Chair Talk

April 2008

Last month, John Bantjes, Alvin Whitfield and I met with staff members of Speaker Andy Dillon’s office. We discussed our opposition to HB 5545 and the reasons why we were opposed to the legislation. Copies of the summary we presented will be sent to all Chapter Presidents and passed out at the April SERA Executive Committee. This summary could be utilized by retirees for information when they write to their Legislators/Senators about the bill. I would like to have all SERA members, and other state retirees, continue writing letters in opposition to this legislation. I have been reassured that all State Employee Unions also oppose this legislation.

The Memorandum of Understanding between Civil Service and Management and Budget has been signed and I should be receiving a copy soon. This Memorandum details the retiree health care changes for Fiscal Year 09.

I have been notified that James Farrell (State Personnel Director) of the Civil Service Commission will be leaving his position on April 14, 2008. His last day will be April 11, 2008. Mr. Farrell has been the State Personnel Director for the past 3 1/2 years.

SERA representatives will be meeting with Jan Winters, Employee Benefits and representatives from Voluntary Benefits Solutions on Thursday, April 10. We will be discussing what optional benefits will be offered to retirees and when the projected dates for implementation of the program will be.

I have been talking to BC/BS representatives about the problems that retirees out-of-state are having finding providers/hospitals that will accept the Medicare Plus Blue Group program. We have identified several states where the problems seem to be mounting. BC/BS is working with Blue Cross representatives in those states in an attempt to convince providers to accept the program. Many providers mistakenly believe that the Medicare Plus program is an HMO. We have suggested that BC/BS representatives present information to the Medical Societies and/or Associations of those states in an attempt to get more valid information to providers and hospitals. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan representatives are exploring any/all alternatives to resolve problems that retirees are experiencing with out-of-state providers and hospitals. We will have representatives from BC/BS at the May CC meeting for an update on the out-of-state issues and to answer questions.

I will be attending the 2008 Express Scripts Outcomes Conference April 14-16. The conference will be held in St. Louis, MO. The conference deals with prescription plan sponsors, new drugs on the market, drug trends and cost-containment alternatives. I believe there will be someone from OSE and Employee Benefits also in attendance at the conference.

I have invited Lisa Eggert from Delta Dental to be our guest for dinner and the speaker at the May CC meeting.

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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