Category: Chair Talk

By Bob Kopasz I hope that all SERA members and retirees are healthy and safe. These are unusual times and we need to take care of ourselves — we are in that vulnerable age group that is more susceptible to the Coronavirus disease.  Because of the Governor’s social distancing and stay-at-home Executive orders, we have… Read more

By Bob Kopasz 2020 CENSUS I sincerely hope that all retirees participated in the 2020 Census. I hope you have filled out the form and mailed it in, responded to the questions by phone or answered the questions online. It’s important that we are all counted in the census. CORONA VIRUS AND SERA MEETINGS Cheryl… Read more

By Bob Kopasz I was recently informed by Employee Benefits that Benefits For Life — Retiree Open enrollment will be held May 25 – June 19 this year. Both the Supplemental Term Life Insurance and Legal Plan enrollments will be available to retirees. You can find more information about the plans on the Civil Service website. SERA… Read more

By Bob Kopasz 2020 CENSUS I have been communicating with Wayne Maybaugh (Office of the State Employer) about SERA’s assistance to promote the upcoming 2020 census. It’s important that our state has an accurate count of our residents in order to receive all the federal dollars that are allocated based on our population. There is… Read more

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