March 2022 NARFE Magazine by NARFE

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

MARCH 2022 VOLUME 98 ★ NUMBER 2

P. 24

Safeguard Your Benefits With NARFE-PAC P. 30

When Work Goes Virtual

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Contents MARCH 2022

COVER STORY PAGE 24

FEATURE PAGE 30

SAFEGUARD YOUR BENEFITS WITH NARFE-PAC Understand how NARFE-PAC enhances our advocacy efforts and why it’s especially important to support the PAC in an election year. WHEN WORK GOES VIRTUAL The pandemic has caused a big shift in how we work, and federal agencies have pivoted to establishing a stronger online and telework-friendly presence.

Washington Watch

6 The NARFE Halftime Report:

Legislative Accomplishments in the 117th Congress

8 NARFE Reflects on Successful 2021 Grassroots Advocacy Engagement

9 New Windfall Elimination Provision Reform Bill Introduced

10 Hearing Highlights Social

Security Reform Bill That Includes NARFE Priorities

11 NARFE National Pres. Ken Thomas Testifies Before Congress on the Future of Federal Work

Columns

P. 30

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

4 From theOnline President

MARCH 2022 VOLUME 98 ★ NUMBER 2

22 Benefits Engagement Brief 36 Managing Money 38 Alzheimer’s Update

P. 24

Safeguard Your Benefits With NARFE-PAC P. 30

When Work Goes Virtual

Departments

5 NARFE Online

ON THE COVER Illustration by TGD

18 Questions & Answers 40 NARFE News 46 Member Perks 48 The Way We Worked

Connect with us! Visit us online at www.narfe.org Like us on Facebook NARFE National Headquarters Follow us on Twitter @narfehq

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

MARCH 2022 VOLUME 98 ★ NUMBER 2

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jenn Rafael

REGION I James C. Risner

SENIOR EDITOR Mabel Yu CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Beth Bedard ADDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN TGD EXECUTIVE EDITOR Helen Mosher EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth J. Thomas, Kathryn E. Hensley, Barbara Sido CONTACT US NARFE Magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Editorial: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Anita Nelson advertising@narfe.org NARFE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED ON THE TELEPHONE: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFBNEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org. ON DIGITAL AUDIO: Issues of NARFE Magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider. The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

NATIONAL OFFICERS

KENNETH J. THOMAS President; natpres@narfe.org KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer natsectreas@narfe.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BARBARA SIDO execdir@narfe.org

(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont) Tel: 207-540-6233 Email: rvp1@narfe.org

REGION II Gary Roundtree Sr.

(Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) Tel: 443-929-7045 Email: groundtreesr@comcast.net

REGION III Clarence Robinson

(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) CELL: 404-312-8028 Email: crobin8145@att.net

REGION IV Robert L. Helfrich

(Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin) Tel: 317-501-1700 Email: rlhelfrich@yahoo.com

REGION V Cindy Reneé Blythe

TO JOIN NARFE, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR FIND A LOCAL CHAPTER: CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 OR GO TO www.narfe.org TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL LISTING:

CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 EMAIL memberrecords@narfe.org OR GO TO www.narfe.org, log in and click on “My Account”

TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST:

EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org

NARFE HEADQUARTERS

606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-838-7760 Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET

(Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) Tel: 785-256-1450 Email: mrsdocbusyb@yahoo.com

REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) Tel: 903-660-2784 Email: pappysdad@cobridge.tv

REGION VII Rodney L. Adelman

(Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming) Tel: 623-505-4719 Email: narfe7vp@cox.net

REGION VIII Robert H. Ruskamp (California, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines) Tel: 703-628-3234 Email: rvp8@narfe.org

REGION IX Linda L. Silverio

(Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) Tel: 503-391-2963 Email: l.l.silverio.narfe@gmail.com

REGION X William Shackelford

(Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 703-830-6590, CELL: 703-201-6304 Email: rvp10@narfe.org

NARFE Magazine (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly except in February and July by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $48. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2022, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

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From the President NARFE’S MISSION STATEMENT To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests. To promote the general welfare of federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants, to advise and assist them with respect to their rights under retirement, health and other employee and retiree benefits laws and regulations, and to represent their interests before appropriate authorities. To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of these general objectives.

