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For Active and Retired Federal Employees

RETIREMENT LIFE SEPTEMBER 2012, Volume 88, Number 9

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

40 Questions &Answers

43 Federal Benefits

45 NARFENews

46 Out &About

50 For the Record: TSP Investments, COLAChart

DEPARTMENTS

8 Phased Retirement Option Signed Into Law

12 OPMMakes a Dent in Retirement Backlog

16 Spotlight on the Field: InterviewWith Sandy Cagle,Washington Federation President

18 Civics 101: Be Mindful of NewVoter ID Laws

19 Entries Are Coming In for Advocacy Competition

20 NARFE LegislationTracker

NARFE ResourcesNARFE-PACCoupon . . . . . . . .21

Alzheimer’s Coupon . . . . . . . . .38

LifeMembershipApplication . . .44

Silver Circle Coupon . . . . . . . . .45

MembershipApplication . . . . . .47

NARFEMember Perks . . . . . . .48

visit us online at www.narfe.org

22 The Fed Next Door –WhereWe Live andWork. In words and charts, here is a snapshotof the Federal Family.

COVER STORY

Cover design by Jim Richards

‘Like’ us on Facebook(NARFE National Headquarters)

SPECIALSECTION28 Checklist: How to Find

Your Best Place toRetire

COLUMNS6 Message From theNational President

34 Managing Money

36 LiveWell

38 Alzheimer’s Update

44 Report From theRegions

Follow us on Twitter(@narfehq)

4 SEPTEMBER 2012 | NARFE

NARFE MAGAZINEVolume 88,Number 9

Editor,Margaret M. CarterAssistant Editor, Donna J. St. JohnEditorial Administrator, Toni VallarioGraphic Designer, Beth BedardContributing Designers, Charlene Gridley, Jim RichardsEditorial Board: Joseph A. Beaudoin, Paul H. Carew, Elaine C. Hughes, Richard G.Thissen

Editorial Office:NARFE, Attn:NARFEmagazine, 606 NorthWashington St., Alexan-dria, VA 22314-1914; Phone: 703-838-7760; Fax: 703-838-7781; Email: [email protected]

Advertising Sales: Warren Berger, Media People Inc., 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 725,New York, NY 10168; 212-779-7172, ext. 223; Email: [email protected]

NARFE for the Visually Impaired

On the Telephone: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons whohave trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact theNational Federation of the Blind NFB-NEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go towww.nfbnewsline.org.

On Tape: Issues ofNARFEmagazine are also available on cassette through theNational Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. To find out aboutavailability in your area, call 800-424-8567 and ask for the Reference Section.The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax exempt labor or-ganization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association arenot deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

REGIONALVICEPRESIDENTS

NATIONALOFFICERSJOSEPHA. BEAUDOIN, President; [email protected]. CAREW, Vice President; [email protected]. HUGHES, Secretary; [email protected]. THISSEN, Treasurer; [email protected]

NARFE (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N.Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314.Periodi-cals postage paid at Alexandria,VA, and additional mailing offices.Members:Annual dues includes subscription. Non-member subscription rate $45. Postmaster: Send addresschange to: NARFE Attn:Member Records,NARFE 606 N.Washington St.,Alexandria,VA 22314.To ensure prompt delivery,members should also forward changes of address withoutdelay.Because of the volume involved,NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken.All submissions become the property of NARFE.Copyright © 2012, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE,unlessofficially stated in the ad.We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is,we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement toappear in NARFE,but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

REGION I Augie Stratoti(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, NewHampshire, New York, Rhode Island andVermont)Tel: 603-889-1073Email: [email protected]

REGION II Ronald P. Bowers(Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland,New Jersey and Pennsylvania)Tel: 410-308-0420Email: [email protected]

REGION III Donald Stewart(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,Puerto Rico, South Carolina and VirginIslands)Tel: 305-442-6388Email: [email protected]

REGION IV Paul E. Johnson(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio andWisconsin)Tel: 812-306-5137Email: [email protected]

REGIONV Carol R. Ek(Iowa, Kansas,Minnesota,Missouri,Nebraska, NorthDakota and SouthDakota)Tel: 620-241-1131Email: [email protected]

REGIONVI Jerome S. Smith(Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma,Republic of Panama and Texas)Tel: 903-534-5849Email: [email protected]

REGIONVII Betty Lucero-Turner(Arizona, Colorado, NewMexico, Utah andWyoming)Tel: 719-583-0910Email: [email protected]

REGIONVIII Helen L. Zajac(California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevadaand Republic of Philippines)Tel: 707-644-7565Email: [email protected]

REGION IX LannyG. Ross(Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon andWashington)Tel: 360-692-9741Email: [email protected]

REGIONX WilliamF.Martin(Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee,Virginia andWest Virginia)Tel: 540-872-3345Email: [email protected]

Here’s How toContactNARFE ...If you want to:• Join NARFE

Call (toll-free):

800-627-3394 or800-456-8410

Or go to:www.narfe.orgIf you want to:• Change your address• Check yourmembership status• Find out dues owed• Provide a death notification

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[email protected] you want to:•Add your email address to yourrecord (to receive GEMS emailmessages,the Legislative HotlineandNARFENewsWatch):

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Call (toll-free):

877-217-8234If youwant to:•Getmaterials to recruitmembers:

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For any otherNARFEmatter:Call NARFEHeadquarters

703-838-7760Email:[email protected]:703-838-7785Write:NARFE

606N.Washington St.Alexandria,VA 22314

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The September column in an even-numberedyear is always difficult for a national officer run-ning for re-election. By the time you read this,

the convention will be about to begin or, depending onyour location, already under way. With this in mind, I’dlike to do something different this month. I’ve askedCharles “Chuck” Timanus, a longtime NARFE employeewho retired at the end of June, to use my monthlycolumn as his valedictory message to NARFE membersand to share some thoughts on his time at NARFE aswell as the future of NARFE. But before I turn this overto Chuck, let me thank him publicly for his service toNARFEmembers. He has been a good friend and trustedcolleague, and I wish him well in his retirement.

A Message From theNational President

I’VE ASKED longtimeNARFE employeeChuckTimanus touse my column as hisvaledictory message.

Joseph A. [email protected]

Something Different

First, letme thank Joe for allowingme this oppor-tunity. I was hired as Public Relations Directorfor NARFE in February 1998, and I enjoyedevery minute of it. I feel I made a lot of friendsamong the chapter, federation and national of-

ficers, as well as among the generalmembership.I have had the privilege of working with lots of great

people. That is no doubt the most significant thing I takewithme.What I enjoyed themostwere the visits to chapter,federation andnationalmeetings. It was always a treat to gettomeet the dedicated people whomake NARFEwork.We’ve seen some significant changes in the time I’ve been

here.We did awaywith the stipulation that a person had towork for Uncle Sam for a minimum of five years to be aNARFE member. We added “Active” to our name back in2004, after years of hearing friends and colleagues tell us,“Don’t bother me yet. I’m not retired!”Some of the changes have not met with universal ap-

proval. I’m speaking, of course, of the creation of electronic– or online – chapters. This “radical” decisionby theNationalExecutive Board in November 2010 was an effort to makeNARFE membership more attractive to younger people,those just retired or those still working for the federal gov-ernment. In the year and ahalf since this decision, two elec-tronic chapters have been created: 2363, the national e-

chapter; and 2364, the Florida Federation e-chapter. Thena-tional chapter has become the largest chapter in NARFE,withmore than 4,000members. The fact that both chaptershave grown proves that NARFE can attract new, youngermembers if we offer themoptions. Both 2363 and 2364 areduly charteredNARFE chapters. Everyonewho joins one ofthese chapters is a NARFEmember and a chapter member.There are somedifferences: First, at this time, neither chaptercharges chapter dues – an option open to every NARFEchapter (right now, two other chapters don’t have chapterdues); and second, electronic chapter members do not at-tend regular meetings. Any information they get fromNARFE is delivered via email, with the exception ofNARFEmagazine. They are encouraged to send messages to theirelected representatives and to meet with them. National e-chapter 2363 has offered to forward federation newslettersto members residing in specific states so they can keep upwith state legislative issues.As I leaveNARFE, I amcautiously optimistic about our fu-

ture.Wehavebeenbequeathedagreat legacy frompast gen-erations of members. I hope that we will findwhat works toattract those whowill come after us. Frommy 14-plus yearsof workingwith you, I knowwewill. Thanks to all of you forhavingmade this a fun, interesting and rewarding job.

– ChuckTimanus

Looking BackandLooking Forward

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Federal employees will soon have the option to ease into

retirement toward the end of their careers by switching

to part-time service while earning a partial annuity,

thanks to legislation signed into law on July 6 by Presi-

dent Obama.

� September 30 is the final dayof the federal government’sfiscal year, so Congress hasuntil then to pass 12appropriations bills to setspending for the new fiscalyear. If Congress does not, itwill need to pass a continuingresolution (CR) to establishtemporary spending to avoida government shutdown.Since FY1955, Congress haspassed all of the appropria-tions bills by the deadline onlyonce (FY 1977) without theuse of CRs.

� The House and Senate will bein recess September 3-7, acontinuation of their Augustrecess and to celebrate LaborDay. The Senate will remainin session during the rest ofSeptember, while the Housewill be in recess September17-18 and September 24-28.

LEGISLATIVE HOTLINEToll-free! (24 Hours): 877-217-8234 Legislative Action Center:www.narfe.org

The “phased retirement” optionpassed as part of a broad measure thatfreezes federally subsidized studentloan interest rates for another year,reauthorizes the government flood in-surance program and extends federaltransportation funding for two moreyears. Although some congressionalleaders had proposed using increasedretirement contributions by federalemployees or lower retirement annu-

ities for future federal employees tooffset the costs of those measures, fed-eral employees were spared from thosemeasures in the final bill.

PHASED RETIREMENTWith the permission of their agency,

retirement-eligible federal employeeswill be able to take advantage of thenewly authorized flexibility as soon asimplementing regulations, to be issued

LEGISLATIVEREPORT

PhasedRetirementOptionSignedIntoLaw Cuts to Pay,

Benefits Avoided In Legislation

NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin attended a meeting at the White House July 16 to discussissues affecting seniors. Above, Vice President Joe Biden briefs the gathering. The meeting high-lighted how budget cuts, especially to Medicare and Medicaid, would affect older Americans.

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by the director of the Office of Personnel Management(OPM), come into effect.

Under the new law, current, retirement-eligible federalemployees will be allowed to reduce their hours to be-tween 20 and 80 percent of their full-time schedule. The“phased retiree” will receive part-time pay and a partial an-nuity proportional to his or her work hours. For example,if an employee whose full-time schedule is 40 hours perweek phased down to 20 hours per week, the employeewould receive 50 percent of his or her previous salary and50 percent of the annuity he or she had earned up to thatpoint.

As part of the deal, the phased retiree will be requiredto spend at least 20 percent of his or her time mentoringother employees. Upon full retirement, the phased retireeswill receive their full annuities, with a prorated increase forthe time they worked as a phased retiree. (See relatedstory, p. 43.)

“Federal employees will now be able to cut back on theirhours but not fully retire if they are not ready. Not only isthis good news for experienced federal workers, but the gov-ernment as a whole also will benefit from retaining thesevaluable workers to help with transitions,” commentedNARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin.

OPM Director John Berry also hailed passage of the bill.“I want to thank Congress for acting on the administra-tion’s phased retirement proposal,” Berry said. “Phased re-tirement is an important off-ramp to help retain criticalskills and knowledge when some of our most valued em-ployees near retirement. As we roll out the Recent Grad-uates Program and recruit a diverse range of new talentinto federal service, phased retirement also will help agen-cies and employees share the knowledge and experienceof experts nearing retirement with incoming employees.The legislative provision requires the phasing employee tospend no less than 20 percent of his or her time on men-torship. This will help maintain a continuous high level ofservice and expertise in the federal government. We willwork swiftly with agencies to implement this critical newtool.”

From the initial reactions, everyday federal employeesare praising the new option as well. As reported in The Wash-ington Post, U.S. Navy employee Joe Rahall called phased re-tirement “a great idea.” Said Rahall: “It is a win-win. The in-dividual can prepare for retirement at his own pace. Theagency benefits because they can still tap into the knowl-edge that the individual has. This will help agencies frommaking mistakes that they solved years ago, but there is no-body left to remember that solution. Additionally, theagency can have the part-time retiree mentor the newpeople coming into the agency. The agency has a vacancyand can hire a person to do those duties while the retireementors him.”

CUTS TO FEDERAL RETIREMENTPROGRAMS AVOIDED

In addition to gaining phased retirement, federal em-ployees did not have their pay and benefits reduced to payfor expenditures for transportation projects, national floodinsurance and an extension of lower student loan interestrates. Such cuts had been threatened as the bill made itsway through Congress. “The president’s signature on thisbill is a victory for federal employees, who do not have tolose pay or benefits to pay for the legislation,” said Beau-doin.

“The outpouring of messages from retired and active fed-eral employees over the last month has helped send Con-gress one simple message: Federal employees and retireesdo not deserve to be the piggybank for all legislationmoving through Congress,” Beaudoin added.

The final compromise, enacted as P.L. 112-141, garneredbipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

By John Hatton, Legislative Representative

STORY HHIIGGHHLLIIGGHHTTSS� Legislation passed by Congress and signed into lawJuly 6 by President Obama will allow federalemployees the option of “phasing” intoretirement by switching to part-time service whileearning a partial annuity.

� NARFE supported the measure.� Employees can work between 20 and 80 percent oftheir full-time schedule.

� They must spend at least 20 percent of their timementoring other employees.

� The Office of Personnel Management will issueimplementing regulations.

