Your NALC Health Benefits One of the responsibilities of the Director of Retirees is to be a delegate to the NALC Health Benefit seminar. This is my report to the membership on the October 2011 seminar held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The membership is urged to read the report carefully. When you receive your NALC Health Benefit brochure, you should familiarize yourself with its contents. Page 29 begins the list of benefits. You will receive a list of PPO providers in your area when you receive this information. Keep it handy in the event you need medical services. If at all possible, utilize PPO providers. This will save you out-of-pocket expenses. You may find a provider listed as an OAP provider. OAP is Open Access Plus. Should you utilize an OAP provider, that is a part of our PPO network. However, these providers save the Health Plan between 3 to 5 percent. Please be advised that there are some procedures which require recertification. Do not let your provider perform one of these procedures without prior approval. If this occurs you will lose benefits. The procedures are as follows: CT/CAT scan; MRI; MRA; NC; PET. Be sure to inform your provider. Prior approval from the Plan is an absolute requirement and must be medically necessary. There has been an increase in co-payment from $15 to $20. This is a nominal increase but necessary. Review the Health Plan brochure to determine which service requires co-pay. The CIGNA shared administration network has the following: 6,860 acute general care hospitals. 13,554 facilities. 1,582,398 specialists and primary care physicians. 120 experienced organ and tissue transplant facilities. CIGNA ‘s Life Source Transplant Network is also known as Centers of Life. Some providers are not members of a PPO or OAP program. Should a provider not be a member, ask if they would become a member. If so, then you can contact the Plan to nominate your provider. Remember, some physicians are members of a PPO but not OAP. Fraud is a threat to our Plan’s benefits and is a high priority of the Plan. Never be a party to fraud. There are serious consequences if found guilty. Every statement you receive should be analyzed very thoroughly to ensure all charged services were received and medically necessary. Never hesitate to question your provider if you believe a charge seems in error. If you suspect fraud, report your suspicions to the Plan. Walgreen’s drug stores will be a part of the NALC drug plan effective January 1, 2012. Each member will receive new membership cards in the next few weeks. These cards are effective January 1, 2012. Please discard your old cards to avoid confusion. Be sure to let your medical providers make copies after January 1. CIGNA has a health rewards program which will be available to the membership. The Plan does not cover the rewards program, but the membership can receive discounts. This program covers many aspects of your personal health. The phone number for this program is 1-800-558-9443. Check it out; there may be a program which could enhance your health. The Health Plan has a program for smokers who want to quit. Should you be serious about quitting, call Smokers Cessation at 1-800-784-8454. Should you have questions about the drugs you are taking, contact the Plan’s drug program at 1-800-933-6252. Some members have been prescribed very costly specialty drugs. Prior to you taking any of these drugs inform your provider. These drugs must be pre-certified. The provider will have to show that these drugs are medically necessary. Annuitants who want to change plans or have questions pertaining to their status must contact the Office of Personnel Management at 1-888-767-6738. Health care cost is one of the major contributors to our current economic problems. The escalating cost of health care generates an increase in premiums. It should be noted that the NALC Health Benefit Plan has worked diligently to keep premiums as low as possible. All members should be pleased with the new rates announced for 2012. The rates are as follows: Active letter carrier (self), $74.67 biweekly, an increase of $.53 over 2011. Active letter carrier (high family), $151.20, an increase of $.13 over 2011. Annuitants (self), $161.78 per month, increase of $1.14 over 2011. Annuitants (high family), $327.60 a month, $.28 over 2011. As you can see, our premiums remained basically the same. Compare the NALC benefits and premiums with our major competitors. It’s going to be difficult to find a better plan. Remember, as a NALC member you own the Plan. Why not come home during Open Season, November 14, 2011 until December 12, 2011? Once again, please keep your Health Plan brochure along with your list of PPO providers for your area close at hand for quick reference. The membership owns the Plan, but the Office of Personnel Management regulates and oversees the Plan. OPM determines the rates and benefits. Hopefully, this article has provided information you can use. It’s time for you to step up and support the NALC Health Benefit Plan. Enroll Now!!

