MARSP

Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel

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Retired school personnel help colleagues in classrooms 

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In an effort to support Michigan teachers, retired school personnel are making donations designed to boost student learning around the state.  Members of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) and the MARSP Foundation are contributing $10,000 in response to teacher requests for assistance through DonorsChoose.org.   

Responding to 48 project requests from Michigan teachers impacting around 6,000 Michigan students, the retired educator group believes current teachers and students need support more than ever.

“We have helped our working colleagues with similar donations for several years but now may be the time they need it most,” says MARSP Executive Director Royce Humm.  “DonorsChoose.org allows teachers to request funding for special classroom needs, whether it’s books, equipment or technology.  Because it strictly focuses on education, it’s an ideal crowd-funding method that allows us to ‘flash fund’ projects that benefit thousands of students across the state.”

DonorsChoose.org was created by a Bronx high school history teacher who was trying to raise funds to buy books for his classroom in 2000.   Today the website is available to teachers in every US public school.  

“With so many new challenges imposed on teachers during the pandemic, we want our working colleagues to know we understand and appreciate them,” says Marie Wilkerson, chair of the MARSP Foundation board. “Although we give scholarships every year to public school employees who want to further their education, we recognize the urgent need to support learners in today’s environment.”

MARSP and the MARSP Foundation Inc. will each allocate $5,000 to fully fund as many projects as possible for schools with more than 50 percent of students from low-income households.  Additionally, opportunities, where matching donations would apply, will be prioritized.

According to the DonorsChoose.org website, it is the only crowdfunding platform that vets each request, delivers materials directly to schools, and captures the impact of every project with photos, thank you notes, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent.  Since 2000 the charity has funded more than 1.8 million projects across the country.  It has a 96.6 percent rating from Charity Navigator, which ranks charitable organizations according to financial accountability and impact.    

“We really liked that more than 95 percent of all donations go directly to fund classroom projects,” Humm notes.  “DonorsChoose.org makes great use of volunteers and support from its partners.”
 Those wishing to donate to Michigan classrooms through MARSP are encouraged to call the MARSP office at 517-337-1757.

MARSP is an independent, non-partisan association of more than 35,000 retired public school employees from every work group and geographical location in Michigan. The association’s primary mission is to protect the pension and health care benefits of retired public school employees.  The MARSP Foundation Inc. is a charitable organization whose mission is to support the educational advancement of public school employees through scholarships, as well as to support and aid retired public school personnel in matters that require help for their well-being.

MARSP Office Relocation

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In January, the MARSP Board of Directors voted unanimously to relocate the MARSP office from its current location to the MELG (Michigan Education Leadership Group) building in Lansing.

The MELG building is home to many Michigan educational organizations such as the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA), Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO), among others. Moving to this location is a strategic move for MARSP as we continue to grow our membership and keep our members informed. Along with reducing some annual operating expenses, collaborating with other Michigan educational organizations allows us to become more connected with active school personnel and share the importance of MARSP for those still working. MARSP brings value to current and future retirees regardless of where they are in their retirement journey.

Our new physical location will only enhance our ability to offer the great service and value you’ve come to expect from our association.

We are looking forward to the move and we will provide updates to members on our relocation efforts as the work progresses.

 

Update: 

We will no longer be receiving mail to our physical address.  Please use the MARSP PO Box for all mail.

MARSP

PO Box 23214

Lansing, MI 48909

Ways to place your vote in the 2020 election

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The 2020 election is approaching quickly and it is important to know what options you have to place your vote for the 2020 election.  This year Michigan residents can vote by voting at their local polling location or by absentee ballot.  Each method of voting comes with its own set of rules.

Voting in person

     Voting in person is a right of passage to some, they enjoy the pomp and circumstance of going to the poll and placing their vote.  Before heading to the polls make sure you are prepared. 

Register to Vote

     Confirm you are registered to vote.  You can check your voter registration status at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index.

Locate your polling location

     Once you are registered to vote, you can look up your polling location at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index. 

What to expect on election day

     Once you have registered to vote or confirmed you were already registered and located your polling location it is now time to prepare yourself for election day.  

You will be required to provide a valid ID. 

     ID types you can use to check-in are:

  • Michigan driver’s license or state ID
  • Driver’s license or personal identification card issued by another state
  • Federal or state government-issued photo identification
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID with photo
  • Student identification with photo from a high school or accredited institution of higher learning
  • Tribal identification card with photo

Polls are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm local time.  You have the right to vote if you are in line by 8:00 pm.

     Due to COVID-19, some locations may have changed.  For the most up to date information regarding your polling location call your clerk.   