Legislative Report

To get timely Legislative Alerts and the weekly Legislative Hotline,

make sure NARFE has your email address. Call 800-456-8410 or go to www.narfe.org.

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Legislative Report


For new annuitants, freshly separated from a careerof government service, any delay in receipt oftheir annuity payments is anything but goodnews. Despite the agency’s best efforts, tens of

thousands of retirement applications await processing at theOffice of Personnel Management (OPM). But the backlogdam is starting to show cracks.

Figures released over the summer suggest that OPM’splans to address the backlog are on track. By June, actualclaims came in under estimated levels, and the number ofclaims processed exceeded OPM’s projections. All told, thetotal claims backlog is down 21 percent from the beginningof 2012. In January, the backlog was more than 61,000claims.

The progress comes on the heels of a meeting in March be-tween NARFE President Joseph A. Beaudoin, NARFE staff, andOPM Director John Berry and members of the OPM teamworking on resolving the backlog. Berry had issued the invi-tation to NARFE to apologize for the delay and commit tosolving the years-long problem. Beaudoin testified in Feb-ruary before a Senate subcommittee about the delays.

Said Berry of the backlog situation: “At OPM, we aim tohonor retirees with timely and accurate service. In January,

we set a goal to eliminate the current backlog in 18 monthsso that 90 percent of retirees receive their full annuity pay-ments within 60 days of retirement by July 2013. In the firstquarter alone, we processed nearly 50 percent more casesthan the first quarter last year – well ahead of schedule. Aswe speak, we are training new employees and getting them

on the front lines as quickly as we can.”OPM administers benefits for 2.5 million federal retirees

and processes about 100,000 new claims annually. Berry hassaid eliminating the backlog is his highest priority in 2012.It takes an average of just over five months to process aclaim, but many retirees report waiting much longer to re-ceive their full annuity payments.

OPM has long blamed individual agencies for delays, aswell as longstanding problems with processing, including

assembling the full federal career historyfor civilian employees who may havechanged jobs during their careers. En-suring a full and complete employmentand contribution history is critical to ad-judicating annuity applications. Pro-cessing retirement claims, particularlydisability claims, can be complex, espe-cially since OPM relies heavily on otherfederal agencies to provide retirees’ in-formation, including the amount of theirannuity. The agency uses more than 500

procedures, laws and regulations to process retirement ap-plications.

Fed-friendly lawmakers have put increasing pressureon OPM to address the backlog. Sen. Mark Warner, D-VA,highlighted the urgency of the situation by offering anamendment to address the issue, which was adopted as

OPM Makes a Dent in RetirementBacklog;Budget Could Create Snag

STORY HHIIGGHHLLIIGGHHTTSS� Progress reports suggest that the Office ofPersonnel Management (OPM) is starting to make a dent in the retirement claims processingbacklog.

� NARFE testified about the delays earlier in theyear before a Senate subcommittee.

� OPM Director John Berry says the agency is aheadof schedule in reducing the logjam.

� Sen. Mark Warner, who sponsored an amendmentrequiring OPM to report monthly on progress,says there is more work to be done.

John Berry

“IN THE FIRST QUARTER alone, we processed nearly 50 percent more cases than the first quarter last year –well ahead of schedule.”

–OPM Director John Berry

part of the Senate’s bill on postal re-form. Under the Warner amendment,OPM is required to produce monthlyprogress reports on the retirementbacklog for postal retirees.

Said Warner in July: “OPM has madesome progress since January, butthere’s still work to be done. OPM’sprojections indicate that the changesthey have implemented will go into effect this month andwill allow them to process an average of 26 percent morecases per month moving forward. OPM has also startedproviding limited agency-specific information regardingincomplete paperwork. However, many unanswered ques-tions remain. I look forward to reading their report and willcontinue to push OPM for better results.” (To view themonthly processing update data, go to www.opm.gov/retire and click on “Retirement Processing Status” under“Quick Links.”)

The progress to date could be short-lived, however.

With the recent enactment of legislation permitting“phased retirement” for civilian government employees,OPM could be faced with a glut of “two-fers,” having to de-termine both a partial annuity and a full pension for“phased retirees.” The potential also exists for further re-tirement processing delays in response to haggling overthe Fiscal Year 2013 Budget, which could result in across-the-board cuts in salaries and expenses at every federalagency. In that event, retirement processing improve-ments may be left on the cutting-room floor.

By Alan Lopatin, Legislative Counsel


“OPM HAS MADE SOME PROGRESS since January, but there’s still work to be done.”

–Sen. Mark Warner, D-VA

Who is fighting for your benefits in Congress?“There is no guarantee to your federalpension based on the economics weface today in this country.

—Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK

In today’s economic climate, federal retirement programs are a

target for Congress. NARFE is the only association dedicated

solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of America’s active

and retired federal employees and their families.

National Active and RetiredFederal Employees Association

”Keep your membership active! NARFE is here for you.

NARFE Is

Sen. Mark Warner

Legislative Report

Between now and Election Day, November 6,NARFE is asking all members to focus on grass-roots activism and contact their members ofCongress and candidates for Congress. To learn

how NARFE members are leading the charge to protect fed-eral employee and retiree benefits, NARFE Legislative Di-rector Julie Tagen interviewed Washington Federation Pres-ident Sandy Cagle about what NARFE members are doingin her state.

What is the most pressing issue for Washington stateNARFE members right now?

The constant focus by Congress on reducing pay andbenefits of federal employees, proposed reductions for re-tirees/annuitants and the prospects for future federal cuts.We must focus more of our energy on efforts to recruit ac-tive employees, as they will be the most affected for now.

What has you most concerned about the 112th Congress?The inability of members of Congress to work together to

find an equitable resolution to the deficit/budget issues toavoid sequestration, which will impact federal employees andretirees even further than the damage already inflicted.

How are NARFE members in Washington state re-sponding to NARFE’s calls to action via the “ProtectAmerica’s Heartbeat” (PAH) campaign?

We alert members by newsletters or emails about calls toaction. We encourage them, at every opportunity, to use theLegislative Action Center or NARFE’s toll-free number toCapitol Hill. As a result, we are one of the top 10 federationsin recorded call responses. Members also call directly tolocal congressional offices instead of using the toll-free line,which has expanded our contacts. We provide PAH up-dates/reminders in each issue of our federation newsletterand do presentations at our district workshops and chaptermeetings.

What are you doing to increase advocacy in the state?We established good relationships with congressional staff

and work hard to maintain those relationships, as they areour most valuable asset. We make every effort through face-to-face meetings to inform both incumbents and candidatesabout NARFE’s issues. The federation newsletter providesideas, suggestions, templates and success stories for use inchapter newsletters. We push writing letters to the editor inlocal newpapers and have had several published.

What have you personally done to advocate for NARFE? I strive to have a strong legislative emphasis at all state

conventions. We have speakers from NARFE Headquartersand professional advocacy organizations, who bring a dif-ferent perspective and enthusiasm about how to be an ad-vocate. I identify people in the federation and chapters withpersonal expertise and good contacts with congressionalmembers to deliver our message.

If you could talk to every Washington state NARFEmember one-on-one, what would you ask them to do onbehalf of NARFE?

Recruit at least one new member, become involved ei-ther as a chapter/federation officer or on a committee, andkeep in personal contact with your members of Congresson a regular basis. If you’ve never been an advocate before,now is the time to do it. Become the voice of NARFE to yourfriends, contacts and community. �

Legislative Report


SPOTLIGHT ONTHE FIELD

An InterviewWith Sandy Cagle,Washington Federation President

Washington Federation President Sandy Cagle, right, and other NARFEleaders are seen through the glass door of Sen. Patty Murray’s office.One of NARFE’s leading activists, Cagle shares some thoughts on con-gressional advocacy.

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Legislative Report


Changes in state voter identification laws re-quiring would-be voters to show a govern-ment-issued photo identification card coulddisenfranchise some NARFE members. These

requirements, some quite new and detailed below, will re-quire some older voters, who have never missed an oppor-tunity to vote, to take steps now to obtain newly requiredidentification.

NCSL RESEARCHThe National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)

regularly updates its map of state voter identification re-quirements. NCSL groups the 50 states into four categories,and reassigns states as legislation and litigation bringchanges. The four categories are: 1. No Voter ID Law (20 states and the District of Columbia)2. Non-Photo ID (19 states)3. Photo ID (six states)4. Strict Photo ID (five states).

Listed below are the states currently in categories 3 and4, the two “restrictive” categories.

MORE RESTRICTIVE STATESThe six “Photo ID” states are: Florida, Hawaii, Idaho,

Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota. The five “StrictPhoto ID” states are: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Pennsylvaniaand Tennessee. Legal challenges by the Justice Departmentto changes in Texas and South Carolina, among others, in-crease the uncertainty in several states.

UNCERTAINTYAlabama will become a Photo ID state in 2014 if its new

law receives preclearance from the Justice Departmentunder Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Mississippi, SouthCarolina and Texas have new Strict Photo ID laws, whichmay take effect before November if they receive preclear-ance under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. New Hamp-shire passed (June 27) a new voter ID law; however, it willnot take effect until it receives preclearance. Finally, Wis-consin’s newly enacted Strict Photo ID law was held un-constitutional (March 12). It could take effect before November if that ruling is reversed by a highercourt.

EARLY VOTING OPTIONSTwenty states, listed in the July issue (pp. 14-15) of

NARFEmagazine, have early voting windows prior to Elec-tion Day. These states open a limited number of pollingplaces in the weeks prior to primary and general elections.Early and absentee balloting are features of a growing shareof elections. Of the 90 million people who turned out to votein 2010, 16 percent voted a domestic absentee ballot, and 8percent voted early (prior to Election Day). Early voting andabsentee balloting share a common characteristic: less strin-gent voter identification requirements and/or an age ex-ception. Early voting may also alert voters – without adriver’s license or other photo ID – of new requirements forvoting while there is still time to make other arrangements,such as locating a passport or obtaining from their state aphoto ID. Several states have increased the availability ofnew forms of photo ID – some without any cost.

ELECTION JUDGE/POLL WORKERS NEEDEDEven while some states are changing or enacting voter ID

laws, all are seeking poll workers. Ironically, the very demo-graphic – seniors – facing disenfranchisement due to newvoter ID laws is the best group at staffing the polls to enfran-chise all voters. According to the Election Assistance Com-mission, in 2010, states operated 110,941 polling places. Statesrelied on 769,795 poll workers on Election Day. The largestnumber of poll workers are between ages 61 and 70.

WEBSITE RESOURCES:• Election Assistance Commission: www.eac.gov; • National Conference of State Legislatures: www.ncsl.

org/legislatures-elections/elections/voter-id.aspx; • Federal Voting Assistance Program: www.fvap.gov.

By Christopher Farrell, Legislative Representative

T H E I N F O R M E D C I T I Z E NC I V I C S 1 0 1 :

STORY HHIIGGHHLLIIGGHHTTSS� Potentially onerous state photo ID laws could berude shock to older voters.

� A growing number of states have photo ID laws.� Prepare by using early or absentee voting orobtaining required photo ID.

� Poll workers are always needed: long hours, low pay,priceless democracy.

BeMindful of NewVoter IDLaws

NARFE | SEPTEMBER 2012 19

The “Advocacy in Action” competition is already showing agreat response. In an effort to encourage and thank grass-roots activists, NARFE is holding a competition to reward thefederations that make the greatest efforts to contact mem-bers of Congress. The competition covers two periods: January 1-June 30,

2012, and July 1-December 31, 2012. Points are awarded forseveral types of grass-roots activity, including sending emailsto Congress, submitting op-ed articles to local newspapers,writing letters, and meeting with members of Congress andcandidates. The federation with the highest number of pointsduring each period will win a free registration to the 2013NARFE Legislative Training Conference.Make sure your activity is counted. Please provide infor-

mation to the NARFE Legislative staff at [email protected]. More details are available online atwww.narfe.org.

Entries Are Coming In for Advocacy Competition

Rep. Sam Farr, right, spoke at a recent meeting ofChapter 579 in Monterey, CA. From left: Dennis Dyrud,chapter president; Lennie Lund, District V vp; and Farr.

Officers of Tri-ValleyChapter 39, representingNARFE members inLivermore, Pleasanton andDublin, CA, and surround-ing areas, met with Rep.Jerry McNerney. From left:John Bluck, 1st vp;Anastasios Piliotis, presi-dent; McNerney; SuzanneEmberson, 2nd vp; andVivian Nathanson, treasur-er.

Members from severalchapters in California’s

3rd Congressional Districtmet recently with Rep.

Dan Lundgren. From left:Ken Boffin, Chapter 1680,Elkhorn; Mary Jo Smith,District VI vp; Lundgren;Dan Mahoney, chapter1596, American River;

Hubert Lechner, Chapter46, Sacramento; and AlShaffer, Chapter 1833,

Roseville.


RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS/CALCULATION

FEDERAL PAYFREEZE

PHASED RETIREMENT

CHANGES TO THEFEDERAL EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATIONACT (FECA)

IISSSSUUEE

NARFE Legislation TrackerWhat Bill Would Do Latest Congressional Action/sBill Number / Name / Sponsor

H.R. 3813: Securing Annuities forFederal Employees Act / Rep.Dennis A. Ross, R-FL

H.Con Res. 112: Establishing theBudget for the United StatesGovernment for Fiscal Year 2013 /Rep. Paul D. Ryan, R-WI

H.R. 5652: SequesterReplacement Reconciliation Act /Rep. Paul D. Ryan, R-WI

H.R. 3835: To Extend the PayLimitation for Members ofCongress and Federal Employees/ Rep. Sean P. Duffy, R-WI

H.R. 4363: Federal EmployeePhased Retirement Act / Rep.Darrell Issa, R-CA

S. 1813: Moving Ahead forProgress in the 21st Century /Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-CA

S. 1789: 21st Century PostalService Act / Sen. Joseph I.Lieberman, I-CT

H.R. 2465 : Federal Workers’Compensation Modernization andImprovement Act / Rep. JohnKline, R-MN

Requires federal employees to pay1.5% more toward their retirement,requires new federal employees tocontribute 4% to their retirement,bases retirement calculations on thehighest five years of service insteadof the current high three, andeliminates the Federal EmployeesRetirement System AnnuitySupplement

Requires federal employees to pay5% more toward their retirement

Requires federal employees to pay5% more toward their retirement

Extends the federal pay freeze forone more year (until Dec. 31, 2013)

Allows federal employees to phaseinto retirement by working part timeand collecting an annuity

Allows federal employees to phaseinto retirement by working part timeand collecting an annuity

Reduces benefits by 25% atretirement age for federal workersdisabled by a work-related injury orillness; eliminates 8.33% augmentedcompensation for dependents

Streamlines claims process, ensuresinjured workers receive adequatecompensation, enhances programefficiency, improves program integrityand modernizes benefits

Approved by Committee onOversight and GovernmentReform 2/7/2012(Likely to be considered by fullHouse)

Passed by House 3/23/2012Failed in Senate 5/16/2012

Passed by House 5/10/2012

Passed by House 2/1/2012(Likely to be part of deficit-reduction talks)

Passed as part of highway billand student loan interest rateextension compromise* Signed into law (P.L. 112-141)7/6/2012(See stories, pp. 8-10 and 43)

Passed by Senate 4/25/2012

Passed by House 11/29/2011

The NARFE LEGISLATION TRACKER is your monthly guide to the congressional legislation that NARFE is keeping an eye on. Check back each issue for updates.

* Bold indicates new statusfrom last issue


IISSSSUUEE

NARFE Legislation TrackerWhat Bill Would Do Latest Congressional Action/sBill Number / Name / Sponsor

WORKFORCE REDUCTIONS

REPEAL OF GPO AND WEP

CHANGES TOTHE FEHBP

POLITICALACTIVITIES

Various bills (H.R. 235, H.R. 408/S. 178, H.R. 657, S. 1476, H.R. 2114, H.R. 3029/S. 1611, H.R. 3662/S. 2065)

H.R. 1332: Social SecurityFairness Act / Rep. Howard P.“Buck” McKeon, R-CA

S. 2010: Social Security FairnessAct / Sen. John Kerry, D-MA

S. 2196: Congressional HealthCare for Seniors Act / Sen. RandPaul, R-KY

H.R. 4152 Hatch ActModernization Act / Rep. Elijah E.Cummings, D-MD

S. 2170 Hatch Act ModernizationAct / Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-HI

Decreases the size of the federalworkforce by various percentages(usually 5-15%)

Repeals the Government PensionOffset (GPO) and Windfall EliminationProvision (WEP)

Phases out Medicare; requires partici-pants to enroll in the Federal Employ-ees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)

Eliminates the prohibition againststate and local employees seekingpartisan elective federal office andrevises penalties for Hatch Actviolations to allow penalties otherthan termination of employment

Referred to various committees(Likely to be part of deficit-reduction talks)

Referred to Subcommittee onSocial Security 4/7/2011

Referred to Committee onFinance 12/16/2011(Unlikely to be considered)

Referred to Committee onFinance 3/15/2012(Unlikely to be considered)

Referred to Committee onOversight and GovernmentReform 3/7/2012

Approved by the HomelandSecurity and GovernmentalAffairs Committee 6/27/2012

Payment Information

Name: _____________________________________________

Member ID# (if available): ___________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

__________________________________________________

� Check or money order enclosed -or-

� Credit Card (below; required for monthly contribution)

Card Type: � MasterCard � Visa � Discover � AMEX

Card #: ____________________________________________

Expiration Date: ____ / ____

Name on Card: _____________________________________

Signature:__________________________________________

Date: __________________

PPlleeaassee sseenndd cchheecckk,, mmoonneeyy oorrddeerr oorr ccrreeddiitt ccaarrdd iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ttoo::AAttttnn:: BBuuddggeett && FFiinnaannccee // NNAARRFFEE // 660066 NN.. WWaasshhiinnggttoonn SStt..AAlleexxaannddrriiaa,, VVAA 2222331144--11991144

NARFE-PAC Contribution FormNARFE-PAC Contribution FormI would like to make a monthly credit card contribution to NARFE-PAC of:

� $10/month

� $25/month

�� Other: ________/month (minimum of $10)-or-I would like to make a one-time contribution of:

� $100 (qualifies for Gold 2011-2012 NARFE-PAClapel pin and NARFE umbrella)

� $50 (qualifies for Silver 2011-2012 NARFE-PAC lapel pin)

� $20 (qualifies for Basic 2011-2012 NARFE-PAC lapel pin, pictured here)

� Other: ________

� I do not want to receive any gifts for my contribution marked above.

Monthly contributions qualify you to receive aNARFE-PAC Sustainer lapel pin and the red, whiteand blue NARFE umbrella.

Only members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association may contribute to NARFE-PAC. NARFEwill neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amountof a contribution, or the failure to make a voluntary contributionto this nonpartisan political action fund. NARFE-PAC contribu-tions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

TTHHEE FFEEDD NEXT DOOR

By Jessica Klement,Communications and Legislative Representative


Despite claims to the contrary, thetotal number of federal employees (in-cluding postal workers) has remainedrelatively level over the last decade.The number of federal employees isslightly higher than it was about fouryears ago, and nearly 90 percent ofthose new employees were hired intofour agencies – the Department of De-fense, the Department of HomelandSecurity, the Department of VeteransAffairs and the Department of Justice –the very agencies most politicianswant to bolster. The federal workforceis currently about 500,000 employeesfewer than a decade ago. Recently, however, governments

overall – local, state and federal – havesuffered steep losses. In June, the fact-checking division of The WashingtonPost reported: “The latest figures fromthe Bureau of Labor Statistics showthat nearly 610,000 government jobs

have been lost since January 2009,with much of the loss coming since2010, as the stimulus funds havebegun to run out. Just in the past fewmonths, about 30,000 governmentjobs have been lost.”The proportion of federal em-

ployees to the general population hasdeclined greatly. During the Kennedyadministration in 1962, there was onefederal employee for every 75 Amer-ican citizens. Today, there is one federalemployee for every 140 Americans.With the American population over311 million, the federal workforcemakes up .8 percent of the population,or less than 1 percent.

WHERE FEDS LIVEWhere do these 2.5 million federal

and postal employees live and work, ifmost of them are outside the greaterWashington, DC, area? The charts ac-

companying this article provide a goodsnapshot of these figures, and somemay be surprising even to you. For instance:• California is home to the largest

number of active federal employees,with nearly 173,000 civil servants. • Virginia is a close second, with

nearly 148,000 feds. • California also clocks in at number

one with the largest number of federalannuitants – 213,045. • Florida comes in second with al-

most 166,000 federal annuitants. • Delaware has the fewest number

of civil servants — 3,504 employees.• Vermont has the fewest number of

federal annuitants — 4,415.

WHERE FEDS WORKThe Department of Defense (DOD)

employs the greatest number of fed-eral civil servants. With more than

We’ve heard it over and over. “Federal employees are nothing but bureaucrats living in

Washington, DC.” As current or former federal employees, we know that this state-

ment is false. Only 15 percent of the roughly 2.5 million federal and postal employees

live and work in the Washington, DC, metro area. That may come as a big surprise to

the numerous politicians who seem to think all feds reside in Washington.

THE FED NNEEXXTT DDOOOORRWWHHEERREE WWEE LLIIVVEE AANNDD WWOORRKK

THEFEDERALFAMILYCivilianAnnuitants, Employees&PostalEmployees

Total Monthly Employee Survivor Active U.S.PostalAnnuitants Annuities Annuitants* Annuitants* Federal ServiceonRoll* ($000s)* Employees** Employees***

Alabama 58,137 132,343 43,888 14,249 43,249 8,861Alaska 7,633 17,703 6,302 1,331 13,655 1,581Arizona 53,440 118,209 41,975 11,465 43,212 9,456Arkansas 24,999 48,292 18,906 6,093 14,454 5,569California 213,045 477,670 160,485 52,560 172,873 66,597Colorado 48,263 114,224 38,344 9,919 41,746 10,876Connecticut 14,801 31,732 10,868 3,933 8,854 8,599Delaware 9,142 23,622 7,261 1,881 3,504 1,865DC 43,637 130,848 35,405 8,232 166,280 5,243Florida 165,659 381,770 126,840 38,819 90,179 34,643Georgia 82,335 182,403 63,206 19,129 80,639 17,839Guam 2,612 4,261 1,768 844 2,906 110Hawaii 24,601 58,675 17,863 6,738 25,628 2,345Idaho 14,255 31,468 11,500 2,755 10,145 2,610Illinois 67,813 150,634 52,575 15,238 50,658 30,858Indiana 36,280 74,620 27,947 8,333 24,751 12,390Iowa 20,662 41,163 15,764 4,898 9,269 7,774Kansas 24,308 51,442 18,886 5,422 18,144 7,258Kentucky 33,049 64,606 25,319 7,730 26,031 8,152Louisiana 26,559 54,804 20,460 6,099 21,654 8,202Maine 13,803 27,673 10,441 3,362 11,122 3,540Maryland 155,447 486,333 124,581 30,866 137,025 13,278Massachusetts 42,973 92,034 30,984 11,989 29,376 17,198Michigan 43,221 93,289 34,140 9,081 30,416 22,050Minnesota 28,263 59,348 21,828 6,435 18,359 12,905Mississippi 25,221 51,690 19,218 6,003 19,413 4,876Missouri 53,868 115,147 42,206 11,662 37,326 15,565Montana 12,598 28,475 10,310 2,288 11,904 2,200Nebraska 13,338 26,890 10,141 3,197 10,933 4,698Nevada 21,992 50,471 17,699 4,293 11,912 4,260NewHampshire 12,178 27,406 9,252 2,926 4,570 3,264New Jersey 54,154 128,925 39,204 14,950 26,798 23,220NewMexico 27,660 62,169 22,016 5,644 27,320 3,220NewYork 95,618 194,432 70,920 24,698 67,931 45,975North Carolina 72,192 163,338 56,287 15,905 45,155 18,634NorthDakota 6,294 12,240 4,860 1,434 6,555 1,839Ohio 74,316 168,667 56,786 17,530 53,522 24,684Oklahoma 48,193 98,818 36,313 11,880 39,840 6,984Oregon 32,990 75,143 25,920 7,070 21,870 6,927Pennsylvania 107,332 231,162 80,758 26,574 69,034 30,598Puerto Rico/VI 11,894 19,900 8,945 2,949 12,080 2,804Rhode Island 8,347 17,279 5,746 2,601 7,302 2,654South Carolina 43,342 92,550 33,074 10,268 22,309 7,422SouthDakota 10,031 20,387 7,999 2,032 8,832 2,169Tennessee 45,734 98,443 35,335 10,399 28,720 12,460Texas 165,562 358,894 127,136 39,426 142,801 41,367Utah 34,531 76,677 26,990 7,541 30,588 4,811Vermont 4,415 9,427 3,435 980 4,661 1,735Virginia 140,993 415,002 110,470 30,523 147,787 16,647Washington 65,247 150,931 50,690 14,557 58,683 12,118WestVirginia 17,447 38,579 14,041 3,406 16,304 3,957Wisconsin 26,587 53,701 20,779 5,808 16,205 12,328Wyoming 5,642 12,096 4,606 1,036 6,659 1,120Other 1551 19Foreign 26,878 36,668 16,098 10,780 37,168TOTAL 2,520,531 5,784,673 1,934,770 585,761 2,089,862 638,354* Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 2011 ** OPM FedScope,September 2011 ***Postal Rate Commission, April 2012, full- and part-time employees


THE FEDERAL FAMILYCivilian Annuitants, Employees & Postal Employees

774,000 civilian employees, DOD ishome to more than 30 percent of allfederal employees. The U.S. PostalService, with roughly 574,000 full-timeemployees, is next, employing 22 per-cent of the federal workforce. The De-partment of Veterans Affairs is third,employing more than 316,000 feds.Agencies that serve a national securityfunction account for two-thirds of theentire federal workforce. In terms of the Cabinet-level agen-

cies, the Department of Education em-ploys the smallest number of civil ser-vants, with about 4,600 employees. TheDepartment of Housing and Urban De-velopment has the second-lowestnumber of federal employees, less than10,000. One more fun fact for you – twoindependent agencies have only oneemployee. Do you know what they are?(See the answer at the end of the article.)The facts are very clear, and the

numbers don’t lie. Federal employees

live and work in every state and inevery congressional district across thecountry. When meeting with membersof Congress, make sure you have thefacts for their state with you. Theymight be surprised by what you haveto share with them! �

The chart on the facing page is a snapshot in time that up-dates counts that appeared in the February 2011 issue ofNARFEmagazine. The first column shows federal annui-tants; column two, their gross monthly annuities. In thethird and fourth columns, the annuitant count is separatedinto its two components – employee annuitants and sur-vivor annuitants. Columns five and six show federal em-

ployee counts and U.S. Postal Service employees. Bothemployee categories are based on place of employment,not residence. Unlike our 2011 chart, the USPS counts include both full- and part-time employees. Use thesenumbers in communications with elected officials, but donot misrepresent our potential membership as NARFE’sactual membership. For more info, email [email protected].