When a Felony Is Not a Felony Posted in most post offices is a notice stating the following: “It doesn’t take a genius to know that delaying, stealing or throwing mail away is wrong.” Reading further down the poster are the words: “This is a felony.” Most felonies are prosecuted by the law. That is unless you are a postal manager. Case in point: The shop steward for Branch 876, NALC, Goldsboro, NC, purchased postage to be affixed to an appeal to the Step B Team on December 2, 2010. The grievance packet was given to the window clerk to be placed in the mail stream. A few days later the shop steward went on line to determine if the grievance had been received. A search of the records revealed that it had not been received. On December 10, 2010, the shop steward was informed by the window clerk that the grievance had never left the Goldsboro post office. The item had been taken out of the mail stream by the officer in charge (OIC). The branch was never notified by the OIC that he had interfered with the grievance packet nor did the OIC request an extension of time limits to discuss the issue further. It was verified that the grievance packet had been placed on the OIC’s desk. It remained there for many days. When this was discovered, the shop steward notified the branch president. The branch president then informed the NBA’s office. The branch president requested a statement of facts. This statement was forwarded to the NBA’s office for a discussion with the Greensboro District. The OIC made his violation of the law even worse by holding the mail for approximately a month. During the interim a copy of the grievance was sent to the Step B Team by the Goldsboro branch. The original file of the grievance was finally received by the Step B Team around the first of January, 2011. On January 15, 2011 the branch president was informed that the matter had been turned over to the Office of Inspector General (OIG). It was also learned that the OIC had acknowledged his culpability in the matter. During the next two months no action was taken by the Postal Service in the incident. At the regional rap session on March 10,2011 branch officers asked the NBA’s office what the status was on the case since the OIC was still in their post office. The NBA contacted postal officials about the matter and the OIC was relieved of his duties on March 14, 2011. The OIC dropped out of sight for several weeks. A reasonable person would assume that the Postal Service would divorce themselves from the OIC who had committed the felony. Unfortunately, the Postal Service has a track record of moving incompetent, inefficient and total failures to another position in hopes that the manager will somehow improve. Well, the OIC recently surfaced in the Raleigh area working in different positions. The Postal Service’s apparent approval of the OIC’s actions undermines the Service’s position on the sanctity of the mail. Branches should cite the Service’s actions in retaining the OIC in all removals of craft employees. Then let the arbitrator determine whether a precedent could be cited in this case. Craft employees guilty of lesser infractions should not be removed when a postal manager can violate a federal law with impunity. Postal unions should not let the Postal Service ever forget their actions in taking care of the OIC. A felony is not a felony when committed by a postal manager. Remember this. Use this case in future removals.

Evaluate Before Deciding Rumors persist that the Postal Service will offer a buy out for employees who’re eligible and near eligible for retirement. The prospect that employees can retire with extra cash is very alluring. Whether the Postal Service comes forth with a buy-out program remains to be seen. However, before you accept such an offer, you need to pause for a moment to consider if this is the step to take. There are important factors which must be weighed very carefully. An in-depth discussion with all members of the family is something you need to undertake. Input from other family members could be very valuable. Support of your family in making a life changing decision cannot be over-emphasized. A careful analysis of all your expenses must be done. There are reoccurring expenses every month such as food, utility bills, fuel costs, etc. Keep in mind that these expenses will not lessen in your retirement but in all probability will increase. After computing your known monthly expenses, don’t forget other expenses must be weighed. There are also expenses arising suddenly without notice. Many of these unforeseen expenses usually fall into categories: home repair, medical expenses, vehicle repairs, etc. Hopefully, you have factored these expenses into your retirement. Failure to do so could prevent you from enjoying your best years without having to curtail your standard of living. Don’t forget, your retirement income will be limited. No longer will you experience automatic wage and cost of living increases generated by a negotiated labor contract. The current economic conditions have failed to produce a cost of living increase in retirees’ monthly checks for some time. Other concerns must not be overlooked such as increases in your health premiums, taxes, co-payment for your drugs and medical services. If your retirement income fails to cover expenses, then you’ll need to reconsider your retirement plans. Should you proceed with your retirement, be sure to stay active. Have a meaningful hobby, volunteer in your community, church or civic organizations. There’s no doubt that staying active will help you remain healthy. Don’t let the prospect of a few extra dollars put you out on a limb where the realities of life will saw it out from under you. Remember, before a final conclusion on retirement is determined, evaluate before making a decision.

