livingpower - amazon s3 · september-october 2018 living power - 2 president’s message i am...

LivingpowerFor all who have made a living and now wish to make a life

Association

North Carolina

Retired Governmental Employees’

September-October 2018 Volume 34, Number 5

IN THIS ISSUEPresident’s Message ............................................................................................................................................. 2CORRECTION: State Retiree Bonus ................................................................................................................... 42018-19 Board of Directors ................................................................................................................................. 4IDShield and LegalShield ..................................................................................................................................... 5NCRGEA Presented Jim Long Outstanding SHIIP Service Award .......................................................... 5New Member Benefit: Medicare Supplemental Insurance ..................................................................... 7HIPAA Laws! What They Mean! ......................................................................................................................... 8Local Government Federal Credit Union ....................................................................................................... 9One of the Easiest Health Issues to Prevent ................................................................................................. 9NC Real ID - A Reminder.....................................................................................................................................10Living Power in Large Print ...............................................................................................................................12Associate Membership for Spouses ...............................................................................................................12Carolina Cruise & Tours ......................................................................................................................................13Final Expense Insurance .....................................................................................................................................142018 Retiree Pay Dates .......................................................................................................................................14Access Perks Discount Program ......................................................................................................................15Office Depot Purchasing Card .........................................................................................................................16Weekly Legislative Reports ...............................................................................................................................17IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS ........................................................................................................................17

Living Power - 2September-October 2018

President’s Message

I am honored to be serving as the President of your association. With 65,000 members the NCRGEA is one of the largest, if not the largest, governmental retiree associations in the United States. Through our benefits, advocacy and communications, we strive to promote and defend the rights, interests and wel-fare of North Carolina’s local and state government retirees. NCRGEA provides member benefits such as dental, vision and AD&D that are affordable and a value to you in your retirement. In July, we began offering to our membership a Medicare Supplemental Plan to assist our local government retirees with their health care. Through this group plan, we hope the Medicare supplement will provide not only a quality health benefit but also help save on the cost of health insurance and medical expenses. During the coming year, our Board of Directors will continue to look for opportunities to bring you benefits that are helpful and less costly. Advocacy is a key part of our service to retired government employees. NCR-GEA’s advocacy focuses on ensuring our retirement pension systems continue to be well-funded. While the pension funds have been well funded, cost-of-liv-ing adjustments (COLAs) have been inconsistent for state retirees and minimal for local government retirees. The main cause for this is the lack of investment gains over a specific period of time (not just the current or past year). IN the past, when investment gains to the pension funds exceed expected returns, COLAs were typically granted. When investment gains do not meet expected

Linda S. SuggsNCRGEA President

Linda Suggs has more than 45 years of service in public education. She served as a teacher and worked with the NC Department of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. Today, Linda continues her involvement in public education as a consultant.


returns, COLAs can only be funded by increasing the contribution rate into the fund of the local and state governments. Since 2008 inflation has increased more than 16%. However, the inflation rate is NOT a factor used to calculate or grant retiree COLAs. So, when you hear that investment gains have been good over the past two years, keep in mind the formula that dictates whether or not a COLA can be granted is much more complicated. We regularly include ar-ticles in Living Power explaining this complicated process. Since local government retirees have received a total of less than 1% COLA over the same period, NCRGEA recognizes that Local Governments need to step up and support their retirees. In June, we sent letters to all local elected offi-cials and city/county managers asking them to address this concern. The lack of COLAs for government retirees denies them funds for basic needs. We will continue to represent your interest at the General Assembly and with Local Governments to help you maintain your pension value. I ask that you to con-tact your local elected officials and members of the NC General Assembly to let them know they can help you by supporting an increased contribution to the local government pension plan. Communication is critical to keeping you apprised of the important retiree issues that pertain to your pension, health care and well-being. NCRGEA regu-larly communicates through our website, Facebook and Twitter. We are work-ing to expand our market in these different media to ensure our voice is heard and our priorities are known. As we expand awareness through new media opportunities, we will continue to publish our most important communication tool our bimonthly newsletter, Living Power. Living Power keeps you in-formed of the NCRGEA’s activities, our legislative priorities and provides educa-tional articles to help you in your daily life. We are 65,000 strong and we need all your voices speaking loudly in your communities asking your all government representatives to support the retired public servants who have given their careers in the town, cities and counties of North Carolina.

Linda Suggs, NCRGEA President


CORRECTION

Our July-August issue of Living Power stated the State retiree 1% one-time bonus would be paid in September. That was not correct. The one-time 1% of a state retiree’s annual benefit will be paid in the October retirement check. We apologize for this misstatement. If you have any questions about your check call 1-877-627-3287.