Federal Family Components

Department of Agriculture 105,126

Department of Commerce 47,626

Department of Defense 774,244

Department of Justice 116,273

Department of Labor 16,298

Department of Energy 16,381

Department of Education 4,620

Department of Health and Human Services 85,642

Department of Homeland Security 198,242

Department of Housing and Urban Development 9,758

Department of the Interior 77,225

Department of State 12,595

Department of Transportation 57,721

Department of the Treasury 106,403

Department of Veterans Affairs 316,480

Large Independent Agencies 171,855

Medium Independent Agencies 12,199

Small Independent Agencies 1,601

U.S. Postal Service 574,000


The chart below covers the 15 Cabinet-level agencies, the 21 large independent agencies (those with more than 1,000employees), including the Social Security Administration (67,136) and the Office of Personnel Management (6,272); the32 medium independent agencies (100-999 employees); the 55 small independent agencies (fewer than 100 employees);and full-time employees of the U.S. Postal Service.

Source: Office of Personnel Management, as of September 2011

Where Federal Employees Work

ANSWER: The Ronald Reagan Cen-tennial Commission and the NorthernBorder Regional Commission.

* Fitting and programming of the hearing aids, and three adjustment visits are included. Price shown does not include discounted comprehensive hearing exam of $75 (which is covered by the Service Benefit Plan; the Insured may need to submit for reimbursement), or applicable state and local taxes. Service Benefit Plan members get the TruHearing MemberPlus member-ship fee waived through December 15, 2013. Regular yearly cost for the TruHearing MemberPlus membership is $108. Must be a Service Benefit Plan member to access TruHearing MemberPlus discounted pricing.

§ The Service Benefit Plan will pay up to $1,250 per ear in a 36-month period, up to a maximum of $2,500 per pair purchased (2012 benefit). The BCBS FEP Blue365® Discount Program offers access to savings on items that you may purchase directly from independent vendors, which may be different from items that are covered

under your Service Benefit Plan policy or any other applicable federal healthcare program. For hearing aids, acupuncture, chiropractic and vision services, you must exhaust your Service Benefit Plan benefits first. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the Service Benefit Plan. The products and services described herein are neither offered nor guaranteed

CEnroll online: www.TruHearingMemberPlus.comUSE GROUP NUMBER: HP2R-A365then call (877) 360-2432 M- F, 8am-8pm Central.

To take advantage of these savings, contact TruHearing:

Appointments must be scheduled through TruHearing.

T

Hear that? It’s the S

sound of a g

Cost Example: Starkey® Ignite i30Avg. retail $3,390 per pair—MemberPlus® price $2,390 per pair

MemberPlus Price (save $2,010 off retail): $ 2,390

FEP covered hearing benefit (up to $2,500§ ): − $ 2,390

MemberPlus Membership + Shipping*: + $ 10

under any local Blue company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, they are not subject to the Medicare appeal process. Any disputes regarding these products and services are not subject to the Service Benefit Plan’s Disputed Claims process. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) may receive payments from Blue365 vendors. Neither the Service Benefit Plan, BCBSA, nor any local Blue company recommends, endorses, warrants or guarantees any specific Blue365 vendor or item. The Service Benefit Plan reserves the right to change, modify, or terminate any items and vendors made available through Blue365, at any time.

OFFER VALID THROUGH 12/31/2013

E

TRUHEARING IS AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY THAT PROVIDES DISCOUNTS ON HEARING AIDS.

H s the Service Benefit Plan members can save hundreds to thousands on hearing aids through TruHearing.

For a limited time, $108 Membership Fee waived!

Hearing Aid Cost Per Pair: $10

great deal.

Most people make a default decision about where to live; they don’t put in the effortto think about what is important to them, so inertia or randomness takes over. The goodnews is that it’s relatively simple to get on the path to a smart decision about where to re-tire.To help you get started with this process, we have developed this simple checklist. It is

meant to be filled out and sharedwith your spouse, significant other, family or friends. Youmight think of other questions to ask and issues to consider when you fill it out – be sureto write those down, too.

etirement is an amazing gift. The bonds that have tied us down for so long are

cut –most of us are free to live anywhere and pursue any activitywewant. The

best way to seize this opportunity is to plan for it, starting with the question

of where to live in retirement. Do youwant to stay in the townwhere you live

now, or do warmer, more recreation-accommodating climes beckon? Should

you live near your children or grandchildren?How aboutmoving to amore ef-

ficient, affordable and senior-friendly home? These are a few of the important

questions that need to be answered.

By John Brady

CHECKLIST:HHooww ttooFFiinndd YYoouurrBBeesstt PPllaaccee ttoo RReettiirree

R28 Illustrations by Amanda Carter

Have you written down your most important retirement priorities? Y____ N____There are many possible priorities, but your personal ones are most important. Some possibilities in-clude: warm winters, proximity to grandchildren, access to a favorite recreational activity, collegetown, city, active adult community with nonstop activities and people to meet, near the beach ormountains, etc.

Write your top three retirement location priorities here:

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Have you shared your priority list with significant other, family or close friends?Y____ N____You might be surprised to learn that your better half yearns for the stimulation of city lights, whereasyour preference involves a challenging golf course. There are ways to resolve these mismatches, butonly if you start working on them early.

Will one place be OK, or would you rather be a snow bird and live in two locations?Y____ N____Living in two different places can give you more options about climate, recreation and activities. It isalso more complicated and expensive, although there are creative options.

Have you developed a list of the places where you think you might like to live?Y____ N____There are many ways to develop your list. When you travel on business or vacation, ask yourselfwhat retirement might be like in that region. Go online to some retirement websites to get more ideas.Talk with your friends, or even better – visit them!

Have you taken trips to possible retirement locations?Y____ N____By the time you are in your late 50s, it’s time for some site scouting. Start with a list of places you wantto see; then keep narrowing it down and adding to it. Take a vacation, long weekend, or extend afamily or business trip to get started. Get a feel for the place by staying in a small hotel or B & B. If youare interested in an active adult community, most of the newer ones offer “Stay & Play” or “Discovery”packages where you can stay there at a discounted rate. There’s no better way to see if an active adultor 55+ community is for you. Make notes on a spreadsheet about what does and doesn’t appeal toyou about the places you visit (take photos, too).

When you visit a city or community, these are a few of the questions you should be askingand taking notes on:What are the taxes on retirees; will your Social Security or federal annuity be taxed?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Is there access to cultural resources – libraries, theaters, movies, restaurants, lifelong learning classes?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

What is the average age in the community, and where did the people come from?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —


30 SEPTEMBER 2012 | NARFEROC2098NARFEhalfAds.indd 3 2/22/11 1:26:59 PM


CHECKLIST:HHooww ttoo FFiinndd YYoouurr BBeesstt PPllaaccee ttoo RReettiirree

10844 Collington NARFE Ad_0912.indd 1 6/27/12 3:13 PM

Concerning medical resources, is there access to specialists; isthe hospital just for acute care or a teaching hospital?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Regarding the political and religious makeup of the commu-nity, will you fit in with your opinions or feel out of place?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

What is the transportation situation? Can you walk, or do youhave to drive everywhere; how about airports, public transit?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

What are median real estate prices and trends? Will you be ableto sell your current home and have money in the bank, or willyou have to trade up?

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Once you have made your top choices, have you devel-oped a pros and cons list?Y____ N____You will be pleasantly surprised by how effective this exercisecan be, since one pro or con often becomes the decisive factor.

Have you decided to rent or buy?Rent____ Buy____In our opinion, the correct answer is rent first. We know toomany people who rushed into a purchase decision based on asingle visit only to find out that they were too far from theirgrandchildren, they didn’t like the homeowners associationrules, or they were too far from stores and things to do.

Have you done your due diligence, particularly if consid-ering an active adult or 55+ community?Y____ N____Private communities and condos have pitfalls as well ascharms. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you must see their fi-nancial statements, know their rules (e.g., how many pets youcan have, and how much they can weigh), and know what theforeclosure and delinquency rates are. Find out who owns thecommunity facilities, and what the fees and assessments are.

Have you considered that retirement comes in stages?Y____ N____Chances are you will retire in your mid-60s, when you might


be looking forward to activities likegolf, travel, gardening, projectsaround the house or cruising. But inanother 20 years, your retirement ac-tivities, and your health, might bevery different. Our point: Keep thelong term in mind when you makeyour retirement decision. If you de-cide to retire to a place that is incom-patible with old age, you might re-gret it later.

Good luck on your adventure.The more time and thought you putinto the process, the better the suc-cess. And, if you are looking forideas, try the Retirement Rangerfrom Topretirements.com. This freetool asks you 10 questions and thengives you a customized list of places

you might want to consider.

John Brady started www.Topretirements.com in 2007 as theplace for baby boomers to find theirbest places to retire. The site offersobjective reviews of more than 800towns and almost 1,800 activeadult communities, in addition tonews stories, feature articles and forums on all aspects of retirement. Topretirements offers a free newsletter that profilesretirement communities and offers helpful advice. Previously,Brady wrote “So Many GreatRetirement Towns, So Hard toChoose,” which ran in theSeptember 2010 issue of NARFEmagazine.

CHECKLIST:HHooww ttooFFiinndd YYoouurr BBeesstt PPllaaccee ttoo RReettiirree

AFVWFIVE STARS ABOVE THE REST

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PlayGolf

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• Beautiful year-round weather

• Freedom from housework,homemaintenance, and property taxes

• Camaraderie of friends

• Meals preparedby ourfamouschefs

• A gympool,andspafor aworkoutor forrelaxation

• Onsite healthcare facilities

• And much, much, more!

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NARFE312:Layout 2 7/16/12 12:16 PM Page 1


IncomeFrom Investments:Part II

L ast month’s column posed thequestion, how much can youexpect to receive from your in-

vestments each year? To illustrate whythis question is so difficult to answer,the column also provided a glimpse ofhow stock and bond market volatility,alongwith the sequenceof returns, canwreak havoc on a retiree’s distributionportfolio. For almost 20 years, advisersandacademicshavebeen studyinganddebating the answers to this question.

In 1994, William Bengen publishedthe first in a series of papers pioneeringthe concept of sustainable withdrawalrates. Bengen’s original work defined asustainable withdrawal rate as theamount that can be initially withdrawnfroman investmentportfolio, increasedeach subsequentyear to account for in-flation, and sustained for aminimumof30years.While30yearsmaysound likea long time, it’s actually quite reason-able. For example, theaverageageof re-tirement over recent years has been 62.For a married, nonsmoking couple, theaverage joint life expectancy is approx-imately age 92. In other words, there isa50percent chance thatoneof the twowill be livingwell into their 90s andwillbe drawing on their investments for 30years.

Bengen’s research, based on the his-torical performance of large companystocks,bondsand inflation from1926tothe timeofhis study, concludedthat thesustainable withdrawal rate was about4 percent for a 30-year horizon. Byaddingadditionalasset classes,Bengen’ssubsequent papers concluded that the30-year sustainablewithdrawal ratewas4.5 percent – although it’s still com-monly referred to as the 4 percent rule.

The sustainable withdrawal rate isthe initial rate from which all other dis-tributions are based. In subsequentyears, distributions are adjusted for in-flation to maintain purchasing power.For example, assuming a $100,000 re-tirement portfolio and the 4.5 percentsustainable withdrawal rate, the firstyear’s distribution would be $4,500. Ifinflation ran 3.5 percent the first year,

the second year’s distribution would beadjusted to $4,658. In theory, this infla-tion adjustment would continue eachand every year for the 30-year period.

For years, Bengen’s work has pro-vided the framework for taking with-drawals from retirement portfolios. Butgiven today’s environment, can retireescontinue to rely on this rule of thumb?This is a question that has continuallybeen debated over the years. Therehave been several studies in support ofthe4percent rule andmanyothers thatdispute the rule. In the late 90s, the dis-sidents said 4 percent was too low. Butnow, after 10 years of stagnant stockmarket returns, historically low interestrates and global economic uncertainty,critics claim the4percent rule is tooop-timistic. Some have suggested the sus-tainable withdrawal rate is as low as 2percentor less.Criticspointout that the4percent rulewas conceivedusing lim-

itedhistorical data forU.S. stocks, bondsand inflation going back only to 1926.The United States experienced consid-erable expansion during this period,and stock market returns were gener-ally favorable.

Only timewill tellwho is right. Butaswith any generalization, or rule ofthumb, individual circumstances mustbe consideredwhencreatinga strategy.

For example, how much of the invest-ment income is going to cover fixed,necessary living expenses? This is im-portant because, if the investment in-come is used largely for discretionaryexpenses such as travel and hobbies,then a higher withdrawal rate duringtheearly, active retirementyearsmaybeappropriate. In the event that marketconditions aren’t favorable, the retireehas theflexibility to forego inflationad-justments or cut back the distribution.

Alsoconsiderwhatyouwould like toleave your heirs. It’s important to notethat the 4 percent rule isn’t designed tomaintain principal – it’s designed tomaintain your income while keepingcontrol of your assets. So, if you’re fol-lowing the 4 percent rule, and marketconditions aren’t favorable, it’s likelythat your investment portfolio woulddecline over time, reducing the estateyou leave behind.

By Mark A.Keen,CFP®

ManagingMoney

IF YOUR withdrawal ratecreeps up to a leveldeemed not sustainable,revisit your strategy andtake steps to protectyour nest egg.


Another factor to consider is yourstrategy for financing long-term care. Ifyou don’t have long-term care insur-ance, your withdrawal rate needs to re-flect the fact that you need to protectyour nest egg for the eventual possi-bility of covering these expenses.