Under Attack Public sector, public employees and all retirees are under attack by soaring federal and state deficits. Public and postal employees or retirees will not be immune from their benefits suffering reduction. The current state of the economy has contributed to the lack of revenue that is being collected by levels of government. Budget shortfalls could prevent employees and retirees from receiving the needed services required to leave a meaningful life. Many of the newly elected state governors are calling for layoffs, reduction of benefits and decrease in salary. The attitude is to balance the budget on the backs of the working class, union members and retirees. Where are the rich and the multinational corporations? Most corporations pay very little or no income taxes. President Obama recently froze federal employees’ salary for two years. Rhetoric emerging from Washington clearly states that the deficit must be cut. Some politicians have asserted that no government programs are sacred. This would suggest that some of the programs facing reductions in funding are Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, civil service retirements, Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and far too many other beneficial programs to mention. Can you imagine the devastation that will be experienced by millions of Americans if these programs are decimated? Certainly, the economy is the primary culprit in this scenario. The plight in which we find ourselves has been building for many years. Did you realize that the last time the federal budget had a surplus, William Clinton was president? Let’s consider some of the events which brought our country to its present financial condition. Millions of American jobs have been transferred overseas by corporations more interested in profits than in seeing a vibrant economy where all Americans benefit. Loss of jobs cause a reduction in the collection of income taxes. No jobs, no taxes. Plants have been shuttered, businesses closed and homes foreclosed. No property taxes. These taxes fund very much needed services. Another villain in our economic morass is the Wall Street bankers who played foot loose and fancy free with other people’s money. These bankers played with money by investing in so many paper assets with no substantial guarantee of any redemptive value of the assets. The mortgage meltdown will take years for our country to recover. Too many Americans have seen their dream of owning a home evaporate before their eyes. It will be years before our unemployment rates are decreased. Remember, currently American corporations are sitting on billions of dollars, but seemingly do not want to employ those who are not working. Postal retirees and employees must prepare for the possible onslaught against their salaries and benefits. There’s no doubt that efforts will be made to reduce these benefits. Those who are retirees and soon-to-be retirees will be faced with reduced income. Or perhaps your hospital premiums will be increased, or your medical benefits will be reduced. This possibility is somewhat frightening isn’t it? Be prepared for the attack. Some believe it can’t happen. Have you been listening to the proclamation coming from postal headquarters? We’re broke. Postal contract negotiations have never been easy. NALC negotiators will face difficulties not previously experienced. Benjamin Franklin is credited with this bit of wisdom: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Let’s save as much as we can for the attacks are coming.

Beware of Fraud (Part II) This article is a continuation of the previous article pertaining to fraud. The previous article concluded with a discussion of credit card fraud. This article commences with a discussion on identity theft. Identity theft has become much more frequent today. Although a victim may not be legally responsible for unauthorized use of their credit information, it could be a nightmare in getting the financial records corrected. You must be very protective of your personal information such as your social security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc. Burial and funeral fraud occurs all too often. Many people arrange and pay their final expenses in advance of their death. This takes an additional burden off their survivors. If this is the case, make sure the funeral home provides you with a list of all charges and fees. Some funeral homes have been known to switch cheaper products for those which have actually been purchased. Be sure your money is protected should the funeral home go out of business. Let your survivors know exactly what products and services you have been purchased. Do not let your survivors become victims of a funeral scam. The term "phishing" issued for e-mails. People receive e-mails which appear very official. Some may seem to come from banks, government agencies, and reputable firms requesting your bank account or credit card number. Under no circumstances should you supply this sensitive information without knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt who you are dealing with. One failure to insure who you are dealing with could clean out your entire financial account. Travel scams are another area where people lose money. Be careful of low price trips presented by salesmen using high pressure techniques. Some techniques to be aware of are meetings with free foods and promises of three or four star hotels while you endure a presentation (You could find yourself in a flea bag). When buying these trips use your credit card. If what you have agreed to is not provided, then dispute the charge with the credit card company. And be careful in providing your credit card number over the phone. Coupon scams are another area of fraud. Many people will respond to coupon offers in the paper, e-mails and through the mail. Be careful when utilizing coupons because you may find yourself enrolled in a membership or monthly service you don't need. If you are skeptical of a coupon offer, check with the local Better Business Bureau to determine if there have been complaints against the coupon company. Good common sense can prevent most scams. Neversubmit to high pressure sales techniques. Never permit your emotions to make a decision. Be sure you have the necessary funds to cover your purchases. In the event you don't feel comfortable with a purchase, do not buy. Should you feel threatened by a salesman, call the authorities and report the salesman to the firm he/she represents. Once again I would like to recognize NARFE magazine, the April 2010 issue for some of the information utilized in my two articles on scams. Do not be a victim.