PRESIDENT Linda S. Sugg District 8

Morrisville

VICE PRESIDENT Vann Langston District 8

Raleigh

TREASURER Clifton B. Metcalf District 1

Lake Junaluska

SECRETARY Michele T. Nelson District 8

Raleigh

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Joseph T. Barwick District 9

Beaufort

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Martha Sue Hall District 6

Albemarle

Larry F. Kepley District 3 Lexington

2018-19 NCRGEA Board of Directors

District DirectorsExecutive Committee

Robert C. Atwater District 4Chapel Hill

Charles K. Beck District 2Lenoir

George B. Chapman District 8Raleigh

George E. Currie District 8Raleigh

Evelyn C. Gerdes District 6Charlotte

Thomas W. Lane District 4Butner

T. Frank Lewis District 7Lillington

John H. Manley District 5Elizabeth City

Ben Neal District 3Clemmons

Nancy C. Phillips District 9 Elizabethtown

Irene B. Pollard District 5 Farmville

Edward J. Sheary District 1 Weaverville

Beverly T. Stewart District 7Whispering Pines

Linda K. Story District 2Granite Falls


NCRGEA Receives Jim Long Outstanding SHIIP Service Award NCRGEA was recently awarded the Jim Long Outstanding SHIIP Service Award by NC SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program at a luncheon in Greensboro. SHIIP participates in all NCRGEA district meetings and NCRGEA staff routinely refer members and callers who need assistance un-derstanding their health insurance to the SHIIP team members across the state. “North Carolina Retired Governmental Employees Association (NCRGEA) has been a valuable partner with SHIIP in their efforts to bring SHIIP services across the state. Their support and endorsement of SHIIP continues to im-prove health insurance education for citizens in North Carolina. “ Deputy Commissioner and SHIIP Director Melinda Munden presented NCR-GEA with the Jim Long Outstanding SHIIP Service Award. The award was ac-cepted on behalf of the NCRGEA by Richard Rogers, NCRGEA Executive Director and Michele T. Nelson, Secretary of the NCRGEA Board of Directors and also


Director for District 8. Insurance Commissioner Jim Causey complimented the SHIIP team, “I am humbled by the outstanding services provided to the citizens of North Carolina and I congratulate each one of these deserving award winners for their dedica-tion to SHIIP and to the Medicare beneficiaries in their communities,” Causey said. “Without the assistance of our coordinators and volunteers, we would not be able to assist as many people in our great State.” SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that offers free, objective information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug cover-age, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues. SHIIP has nearly 1,000 trained volunteers across the state that provide one-on-one counseling in all 100 counties. For more information about SHIIP or to get answers to Medicare questions, call SHIIP at 855-408-1212 or visit www.ncshiip.com.

Association

North Carolina


Watch NC SPIN on UNC-TVFridays at 7:30 p.m. • Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

North Carolina ChannelFridays at 10 pm • Saturdays at 4:30 pm

Sundays at 10 pm


NEW Member Benefit: Medicare Supplemental Insurance NCRGEA is pleased to announce a valuable new member benefit for our Medi-care beneficiaries (those over the age of 65). For years, many members – typi-cally local government retirees and their spouses – have asked for an affordable Medicare Supplemental Plan. Beginning July 1, 2018, NCRGEA members (and spouses) who need a Medicare supplemental plan can enroll in one of two highly competitive plans along with nearly all individual Medicare Part D, prescription plans through AmWINS. Coverage will be underwritten through United American Insurance Com-pany; AmWINS, the Medicare insurance administrator, will support all NCRGEA members. AmWINS is a global specialty insurance distributor of retiree health-care plans. Members will have: a choice of two medical plans; no network restrictions; optional spouse coverage; No waiting period when transitioning from another plan. And, if you have a need, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are also available. The AmWINS Retiree Customer Care Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) to answer questions. While this program may be suitable for any NCRGEA member (or spouse) over age 65 and enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B, we encourage inter-ested members to consider their current coverage and costs and compare them to the new NCRGEA Medicare member benefits outlined herein and available through AmWINS. EXERCISE CAUTION BEFORE CHANGING PLANS: NCRGEA members (and spouses) who are eligible for or enrolled in employer-subsidized Medicare plans - such as the State Health Plan - should not enroll in these plans unless you determine that the cost and benefits are better than your subsidized plan. Keep in mind that in some instances, if you leave an employer plan, you may not be able to return to that plan in the future or until the next open enrollment period. These AmWINS plans will follow the normal Medicare open enrollment and members can join the plan in 2019 for the same premium rates as in 2018. For more information and consultation, call AmWINS 1-800-349-2178 or visit: www.ncrgea.amwins.com


HIPAA Laws! What They Mean! HIPAA laws were put into effect for the protection of your personal informa-tion. For this reason, local and state government agencies are not allowed to share information such as change of addresses, phone numbers, email address-es, or deaths. NCRGEA receives calls each week about address changes and retirees’ deaths, and it is important that NCRGEA receive this information, too. So please keep in mind when you move or when a retiree family member passes away to contact NCRGEA 1-800-356-1190.. Other important phone numbers are posted on the last page of this newslet-ter. Feel free to cut that half page off and post on your refrigerator!