Because the markets are dynamic,your financial strategy should be flex-ible as well. For example, if your with-drawal rate creeps up to a level deemednot sustainable foryour remaining timehorizon, you should revisit yourstrategy and take steps to protect yournest egg. One option is to put a portionof your investments into an immediateannuity, which provides a lifetime in-comestream.You’ll begivingupcontrolof those assets, but the increased in-come fromtheannuity couldallowyouto reduce the amount you withdraw

from your remaining investments.Another option for creating extra in-

comeand reducing thewithdrawal ratewould be to tap your home’s equitywith a reverse mortgage. Similar to theimmediate annuity, the income from areversed mortgage would allow you toreduceyourwithdrawal rateonyour in-vestment portfolio.

Since hindsight is 20/20, despite allof the time, effort and energy put intothe research of sustainable withdrawalrates, the end result will likely never beknownaheadof time.That’swhy it’s im-portant to remain flexible and havecontingency plans in order to adapt tothe ever-changing markets.

Mark A. Keen, CFP®, is president andowner of Bennett Financial Advisors,3600 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax,VA, and

an investment adviser representativeand registered principal of TheStrategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA).Securities and advisory services areoffered through SFA. Email:[email protected].

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news fromNARFE Headquarters?Go to the“NARFENational Head-quarters” page on Facebook andclick“Like” to begin receiving thelatest posts on your news feed.NARFEHeadquarters’ Facebook

page does not accept Friend re-quests.We just need you to Like us!

NARFE WillWhen you leave government service, you also leave your humanresources department behind. NARFE acts as a “Personnel Office”for federal retirees, providing FREE benefits counseling for members.This year alone, NARFE has assisted thousands of members withfederal benefits questions.

Keep your membership active! NARFE is here for you.

National Active and RetiredFederal Employees Association

After you retire,who will answer yourbenefits questions?


Healthy kidneys keep theright balance of chemi-cals in the blood(sodium, phosphorus,

potassium) that are needed for goodhealth. Your kidneys filter waste and

excess water fromthe blood, whichleave the body asurine. If your kid-neys fail, wasteproducts build upin the blood andharm the body. Aperson withkidney failuremust either begin

kidney dialysis or get a kidney trans-plant to live. Hemodialysis is the mostcommon treatment for permanentkidney failure.

In hemodialysis, your blood flows, afew ounces at a time, through a specialfilter (dialyzer) that functions as an ar-tificial kidney to clean your blood. Thedialyzer is a canister connected to thehemodialysis machine that monitorsblood flow and removes wastes fromthe dialyzer. During treatment, yourblood flows through tubes into the di-alyzer, which removes wastes, extrasalt and extra fluid to help control yourblood pressure, and maintain theproper balance of potassium andsodium in your blood. The clean bloodtravels through another set of tubesback into your body.

The same dialyzer may be usedsafely more than once for your treat-ments as long as it is cleaned beforeeach use and is never used for anyonebut you. Before each treatment, makesure the dialyzer is labeled with your

name and has been cleaned, disin-fected and tested to assure it isworking.

Before starting hemodialysis, a siteon your body from which your bloodis carried to the dia-lyzer and back (vas-cular access) must becreated. Before eachhemodialysis treat-ment, needles areplaced into the vas-cular access to drawout and return theblood. There are sev-eral types of access:

• Fistula–anartery isconnected to a vein inyour forearm. In severalweeks, the increasedblood flow makes thevein grow larger andstronger so it can beused for repeatedneedleinsertions. This is thepreferred typeofperma-nent access.

• Graft – a synthetic tube is used toconnect an artery to a vein. This per-manent access can be used soonerafter placement than a fistula but hasa greater risk of clotting and infection.

• Catheter – a small, soft tube is in-serted into a vein in your neck, chest orleg near the groin as a temporary ac-cess if your kidney disease progressedquickly, and there was no time to geta permanent access. Catheters that areneeded for more than three weeks areplaced under the skin to increase com-fort and reduce complications.

Vascular access problems (infection,blockage from clotting and poor bloodflow) are the most common reasons forhospitalization among people on he-

modialysis. Rapid changes in the body’swater and chemical balance duringtreatment commonly cause musclecramps and a sudden drop in bloodpressure, which results in weakness,

dizziness or nausea.Hemodialysis treat-

ments follow a strictschedule. Most pa-tients go to a specialclinic (dialysis center)three times a week forthree to five or morehours each visit. Pa-tients may need tochoose a morning, af-ternoon or eveningshift, depending on thetimes available at thedialysis center. Duringhemodialysis, patientscan read, write, sleep,talk or watch TV. Somedialysis centers allowpatients to use a laptopcomputer or cell phone

or have visitors.The federal government will pay for

a maximum of three hemodialysis ses-sions a week.

Medicare maintains a website, Dial-ysis Facility Compare, at www.medicare.gov/dialysis, which provides

By Marilyn S.Radke,M.D.

LiveWell

ToLearnMore

For more information, write tothe National Kidney and Uro-

logic Diseases Information Clear-inghouse, 3 Information Way,Bethesda, MD 20892-3580; or call800-891-5390;or visit thewebsite atwww.kidney.niddk.nih.gov.

Coping With Kidney Failure

IF YOUR kidneysfail,waste products

build up in theblood and harm

the body.

information and resources for patientsand familymemberswhowant to learnmoreabout chronickidneydisease anddialysis. The site also lists allU.S. dialysiscenters with quality ratings for each.

Hemodialysis is usually done by pa-tient-care technicians who are super-vised by nurses. A dietitian is availableto provide advice on proper diet.Monthly blood tests are done to checkwhether dialysis treatments are re-moving enough wastes.

Sometimes, patients perform theirown hemodialysis treatments at homewith the help of a trained partner.Home dialysis allows more flexibilityin the dialysis schedule; for example,two to three hours of treatment donefive to seven days a week, or treat-ments done three to six nights perweek during sleep. The dialysis centerprovides the machine and four to sixweeks of training for patients and part-ners, plus 24-hour support if there is aquestion or problem.

If you need hemodialysis, workwith your nephrologist (kidney doctor)and dialysis team to achieve the bestpossible results so you can lead a full,active life.

Marilyn S. Radke, M.D., is board cer-tified in preventive medicine andpractices in Atlanta, GA.


Want a cell phone that’sjust a phone?

Your choice is simple.Introducing the all-new Jitterbug® Plus.

We’ve made it even better… without making it harder to use. All my friends have new cell phones. �ey carry them around with them all day, like mini computers, with little tiny keyboards and hundreds of programs which are supposed to make theirlife easier. Trouble is… my friends can’t use them. �e keypads are toosmall, the displays are hard to see and the phones are so complicated thatmy friends end up borrowing my Jitterbug when they need to make acall. I don’t mind… I just got a new phone too… the new JitterbugPlus. Now I have all the things I loved about my Jitterbug phonealong with some great new features that make it even better!

GreatCall® created the Jitterbug with one thing in mind – to offerpeople a cell phone that’s easy to see and hear, and is simple to useand affordable. Now, they’ve made the cell phone experience evenbetter with the Jitterbug Plus. It features a lightweight, comfortabledesign with a backlit keypad and big, legible numbers. �ere is evena dial tone so you know the phone is ready to use. You can also increase the volume with one touch and the speaker’s been improvedso you get great audio quality and can hear every word. �e batteryhas been improved too– it’s one of the longest lasting on the market–so you won’t have to charge it as often. �e phone comes to you withyour account already set up and is easy to activate.

�e rate plans are simple too. Why pay for minutes you’ll never use?�ere are a variety of affordable plans. Plus, you don’t have to worryabout finding yourself stuck with no minutes– that’s the problemwith prepaid phones. Since there is no contract to sign, you are notlocked in for years at a time and won’t be subject to early terminationfees. �e U.S.–based customer service is knowledgeable and helpfuland the phone gets service virtually anywhere in the continental U.S. Above all, you’ll get one-touch access to a friendly, and helpfulGreatCall operator. �ey can look up numbers, and even dial themfor you! �ey are always there to help you when you need them.

Call now and receive a FREE gift when you order. Try the Jitterbug Plus for yourselffor 30 days and if you don’t love it, just returnit for a refund1 of the product purchase price.Call now – helpful Jitterbug experts are readyto answer your questions.

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plansand services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere.Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phoneif it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug is a registered trademark of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics America, Inc. and/or its related entities. Copyright © 2012 GreatCall, Inc. Copyright © 2012by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Recycle NARFE“I caught the NARFE

magazinewhile in the YMCAlast week for my daily exer-cise. To be honest, I took themagazine homewithmeandread it thoroughly. I’ll bejoining NARFE shortly!”> Pass It On!


November is NationalAlzheimer’s DiseaseAwareness Month, firstdesignatedbyPresident

Reagan in1983.At that time, fewer thantwo million people had the disease.

Today, thatnumber hasreached nearly5.4 million. Thisannual obser-vance providesan excellent op-portunity forNARFEchaptersto have special

programs at chapter meetings or activi-ties in their community.

In my last column, I wrote about theNationalAlzheimer’s ProjectAct,whichcalled for creation of a National Alz-heimer’s Plan. Thanks to all of you whosigned theAlzheimer’sAssociation’son-linepetitionurgingPresidentObama toissue a strong plan to help those af-

fected by the disease and their families.I’m pleased to report that the plan wasreleased in thespring.Harry Johns, pres-ident andCEO of the Alzheimer’s Asso-ciation, said: “This is a tremendous mo-ment for our cause: For the first time inour history, the United States has astrong, coordinated, nationwideplan toaddress the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Theplan supports the full spectrumofwhatthose living with Alzheimer’s needevery day: more education, improvedcare, community support and effectivetreatment. It also commitsournation toessential innovative research with thegoal of identifying therapies to preventand effectively treat this devastatingand fatal disease by 2025.

“Asyouknow, thePlan is a roadmap,not the end. As we appropriately cele-brate this historic moment, we knowthat we have much work yet to do totransform the trajectory of this disease– and in the days and weeks ahead,we’ll count on you to help us continueto play a leadership role in turning thisplan into action. Supported by the

Obama administration’s commitmentto funding Alzheimer’s research andawareness announced earlier this year,we’ll work with the Department ofHealth and Human Services and otherorganizations and agencies to achievethe full potential of the NationalAlzheimer’s Plan: more public educa-tion, improved care, better communitysupports and,ultimately, effective treat-ment to prevent and effectively treatAlzheimer’s. We’ll continue our effortsto ensure that addressing Alzheimer’sbecomes an even more central, highlyvisible national priority. We’ll continueto raise awareness in communitiesacross the country that we can, wemust, we will end Alzheimer’s.”

Let me close with a special thanksfor your generous contributions to theNARFE-Alzheimer’s Research Fund —we are very close to reaching our $10million fundraising goal!

Jane Rodgers is chair of the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee.Email: [email protected].

Alzheimer’sUpdate

Alzheimer’s Awareness MonthBy Jane Rodgers

Your charitable contribution is tax-deductible tothe fullest extent allowed by law.Write yourchapter number on check; make it payable to:

NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research and mail to:Alzheimer’s Association

225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th FloorChicago, IL 60601-7633

SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH

Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ ___________.Every cent that is contributed is used for research.Please circle: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms.

Name _______________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City _______________________________ State _________ ZIP______________

Chapter number _______________________

NARFE members contributedfor Alzheimer’s research:

$10 Million Fund

$9,851,349**Total as of June 30, 2012100% of all contributed fundsgo to Alzheimer’s research.

If you have any qquueessttiioonnss,, write to:National Committee Chairman Jane Rodgers, P.O. Box 234Wadesville, IN 47638-0234Email: [email protected]

Credit Card Information: � Visa � MasterCard �Discover � AMEX

Card Number: __________________________________________________________

Expiration Date:________(mm)/_________(yy) 3-Digit Security Code: _________

Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________

Signature:_________________________________________ Date: _______________

The bathroom continues to be a major source of serious accidents.

According to the CDC, all age groups are affected. However, seniors and people with limited mobility due to arthritis or muscle weakness are more vulnerable to broken hips, concussions, and other critical injuries caused by slips, loss of balance, or tripping.

One e� ective solution: replace your old, dangerous tub.

With its high sides, awkwardly placed faucets, slick bottom, and hard surfaces, the standard bathtub is a prime cause of bathroom injuries. Seeking a safer alternative, many concerned families are replacing the old tub with a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub.

Designed and built in the U.S. with a lifetime warranty, every Safe Step Walk-In Tub features the most advanced technology and design for safety and comfort:

Easy entrance with short, 4-inch high step up.3

Comfortable 17-inch ComfortSeat™ built in.

In-line heater maintains water temperature.

Easy-Reach™ Delta® quality faucets.

Gentle Jet™ hydro-massage system with 10 water jets, 16 air bubble jets.

“Best in the business” lifetime warranty on tub and door seal.

“Ease-of-Use Commendation” from the Arthritis Foundation.

Installation by expert, insured installers included.

Designed to fi t in the same space as the existing tub, the Safe Step Walk-In Tub is not only safer, it’s also more soothing because ten strategically placed water jets and 16 air bubble jets surround sore muscles and joints with deep, therapeutic relief. You can even add exotic fragrances for aromatherapy benefi ts. Now that’s relaxation!

You can’t � nd a safer walk-in tub at a better price.

If a safe and relaxing bath sounds good to you, call us now. No matter where you live in the United States,

one of our friendly, knowledgeable associates will answer your questions, and schedule a free in-home appointment. That way you can see for yourself how the Safe Step Walk-In Tub offers the highest quality and safety at an affordable price. Take your next step to feeling great and staying in the home you love.

F O C U S O N B AT H R O O M S A F E T YS P E C I A L R E P O R T:

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How to avoid slips and falls while enjoying a bath.

