end of the year. Do you wish to roll account to your name or will the company retain in decedent's
name until the decedent "retirement" age.
• If you have not completed an inventory of your assets and papers for your survivors, do so now. It can save a lot
of grief later on. For example, does anyone know where your will or trust is?
AND MORE: Survivors also need to do the following
• Obtain about 10 copies of the death certificate that are available from the funeral director
• Obtain you marriage certificate if applicable
• If there are surviving children, obtain their birth certificates.
• If deceased was in the military, you will need copies of honorable discharge in order to be able to claim benefits.

NAPUS of North Carolina