Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel
Opinion: Michigan lawmakers need to make good on retirement promises for school personnel
Read Executive Director Royce Humm’s full op-ed in Bridge Magazine: https://www.bridgemi.com/guest-commentary/opinion-retirement-must-be-factored-considering-teacher-salaries
There have been several updates concerning the MPSERS Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan. Each update or change is listed below. Please note that these changes and updates effect those members on the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plan only. Members who participate with the HMO plans are not impacted by these changes.
2018 Verification of Coverage survey
The 2018 Verification of Coverage survey will be mailed to all retirees in May. Members must complete this form for themselves and anyone else covered by their retirement system health plan. They must respond to the survey, even if they don’t have other coverage. If they don’t respond to the survey, their retirement system medical plan and prescription drug coverage will be cancelled.
The Verification of Coverage survey asks them to identify any other health coverage they or their dependents might have in addition to their retirement system coverage. The information is used to determine their eligibility in the retirement system’s health plan.
Questions about the Verification of Coverage survey?
Check out the Verification of Coverage Survey webcast at www.bcbsm.com/mpsers. You’ll find the webcast by clicking on the For Members tab, then clicking Webinars.
Source: Spring 2018 – Best of Health – Medicare & Non-Medicare members
New Medicare cards starting April 2018
Medicare will be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and issuing new cards to help guard against identity theft.
New Medicare cards will show an 11-digit Medicare number that is unique to individuals. Medicare will mail new cards gradually between April 2018 and April 2019. Mailing everyone a new Medicare card will take some time. A member’s card may arrive at a different time than their friends and neighbors. Be sure to tell members go to www.ssa.gov to update their address on file with the Social Security Administration if they’ve recently moved.
Individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B before April 2018 don’t need to take any action. Medicare will provide their new Medicare numbers to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, OptumRx and Office of Retirement Services (ORS).
If members have a family member who becomes eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B after April 2018, ORS will mail them instructions on how to update their insurance enrollment with their new Medicare number. Tell ORS their family members’ Medicare numbers as soon as new Medicare cards are received. Once ORS receives the Medicare numbers, they will be sent to Blue Cross and OptumRx and their insurance rate will be adjusted as a result of their family members’ enrollment in the Medicare plan.
Source: Spring 2018 – Best of Health – Medicare & Non-Medicare members
Medicare members only: Important change to durable medical equipment and diabetic suppliers
Effective Jan. 1, 2018, Northwood, Inc. network providers will issue members’ durable medical equipment (DME) and J&B Medical Supply will issue members’ diabetic supplies. This change increases the number of in-network providers. If members have used other providers in the past, they’ll now want to choose a Northwood, Inc. or J&B Medical Supply network provider for medical equipment and diabetic supplies to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Here’s what they need to know about the 2018 DME and diabetic supply benefits.
What is durable medical equipment (DME)?
Special equipment, such as a wheelchair or oxygen tank, your doctor may order to maintain your quality of life when recovering from an operation or an illness.
What are the out-of-pocket costs for DME and diabetic supplies?
Members’ out-of-pocket costs are the same whether they live in Michigan or in another state. They’ll have the lowest out-of-pocket expense when they choose Northwood, Inc. for durable medical equipment. Below is the cost-share amount:
In network = 10% coinsurance plus deductible
Out of network = 30% coinsurance plus deductible
Diabetic supplies are covered at no cost to members when they use in-network or out-of-network providers. Select J&B Medical Supply as the in-network supplier to receive quality, cost-effective treatment through a convenient mail-order process. Injectable insulin, needles and syringes for injectable insulin are covered under the prescription drug plan.
How do members get DME or diabetic supplies?
Just like medication, the doctor will write a prescription for the equipment or supplies needed. Members can usually choose to rent or buy durable medical equipment. To keep costs to a minimum, have the prescription filled by a Northwood, Inc. or a J&B Medical Supply provider.
How do members find a Northwood, Inc. provider?
How do members find a J&B Medical Supply provider?
Call 1-888-896-6233 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday or email info@jandbmedical.com. TTY users should call 1-868-520-9624.
If members have questions about their DME or diabetic supplies benefits, they should call Blue Cross Customer Service at 1-800-422-9146, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. TTY users should call 711.