1 ”Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15 Years– United States, 2008.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 10 June 2011. Web. 26 Apr. 2012. http://tinyurl.com/6gbcaep 2“Falls Among Older Adults: An Overview.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 29 Feb. 2012. Web. 26 Apr. 2012. http://tinyurl.com/2c9t96u 3On uninstalled tub, actual height may vary based upon installation

Did you know…? Even the CDC has

documented the risk of a serious fall in the bathroom: “Approximately 80% of all bathroom injuries were caused by falls…older adults had the highest fracture rates and were hospitalized most often.”1

Another CDC Study provides even more details: “Among older adults (those 65 or older), falls are the leading cause of injury death. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.”2


THRIFT SAVINGS PLANQUESTION: I know that there is aminimumdistribution required frommy ThriftSavingsPlan (TSP)account,based on actuarial life expectancy. Iwould like toknowif therequiredmin-imum distribution (RMD) for 2012would be one year’s total distribution,orwould it bemonthly based,startingfrom themonth in 2012 in which dis-tribution begins? In other words, if Ibegin minimum distribution in De-cember 2012,will the amount be anactuarial one-month’spayout,orwill itbe an entire year’s distribution? If thelatter, it would make more sense totake the distribution as soon as pos-sible.Will theTSP calculate the RMD if I

ask that it be done? Can I specify themonthly payout in any amount, andcan I receive the distribution in

monthly direct deposits?If I takemorethantheRMDinearly

years,do I get“credit” for that in thesenseofbeingaheadof theRMDs in fu-ture years?Response: The distribution will coverthe amount owed for the entire year ifyou wait until December 2012 to re-quest the distribution. Taking it earlierdoesmakemore sense.The TSP will calculate the RMD.

You can specify monthly payments inany amount, as long as the amountsatisfies the RMD for the month, andyou can have this amount depositeddirectly eachmonth into a financial in-stitution of your choice. You can,therefore, make larger withdrawals aslong as they exceed the RMD for themonth. The TSP recalculates yourRMD each year.If a participant takes more than his

or her RMD in a particular tax year, heor she cannot roll the ex-cess forward and applyit to a later year’s re-quirement.However,the RMD is a verystraightforward cal-culation, based on lifeexpectancy and accountbalance. So, takingmore than isrequired during one yearwill re-duce the account balance forthe next year’s calculation, which willhave the effect of reducing subsequentyears’ RMDs. Also, if a participant is re-ceivingmonthly payments based on arequest for a specific dollar amount,and if that amount fails to satisfy his orher RMD for the year, the TSP willissue a supplemental payment at theend of the year to ensure the RMD issatisfied. Thus, if you are happy withthe payment amount, there is no needto adjust the dollar amount solely be-cause of the RMD. The TSP will makesure that the supplemental payment

satisfies the requirement. If you haveconcerns or need further clarification,call the TSP at 877-968-3778.

GPO/WEPQUESTION: I retired in 1997 underthe Civil Service Retirement System(CSRS) with an 18 percent reductionin my annuity due to age. I am nownearly age 62 and want to know ifthere is a tool I canuse tocalculateSo-cialSecuritybenefits,andhowtheyareaffected under theGovernment Pen-sionOffset (GPO) andWindfall Elimi-nation Provision (WEP).I am lookingfor information that will helpme de-cide whether to start drawing SocialSecuritynoworwaituntil I amage66.Response:The link toa toolon theSocialSecurity Administration (SSA) websitethat will help you reach a decision iswww.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm. Most CSRS retirees donot receive any benefit based on theirspouse’s work history. The GPO takes

two-thirds of your pensionand subtracts it from theamount of money youare entitled to receive,based on your hus-band’s work record.Youare entitled tobetween 38-50

percent of his Social Security benefit,basedonyouragewhenyouapply for it.If you wait until you reach age 66, youwould be entitled to 50 percent of hisbenefit.However, if he predeceases you,you are entitled to 100 percent of hisbenefit. Of course, you have to choosebetween your own Social Security ben-efit and that of your spouse. You can’thave both.Individualswhoare impactedby the

WEP usually have 20 years or less ofsubstantial earnings when they paidSocial Security taxes on their wages. Agood ballpark figure is to take 60 per-

NOTE: The following Questions &Answers were compiled by FederalBenefits Service Department staff.These are real questions received bythe Department, based on themembers’ personal circumstances.

The answers are not universaland may include information that isrelevant to the correspondent’s par-ticular situation.NARFE does notprovide legal advice or assistance,does not provide financial planningadvice or assistance, and does notprovide tax advice or assistance.

For legal, financial planning ortax advice/assistance,NARFErecommends that members contactan attorney, financial planner orcertified public accountant/taxadviser.

Questions &Answers

QA&

RETIREES

cent of the benefits that you are toldyou will receive. This benefit appearson your Social Security Benefit State-ment. You may want to make an ap-pointment at your local SSA office andhave the SSA representative give youthe amount of your entitlement. Thenyouwill have accurate figures and canbetter decide when you want to applyfor the benefit.

MEDICARE PART AQUESTION: How do I sign up forMedicare Part A?Will the Office ofPersonnel Management (OPM) con-tactme prior tomy 65th birthday,ordo I need to contact OPM or someotheroffice?OramIautomaticallyen-rolled andwill receive notification?Response: If you are covered under theCivil Service Retirement System (CSRS)and are not eligible for a Social Securitybenefit, you need to contact your localSocial Security Administration (SSA) of-fice toenroll inPartA.Keep inmind that,if you postpone enrolling in MedicarePart B, you would be charged a 10 per-cent penalty for each 12 months thatyou don’t have Part B and could haveenrolled. You should discuss Part Bduring your appointment with the SSArepresentative.

SURVIVOR BENEFITSQUESTION: I am a federal retireeunder the Civil Service RetirementSystem. I retired from the NationalAeronautics and Space Administra-tion in 1993,withmore than 30 yearsof service. I have my spouse as a sur-viving annuitant, and, therefore, mypension is lower. Should my wife diebefore I do, ismy retirement amountincreased? If so,by about howmuch?Response: If your spouse predeceasesyou, then your annuity would increaseby the amount that you are paying forsurvivorbenefits.Wedonothaveaccess

to your records, so we can’t provide thespecific amount of your payment. Youneed to contact the Office of PersonnelManagement (OPM). You can call OPMbetween7:30a.m. and7:45p.m. EasternTime at 888-767-6738. You also canwrite to the OPM Retirement Opera-tions Center, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA16017-0045.

SOCIAL SECURITYQUESTION: Iamage65andaretireeunder the Civil Service RetirementSystem (CSRS). My 64-year-oldspouse,whoneverworked for the fed-eral government,has been receivingSocialSecuritydisabilitybenefits since2004.I worked under Social Securityfrom 1963-1975 and from 2005-2007.In order to take advantage of delayedretirement credits andmaximizemybenefits,I want towait until age 70 tobegin receiving Social Security bene-fits, based onmy record.Can I applyfor spousal Social Security benefitswhenI reachage66,my full retirementage,later this year?Response: CSRS retirees are subject tothe Government Pension Offset (GPO).Most CSRS retirees are not eligible foranybenefitbasedon their spouse’sworkrecordbecause theGPOprovision takestwo-thirdsofyourannuityandsubtractsthat amount from your spousal benefit.Here is a link on the Social Security Ad-ministration (SSA) website for informa-tion on the GPO: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10007.html. Because thisdeci-sion must be made by the SSA, youshould contact your local SSA office to

see if you are eligible for any spousalbenefits.

THETRUTH ABOUTMEDICARE PREMIUMS

QUESTION: I got an email from afriend thatclaimedthatMedicarepre-miums for 2014 would increase to$247permonthand topass it on toallseniors.Is this true?Response: No, it is not. For the pastcouple of years, ever since the Afford-able Care Act was signed into law, astatement has beenfloating around theInternet very similar to the one youmentioned. The one we have seen saidMedicare Part B premiums would be$104.20 in 2012, $120.20 in 2013 and$247.00 in 2014. Obviously, the origi-nator of themessagewaswrong aboutthe 2012 premiums since they are$99.90 per month in 2012. Even offi-cials at Social Security and Medicarecannot state with authority what thepremiums will be years ahead of time.Medicare Part B premiums are resetevery year based on the costs to theprogram for the current year, and noannouncement about the premiumsfor thenewcalendar year ismadeuntilthe fall. When themonthly premiumsfor the upcoming year are announced,NARFE will share that informationwithmembers.

FERS SUPPLEMENTQUESTION:I tookanagency-offeredearly retirement last year as a en-rollee in the Federal Employees Re-tirementSystem(FERS)andwas told


NARFE SERVICE OFFICERS are available to answer questions and to assist inhelping with a variety of benefit matters.Check your chapter newsletter for thename and phone number of your service officer.Call NARFE toll-free at

800-456-8410for the nearest service officer.NARFE Service Centers are also available in someareas.Use the Service Center listings on the NARFE website,www.narfe.org.

that I would get a supplementwhen Ihit my minimum retirement age(MRA),which formewould be at age56 inMarch2013. Do Ihave tocontacttheOffice of Personnel Management(OPM) at that time, or does OPMhave a program that shows when Ishould start receiving this additionalpayment?Will it start automatically?Since I turnage56 inMarch,should theadditional payment show up on myApril 1 retirement check?Response: You are correct in that youmustwait until you reach yourMRA toreceive your supplement. You are alsocorrect in that your supplement wouldbegin on April 1, 2013, because youreach your MRA in March 2013. Thesupplement should be paid automati-cally.You should be aware that if you are

still working at that time, your FERSAnnuity Supplementwould be subjectto the Social Security Earnings Limita-tion Test. The earnings limitation for2012 is $14,640. OPMwill offset yoursupplement by $1 for every $2 youearn in excess of $14,640.

FEHBP INTO RETIREMENTQUESTION:I was under the FederalEmployees Retirement System(FERS) and met eligibility require-ments of 10+ years of service andmyminimumretirementage.During thattime,Ihadcontinuouscoverageunderthe Federal Employees Health Bene-fits Program (FEHBP). I left federalserviceandamnowworking in thepri-vate sector.Do Ineed to return to fed-eral employment in order to getFEHBP coverage in retirement? If Imust return to federal service, howlongwould Ihavetoworktobeeligible

to take FEHBP coverage into retire-ment?Response: To be eligible for FEHBPcoverage as a retiree, you must haveseparated from service on an imme-diate retirement or a postponed FERSretirement, and have had continuousFEHBP coverage, either as an enrolleeor as a dependent under another’sFEHBP coverage, for the five years pre-ceding retirement or at every opportu-nity you had to enroll. If you left fed-eral service without retiring on an im-mediate annuity or a postponedannuity, you are not eligible to haveFEHBP coverage later if you apply forretirement benefits.If you met the five-year require-

ment when you separated from gov-ernment service, and you become re-employed andmeet the requirementsfor an immediate retirement, you onlyneed to be enrolled in the FEHBP foryour first pay period. You can then re-tire and keep your FEHBP coverage asa retiree.

REDEPOSITSQUESTION: A friend transferredfrom one federal agency to anotherandreceivedapayoutof themoneyhehad paid into the retirement fund. Hedidnot reinvest themoney in theCivilServiceRetirementSystemforcredit.He changed agencies in 1978, is stillworking andplans to retire soon.Howshould he dealwith the redeposit?Response: We assume that he receiveda lump-sum payment of his retirement

contributions prior to 1979. Therefore,the individual has some options be-cause he is not required to make a re-deposit:He may pay the redeposit in full,

which would equal the amount of therefund with a 3 percent interestcharge; orHe would not be required to pay

the redeposit but would have his an-nuity reduced as a result.With this op-tion, the Office of Personnel Manage-ment (OPM) uses an actuarial figurebased on life expectancy to reduce theannuity. For example, the life ex-pectancy is 20 years, and the employeeowes $10,000. If the redeposit is paid,the employee would receive an an-nuity of $30,000. If the redeposit isn’tpaid, the $10,000 deposit amountwould be divided by a 20-year life ex-pectancy factor, whichwould result ina $500-a-year reduction inhis annuity.In this example, he would receive$29,500.We suggest that the employee re-

quest two annuity estimates from hishuman resources office. One estimatewould show what the individualwould receive if he makes the rede-posit. The second estimate wouldshow what the individual would re-ceive if he doesn’t make the redeposit.These estimates would give him theinformation he needs to make a gooddecision.The employee maymake the rede-

posit by completing an application fora redeposit (form2803, “Application to


Questions &Answers

NARFE offers an online retirementcalculator and other financial planningtools formembers only. Find outmoreabout thismembership benefit atwww.narfe.org.

Make the right decision at the right time.

ACTIVEEMPLOYEES

There’s a new service roadalongside the highway tofederal retirement. Thisnew road allows federal

employees to ease down the road intoretirement rather than take the expressexit off the interstate into retirement.Signed into law on July 6, Public

Law 112-141, “Moving Ahead forProgress in the 21st Century,” includesa provision that creates away formanyfederal employees to retire and beginreceiving partial annuities whilestaying with their agencies on a part-timebasis. As part of the process, these“phased retirees” would be required tomentor new employees, and continueto provide their expertise and skills insupport of their agency’s mission.Whilewe do not know all of the de-

tails onhow thenew lawwill be imple-mented – theOffice of PersonnelMan-agement (OPM) will develop regula-tions for implementing the law – hereis what we do know now:• With a few exceptions, employees

subject tomandatory retirement, suchas law enforcement, firefighters, airtraffic controllers and all disability re-tirees, are excluded from eligibility forthe phased retirement option.• Participation in phased retirement

is voluntary, and requires the consentof both the employee and his or heragency.• The individualmust be eligible for

an immediate annuity and haveworked full time for the three years im-mediately preceding phased retire-ment.• Initially, the only part-time

schedule that can be offered to a

phased retiree will be 50 percent.• A phased retirement annuity will

be computedby calculating the full an-nuity and then reduced to the propor-tion of the part-time service.• At least 20 percent of the phased

retiree’s hours worked must be usedfor mentoring.• A phased retiree may not be em-

ployed in more than one position butmay transfer to another.• The Federal Employees Retire-

ment SystemAnnuity Supplementwillnot be paid during the phased retire-ment period.• No unused sick leave will be used

in the computation of the phased re-tirement annuity.• Federal Employees’ Group Life In-

surance and Federal EmployeesHealthBenefits Program (FEHBP) will staywith the agency, and the FEHBP gov-ernment contributionwill be the samefor the phased retiree as for a full-timeemployee.• Phased retirement annuities will

not be reduced to provide a survivorbenefit. If the phased retirement indi-vidual dies during the periodof phasedretirement, benefits will be paid in thesame way as they are for an employeewho dies in service.• If the agency agrees, a phased re-

tiree can return to a full-time position.The phased annuity would terminate.OPMwill announce when the new

phased retirement option becomesavailable after it has completed finalregulations. More details will be avail-able at that time.

