Chair Talk

March 2008

On Wednesday, March 5, I met with representatives from Blue Cross (Arva Overton and Ronda Couthen) and Employee Benefits (Susan Kant and Lauri Schmidt). I had asked for the meeting to discuss Medicare Advantage problems/resolutions that retirees had been experiencing. It was a very positive and insightful meeting. The problems with ID cards seem to be dwindling and most of those issues have been resolved. There are still problems with out-of-state providers not accepting the Medicare Plus Blue Group plan. BC/BS of Michigan has been attempting to resolve those issues for our out of state retirees by working with the BC/BS groups in those states that have problem areas. I think that a lot of providers do not understand the plan and in some cases think this is an HMO product. Educating providers would seem to be what is needed and our BC/BS people in Michigan are trying to address that issue. We also discussed the EOB’s (Explanation of Benefits) statements that are being sent out to retiree’s. We all agreed that the EOB could be clearer and maybe have more information on them (procedure codes). It is my firm belief that Employee Benefits and BC/BS would rather this program is problem free for retirees. I am grateful that we have people in Employee Benefits and Blue Cross that are genuinely concerned about the services that retirees get.

HB 5545

I would like to encourage retirees to continue writing letters to legislators indicating our opposition to this bill. There seems to be a perception being given that retirees do not oppose this bill. SERA is on record as opposing this bill and to date have not had our concerns addressed in a satisfactory manner. We are opposed to moving the administration of our health benefits from the Civil Service Commission to the Office of Retirement Services. We see no benefit for retirees if this move were to take place. I have yet to hear from any other retirees that support this move (there has been 1 retiree, other than Rep. Meadows, I am aware of that supports the move).

Last week our organization lost a very important and active member or the Coordinating Council/Executive Committee with the death of Al Trierweiler. I am sure we will all miss his knowledge and the humor he brought to our organization and his reporting of the Retirement Board and the Altimeter Report.

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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