MI-SERA

Chair Talk

July 2007

By Bob Kopasz

After the last Executive Committee meeting I met with Susan Kant (Director of Employee Benefits). We discussed ways to inform retirees about new insurance rates for the State Health Plan, HMO’s, Dental and Vision. The new rates for the next fiscal year should be out shortly. I made the commitment to Susan that SERA would put the rates for the next year on the SERA website (mi-sera.org). I was informed that there are no changes being planned in health benefits and that the State will continue to participate in the Medicare Part D subsidy as we have in the past couple of years. Retirees should be receiving their letters of creditable coverage sometime in the fall. The creditable coverage letter will also be on SERA’s website (coming soon).

I recently met Lisa Eggert (Account Director of Delta Dental) at the Lansing SERA Summer Party. I have asked Lisa to attend our July Executive Committee meeting and meet our Executive Committee. Delta Dental recently won the bid to administer the State’s Dental program for the next three years. Lisa has agreed to present a program for the February 2008 Coordinating Council meeting. Lisa will be available to attend SERA Chapter meetings to present a program for your members.

I have made arrangements for the following programs:

August CC meeting: Blue Cross/Blue Shield presentation by Ronda Couthen and Arva Overton (?)

September Ex. Comm.: Elder Law of Michigan presentation by Ron Tatro

November CC meeting: Express Scripts Cari Wegge and Lisa Stout

February 2008 CC meeting: Delta Dental presentation by Lisa Eggert

The State will be in negotiations with State Employee Unions this summer. With the current/future projected budget deficits I am sure that negotiations may be rather tense.

There are many current legislators that think State Employees are overpaid, enjoy massive pension amounts and receive enormous health benefits. If you get an opportunity to correct this misinformation — please do so. State employees and retirees seem to be the target of choice for now.

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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July 2007 By Bob Kopasz After the last Executive Committee meeting I met with Susan Kant (Director of Employee Benefits). We discussed ways to inform retirees about new insurance rates for the State Health Plan, HMO’s, Dental and Vision. The new rates for the next fiscal year should be out shortly. I made the commitment to Susan that SERA would put the rates for the next year on the SERA website (mi-sera.org). I was informed that there are no changes being planned in health benefits and that the State will continue to participate in the Medicare Part D subsidy as we have in the past couple of years. Retirees should be receiving their letters of creditable coverage sometime in the fall. The creditable coverage letter will also be on SERA’s website (coming soon). I recently met Lisa Eggert (Account Director of Delta Dental) at the Lansing SERA Summer Party. I have asked Lisa to attend our July Executive Committee meeting and meet our Executive Committee. Delta Dental recently won the bid to administer the State’s Dental program for the next three years. Lisa has agreed to present a program for the February 2008 Coordinating Council meeting. Lisa will be available to attend SERA Chapter meetings to present a program for your members. I have made arrangements for the following programs: August CC meeting: Blue Cross/Blue Shield presentation by Ronda Couthen and Arva Overton (?) September Ex. Comm.: Elder Law of Michigan presentation by Ron Tatro November CC meeting: Express Scripts Cari Wegge and Lisa Stout February 2008 CC meeting: Delta Dental presentation by Lisa Eggert The State will be in negotiations with State Employee Unions this summer. With the current/future projected budget deficits I am sure that negotiations may be rather tense. There are many current legislators that think State Employees are overpaid, enjoy massive pension amounts and receive enormous health benefits. If you get an opportunity to correct this misinformation — please do so. State employees and retirees seem to be the target of choice for now. 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 Return to top of page
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