By the Federal Benefits ServiceDepartment


Phased Retirement:WhatWe Know Now

Make Deposit or Redeposit“) and sub-mitting it to his human resources of-fice. The human resources officewould send the application to OPM.OPM would then send him theamount of the redeposit. The em-ployeemaymake the redeposit in $50installments directly to OPM and de-cide when he wants to make a pay-ment. In other words, he may make apayment of $200 onemonth and waitthree months andmake a payment of$50.If the individual is within six

months of retirement, he should notapply for the redeposit. OPM wouldgive him an opportunity to repay thisamount after he retires. OPM wouldwrite the individual a letter when itdetermines the final annuity and ex-plain the amount of the annuity withandwithout the deposit. However, theindividual has only 30 days from thedate of the letter to make the rede-posit.The bottom line is, he should get

two annuity estimates thatwill includethe amount of the redeposit, decide ifand when he wants to make the rede-posit, or decide if he would be betteroff investing the redeposit amount inother ways.Note: Regarding the amount of in-

terest charged on a redeposit, for re-funded service prior to 1985, the in-terest rate is locked in at 3 percent. Forrefunded service after 1984, an indi-vidual would pay the variable interestrate, beginning in 1985.

To obtain an answer to a federalbenefits question, call 703-838-7760and ask for the Federal BenefitsService Department; send yourquestion by postal mail to NARFEHeadquarters, ATTN: FederalBenefits; or submit it by email [email protected].

FederalBenefits


Keep Chapters ActiveAnd EnergizedBy Carol R. EkRegion V Regional Vice [email protected]

Aswithmany other or-ganizations, NARFE isexperiencing the effectsof the slow economy as

well as a decline inmembership. ButtheAssociation has been tightening its

budget andusing newways to recruit.Wealso are improvingcommunicationswithmembers through theuse of new technolo-gies.

Over the pastyear, I had the opportunity to travelto the seven states in Region V (Iowa,

Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri,Nebraska, North Dakota and SouthDakota). In all, NARFEmembersshared the same concerns: thecontinuing assault on the benefits offederal employees and retirees, thelack of NARFEmembers willing totake chapter and federation offices,and decliningmembership. EachRegion V federation is working hardto address these concerns. We heldtwo-day training sessions whereofficers and chairmen went back toschool for some brainstormingsessions to look for ways to helpovercome these obstacles.

Inmy travels, I sometimes hear thisstatement: “Headquarters is trying tomakeNARFE a national-onlyorganization.” This is just not true. Thefounding of eNARFEwas done in anattempt to attract a new generation of

NARFEmembers, and the eNARFEchapters have been very successful.Some of these eNARFE chaptermembers probablywould not havejoined a local chapter nomatter howmany times theywere contacted.

If we are unable to keep our localchapters active and energized, wewillnot be able to continue operating atthe grass-roots level, which is soimportant to our lobbying.Withoutchapters, wewould not havefederations, and then onlyHead-quarters would keepNARFE alive. Itshould not be the responsibility ofjust one or two chaptermembers tosustain the chapters but everyNARFEmember. Letme congratulate thosememberswhowork hard to carry onNARFE’s work. You deserve a big“thank you” for your efforts on behalfof all NARFEmembers. �

Report From the Regions

Membership Information(Active NARFE members)

Member Number:_______________________(New members) Membership is open to civilians inany agency of the federal or D.C. (before Oct. 1, 1987)governments eligible for a federal annuity.

Check one:� Retiree � Active federal employee� Spouse � Former federal employee� Former spouse � Survivor

Payment Information� Single payment or �Quarterly Installments (4 payments)

Life Membership fee amount: $____________

� Credit card � Check or money order (payable to NARFE)

Credit Card Info: � MasterCard � Discover � Visa � AMEX

Card Number:______________________________ Exp. Date:_____/_____

Name on Card: (print) ___________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________ Date:______________

NARFE National Life Membership Application

Mail application and payment to: NARFE, Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Life Membership Fee ScheduleAges Single or Quarterly

Payment Installments30-39 $1,796 $450.2540-50 1,408 353.2551-55 1,127 283.0056-60 960 241.2561-65 801 201.5066-70 653 164.5071-75 514 129.7576-80 392 99.2581-90 251 64.0091-100+ 127 33.00

Thank you for becoming a National Member for Life. You will receive a membership card, certificate and special lapel pin. Please allowsix weeks for processing. Dues payments & gift contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

Contact Information

Full Name: Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms.

Street Address Apt./Unit

City/State/ZIP

Email Address

Date of Birth

Recruiter’s ID # (if applicable)

Chapter Number (call 800-456-8410 for chapter information)

National Life Membership offers a hedge against future dues increases and affirms a member’s ongoing support of NARFE’smission to serve federal employees and retirees. National dues are paid for life; applicable chapter dues are billed annually.


NARFENews

Silver Circle Donations Keep Rolling In

Silver Circle Contribution Form

Yes! I want to be a member of the NARFE Silver Circle. Enclosed is my Silver Circle contribution of $_____

• For a contribution of$25 or more, you willreceive a Silver Circlepin, and your namewill be listed in NARFEmagazine with othercontributors.

• For a contribution of$1,000 or more, yourname will be placedon the “Wall ofFame” at NARFEHeadquarters.

ID # ____________________________________________________________________(ID # may be found on your NARFE magazine label or your NARFE membership card)

Name ____________________________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State ___________ ZIP _____________

� My check is enclosed (please make check payable to NARFE Silver Circle)

� Please charge my credit card

Card type � Mastercard � Visa � Discover � AMEX

Card # _________________________________________________

Expiration Date_____________________________________________

Name __________________________________________________

Signature ___________________________________________ Date ___________________

� Installment PlanWall of Fame 12-month

installment plan

Clip this contribution form and mail to: NARFE Silver Circle, NARFE, 606 N.Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Silver Circle contributions are not deductiblefor federal income tax purposes.

Silver Circle donations totaled$116,482 as of July 15. DonorsfromJanuary16-July15are listed

belowwith their chapter numbers.

The program offers a way for mem-bers togive toNARFEbeyond thenorm.Donors of $25 or more are listed inNARFE magazine and receive a Silver

Circle pin. Donors of$1,000 or more have theirnames engraved on theWall of Fame inthe lobby ofNARFEHeadquarters. �

ARIZONABARBARAT. PETERSEN 1505CALIFORNIALOUIS J. JURUS 0004SUSAN A. HAMMER 0040LESLIE J. CHING 0065BRUCE A. BENNETT 1028MARGARET C. PETROVICH1833DELAWAREDOROTHY L. SINNER 1174

FLORIDAJOHN R. LEDMAN 1137HAWAIIELISA D. PORTACIO 1657IDAHOGENEVIEVE E. BOGUSLAWSKI1025IOWAJEANETTE K. SCHMITT 0436MAINEHERBERTW. MARSH 1831MARYLANDDAVID R. LEATHERY 1372

JERRY KERNER 2166MASSACHUSETTSEDWARD B. HICK 0807IRMA G.WEAVER 1279DORIS H.WILSON 1568MISSOURIWILHELM F. NURNBERG 0991NEWHAMPSHIRECAROL A. FRENCH 1693NEWMEXICOGEORGE M.THOMAS 1411NEW YORKNORMA ALFORD 0500

JACQUELINE D. RICHARDS0200JOSEPH GODFREY 1758PENNSYLVANIAROBERT A. RUSSELL 0377JEANV. ALEXANDER 1778DONALD E. BROWN 1797SOUTH DAKOTAHARLAN L. NIEDERMYER 0810TENNESSEEBILLY GRANTHAM 0727TEXASRALPH NELSON 1191

JOHNNY A. ORTIZ 1345VIRGINIAWILLIAM SHACKELFORD 0737WASHINGTONMARY JO MAYNES 0881WEST VIRGINIAE. JEAN SAMPLES 0174WISCONSINVICTOR F. BRULC 0094KENNETH L. SMITH 0094OTHERSTEVEN GORSKI 2363MICHAEL DISHON 4044

SILVER CIRCLE

Amajor redesign of theNARFE website launchedAugust 1. The new design

gives the website, www.narfe.org, anew look and greater functionality.Among the highlights:

• The Main Home Page has beenstreamlined. The page includes links to

NARFE legislative information and re-sources, news releases and statements.

• Themember log-in is prominentlydisplayedunder thebanneron theMainHome Page. TheMembers Home Pageprovides informationon federal benefitstopics, a listingofwhatmembers candoonline, a NARFE resource library and

links to mem-ber Perks.

• A special link for NARFE officersalso appears on the Members HomePage, enabling them to easily access theOnline Activities Module andMonthlyOnline Reports.

Please visit the new site often! �

NARFEDebutsNewWebsiteDesign


Visit our online photo gallery at www.narfe.org.Sign in and click on NARFE Publications.

Out &AboutWith the Chapters

To submit a photo: Email it to [email protected] or send it by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Out & About.

(RIGHT) GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY.Members of Chapter 806 inTrenton,TN, recently celebrated the chapter’s 50th anniversary.Pictured, from left: John Harris;Mack Stanley, public relations;

Pat Stanley,Alzheimer’s chair (holding charter); Larry Henderson,chapter president and Tennessee Federation 1st vp; Betty Hutson(holding cake);William Bronow, secretary-treasurer and editor;

Trumon Allmon; and Roy Leach, vice president.

REGION IConnecticut . . . . . . .32Massachusetts . . . . .84Maine . . . . . . . . . . . .24New Hampshire . . .28NewYork . . . . . . ..186Rhode Island . . . . . . .11Vermont . . . . . . . . . .14Total . . . . . . . . .379

REGION IIDist. of Columbia . . .72Delaware . . . . . . . . .32Maryland . . . . . . . .481New Jersey . . . . . .123Pennsylvania . . . . . .315Total . . . . . . . .1,023

REGION IVIllinois . . . . . . . . . . .162Indiana . . . . . . . . . . .92Michigan . . . . . . . . .106Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . .135Wisconsin . . . . . . . .92Total . . . . . . . . .587

REGION VIowa . . . . . . . . . . . . .85Kansas . . . . . . . . . . .90Minnesota . . . . . . .121Missouri . . . . . . . . . .96Nebraska . . . . . . . . .38North Dakota . . . . .39South Dakota . . . . . .45Total . . . . . . . . .514

REGION VIIArizona . . . . . . . . . .84Colorado . . . . . . . .123New Mexico . . . . . .52Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Wyoming . . . . . . . . .19Total . . . . . . . . .300

REGION XKentucky . . . . . . . . . 85North Carolina . . . 145Tennessee . . . . . . . . . 73E-Chapter (eNARFE) . 792Virginia . . . . . . . . . . 549West Virginia . . . . . . 54Total . . . . . . . . 1,698

REGION VIIICalifornia . . . . . . . .400Guam . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . .48Nevada . . . . . . . . . . .28Philippines . . . . . . . . .0Total . . . . . . . . .482

REGION IXAlaska . . . . . . . . . . . .42Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . .33Montana . . . . . . . . . .30Oregon . . . . . . . . . . .68Washington . . . . . .130Total . . . . . . . . .303

REGION VIArkansas . . . . . . . . . .43Louisiana . . . . . . . . .45Oklahoma . . . . . . . .63Panama . . . . . . . . . . . .0Texas . . . . . . . . . . .285Total . . . . . . . . .436

REGION IIIAlabama . . . . . . . . . .97Florida . . . . . . . . . .307Georgia . . . . . . . . .201Mississippi . . . . . . . .55Puerto Rico . . . . . . .18South Carolina . . . . .81Total . . . . . . . . . . .759

FOREIGN14

RecruitmentandRetention2012In the first six months of 2012, 6,495 new members joined NARFE.

– Jacqueline Johnson-Bryant, Recruitment and Retention Assistant

(LEFT) 60TH CELEBRATION:Members of Chapter188 in Riverside, CA, recently marked thechapter’s 60th anniversary. Rusty Bailey, thirdfrom right, a member of the Riverside CityCouncil, presented a proclamation to ChapterPresident Lee Lucero. Pictured, from left: JamesCrandall, chapter net coordinator; PhillipSanchez, 1st vp; Lucero; Bailey; Gloria Deets-Breyer, treasurer; and Bartley Porter, 2nd vp.

ChapterMilestones


Three Easy Ways To Join1.

2.3.

��YES. I want to join NARFE.Please start my individual one-year membership for the first-year dues of $45.

�� Mr. �� Mrs. �� Miss �� Ms.