Rethinking Government Work

e are two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, and as of press time, many government agencies are

returning to their offices, but the workplace will not be the same as it was before the pandemic. The federal government is entering the age of the hybrid workforce, which presents unique opportunities across federal spaces. Longstanding mandates aimed at right-sizing the federal workforce and property portfolios will require reconfiguring the workforce as well as existing buildings to create a more effective working environment. In 2020, COVID-19 forced government agencies to quickly adapt to full-time telework models that were previously thought untenable, proving many jobs can be completed successfully outside of a traditional office setting. Federal agencies may take advantage of the changing nature of work by expanding telework options over the long term. Such an approach could save taxpayer money on real estate, improve services to the American people through increased productivity, and provide a more attractive work environment for current and prospective employees.

Additionally, the government must make changes to ensure that it is able to recruit employees with specialized skills and pay them competitive wages. The Federal Salary Council found that federal employees make 23 percent less than their private-sector counterparts. A change to the federal pay system, such as determining federal pay based on market pay for specific occupations rather than generalized and inaccurate averages for an occupationally diverse workforce, deserves attention. At the very least, Congress and the federal government should prevent the pay gap from widening by basing annual pay raises on the most recent change in the Employment Cost Index (ECI) measure of private-sector wages and salaries. Proper implementation of telework can help the federal government attract top talent without the concern of geographic location. Hiring processes, especially the time it takes the government to hire, must be improved to recruit new talent. Recent metrics on federal hiring measure the average time to hire at 98 days, more than double that of the private sector. In-demand talent will not wait months for a job offer when the private sector can offer jobs much more quickly. Things to think about. Stay safe.

KENNETH J. THOMAS NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org

Emails purporting to be from President Ken Thomas asking for gift cards or other information are a scam. NARFE will never contact you asking for gift cards or confidential information. If you ever have a question about whether a message from any NARFE national officer or staff member is legitimate, please call customer service at 800-456-8410. 4

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

NARFE Online MISS A WEBINAR? CATCH UP on past NARFE Federal Benefits Institute presentations in NARFE’s webinar archive, where you’ll find videos, slides and transcripts of question-and-answer sessions for webinars dating to January 2019. Find them at www.narfe.org/webinar-archive.

Find More Online at NARFE.org

ARFE Magazine is often called one of the most valuable benefits of membership, but NARFE offers many digital resources as well.

NARFE’s revamped website makes it simple to find what’s important to you. This page of the magazine highlights what’s new and noteworthy online.

You can find benefits information, advocacy resources, recruiting tools, member discounts and new ways to connect with peers by visiting www.narfe.org.

TSP UPDATE ONLINE Get the most recent monthly and annual Thrift Savings Plan returns (G, F, C, S, I and L Funds) online at www. narfe.org/tsp-funds.

NARFE COLA UPDATE READ NARFE MAGAZINE ONLINE

NARFE’s website now offers a digital flipbook of this and previous issues at www.narfe.org/ magazine-issues. Read it online on your computer, phone or tablet, or download it to peruse later.

The NARFE Federal Benefits Institute tracks changes to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which is relevant to the cost-ofliving-adjustment (COLA) to civil service annuities for 2023. Find out more at www. narfe.org/cola.

