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Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel

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Executive Director’s Blog: Educating new legislators a key focus of VBDF

Executive Director

Educating newly elected legislators on public school retiree issues will be a key focus of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel’s (MARSP) advocacy work in 2019.

Thanks to term limits, most new lawmakers will have little background on our issues.  Thirty of the 38 senators in Michigan are new to their posts and the House of Representatives has 48 new representatives out of 110 seats.

Fortunately MARSP members have generously supported the Voluntary Benefit Defense Fund (VBDF), which will help us educate legislators on pension issues and other concerns of public school retirees.

MARSP will host receptions for new legislators in April or May.  Legislative ambassadors are strongly encouraged to attend so they can share their stories with legislators.  Watch the VANGUARD and our web site, www.marsp.org, for more information.

In addition to events, VBDF funds are used to create written materials for legislators on pension and health care topics and research on pension plans in other states.

To everyone who has helped make the VBDF fund strong, I say a big “thank you.”

Contributions to the VBDF are accepted from chapters and members.  For a contribution form, visit the MARSP web site:  www.marsp.org/legislative-issues/voluntary-benefit-defense-fund/

Turning 65: Important Updates to Medicare Enrollment Process for MPSERS members

Health Insurance

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits or railroad retirement checks, you will be contacted a few months before you become eligible for Medicare.  If you are not already getting social security benefits, you should contact the Social Security Administration about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare.  Their number is 800-772-1213.

Several months prior to your 65th birthday, Medicare will send you a red, white and blue Medicare card showing whether you have Part A, Part B or both. In order to receive coverage through MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System), you must have Part B. Keep your card in a safe place so you will have it when you need it.

Upon receipt of your Medicare card, you MUST contact the Office of Retirement Services at 1-800-381-5111 and provide them with your Medicare ID number. Failing to do this step could result in a gap or loss of coverage.  This allows Medicare and MPSERS to coordinate your benefits. When you turn 65, your coverage will be Medicare Plus Blue Group PPO. This a Medicare Advantage plan. You will also continue to receive your prescription drug benefit from MPSERS.

MARSP suggests that just before you turn age 65, you contact MPSERS and BCBSM to ensure that your enrollment in Medicare is complete.

 

Priority Health announces 2018 MPSERS informational meeting schedule

Health Insurance

Priority Health recently announced their 2018 MPSERS informational meeting schedule.

You may join online or in person.

You’ll learn:

  • Important tips to consider before choosing a plan
  • What to expect from your health insurance company during retirement
  • How you can save money with Cost Estimator
  • How to choose the best plan for you

October 3, 2018 – Webinar @ 10am

In-person meetings (2:00 – 3:30 pm):

October 8, 2018 – Traverse City – Hotel Indigo

October 9, 2018 – Kalamazoo – KRESA Service Center

October 10, 2018 – Wayne – Wayne RESA

October 11, 2018 – Clinton Twp. – Wayne State University Macomb Education Center

October 17, 2018 – Grand Rapids – Kent ISD

Click here to register for the time and date that works best for you.