Category: Chair Talk

By Bob Kopasz I received the below e-mail announcing the new Director of the Office of Retirement Services: From: Reimbold, LisaDate: December 18, 2019 at 2:09:57 PM EST Subject: New ORS Executive Director It is my pleasure to announce to you that Anthony Estell has been selected to serve as the next director of the Office of Retirement… Read more

By Bob Kopasz MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEETINGS The Medicare Advantage meetings held in the State from 10/1 to 11/22 are over. By the numbers:47 meetings36 locations7300+ retirees attending6 Blue Cross/Blue Shield reps3 Employee Benefits reps2 SERA reps There are still 4 meetings to go in Arizona (12/2 & 12/3). 8 meetings to go in Florida (12/9… Read more

By Bob Kopasz MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEETING UPDATE There have been 23 Medicare Advantage Informational meetings held so far (not including the SERA Chapter meetings) in Michigan. Cheryl Streberger and/or I have attended all but 2 of those 23 meetings. Currently, there are 25 more scheduled meetings. It is possible that more may be added. Over… Read more

By Bob Kopasz Retirees will soon be receiving the 2019-2010 Retiree Benefits Bulletin. The Bulletin will explain the Benefit Enhancements that take effect on October 1, 2019. As of October 1, 2019, the eyeglass frame allowance will be increased from $100 to $150 and the Telemedicine copay will be reduced from $20 to $10. Also,… Read more

By Bob Kopasz On August 26th I received the following statement from Employee Benefits Director Bethany Beauchine: Employee Benefits and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have information to share about work underway to implement a Medicare Advantage plan for Medicare-eligible members on Jan. 1, 2020. The plan is called Medicare PLUS Blue Group.  Under… Read more

By Bob Kopasz SERA Legislative Committee I have added 3 new members to the SERA Legislative Committee. New members of the Committee are: Carol Cukier and Bill Gehman (Lansing Chapter) and Duane Hoffman (Tri-County Gaylord). Other members of the Legislative Committee: Mary Pollock, Chair (Lansing Chapter), Bruce Andrews and Dane Ross (UP Chapter), Don Davis… Read more

By Bob Kopasz John Bantjes (89) died on Friday, March 22, 2019. John had been a longtime SERA member belonging to the Grand Rapids Chapter. John was an active member of the SERA Coordinating Council, serving as Chair in 1999 and on the Executive Board for many years. John also served in many other capacities… Read more

By Bob Kopasz I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the SERA members and friends for all the get well wishes that were sent to my wife Peggy. Your cards and e-mails did raise Peggy’s spirits when she was in the hospital and at home recovering. She is feeling better every day.… Read more