CONNECT ON FEDHUB If you haven’t checked out NARFE’s new online community yet, what are you waiting for? NARFE designed FEDHub to support your federal journey, leveraging the knowledge and value of our entire community—all that’s missing is you. Join the conversation at fedhub.narfe.org/ quick-start-guide.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Washington Watch

The NARFE Halftime Report: Legislative Accomplishments in the 117th Congress

hanks to the combined efforts of NARFE members, leaders and staff, NARFE’s advocacy efforts saw several wins in the first half of the 117th Congress. The following

are the highlights thus far, including safeguarding the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, building support for repeal or reform of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), and celebrating NARFE’s centennial in Congress. PROTECTING FEDERAL HEALTH BENEFITS IN POSTAL BILLS

However, in response to NARFE’s advocacy, the leading Postal bill introduced in this Congress preserved choice for current Postal Service retirees, allowing them to decide whether to enroll in Medicare Part B or not—without the threat of losing health insurance benefits. • The new bill changed the structure of the Federal Employees Health Benefits

(FEHB) program, splitting Postal employees and most retirees into a separate risk pool. This change threatened to increase premiums for all federal employees and retirees. NARFE flagged this potential issue and pressed for actuarial analysis by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to measure the impact of the changes on FEHB premiums. In response to OPM’s analysis and NARFE’s concerns, Congress appeared poised, as of press time, to amend the bill to prevent unintended premium increases within FEHB.

• NARFE’s lobbying efforts led to significant changes in Postal bills, protecting the earned benefits of Postal Service retirees and preventing adverse impacts on federal employee NARFE CENTENNIAL and retiree premiums as a RECOGNIZED BY result of the bills. CONGRESS • Leading Postal bills from • NARFE’s centennial was previous Congresses mandated formally celebrated by the that all current Postal Service retirees enroll MARCH ACTION ALERT: URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE in Medicare Part B TO COSPONSOR WEP REFORM BILL or lose their earned Please join NARFE’s campaign calling on members of the House of federal retiree health Representatives to cosponsor the Public Servants Protection and benefits. This would Fairness Act, H.R. 2337, legislation to reform the Windfall Elimination have forced retirees to Provision (WEP). This long-standing, misguided provision reduces incur additional costs the Social Security benefits of nearly 2 million people nationwide. for the continued receipt of benefits, changing Use NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, located at www.narfe.org, to the agreement after personalize a message to your Representative requesting his or her retirement and setting cosponsorship of the bill. a dangerous precedent. 6

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

MYTH VS. REALITY MYTH: Funds from NARFE’s general fund, including member dues, go to NARFE’s political action committee (PAC) and are used to defend earned benefits by electing Fed-friendly lawmakers. REALITY: No dues money or any general funds from NARFE go to any political candidate. Only member contributions designated specifically for NARFE-PAC go to the PAC, and only funds from the PAC can be used to help NARFE allies campaign for election. NARFE-PAC is a separate, segregated NARFE account that is funded solely through specific member contributions. Please consider contributing during this NARFE-PAC month so the PAC has the funds to defend the federal community in 2022.

Senate when S.Res.76, a resolution congratulating the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association on the celebration of its 100th anniversary, passed the Senate via unanimous consent. • A separate bipartisan resolution celebrating 100 years of NARFE, H.Res.131, was also introduced in the House of Representatives.

INCREASED SUPPORT FOR WEP/GPO REPEAL AND REFORM

• With NARFE’s support, legislation to fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) was introduced in the 117th Congress. The Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, had 242 cosponsors as of press time—a greater number of cosponsors than this legislation received at the same time during the last Congress. This is also true of the legislation’s equivalent in the Senate, S. 1302. • Legislation to reform the WEP penalty, H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act, had 185 cosponsors as of press time, 31 more cosponsors than the legislation gathered during the entirety of the previous Congress. • The 117th Congress also saw a rise in the number of bills

addressing the WEP and GPO, including the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act, H.R. 5834, and the Wellbeing for Every Public Servant Act, H.R. 4788. Legislation reforming Social Security, Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust, H.R. 5723, also would repeal the WEP and GPO—after NARFE pushed for its inclusion in the bill.