Full Name _____________________________________________

Street Address _________________________________________

Apt./Unit______________________________________________

City _________________________ State _____ ZIP ___________

Phone (__________) ____________________________________

Email_________________________________________________

Date of Birth _________ /_________ / ___________________________dd mm yyyy

I am a (check all that apply)�� Active Federal Employee�� Active Federal Employee Spouse�� Annuitant�� Annuitant Spouse�� Survivor Annuitant

�� Please enroll my spouse for an additional $45.

Spouse’s Full Name _____________________________

Spouse’s Date of Birth _________/_________/ ________dd mm yyyy

NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personalinformation is used to provide content and relevantcommunications to our members, and will not be sold orrented to third parties without your express permission.

NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION606 N.Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 www.narfe.org 800-627-3394 [email protected]

The only organization dedicated solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE informs you of any developments and proposals that affect your compensation, retirement and health benefits, AND provides clear answers to your benefit questions.

Who Should Join?

NARF E MEMBERSH I P A P P L I C AT ION

Active and Retired Federal Employees ... JOIN NARFE TODAY!

CALCULATE YOUR DUES

$45.00 x ___________ = ______________First-Year Dues # Joining Total Dues(First-year dues include national and chapter dues.)

PAYMENT OPTIONS�� Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE)�� Bill me (NARFEmembership will start when

payment is received.)�� Charge my: �� MasterCard �� VISA

�� Discover �� American Express

Card No. ________________________________________________

Expiration Date _________ /_________mm yyyy

Name on Card ____________________________________________

Signature ________________________________________________

Date ____________________________________________________

CHAPTER AFFILIATION(If known, otherwise NARFE will enroll you in the chapter closest to your ZIP code.)

Enroll me in Chapter # ______ ______ ______ ______

MAY WE THANK SOMEONE?If applicable, please provide the name, membership and chapter number of the member who introduced you to NARFE:

Recruiter’s Name___________________________________

Recruiter’s Membership ID___________________________

Recruiter’s Chapter Number__________________________

MAIL THIS APPLICATION TONARFE Member Records606 N.Washington St.Alexandria, VA 22314-1914

Learn aboutour ELECTRONICMEMBERSHIP ateNARFE.org

IQA


NARFEPerksNARFEPerks are designed to provide NARFEmembers with a quality option in their search for

commonly used products and services.NARFE makes no guarantee on any products and services listed

below and encourages its members to shop and compare before making a decision on any financial matter.

NARFE INSURANCESERVICES1-800-233-5764

DesignedandadministeredbyMarshU.S. Consumer, a service of Seabury &Smith, Inc., exclusively for NARFEmem-bers: Senior Whole Life, Term Life,MedicareSupplements,Hospital IncomePlan, Short Term Recovery Insurance,Pet Insurance, Accidental Death & Dis-memberment, Cancer Care, EnhancedDental Insurance and Long Term Care.Go towww.narfeinsurance.com formoreinformation on these programs.

GEICO:1-800-368-2734NARFE members with good driving

records may be eligible for quality auto-mobile insurance fromGEICO.Askaboutthe NARFE discount available to mem-bers in many states. Call today for yourfree, no-obligation rate quote. Be sure tomention that you’re a NARFEmember!• Discount amount varies in some states• Discount not available in all states or inall GEICO companies• One group discount applicable perpolicy.

NARFEMEMBERHOMEBENEFITS

1-800-666-9203http://narfe.myhomebenefits.com• Earn thousands in cash-back re-

wards when you buy or sell a home*• Shop competitive mortgage rates,

receive discounts on closing costs, plustakeadvantageof yourVALoanBenefits

• Receive preferred pricing on inter-state moving services with the nation’smost trusted moving company – AlliedVan Lines!*State restrictionsapply.Call or visitwebsite for details.

BEKINSVANLINES1-800-456-6832 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.CT)

[email protected] NARFE

members will re-ceivediscountedpricing for all interstateshipments. Discount will apply topacking andmoving services and valua-tion protection. All intrastate shipments,locals and international moves will becompetitive in cost based on your geo-graphical location. Mention you are aNARFE member and transportationagreement #00930.

INSURANCEMOVING SERVICES

SINCE 19741-800-423-3226

Medical Air Services Association hasbeen the industry leader inprepaidemer-gency assistance services formore than30 years. NARFEmembers have experi-encedMASA’s “peace ofmind” servicessince 2001. Now NARFE members areentitled to even more: air ambulancetransportation,helicopter transportation,groundambulance, vehicle return,mortalremains transport, andmuchmore!CallMASAToday. ItCouldSaveYourLife!

EMERGENCY SERVICES

VACATION RENTALS

Government EmployeesTravelOpportunities®

Offers government employees,retirees and their families 7-NightStays for ONLY $349 on accommoda-tions worldwide. Book online atwww.getravelop.com/narfe and saveon your next vacation stay.

HEARINGBENEFITS

Twodiscountprograms tochoose from:

ValueAdd® orMemberPlus®. Similar to awarehouse membership, MemberPlussaves hundreds more for a $108 yearlymembership.

MemberPlus also includes:• 45-day, money-back guarantee onmembership fee and all purchases• 48 batteries, 3-year warranty, and one-time loss and damage for 3 years (smallmanufacturerdeductibleapplies)oneachpurchased hearing aid• Guest membership for up to four ex-tended familymembers (siblings,parents,etc.) for only $79 each• Combine with an existing health planhearing benefit tomaximize savings

Visit TruHearingMemberPlus.com formore information, or call 877-360-2442Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. East Coast Time

EDUCATION

Want to earn your associate’s degreebeforeyou transfer toa four-yearschool?Ivy Bridge College offers a variety of de-gree programs that will help put you onthe right track.Nomatterwhichprogramyouchoose,aneducationwith IvyBridgewill provide you with a solid foundationfor a rewarding future. NARFEmembersand their families can enjoy an exclusive5percentsavingson tuitionat IvyBridge,auniqueonline institution thatprovidesahighlysupportedpathway toabachelor’sdegree.To learnmore, call 877-615-9246or visit http://ivybridge.tiffin.edu/narfe.

NARFE’sOFFICIALCREDITUNIONAs a member of NARFE, you have

the privilege of joining NARFE PremierFederal Credit Union, which has beenserving members since 1935. We offerextensive services at competitive ratesto members nationwide. Your savingsare federally insured to at least $250,000andbackedby the full faith andcredit ofthe United States Government.

For more information, call 800-328-1500, e-mail [email protected] or visit us at NARFEpremierfcu.org.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONALWith 6,000 hotels in theUnitedStates

and throughout the world, Choice Ho-tels®offerssomething foreveryone.JointheChoicePrivileges®rewardsprogramandearnpointswitheveryqualifyingstaytoward free nights, Airline Rewards, giftcards and more. As a NARFE member,receive 20%off your next stay at partici-patinghotelswhenyouuseSpecialRateID00801967.Thisoffer issubject toavail-ability andcannot becombinedwith anyother offer. Advance reservations re-quired. To book, visit choicehotels.comor call 800-258-2847.

WYNDHAMHOTELGROUPAs a member of NARFE, you will re-

ceive up to 20%off the “Best AvailableRate”atparticipating locationswhenyoutravel. Call and give agent your specialdiscount ID number, 8000002694,at timeof booking to receive discount.Whetheryou are looking for an upscale hotel, anall-inclusive resort or something morecost-effective,wehave the right hotel foryou... and at the right price. So startsaving now. Call our special member-benefits hotline 1-877-670-7088 and re-serve your room today at one of thesefine hotels: Wyndham Hotels and Re-sorts®, Days Inn®, Ramada World-wide®, Super 8®, Wingate By Wyn-dham®, Baymont Inns and Suites®,Hawthorn Suites® By Wyndham, Mi-crotel Inns and Suites®, HowardJohnson®, Travelodge® and KnightsInn®.

HOTELS

ALAMODrive Happy® with Alamo® where

NARFE members receive year-rounddiscounts. Call 1-800-462-5266 and ref-erence Contract ID 262544.

NATIONALYou Drive A Hard Bargain. Receive

up to 20% off rentals at National CarRental. To make a reservation call Na-tional Car Rental at 1-800-CAR-RENT®

and reference Contract ID 5282909.

AVIS:1-800-331-1441The employees/owners of Avis offer

guaranteed low rates and quality serv-ices to members of NARFE. MentionID# A991900.

CAR RENTALS CREDIT UNION

CREDIT CARD

Bank of America now offers the offi-cially approved credit card program forNARFE, featuring the Platinum Plus®MasterCard®withWorldPoints. This isthe only credit card that helps supportNARFE every time you use it to make apurchase–at no additional cost to you.

Call toll-free 1-866-438-6262UseNARFE’s full name, not NARFE.


HEALTH SCREENING

LIFE LINE SCREENINGLife Line Screening, America’s

leading provider of community-basedpreventive health screenings, will con-duct the following screenings usingstate-of-the-art ultrasound technologyin your neighborhood:

1. Stroke/Carotid Artery2. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm3. Atrial Fibrillation4. Peripheral Arterial Disease.Youwill receive a confidential written

reportwithin21days.LifeLineScreeningand NARFE encourage you to sharethese test resultswithyourdoctor.All fourscreeningscost just$135.Toscheduleanappointment,pleasecall 1-800-324-9906and give the operator code number:BKHN075 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/NARFE.

Coverage may vary and may not beavailable in all states.

NARFEGENERAL STORE

OrderOfficial NARFE namebadges,customizableNARFE logoproducts

andplaques.www.narfegeneralstore.com

Call toll-free855-99NARFE

(855-996-2733)

NARFEMERCHANDISE


From looking at the fund returnsfor July, you wouldn’t thinkmuchwent on.What they don’t

show is that there was a lot of intra-month volatility. For example, from July3 to July12, theCFundpricedeclinedal-most 3 percent. Five trading days later,it had risen 3 percent; then it fell almost3 percent in four days. Finally, it rosemore than 3.5 percent in two days toclose themonth up 1.4 percent.The F Fund is the second-best-per-

forming Fund this year (behind the CFund) because interest rates have con-tinued to decline. For example, 10-yearTreasury note rates have fallen from1.9percent to 1.5 percent. But decliningrates lead to lower G Fund rates. The in-terest rate the G Fund pays has fallenfrom 1.75 percent at year end to itslowest rate ever, 1.25percent, inAugust.

Tracey Ray is chief investment officerof the Thrift Savings Plan.

Thrift Savings Plan Investments*

*This chart is provided as a service to NARFE members who enrolled in the Thrift Savings Plan whileemployed by the federal government. Retirees are not eligible for enrollment. These returns are netof the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Percentages in ( )are negative. Source: tsp.gov.

Month G Fund F Fund C Fund S Fund I Fund2011 August 0.19% 1.45% (5.44%) (8.12%) (9.03%)

September 0.16% 0.73% (7.03%) (10.73%) (10.55%)October 0.14% 0.11% 10.93% 14.09% 9.48%November 0.14% 0.01% (0.21%) (0.51%) (2.46%)December 0.15% 1.01% 1.04% (0.04%) (2.03%)

2012 January 0.13% 0.88% 4.50% 7.59% 5.36%February 0.12% 0.05% 4.34% 3.99% 5.14%March 0.14% (0.61%) 3.30% 2.30% 0.13%April 0.15% 1.12% (0.62%) (0.71%) (1.87%)May 0.14% 0.91% (5.99%) (6.91%) (11.40%)June 0.11% 0.05% 4.13% 3.25% 7.08%July 0.12% 1.38% 1.40% (0.62%) 0.56%

Last 12 Months 1.70% 7.31% 9.26% 1.01% (11.61%)

Month L Income L 2020 L 2030 L 2040 L 20502011 August (1.10%) (3.69%) (4.63%) (5.37%) (6.16%)

September (1.51%) (4.73%) (5.92%) (6.85%) (7.80%)October 2.31% 6.18% 7.68% 8.83% 9.92%November 0.02% (0.34%) (0.49%) (0.62%) (0.78%)December 0.20% 0.11% 0.09% 0.07% (0.01%)

2012 January 1.18% 3.03% 3.77% 4.34% 4.87%February 0.98% 2.53% 3.10% 3.54% 3.99%March 0.54% 1.23% 1.49% 1.68% 1.86%April 0.01% (0.38%) (0.52%) (0.63%) (0.78%)May (1.38%) (4.20%) (5.23%) (6.00%) (6.85%)June 1.04% 2.72% 3.32% 3.77% 4.27%July 0.37% 0.63% 0.71% 0.75% 0.78%

Last 12 Months 2.62% 2.53% 2.50% 2.34% 1.79%

For theRecord

July Roiled ByMarketVolatility

ByTracey Ray

TheConsumer Price Index for UrbanWage Earners andCler-icalWorkers (CPI-W) decreased 0.24 percent in June. To cal-culate the 2013 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the indices

of July, August and September 2012 will be averaged for a third-quarter determinant, which will be compared with the 2011 third-quarter base of 223.233. The June index of 226.036 is up 1.26 percentfrom the base.Benefits awardedunder the Federal Employees’ CompensationAct

(FECA) to individuals suffering work-related injuries or illnesses areadjusted according to each calendar year’s percentage change in theCPI-W. June’s index is 1.74 percent higher than the December 2011base index of 222.166. �

Index Declines SlightlyThe chart below tracks the CPI-W, the monthly infla-tion change, and the cumulative percentage gain forthe next CSRS and Social Security COLA.

CPI-W MONTHLY % CHANGE% CHANGE FROM 223.2

October 2011 223.043 -0.29 -0.09November 222.813 -0.10 -0.19December 222.166 -0.29 -0.48January 2012 223.216 +0.5 -0.01February 224.317 +0.5 +0.49March 226.304 +0.89 +1.38April 227.012 +0.31 +1.69May 226.600 -0.18 +1.51June 226.036 -0.24 +1.26JulyAugustSeptember

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september 2012 narfe magazine

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