Chair Talk
March 2009
I have been notified by Employee Benefits that Blue Cross will be doing COB (Coordination of Benefits) canvassing to update retiree insurance information to coordinate your health benefits. This canvassing will start on March 4, 2009 and will begin with a phone call to those retirees who have phone numbers on file. This will be followed up with a survey to be completed and returned to Blue Cross. I would request that all retirees cooperate in this survey.
All State of Michigan retirees (Defined Benefit) will be receiving a packet of information about the New Benefits for Life (Optional Coverage Program). State retirees who are currently receiving a pension are eligible for this coverage. Programs being offered are: 1) Supplemental Term Life, 2) Legal Insurance, 3) Internet Discount Plan and 4) Auto and Home Insurance. These optional benefits do not replace any of the benefits you currently receive through the State. All premiums are paid through pension deductions. There will be an Open Enrollment of March 23 through April 15, 2009.
All of the “Retiree Health Care Reform” bills have been passed out of Representative Mark Meadow’s Judiciary Committee. From what we have been able to determine all of the State Employee Unions are opposed to HB 4072 (that is the bill that would move the selection/administration of retiree health benefits from the Civil Service Commission to the Office of Retirement Services). We still believe that moving our health benefits to ORS would not be in the best interest of retirees. We will be sending to the Chapter Presidents a list of “talking points” (developed by Alvin Whitfield) for retirees to use when writing or talking to their legislators. Alvin and I have a meeting set up with Representative Meadows scheduled for March 19, 2009. I have invited Representative Meadows to speak at our May 8, 2009 Coordinating Council Meeting. He has accepted the invitation.
We still need SERA members and other State retirees to contact (letter, e-mail or phone) their legislators to oppose HB 4072. If your Chapter would want Alvin or I to attend one of your meetings to discuss HB 4072 you may contact either one of us and we will be happy to attend.
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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