REQUEST YOUR FREE INFORMATION KIT! Call 800.349.2178or visit rhp.amwins.com

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE

Visit any Medicare-Approved Provider.No Networks. No Referrals Needed.Rates starting at $80 per month.Guaranteed Acceptance.

Endorsed by:


One of the Easiest Health Issues to PreventBy Amplifon Hearing Health Care Researchers have devoted enormous time and resources to the problem of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): how to prevent it and how to treat it. De-spite their best efforts, damage to the sensory hair cells in your inner ear – the cause of most NIHL – remains irreversible. Fortunately, you can prevent NIHL by following a few easy steps:

Learn more at lgfcu.org/membership.

Retirees can be members

Join Local Government Federal Credit Union and find out what a difference it makes to work with a financial institution dedicated to the needs of you and your family.

Federally insured by NCUA


Understand that it doesn’t take a big “kaboom” to harm your hearing.• Even prolonged exposure to lower decibel (dB) levels such as heavy city traf-fic (approximately 85dB), can result in damage.• Whenever possible, move away from dangerous noise.• Wear hearing protection (i.e. earmuffs or ear plugs) when engaged in a loud activity, such as shooting a gun, riding an ATV, mowing the lawn or attending concerts, sporting events or fireworks shows.• Educate family and friends about the need to protect their hearing. • Take special care with children, who may be too young to realize the dangers of noise. If you suspect a hearing loss in your self or someone you love, schedule a hearing test today at a hearing professional near you. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amplifonhearinghealth-care

N.C. Real ID – A Reminder The N.C. REAL ID will soon make it more convenient for you when you need to board a commercial airplane or visit a military base or other federal facility. Beginning in 2020, federal agencies will enforce tougher security standards at airport check-ins and federal buildings, military installations and nuclear facili-ties. The N.C. REAL ID looks just like your traditional driver’s license or ID but has a gold star endorsement at the top. How Can You Get a N.C. REAL ID? - Getting an N.C. REAL ID driver license or ID card costs the same as any other license or ID, and the process is similar. Simply go to your nearest N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office with documentation that proves:• Your identity and date of birth • You have a Social Security number• Your current North Carolina residency• Your legal presence (lawful status)

1-(877) 806-7054


To confirm identity and residency under the federal law, NCDMV scans these documents and permanently and securely stores them in your DMV record. You can expect to receive your N.C. REAL ID driver license or ID card by mail in 10-15 business days. NCRGEA members who live in other states should contact the department of motor vehicles to find out where to apply for a Real ID. What Happens If I Choose Not to Get a Real ID? Obtaining a REAL ID is vol-untary; however, this is a new TSA regulation and those who do not obtain a REAL ID from their state will be required to carry the following personal iden-tifying documents with them when they travel by air (domestic and interna-tional): picture ID/drivers’ license, your Social Security Card, your birth cer-tificate (and if you are married and your last name changed from that on your birth certificate, you will be required to bring your marriage license). NOTE: this list does not list ALL the types of acceptable identification docu-ments. • Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)• U.S. passport• U.S. passport card• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)• U.S. Department of Defense ID, in-cluding IDs issued to dependents• Permanent resident card• Border crossing card• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID• HSPD-12 PIV card• Foreign government-issued passport• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card• Transportation worker identification credential• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)• U.S. Merchant Mariner CredentialSuppose You Forget Your ID? In the event you arrive at the airport without


valid identification because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening, to include a pat-down and screening of carry-on property. But you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, if you chose to not provide proper identification or if you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.Need More Information? For more information, contact your local office of the NC Department of Motor Vehicles, or https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/locations.html.

Living Power In Large Print To receive a large print version by email, send an email to [email protected] and request to be added to the Large Print List Serv. Be sure to include your name, mailing address and email address. Our large print version is also posted on our NCRGEA website www.ncrgea.com. We also provide a copy to Friends of the Blind for audio recording: www.friendsoftheblind.org.

