Medicare Information

If you happen to be celebrating your 65th birthday in 2013, you will need to enroll in Medicare.

If you won't be drawing any Social Security because of state or federal retirement, be aware that you will have to make the initial contact. No-one will be calling you.

You enroll in Medicare through Social Security--not Medicare--when you are 90 days from the 65th birthday.

In 2012 this could be accomplished with a phone call, but that is no longer the case. You will need to go to the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov and complete the Medicare application--or you can go to your local office. Save yourself the phone call.

After enrolling, CMS will need to be notified, and also CIGNA. Be sure to read the letter you receive from CMS carefully.

The U of I/State of Illinois insurance becomes the Medicare supplement policy. There will be a premium for Medicare so that is a cost increase. If you have dependents, the cost of the state policy drops a little, but not as much as the cost of the Medicare premium.

Welcome to the costs of getting older!

Free Consultation Available

Those who have funds in a TIAA-CREF annuity may be interested to know that there is a free consultation available to you each year with one of their investment counselors.

I have learned that the U of I pays for this as part of their contract with TIAA-CREF. Call the number on the printouts you receive and tell them you are interested in talking to someone about allocation of your funds. They can provide some information and set up an appointment for further details.

It is a 30-45 minute phone conversation. They will send you a questionnaire to complete first. Why not take advantage of this benefit?

Information for Federal Retirees

Here is some information from NARFE concerning electronic requirements for 1099R forms.

Many have voiced concern about the message on the back of their annual COLA notice received in late December from OPM that said future form 1099Rs would only be available electronically.

OPM has since informed NARFE they will provide instructions this year to annuitants on how they can “opt-in” to receive their 1099Rs electronically, indicating to us that if an annuitant doesn’t “opt-in”  for electronic receipt, then their 1099Rs will be mailed as they have been in the past.

OPM added it will continue to work with all annuitants to ensure they get the information they desire in the format they find useful to the maximum extent possible. OPM will provide annuitants and survivors with additional information on this matter throughout the year. And as always, NARFE will provide up to date information throughout the year on this matter.

David Snell, Director

Federal Benefits Services Department

Travel Plans for 2013

Here are some travel plans for 2013 that you may want to consider.

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the
adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart!  At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

Thanks to Martha Speir for sharing these plans. Thought they would give you a chuckle.

But SERIOUSLY we hope you have your calendar marked for Sept. 11-15 for the IEAFCS trip to Mackinaw Island. Carol has reservations made for the bus, and YES we are going to stay at the Grand Hotel.  She will be sending details soon.

Member Update

Michelle Pride and her husband, Jim, left the Champaign area after retirement and moved to Gillespie. They really enjoy the Oak Terrace Golf  Resort in that area and try to work in lots of golfing, spa time, etc.

She and Jim have four daughters and 10 grandchildren.  The kids live in various parts of the country, so that provides many opportunities for travel and visits. Michelle and Jim have also been on three cruises.

Michelle has stayed home long enough to take an Internet grant writing class and has been working with some local boards on grant projects. She also sells Mary Kay products.

Time for Action for State Retirees

Tonight's news report was that the Illinois Legislature did not act on pension reform today except to decide that schools would not be asked to help pay for teachers' retirement.

However, action is expected by Wednesday. Here is information that will help you in contacting your representative.

If you are a teacher or a state employee (current OR retired), you will pay to fix the pension problem in Illinois with legislation that may pass the Illinois House on SUNDAY, MONDAY OR TUESDAY.

Those already retired may LOSE their cost of living increases for 5 years.
After those 5 years, cost of living will be given on only $25,000 of your pension.                  

Those currently working may pay 2 percent more of their total yearly salary (11.4 percent
of your salary) and their pension would be based on their CURRENT salary (NOT
salary at retirement).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Call your State Representative in Springfield beginning at 5 P.M. on Sunday,
January 6. You can use the toll-free "We are One" number (888-412-6570)
and follow the automated prompts with your zip code. You are calling
your State Representative, not your State Senator.

Call again on Monday. Get your friends and relatives to call.

MESSAGE: Please vote NO on the pension legislation. We can not expect
current and retired teachers to pay all the costs of fixing the pension problem.

Bev Johns, Chair
Governmental Relations
Illinois Council for Exceptional Children (ICEC)