Source: Spring 2018 – Best of Health – Medicare members
MARSP is offering those who renew early an opportunity to win a $50 Visa gift card. Current members who renew between January 1 and March 1, 2018, will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card! Renewing your membership early could make you a winner and also saves MARSP in printing and postage costs.
Our collective strength is the most powerful force we have at our disposal. Your continued support allows us to keep fighting to preserve and protect the pension and health care benefits you earned.
Renewing your membership early saves MARSP in printing and postage costs.
Click here to renew online or call the MARSP Office at 1-888-960-4022 to renew with debit or credit card. If you would prefer to use the hard copy form, it will be mailed in late March/early April. Please return it in the green envelope that is included with the form.
This content is available for MARSP members only. Become a member today to view the article or login
These seminars are for Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO members. Representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield, OptumRx, Delta Dental, and EyeMed will be presenting. Representatives from the HMO’s, Blue Care Network and Priority Health, will NOT be in attendance. All seminars begin at 10:00 a.m. and run approximately 3 hours. Members may arrive at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments. The Learning Center also opens at 9: 30 a.m. for those members who wish to speak directly with a healthcare representative prior to the presentations beginning.
| Date | Location | Venue |
| October 10 | Escanaba | Terrace Bay Hotel
7146 P Rd. Gladstone, MI 49837 |
| October 11 | Marquette | Masonic Center
128 W. Washington Street Marquette, MI 49855 |
| October 12 | Alpena | APlex-Alpena Events Center
701 Woodward Ave. Alpena, MI 49707 |
| October 13 | Williamsburg (Traverse City) | Williamsburg Event Center
4240 M72 East Williamsburg, MI 49690 |
| October 16 | Flint | Holiday Inn Gateway Centre Flint
5353 Gateway Centre Flint, MI 48507 |
| October 17 | Clare (Mt. Pleasant) | Doherty Hotel
604 North McEwan Street Clare, MI 48617 |
| October 18 | Grand Rapids | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 |
| October 19 | Kalamazoo | Kalamazoo Expo Center
2900 Lake Street Kalamazoo, MI 49048 |
| October 20 | Lansing | Eagle Eye Golf Club
15500 Chandler Rd Bath Twp, MI 48808 |
| October 24 | Detroit | Greater Grace Temple
23500 West Seven Mile Road Detroit, MI 48219 |
| October 25 | Livonia | Burton Manor
27777 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150 |
| October 26 | Riverview/Southgate | Holiday Inn Southgate
17201 Northline Road Southgate, MI 48195 |
| October 30 | Sterling Heights | Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights
34911 Van Dyke Ave Sterling Heights, MI 48312 |
All seminars begin at 10:00 a.m. and run approximately 3 hours. Members may arrive at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments. The Learning Center also opens at 9: 30 a.m. for those members who wish to speak directly with a healthcare representative prior to the presentations beginning.
| Dates | Location | Venue |
| November 8 | Scottsdale, AZ | Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River
5201 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85250 |
| November 9 | Tucson, AZ | Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport
6575 S. Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85758 |
| December 4 | Ocala, FL | Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Ocala Conference Center
3600 SW 38th Ave Ocala, FL 34474 |
| December 5 | Tampa, FL | Sheraton Tampa East Hotel
10221 Princess Palm Ave. Tampa, FL 33610 |
| December 6 | Sarasota, FL | Holiday Inn Sarasota Airport
8009 15th St. E. Sarasota, FL 34243 |
| December 7 | Fort Myers, FL | Holiday Inn Airport at Town Center
9931 Interstate Commerce Drive Fort Myers, FL 33913 |
The most recent effort to shut down the pension system, while it wasn’t the first attempt, was the one that came closest to closing MPSERS and reducing the benefits of public school personnel. As we breathe a collective sigh of relief, a bill we helped negotiate and you all made possible with your grassroots efforts, is being finalized.
We were up against the most concerted effort ever made to shut down the system and reduce your benefits. Although some may say we didn’t “win,” the fact is, we were tremendously effective. Without MARSP being deeply involved in the negotiations, we could have easily lost a substantial portion of your benefits.
Senate Bill 401 (Substitute S-1) that was passed by the Legislature in mid-June makes several changes to the current Hybrid Plus Pension Plan and creates a new hybrid plan for new hires. Here are some of the changes of interest:
“New” Defined Contributions Plan
“New” Hybrid Plan
Other Changes
The compilation of changes was provided as a courtesy by MSBO.