Attention Member Spouses: Be an Associate Member! The spouse of any dues-paid active member can join NCRGEA as an “Associ-ate Member” for only $25 a year. Associate Members can access all full mem-ber benefits of our Association and also be covered by our $10,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit. You can download an Associate Membership application from our website www.ncrgea.com or call our office to have one mailed 1-800-356-1190.


Association

North Carolina


October 14-19 - New England, Maine & Vermont Fall Foliage Tour**Air Included from selected cities. Explore the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the countryside of Vermont and the coast of Maine. You will be awed by the spectacular scenery and brilliant array of colors as you travel through New England during peak foliage time. 5 nights, 12 meals (including a lobster lunch), 2 boat cruises and a ride on the cog railway! Only 13 rooms available! $2298 pp. Call today for a brochure!

October 15-17 - Bible Museum & “Jesus” On this tour, you’ll enjoy great food, fun and entertainment. Be inspired at the brand NEW Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, containing six fl oors of exhibits and many ancient biblical artifacts. Then travel north to Lancaster to see “JESUS,” a musical stage adventure like you’ve never seen before, about the most famous person to ever walk the earth. Meals included, wonderful property! 3 days, 2 nights. Depart from Raleigh with pickup in Rocky Mount. $539 pp.

October 24-26 - Casino & Concert (Reserve your space today! – we had a great group in April)Travel to Dover, Delaware to the beautiful Dover Downs Resort. Receive $80 FREE PLAY and a ticket to “One Night in Memphis” – featuring songs from Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. Depart from Raleigh with pickup in Rocky Mount. $349 pp.

November 5-6 - Myrtle Beach Christmas Spectacular! Start your Christmas season off with this overnight tour to Myrtle Beach. Off ering 3 shows, 1 Seafood Dinner Buff et, 1 lunch, shopping opportunity and Christmas giveaways! Depart from Raleigh with pickup in Dunn & Lumberton. $309 pp

December 18 - Christmas Christmas Christmas! Join us as we celebrate with a spirited classic Christmas in Greensboro! The Barn’s all decked out, your favorite carols have been rehearsed, and there will be plenty of laughs to be had. This is a day tour departing Raleigh! $119 pp

SNEAK PEAK AT 2019!May 6-16 - Iceland, Ireland & ScotlandPlan now to join us on the beautiful Celebrity Refl ection for this incredible cruise sailing roundtrip from Dublin, Ireland and visit these amazing ports of call! Belfast, Northern Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Akureyri, Iceland; Lerwick, Scotland; Dublin, Ireland (overnight). Cruise pricing starts at $1679! We are working on group air once the air schedules become available. Ask for current promo for additional perks and savings!

October 18-27 - Wonders of ArabiaFeaturing Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Desert. *Air included, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners, camel ride, desert dune buggy ride and evening cruise. Flights on Emirates! A trip of a lifetime – call today for color brochure!

[email protected] www.carolinacruisetours.com

PLANNING FOR 2019/2020 TRIPS & TOURS - YOUR FEEDBACK IS VALUABLE!We want to hear from you! Let us know if you prefer air, cruise or motorcoach travel and where would you like to go! Send your thoughts and ideas to: [email protected] or call us 919-889-4900.


P.O. Box 1035, Roxboro, NC 27573

Be prepared.

• Relieve your family from financial burden of final expenses.• Benefits Never Decrease.• Rates Locked-In for Life

ARE YOUR FINAL EXPENSES COVERED?

Ready to Enjoy Life?

IT’S SIMPLE TO GET COVERAGECall us toll-free 1-833-599-1751 or email [email protected]

for assistance or more information.

No medical exam for guaranteed issue, just a few yes or no questions.

Upcoming Retiree Pay Dates(Dates pension checks are direct deposited or date checks are mailed.)

September 25, 2018 November 21, 2018

October 25, 2018 December 20, 2018

2019

January 25, 2019 June 25, 2019

February 25, 2019 July 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 August 23, 2019

April 25, 2019 September 25, 2019

May 24, 2019 October 25, 2019

Be sure to keep the NC Retirement System informed of your correct mailing address. Call 1-877-627-3287 for all questions about your retirement check or deductions.


$18 per year to participate in Access Perks

EnjoyCompany Discounts of up to 50% OFF

at restaurants, retailers, hotels, grocery stores and more – nationwide!

Association

North Carolina

Retired Governmental Employees’ FOR NCRGEA MEMBERS

PLACES LIKE:

Access Perks is an online-only discount program. You must have a computer and/or smart phone and an email address. Enroll online, www.ncrgea.com, or enroll using the form below.