SCHEDULE F EXECUTIVE ORDER RESCINDED

• With NARFE’s strong encouragement, President Biden rescinded the previous administration’s Schedule F executive order in his first week in office. The order had created a new federal employment category that threatened to politicize federal jobs and the delivery of services that the American people rely on. NARFE led a coalition of nearly 80 good government and federal employee groups in a push to block implementation of the order. Those efforts raised awareness of the issue and increased pressure to delay implementation of the order in the waning days of the previous administration while setting the stage for rescission of the order at the beginning of the new administration. • If the order had been fully implemented, tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of federal jobs could have been converted to the new Schedule

F classification within the excepted service. The new schedule would have exempted reclassified employees from civil service rules and due process rights that ensure that federal employees are hired and fired based on merit, not their political connections or lack thereof.

SECURING A PAY RAISE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES IN 2022 • NARFE helped secure a presidential alternative pay plan to increase federal employee pay in 2022 by an average 2.7 percent, at parity with the military and tracking with recent private sector pay increases. • NARFE also pushed to increase the number of cosponsors of the FAIR Act, H.R. 392 and S. 561, a bill that would have pr0vided federal employees with a 3.2 percent average pay raise in 2022.

FEDERAL WORKER PROVISIONS INCLUDED IN COVID-19 RELIEF

• The American Rescue Plan, H.R. 1319, which became law in March 2021, included NARFE-supported provisions to ensure that front-line federal and Postal workers who contract COVID-19 are presumptively eligible for workers’ compensation. Without this presumption of SEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON P. 9 NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Washington Watch

NARFE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY LEARN MORE about how you can take action to protect your earned pay and benefits by reviewing NARFE Grassroots materials at www.narfe.org/advocacy.

NARFE Reflects on Successful 2021 Grassroots Advocacy Engagement

ARFE’s advocacy team had a number of legislative accomplishments in 2021, all made possible by the tireless work of its lobbying team and by members who worked collaboratively, employing various strategies to influence decision makers. At headquarters, NARFE’s lobbying team held meetings with congressional and administration leaders, gave testimony at hearings, and collaborated with coalitions to ensure that pending legislation included Fed-friendly provisions. Our association turned to its membership for grassroots advocacy support, led by federation and chapter advocacy leaders who played an instrumental role in mobilizing members to communicate with their lawmakers through meetings, letter writing, phone calls and other grassroots activities. Together, we welcomed newly elected lawmakers to Congress and introduced them to NARFE with a welcome packet, influenced the Senate to unanimously pass a resolution recognizing NARFE’s 100th anniversary, asked lawmakers to cosponsor bills to repeal or reform the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), secured equitable

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

and accurate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), and worked to ensure that postal reform legislation protected federal employee and retiree health benefits from potential premium increases. In addition to sending 31,157 action letters through NARFE’s Legislative Action Center and making more than 27,000 phone calls through the advocacy call center, NARFE members engaged in LEGcon21’s lobby day, taking part in 248 virtual meetings with lawmakers. Members kept the momentum going in August for NARFE’s Grassroots Advocacy Month, engaging with lawmakers at 22 events, including in-person and video meetings, town halls and fundraisers. The campaign’s social media posts from NARFE headquarters reached more than 34,000 people across Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, generating nearly 4,000 engagements, including likes, comments, shares and clicks on NARFEprovided links. Additionally, members sent more than 1,500 letters to local newspapers to raise public awareness of the WEP and GPO and call on Congress to support legislation for their repeal, resulting in more than a dozen published letters. Why should NARFE members engage in grassroots advocacy?

Each day, issues that affect federal employees and retirees are discussed in Congress, at the White House and in federal agencies. Without consideration of NARFE members’ views, those decisions may not reflect what is best for them and the federal community. Federal employees and retirees also bring their personal experiences to the discussion. They can best explain how a policy like the WEP affects their financial wellbeing, helping lawmakers make a connection between the issue and constituents back in their districts and states, influencing their decision making. NARFE leaders cannot do the work alone. NARFE’s lobbying would not have the same impact without the people it represents weighing in on policy discussions. NARFE cannot maximize its success without the voices that make up the federal community. During the year, NARFE asks its members to meet, write letters to, make phone calls to or interact with lawmakers on social media. Members should advocate in whatever ways are most comfortable for them. NARFE thanks you for all your efforts in 2021 and looks forward to partnering with you to advocate in 2022. —BY MARSHA PADILLA-GOAD, DIRECTOR, GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY

ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM P.7

eligibility, infected workers would find it difficult to prove that they contracted the disease while on duty and, as such, could be denied workers’ compensation benefits in connection with their illness. This provision does not apply to federal employees who telework. • The law also extended emergency sick and family leave to federal workers unable to work due to COVID-19, providing the same benefits extended to other Americans.

