Chair Talk

October 2007

There were 81 people in attendance at the Special CC meeting held on September 27, 2007. The meeting was held so that State and Blue Cross/Blue Shield representatives could explain the Medicare Advantage Plan. The plan is expected to go into effect on January 1, 2008. Ronda Couthen (BC/BS) is in the process of scheduling regional meetings to explain the Medicare Advantage plan to retirees. The first series of meetings will take place in the Upper Peninsula and will be followed in the Lower Peninsula. Ronda will also be scheduling out-of-state meetings in various states for those retirees not residing in Michigan. State Retirees that are currently on Medicare will be receiving a packet from Blue Cross/Blue Shield with information about the Medicare Advantage Plan as well as the schedule of meetings. I would advise all retirees to attend one of the meetings scheduled in your area in order to understand the plan.

Lindy Guy is home now. Polly came home but has returned to the hospital. Although they will not be able to perform their duties at this time they are both hard workers for SERA and deserve our thanks. If you can drop them a line or call them to say hello.

The CC meeting scheduled for November 9, 2007 will involve a program by Express Scripts. We will also be electing Officers and Executive Committee members at that meeting.

Thank you Ronda!!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to inform SERA members how important our relationship with Ronda Couthen is. Whenever I call Ronda she is always courteous, kind and helpful. Ronda will do almost anything to resolve any issues that retirees may face in understanding their health care problems. Ronda has demonstrated her commitment to retirees by going anywhere in the state she is asked to go. The amount of time and effort she puts into her job is usually above and beyond what is called for. We, as retirees and SERA members owe a big thanks to Ronda for all she does for us. The next time you see Ronda make sure you tell her how much she is appreciated.

Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380

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