Beware of Fraud There are a couple of adages which most of us need to be reminded of. First: "A fool and his money are soon to be parted," and along with it, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." The lure of receiving something for nothing or a pull on our heart strings to contribute to someone or an organization in need can be tempting. But before we part with our funds we need to ensure that our money is going for the intended purpose. Some areas of fraud are covered in this article. Living trusts are areas where people put their assets in trust. The assets can be utilized while you are living where upon death the trust would be to your heirs. A living trust enables you to have your estate set up while you're in control and possibly save on taxes as well. The state will distribute your estate as you wish, however, living trusts are not for everyone. If you go this route, be sure the attorney is reputable and that the signed forms are legal. Home improvements is one area where fraud has been all too prevalent. If you are going this route then any contractor you engage should be solicited for a bid on the work. The bid should provide the length of time for the repair, the cost of the material with a list of items used and the cost of labor. Be sure to get a written repair estimate for the work. Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if any other home owners had problems with the contractor you've selected. Home health care givers provide a very valuable service, however, there have been instances where patients of the health care givers become victims of fraud. The care giver has access to our most intimate abode -- our homes. Keep valuables such as jewelry, cash, checkbooks and confidential assets under lock and key. Be sure the employees of the health organization providing the service have been checked out. You should never divulge any personal financial information to any stranger coming into your house whatever the reason. Charitable solicitations are received by everyone. These pleas for contributions pull at our heart strings. Many of these solicitations are legitimate, however, some are nothing but scams. These charitable organizations in many instances retain private companies to do their fund raising. The question you should ask is, How much of my contribution does the charity receive? Never contribute to to an organization if you do not know where the money goes. If you have any concern about a contribution, you should check with the American Institute of Philanthropy at 773-529-2300. Every day we hear of credit card fraud. Credit cards are like cash. When used it is a loan. It is of the utmost importance to protect your credit cards at all time. Be very careful who you give your credit card number to. It is a necessity to review your credit card statement every month. Challenge any entry you do not recognize as a legitimate purchase. Shred your card statements before disposal. Never give your credit card number to anyone you're not familiar with. Keep a list of all your credit cards and the issuer's address and phone number in a safe location. Should you lose or have your cards stolen, contact the issuer immediately to cancel the card. This concludes this article, however, there will be another article involving other areas of fraud. I would like to acknowledge NARFE Magazine, the April 2010 issue and Consumer Action for some of the ideas and information used in this article.

Is Now the Time? When this writer began employment with the post office over 50 years ago, the Postal Service was known as the Post Office Department. The postmaster general was an appointee of the president. This was a cabinet position. The postmaster general served at the pleasure of the president. The budget of the Post Office Department was a part of the entire government's budget. Postal revenues were deposited into the General Fund of the United States Treasury. Today, the Postal Service's funds are maintained separate from the General Fund of the Treasury. The Service is responsible for its budget as well as all deficits which occur. The Postal Service has legislative authority to sell bonds. However, the legislation does limit the amount of indebtedness which the Service may incur. Prior to the enactment of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 Congress and the president were more involved in postal operations. Postmaster vacancies were filled by the president upon political recommendations from the local people. Rural carrier vacancies were filled by the congressman of the respective district by similar political recommendations. The Postal Reorganization Act changed the selection process for filling these vacancies. The Act established a board of governors appointed by the president who in turn selects the postmaster general. Rural vacancies are covered by the National Agreement. Proposals are being floated around to address the challenges facing the Postal Service in the coming decade. This writer would advocate the elimination of the board of governors. Let the president appoint the postmaster general, who would serve at the pleasure of the president. This is just my idea. But all involved with the Postal Service should be alerted that proposals will be made which could alter some areas of postal operations. There will probably be recommendations to eliminate the collective bargaining process. Already there has been an effort to relieve the Postal Service of monetary damages by arbitrators even when the Service violated the contract. Now is the time to address the makeup of the Postal Service as we know it. It is always time when improvements and constructive alterations can be made to any organization. All of us who are involved in the Postal Service need to be on the alert to insure the Service fulfills its mission to collect and deliver the mail which binds the American community together. Posted March 2, 2010

