Chair Talk
September 2006
I recently received a CD with names/addresses of all current State retirees (46,102) as of August 8, 2006. I have made copies of this CD and will have them distributed to all SERA Chapters. This CD should enable the Chapters to update membership files and could be useful in recruiting new members.
A new Employee Benefits Director has been named and has started in her new position on August 14, 2006. The new director is Susan Kant and she had recently been employed as the Corporate Benefits Manager of Beaumont Hospitals in Royal Oak, MI. Ms. Kant, Jan Winters and Lauri Schmidt are scheduled to meet with the SERA Executive Committee on September 7. We look forward to working with Ms. Kant.
The Health Care Resolution that was adopted by the SERA CC on August 4, 2006 has been sent to Governor Granholm. A copy of the letter and resolution will be circulated to all SERA Chapters. This resolution has been adopted by many municipalities, companies, labor organizations and other groups. Similar resolutions have been passed throughout the United States. The resolution calls for Governor Granholm to establish a commission to study the financing of health care in Michigan.
I have been informed by Jan Winters that there are no benefit changes currently planned for 2007. The insurance rates for retiree s health programs that will be in effect for 2007 will soon be distributed. The State is also continuing the Medicare Part D subsidy. Express Scripts has not yet distributed a prescription drug formulary for 2007. As soon as the new formulary has been received, SERA will distribute the formulary to all Chapters.
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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