By Marie Wilkerson, MARSP Foundation Chairman
MARSP Past President Don Miller died on Monday, August 1, 2016. Don served on the MARSP Board of Directors in various positions for 15 years and will be greatly missed as a leader
His first years on the MARSP Board of Directors came when he served as Area 12 Director from 1995 to 2002; including service as a regional director for 2001-02. He then took on the role of vice-president in 2002 and subsequently served as MARSP President from 2005-07
Don always brought insight and knowledge to the table regarding the function of MARSP, and will be missed for his quick wit and yet thoughtful suggestions for MARSP
He also served as legislative committee chairman and MPSERS Board Observer, as well as a director on the MARSP Foundation Board. He served as its secretary and was also the Foundation Endowment Fund Board Treasurer.
Mr. Miller joined MARSP as a life member in 1994 and served as vice-president, president and insurance chairman in his local Lapeer County Chapter. He was a loyal supporter of MARSP
Don was also very active in his local community. He won the “Male Citizen of the Year” award from the City of Lapeer in 2010. He served on boards and committees for the Literacy Center, Library, and Lapeer Housing Commission. He also volunteered his time at the Refuge soup kitchen for the homeless, Seven Ponds Nature Center, Master Gardeners, the Goodfellows, and was an active member of his church.
In his spare time he loved to work in his flower gardens. Don earned the status of master gardener. Don was a giving individual who will be greatly missed at MARSP!
Click here to view Don Miller’s obituary.
The Court of Appeals ruled on June 7, 2016, that school employees were unconstitutionally required to pay 3% towards retiree health care from 2010-2013 as they were not guaranteed to see that money. The main effect of the ruling, which affirms a 2012 Court of Appeals ruling on the same law, means that public school employees who paid in the 3% from July 1, 2010 to January 9, 2013 will see those payments refunded, unless the state chooses to appeal once again.
The case is AFT-Michigan v. Michigan. Certainly, the decision will have significant ramifications for the state, schools and school employees, as over $600 million is currently sitting in escrow. Schools currently are paying a higher MPSERS rate due to the fact that this money was originally intended to go towards retiree health care, so if the money is ultimately refunded, schools will not see the MPSERS rate decrease they otherwise would if it were kept in the system.
The following websites offer information and tools to help you blaze trails as you age. In addition to these resources, check out the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging. It connects older adults, their families, and caregivers to information on local services and support. Topics range from volunteerism and healthy aging to legal assistance and transportation. Visit Eldercare.gov or call 800-677-1116 to learn what is available in your community.
Brain Health
Source: Administration for Community Living
Falls Prevention
Source: National Council on Aging
Go4Life Exercise & Physical Activity Campaign
Source: National Institute on Aging
Healthy Eating As We Age
Source: USDA
Health and Wellness Videos
Source: NIHSeniorHealth.gov
Long-term Care Planning
Source: Department of Health and Human Services
NIHSeniorHealth
Source: National Institutes of Health
Older Adults and Oral Health
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Sleep and Aging
Source: National Institutes of Health
Advanced Care Planning Fact Sheets
Source: AoA’s Eldercare Locator
Elder Abuse (including Financial Exploitation)
Source: Administration on Aging
Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation
Source: Federal Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force
Financial Protection for Older Americans
Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
OnGuard Online
Source: Office of Justice Programs
Protect Your Pocketbook: Tips to Avoid Financial Exploitation (PDF)
Source: AoA’s Eldercare Locator
Scammed? Now what … (PDF)
Source: National Council on Elder Abuse
Arts and Aging Toolkit for Organizations
Source: National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, National Center for Creative Aging, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Directory of Creative Aging Programs
Source: National Center for Creative Aging
Participating in Activities You Enjoy—More Than Just Fun and Games
Source: National Institute on Aging
Ready for Your Second Career?
Source: AARP Bulletin
Second Acts for the Greater Good
Source: Encore.org
Senior Community Service Employment Program
Source: Department of Labor
Health Benefits of Volunteering (PDF)
Source: Corporation for National and Community Service
Project Toolkits
Source: Corporation for National and Community Service
SeniorCorps
Source: Corporation for National and Community Service
Tips for Boomers Who Want to Volunteer (PDF)
Source: Corporation for National and Community Service
United We Serve
Source: Corporation for National and Community Service
Volunteering and Civic Engagement among Older Adults
Source: Corporation for National and Community Service