BILLS INTRODUCED TO STRENGTHEN COST-OFLIVING ADJUSTMENTS

• NARFE pushed for the introduction of multiple bills to strengthen cost-ofliving adjustments (COLAs) for federal annuities. The Fair COLA for Seniors Act, H.R. 4315, would require Social Security and federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate COLAs, which would result in significant increases in COLAs over time. • NARFE also ensured the introduction of the Equal COLA Act, H.R. 304, which would provide Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees with the same annual COLA as Civil Service

Retirement System (CSRS) retirees. Current law causes an inequitable reduction in FERS COLAs when prices increase by more than 2 percent.

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (OPM) REFORMS

• As part of NARFE’s successful prevention of reorganizing OPM in 2019, Congress commissioned a report by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) to find ways to improve the agency— an alternative to eliminating it. • The NAPA study provided numerous recommendations requiring legislative or administrative action, or both. OPM accepted most of the recommendations requiring administrative action and conditionally accepted others where congressional support is required. NARFE supports implementation efforts and urges continued progress. • With NARFE’s support, several legislative recommendations were incorporated into the Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management Act, H.R. 6066. • The report pointed to OPM’s struggle with information technology (IT) modernization, which helped spur the inclusion of an IT Working Capital Fund in President Biden’s proposed 2022 spending plan and the

relevant House and Senate appropriations bills. NARFE supports this effort to help streamline and improve OPM operations, notably federal retirement annuity claims processing and servicing. At press time, the federal government was still operating under a continuing resolution, so the appropriations bills have not yet passed into law. • NARFE supported introduction of the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act, H.R. 6104, which would reinvigorate federal internships and create a pipeline of talent for the federal workforce.

NARFE TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS

• On December 1, 2021, NARFE National President Ken Thomas testified before the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations in a hearing considering the future of the federal workforce. Thomas’ testimony highlighted the need for the federal government and Congress to adopt reforms necessary to attract the next generation of employees to continue the work of current and former generations of public servants on behalf of the United States of America and its inhabitants.

—BY ROSS APTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

New Windfall Elimination Provision Reform Bill Introduced

ep. Kevin Brady, R-TX, introduced a new bill in November 2021 to reform the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and bring relief to the 1.9 million people affected by it.

Under the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act, H.R. 5834, individuals receiving WEP-reduced Social Security benefits would see their monthly benefits increase by $100. Meanwhile, spousal and

child beneficiaries receiving a WEP-reduced Social Security benefit would see a $50 monthly increase. Individuals who are first eligible for Social Security SEE WEP ON P. 10

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Washington Watch LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES NARFE NewsLine – A weekly newsletter that goes out to NARFE members on Tuesdays and includes weekly recaps of legislative news, compiled by NARFE’s advocacy and communications teams. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER – A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org.

WEP FROM P.9

benefits between 2023 and 2060 would be subject to either a new formula created by the bill or the current formula, whichever is more beneficial. This bill’s construct is similar to that of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act, which would also provide an increased monthly benefit for current WEP-affected beneficiaries and a new formula going forward. However, H.R. 2337 provides a slightly larger increase in benefits than H.R. 5834 for

the primary worker ($150 vs. $100) but does not provide any rebate for spousal and child beneficiaries. H.R. 5834 also eventually only uses the new WEP formula, while H.R. 2337 would always allow for the better of the current and new formula. While this last difference may seem small, it changes the net cost to Social Security over the 75-year window in which its solvency is typically measured. Brady, who introduced H.R. 5834, and Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA, who introduced H.R. 2337, are the ranking member

and chairman, respectively, of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over the issue. It’s good news that both support similar bills. But it’s bad news that with such interest from both leaders, they still haven’t reached a compromise. NARFE supports both bills, as they each represent a positive change in addressing the WEP, and is encouraging the two lawmakers to work together to advance legislation. —BY SETH ICKES, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE

Hearing Highlights Social Security Reform Bill That Includes NARFE Priorities

n December 2021, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security held a hearing on H.R. 5723, Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust, introduced by Rep. John Larson, D-CT, chair of the subcommittee. The legislation is a temporary reform of Social Security that extends the solvency of the Social Security trust fund while simultaneously increasing benefits and providing financial security to those who need it most. New to this latest iteration of the bill is a provision to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) for about four years.

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

While not a permanent repeal, it follows with the temporary nature of the legislation and represents a step in the right direction. NARFE refrained from endorsing previous versions of this bill due to the omission of such a provision in a comprehensive Social Security reform bill, and the association pushed for it to be included. H.R. 5723 also includes terms to adopt the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) as the basis for the annual Social Security costof-living adjustment (COLA). This change would more accurately reflect the spending habits of seniors, putting a greater emphasis on health

care cost increases. In a letter to the subcommittee, NARFE National President Ken Thomas asked the committee to work with the House Committee on Oversight and Reform to extend this change to Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuities. The bill would also increase Social Security payments for all beneficiaries by an amount equal to 2 percent of the average benefit, end the standard five-month waiting period for disability benefits and establish a benefit minimum at 125 percent of the poverty line. —BY ROSS APTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

NARFE National President Ken Thomas Testifies Before Congress on the Future of Federal Work

ARFE National President Ken Thomas testified before the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations on December 1, 2021, in a hearing considering the future of federal work. Thomas’ testimony, delivered via Zoom, emphasized the need for the federal government and Congress to adopt reforms necessary to attract the next generation of workers. Outlining the precarious situation of the workforce, Thomas highlighted the Government Accountability Office’s continuing assessment that agencies face missioncritical skills gaps. This problem is compounded by the fact that nearly 28 percent of federal employees are eligible to retire in the next five years, but only 8 percent of federal employees are under the age of 30. This shortage of younger workers makes it harder to compensate for the loss of institutional knowledge by those retiring and creates new challenges to fill those open positions. Thomas underscored the need to simplify and streamline federal hiring practices to improve recruitment and retention. Currently, the federal government’s average time to hire is 98 days, significantly higher than the private sector average of 36 days. Thomas also emphasized the need for the federal government to provide competitive

compensation. According to the Federal Salary Council, federal employees are paid 23 percent less than their private-sector counterparts. He stressed that

to keep up with the competition, the government must adopt competitive pay and benefits; modern work practices, such as flexible telework and paid family leave; improve federal internship programs; and more. In response to a question from Subcommittee Chairman Gerry Connolly, D-VA, Thomas identified federal internship programs as a crucial part of the government’s “toolbelt” for recruitment and noted that they should serve as a “pipeline to encourage people to apply or join the federal workforce.” The government’s paid internships have shrunk considerably over the last decade, from 60,000 paid interns in 2010 to only about 4,000 in 2020. NARFE supports the chairman’s Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act, H.R. 6104, which would rejuvenate federal internship programs and

help convert qualified interns to federal employees. To do so, the bill would establish a Federal Internship and Fellowship Center within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to manage, administer and promote the programs, including a website where agencies can post internships for applicants to browse. It would also require that federal interns be paid for their service and would provide successful interns with an added five points for their competitive service examination rating in recognition of their experience. Furthermore, Thomas emphasized the importance of revitalizing OPM to meet the needs of an evolving federal workforce. He affirmed NARFE’s support for the Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management Act, H.R. 6066, which would implement several recommendations from a report by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) outlining ways to improve OPM. The report, which NARFE pushed for and which was mandated by Congress, provides numerous suggestions for bettering OPM’s services and for solidifying its leadership in federal human capital management. H.R 6066 was approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform just a day after NARFE’s testimony. As of press time, the bill had not yet been taken up by the full chamber. —BY SETH ICKES, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE BILL TRACKER

THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES. ISSUE

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR

WHAT BILL WOULD DO Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means (H.R. 82) / Referred to Senate Committee on Finance (S. 1302)

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly rebate of $150 to current beneficiaries (age 62 or older before 2023) and creating a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEP-affected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2023).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

Fully repeals the Windfall Elimination H.R. 4788: Well-Being for Every Public Servant Act of 2021 / Rep. Provision for individuals whose combined monthly income from Julia Letlow, R-LA their non-Social Security covered government annuity and Social Security Cosponsors: benefits is $5,500 or lower, with H.R. 4788: 0 graduated implementation on benefits above that amount.

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

H.R. 82/S. 1302: The Social Security Fairness Act / Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH Cosponsors: H.R. 82: 185 (D) 58 (R) S. 1302: 31 (D) 4 (R) 2 (I) H.R. 2337: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA Cosponsors: H.R. 2337: 185 (D) 0 (R)

SOCIAL SECURITY

H.R. 5723: Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust / Rep. John Larson, D-CT Cosponsors: H.R. 5723: 196 (D) 0 (R) H.R. 5834: Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2021/ Rep. Kevin Brady, R-TX Cosponsors: H.R. 5834: 3 (D) 41 (R)

NARFE CENTENNIAL

H.Res. 131/S.Res. 76: Resolution Celebrating NARFE’s Centennial / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Ben Cardin, D-MD Cosponsors: H.Res. 131: 15 (D) 4 (R) S.Res. 76: 3 (D) 2 (R) H.R. 51/S. 51 Washington D.C. Admission Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC / Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE

DC STATEHOOD

Expands and strengthens Social Security benefits, improves the solvency of the Social Security trust fund, repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, and provides for numerous other Social Security related improvements.

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly payment of $100 to current WEPaffected beneficiaries (age 62 or older before 2023) and $50 for an affected spouse or child. Creates a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEPaffected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2023).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

Congratulates NARFE on the celebration of its 100th anniversary on February 19, 2021, and recognizes the vital contributions its members have made to the United States during the past 100 years.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (H.Res. 131) / Agreed to in the Senate by unanimous consent on February 25, 2021 (S.Res. 76)

Provides for the admission of the State of Washington, DC, into the Union.

Passed the House on April 22, 2021, by a vote of 216-208 / Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (S. 51)

Cosponsors: H.R. 51: 216 (D) 0 (R) S. 51: 44 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

NARFE’s Position: 12

LATEST ACTION(S)

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Support

Oppose

No position

NARFE BILL TRACKER

THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES. ISSUE

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

H.R. 302: Preventing a Patronage Requires presidential administrations to obtain the agreement of Congress to System Act / Rep. Gerry reclassify competitive service positions Connolly, D-VA outside of merit system principles. Cosponsors: H.R. 302: 9 (D) 3 (R) H.R. 6066: Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY

Cosponsors: H.R. 6066: 1 (D) 1 (R) H.R. 6104: Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 6104: 0 (D) 0 (R)

H.R. 392/S. 561: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

FEDERAL COMPENSATION

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform by a vote of 25-14

Establishes a comprehensive Federal Internship and Fellowship Center within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to administer, manage and promote all federal internship and fellowship programs. The bill also credits fellows and interns who meet all qualifications with an additional five points in the competitive service examination.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Provides federal employees with a 3.2 percent average pay raise in 2022.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (H.R. 392) / Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (S. 561)

Extends paid leave to federal and postal employees for all conditions covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (H.R. 564) / Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (S. 1158)

Creates a new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program starting in January 2023. All postal employees and retirees would be moved to the new PSHB program, except Medicareeligible postal retirees who do not enroll in Medicare. Because retirees without Medicare tend to cost more to insure, this bill, as approved by Committee, risks increasing premiums for federal employees and retirees enrolled in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program plans.