Prefer to mail payment:(Please print)

Name _________________________________________________________________________

Mailing address ________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________ Phone _________________________

Mail check for $18.00 payable to NCRGEA to PO Box 10561, Raleigh, NC 27605

Enrollment questions, please contact NCRGEA at 800-356-1190

Step 1: Enroll in Access Perks using our website: www.ncrgea.com. Under the Member Benefits heading, select Access Perks Discount Program, click on enroll or renew. Complete enrollment, press enter, and you will be taken to the payment screen. If you prefer to pay by check, complete the form below and return with payment as noted.

Step 2: Once enrollment and payment have processed, you will receive an email confirming your enrollment from NCRGEA, and asubsequent email from Access Perks with your account information. Allow 3 business days forprocessing.

Step 3: Get started. From our website, www.ncrgea.com, select Member Benefits from the top of the screen. On the next screen scroll down and select Access Perks. When the Access Perks screen comes up, click on the blue box in

the center of the screen “View our perks click here”. In the upper right corner of the screen, click “sign in”, and enter your email address when prompted. If your name appears, you are active and can now download coupons.

Step 4: If you would like the Access Perks mobile app, first Download and then open the “Access Perks” app from the Apple Store or GooglePlay. Enter your email address, complete the registration page and set up your password. Note: this will be the same password you’ll use to access the “Shopping Cart” feature on the website.

Step 5: That is it! Start saving at thousands of participating providers.

Once enrolled and you need help getting started, call 877-408-2603


SPC Account # 8012 256 0607

Thanks to the partnership between OfficeDepot® and NC Retired Gov. Employees'Assoc., you can now enjoy the benefits of ourStore Purchasing Card Program.

• Over 1,100 retail store locations across the US.

• Find the supplies you need the same day, in store.

• Get discount services from our Copy & Print Depot™ .Black & white copies ........... $0.025 each.Color copies ........................ $0.29 each.Binding, folding, cutting ...... 40% off the retail price.

• Choose from thousands of environmentally consciousproducts that help meet your agency's green goals.

• Use your Store Purchasing Card throughout the life ofyour contract.

• Visit stores.officedepot.com to finda location near you.

Learn about more ways to savewith Office Depot® .

Contact your Office Depot® Account Managerfor more information.

Sonya Reid(919) [email protected]

The Store Purchasing Card is not a credit card. Office Depot coupons valid at retail stores and used with the card will provide a discount off the retail store price only.The cardholder will receive either its custom discounted pricing or the retail store price after discounts, whichever is lower. Please visit business.officedepot.com/tcspc for full terms and conditions.The Office Depot name and logo are the registered trademarks of The Office Club, Inc. © 2014 Office Depot, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Coupon expires 12/31/19Coupon Code 82677141


IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

NCRGEA ...............................................................................................1-800-356-1190 In Raleigh Area .................................................................................. 919-834-4652

MetLife Dental ...................................................................................1-800-942-0854

Superior Vision ..................................................................................1-800-507-3800

NC Retirement Systems ..................................................................1-877-627-3287

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program ...................1-855-408-1212 In Raleigh Area ...................................................................................919-807-6900

NC State Health Plan .......................................................................1-919-814-4400

Blue Cross/Blue Shield ....................................................................1-888-234-2416

Amplifon Hearing Health Program ............................................1-877-806-7054

United Healthcare ...........................................................................1-866-747-1014

Social Security Administration ................................................... 1-800-772-1213

State Employees’ Credit Union ....................................................1-888-732-8562

Local Government Federal Credit Union ................................1-800-344-4846

NC Total Retirement Plans 401K/457 Plans .............................1-866-627-5267

Carolina Cruise and Tours ..................................................................919-889-4900

Weekly Legislative Updates

NCRGEA members can get a weekly update on the status or progress of legislation that impacts retirees when the legislature is in session. You can sign up to receive NCRGEA Legislative updates by email!

• Go to www.ncrgea.com.

• Click on: Sign-up to Receive NCRGEA Communications Electronically!


Living Power is published to provide current information for NCRGEA’s membership. Newsletters are printed bimonthly and mailed to all members of NCRGEA. Your comments are welcome.

EditorRichard E. Rogers, Jr.

Managing EditorDonna K. Riggs

For address changes, suggestions or comments, please contact:NCRGEAPost Office Box 10561Raleigh, NC 27605-0561

919.834.46521.800.356.1190www.ncrgea.com

To receive Living Power newsletter electronically, please send an email to [email protected] and include your full name and the city where you live.

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livingpower - amazon s3 · september-october 2018 living power - 2 president’s message i am...

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