To learn more about voting in person please visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/VoteInPerson/#where

Voting by Absentee Ballot

Heading to public poles during a pandemic may be too risky for some.  Due to the passage of statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.

To obtain your absentee ballot online

     Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online through our absentee voter request form before October 30.

To obtain your absentee ballot in person

     An application for an absentee ballot was mailed to every registered voter in Michigan. If you did not receive one or cannot find it, you can:

     Requests for an absentee ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 5 pm the Friday before the election.  

You can also request an absentee voter ballot in person at your clerk’s office anytime up to 4 pm on the day prior to the election; this ballot must be completed at the clerk’s office.

Submitting your absentee ballot

     Option A – Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your city or township clerk by 8:00 pm on Election Day (November 3, 2020).

     Option B – Hand deliver your ballot to your clerk’s office before 8:00 pm –  November 3, 2020.

Did my ballot arrive?

     You can check the status of your ballot by looking up their information here https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index. 

Important Information regarding your absentee ballot.

  1. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. For information about your signature on file contact your clerk’s office.
  2. Ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by 8:00 pm on November 3, 2020. 

     Hand delivering your absentee ballot is the safest way to ensure your absentee ballot has been successfully delivered to your clerk’s office.  In the event that you can not hand deliver your absentee ballot consider mailing in your application as soon as possible to ensure on-time delivery. 

     We also encourage you to reach out to your clerk’s office for questions and more information.

     For more information and full details from the Michigan Secretary of State visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index.  

Important health plan updates from MPSERS announced

Health Insurance, Uncategorized

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?

  1. Visit www.bcbsm.com and select Find a Doctor.
  2. Click on Get Started. Enter username and password. If members haven’t registered, click Register for a new account and follow the instructions to create your account.
  3. Click on the arrow next to Your Plan.
  4. Select Employer Group Plans, then choose Medicare Plus Blue (PPO).
  5. Enter your desired location in Your Location.
  6. Type “Durable Medical Equipment” in the search box.
  7. Click Search to see a list of providers that match your criteria.

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 early bird renewal incentive: renewing now could make you a winner!

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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.

Click here to sign in and renew online or call the MARSP Office at 1-888-960-4022 to renew with a debit or credit card.

Renewing your membership early saves MARSP printing & postage costs

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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.

 

MPSERS/Blue Cross Healthcare Seminars Scheduled for fall in Michigan, Arizona, and Florida

Health Insurance, Uncategorized

MPSERS Healthcare Seminar Schedule – Michigan

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

 

MPSERS Healthcare Seminar Schedule – Arizona & Florida

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

Senate Bill 401: What you need to know

Legislation, Uncategorized

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

  • Employees hired after February 1, 2018, will be placed in 401k-style plan with an opt-out to enter the new hybrid defined benefit (DB) plan if they choose.
  • Existing school employees that chose the defined contribution (DC) plan upon employment will be placed into the “new” DC plan.
  • The “new” DC plan consists of a 4% of salary contribution by the employer, and the employer will match the employee’s contribution up to an additional 3%. Maximum employer pension contribution of 7%.
  • Require the School Aid Fund to reimburse districts for the employers matching contribution of up to 3% of salary.

“New” Hybrid Plan

  • Lowers the actuary assumptions on annual rate of return for new hybrid plan to 6% from the current 7%.
  • Require employees first hired on or after February 1, 2018, that opt for the hybrid plan to make normal cost and unfunded liability contributions on a cost sharing basis of 50% by the employer and 50% by the employee versus the current percentage of salary method.
  • Sets a minimum funding limit of the hybrid plan for members hired since February 1, 2018, at 85%. If the funding limit falls below 85% for two consecutive years, the hybrid would be “closed” and members of the plan would be placed in a defined contribution 401k-style plan. Allows for the state to appropriate funds to avoid the closure of the hybrid plan.
  • Establishes the regular retirement age to be 60-years old for those hired between July 1, 2010 and January 31, 2018 and age 60 for members hired on or after February 1, 2018 that opted into the hybrid system. The “new” hybrid plan regular retirement age could be adjusted in full-year increments if a study of mortality determined a difference of more than one year from previous studies of mortality and the funding level of the hybrid is below 100% after assuming the increase in mortality.

Other Changes

  • Eliminates the ability to purchase service credit, for those eligible, in the legacy systems for all purposes except military service credit effective September 30, 2017.
  • Use the change in district “Current Operating Expenditures” as a factor for adjusting the districts’ payroll for the allocation of unfunded liability payments.
  • Sets the current contribution percentage for unfunded liability payments as the minimum level, allowing for increases that establish the new minimum level on an annual basis.

The compilation of changes was provided as a courtesy by MSBO.