What Financial Crisis? The Postal Service has poor-mouthed for some time its financial condition. The Service contends it's going broke. Proposals emerging from management insist that services must be eliminated, commencing with five-day delivery. One must ponder: Has the Postal Service really thought about the consequences of such actions, or is this a knee-jerk reaction to a problem with short term conditions with a long term negative impact? The question to ask is -- What financial crisis? How can the Service contend poverty when outrageous bonuses are granted to postal executives? Bonuses begin with the postmaster general and continue downward to most of the postal executives. This is an insult to the American public as well as postal employees. This is similar to the Wall Street bankers giving outrageous bonuses while the American taxpayer provides the bailout. All bonuses to postal executives should stop immediately. This is not a proposal to freeze postal management salaries. Rather, these managers should be granted Step increases such as craft employees receive. One would surmise that management is committed to bonuses rather than service. Many offices have eliminated window service hours. The window is opening later, closing earlier, with no window service on Saturday. Should you visit one of the offices which has curtailed service during one of the days when opening, there is a line out the door. Where is the service in this type of curtailment of hours? It appears the Service is attempting to drive our customers to its competitors. A reasonable person would believe the Service would expand services in an effort to increase revenue rather than decrease services. The purpose in eliminating hours is to insure that some postal executive will receive a larger bonus due to the fact numbers were met. Numbers seem to be the motivation for all Postal decisions. Efforts should be launched by the Service to go out and win customers. Customer Connect is a great program, but does the Service really take advantage of it? The Postal Service should take those executives who are utilized for back door or unit audits, along with the Mystery Shoppers, and have them visit American businesses, informing them of all our services. This would provide more needed revenue that all the monies produced by Mystery Shoppers and unit auditors. But spare us your rhetoric complaining about the financial conditions when the Postal Service is bestowing undeserved bonuses on executives.

Sixty and Still Going Strong The NALC Health Benefit Plan has been in operation for 60 years. This year the membership will commemorate this auspicious milestone. The Health Plan came about with the enactment of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulates the Plan as a governmental oversight as well as actuary. The NALC has total ownership of our Health Plan. Since the Plan's inception, it has grown from a membership of over 4,000 to over 110,000 today. It is a multimillion dollar operation. The focus and purpose of the Plan is to provide our members with coverage. Our members should dedicate themselves to its growth and financial stability. Our Health Plan is for service, not profit. There are no corporate officers receiving millions of dollars in salaries or golden parachutes upon retirement. Every dollar earned is returned to the Plan to increase benefits and reduce premiums. Many items of interest were discussed at the 2009 Health Benefit Plan seminar, October 19-21. The foremost topic of interest was the premium. There is no doubt that premiums have to be raised due to the increasing cost of health care. Retirees will feel the biggest increase: $47.60. This is very painful to retirees on fixed incomes who will not receive a cost of living allowance (COLA) in 2010. Everyone will share in some premium increase. Everyone in this country is very aware of the health care debate in Congress at this time. Health care costs in our country have sky-rocketed in the last few years. Compare the NALC's premium rates with those of our competitors at the same benefit level and you will discover our rates are among the best. One important benefit has not changed. Members may still pick their 60 or 90 day supply of maintenance drugs at the local CVS or utilize the mail order. Many of the CVS/Caremarks have clinics for treatment and the pharmacies are associated with the NALC drug program. If there is no CVS/Caremark in your area, check with the Plan to ascertain if there is a participating pharmacy in your area. There is one major chain that is not a part of the Plan's drug program--Walgreens. Those not on Medicare must obtain pre-certification for hospital confinement. Sometimes it may be impossible to obtain pre-certification approval. When this happens, have a family member or yourself call 1-877-468-1016. Failure to do this could result in a $500 reduction of your benefits. Whenever medical services are rendered, it is of the utmost importance to utilize a Preferred Provider Organization member (PPO). It doesn't matter whether medical services or supplies are furnished, seek CIGNA Health Care at 1-877-220-6252 to determine if there is a PPO provider for your needs. This will save the NALC money and out-of-pocket expenses for the member. You are still entitled to your provider of choice, however, it will cost you more. Many postal employees of the other crafts are members of the NALC Health Benefit Plan. These employees and TEs will be required to pay full dues. The people will become members of the branch which has jurisdiction over the office where they are employed. Another item discussed was fraud. Sometimes it may be a mistake on the bill or an intentional effort to bill for services not medically required or received. All members are urged to review all their statements to insure the services rendered were medically required and performed. If there is a question, you can contact the health care fraud line at 202-418-3300. This is the office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Fraud is a felony and is punishable. New insurance cards will be issued by year's end. Should you not receive your card by then, contact the Plan. Every member is urged to review the brochure in order to be updated on the changes. The Plan belongs to all members. It's ours. Encourage all letter carriers to enroll. There is no better plan (See NALC Bulletin)!