Chair Talk

March 2006

On February 8, 2006 SERA representatives (Alvin Whitfield, John Bantjes and I) met with Jan Winters, Jill Nowicki, Peggy Moczul, Lauri Schmidt, Arva Overton (BC/BS) and other BC/BS representatives. The subject of the meeting was a new offering by insurance carriers called Medicare Advantage. The state is exploring the possibility of using this plan for Medicare-eligible retirees sometime in the future. Medicare Advantage (in its simplest explanation) is a process whereby the insurance carrier processes both the Medicare and Insurance payment. The carrier would handle the whole process. Currently, there have been Medicare Advantage Plans integrated with current HMOs. The meeting was very informative but raised more questions than answers. We will be meeting with the State and Blue Cross representatives about this plan throughout the year. As a result of the meeting, a letter (pdf file) and list of questions was sent to Peggy Moczul.

I have not received a response from the Governor regarding a letter that was sent to her in December dealing with issues of pre-1986 retirees. On March 1, 2006 I called her office and inquired as to how a meeting could be set with Governor Granholm. As a result of this call, I have faxed her office a request to schedule a meeting (pdf file) with her to discuss those pre-1986 retirees.

I have sent another letter to the Governor (pdf file) requesting her attendance at any one of the three remaining CC meetings this year. Bruce Andrews (U.P. Chapter) has indicated that he is putting pressure on the Governor’s U.P. office to attend one of our meetings. Bruce has also indicated that he is working through the Governor’s U.P. office to set up a meeting with the Governor and SERA representatives. I would hope that the Governor may be more responsive as this is the year she will be running for reelection. Time will tell.

Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380

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