Chair Talk

October 2012

We recently received the update of new member recruitment through the SERA-PLUS program. In the month of August, there were 420 new members signed up to various SERA Chapters. The total of new SERA members recruited since the SERA-PLUS program began in March is 1,662. I would say that the program seems to be working to our benefit. The Lansing Chapter is the big winner with over 500 new members so far.

We are 5 months into the 2 year contract for the program.

I would encourage all SERA Chapters to send as many delegates/alternates/guests as possible to attend the November 9th SERA CC meeting. At that meeting we will have representatives from Employee Benefits and MedImpact (new Rx vendor) explaining the prescription drug program that takes effect on January 1, 2013. The State will no longer be in the federal drug subsidy program for Medicare-eligible retirees but will be involved in the Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) for prescription drugs. The plan would have more involvement with the federal government (CMS) guidelines.

Don’t forget that the October pension checks will include the 3% annual raise for retirees (capped at $25 per month).

If you are still receiving a paper check for retirement, I need to remind you that ORS will only be doing direct deposits of retirement payments starting in January of 2013. If you have not made arrangements for direct deposit there are forms that can be printed on our website (mi-sera.org). Notices of the direct deposit are being sent to retirees in their quarterly statements.

October is the last month of the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC). If you have yet made a contribution I would encourage you to do so.

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.