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform by voice vote (H.R. 3076) / Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (S. 1720)

Cosponsors: H.R. 564: 33 (D) 0 (R) S. 1158: 4 (D) 0 (R) H.R. 3076/S. 1720: The Postal Service Reform Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY / Sen. Gary Peters, D-MI Cosponsors: H.R. 3076: 58 (D) 44 (R) S. 1720: 14 (D) 12 (R) 1(I) POSTAL REFORM

H.R. 695/S. 145: USPS Fairness Repeals the U.S. Postal Service’s Act / Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR / prefunding requirement. Sen. Steve Daines, R-MT Cosponsors: H.R. 695: 218 (D) 59 (R) S. 145: 5 (D) 5 (R)

Advanced from the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in a 22-18 vote

Codifies several recommendations for OPM by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), such as clarifying that OPM stands at the center of federal civilian human resource management and ensuring the director of OPM possesses human capital and leadership expertise.

Cosponsors: H.R. 392: 60 (D) 1 (R) S. 561: 12 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) H.R. 564/S. 1158: Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

LATEST ACTION(S)

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform (H.R. 695) / Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (S. 145)

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE BILL TRACKER

THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES. ISSUE

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R. 304: The Equal COLA Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 304: 24 (D) 3 (R)

FEDERAL ANNUITIES

H.R. 4315: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA Cosponsors: H.R. 4315: 44 (D) 1 (R) H.R. 4268: Federal Retirement Fairness Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA Cosponsors: H.R. 4268: 15 (D) 11 (R)

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

LATEST ACTION(S)

Provides Federal Employees Retirement Referred to the House System (FERS) retirees with the same Committee on Oversight annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and Reform as Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirees. Requires Social Security and federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retirement benefits.

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Reform, and Armed Services

Allows federal employees who started their careers in temporary positions before transitioning into permanent roles to retroactively contribute toward their retirement for the years they held a temporary position.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

NARFE’s Position:

Support

Oppose

No position

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Questions & Answers

Q&A

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute experts. NARFE does not provide legal, financial planning or tax advice or assistance.

EMPLOYMENT LEAVE AND EARNINGS STATEMENT

I began my federal career recently, and I receive pay statements from my agency each pay period. Should I be keeping all of these for the next 30 years, or should I purge these each year after I’ve confirmed that I’ve been paid properly?

Congratulations to you for reviewing your biweekly Leave and Earnings Statements to be sure that they accurately reflect your salary and proper withholdings. If you don’t want to keep all of your statements, at least consider keeping the following: • First statement received at the beginning of your appointment. • Salary changes. • Status of military deposit payment information. • Hours worked (if work schedule is less than full time). • Statements for the last five years before separation from federal service. • When changing payroll offices or transferring to a new agency, keep the last statement from your old payroll office 18

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

and the first statement from your new payroll office.

HIGH-3 AVERAGE SALARY

After a long break in federal service, I recently returned to a federal position with a modest salary. Although I plan to continue this job until I’m old enough to qualify for an immediate retirement, I don’t expect to reach the salary level that I previously had when I was a federal employee years ago. How will my current salary affect the high-3 average salary that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) uses to calculate my annuity?

By definition, the “high-3 average pay” is the largest annual rate resulting from averaging an employee’s

rates of basic pay over any period of three consecutive years of creditable civilian service, with each rate weighted by the length of time it was in effect. When OPM computes your retirement benefit, it will identify the three years of consecutive creditable federal civilian service where your basic salary rates were the highest. When the agency looks at your salary history, it ignores breaks in service by squeezing your entire federal career together (from beginning to end), as if you had no breaks in federal service, and then searches for the highest three consecutive years of basic salary earned while employed. In some cases, like yours, the high-3 average salary may not be the last three years but another three-year period that produces a higher average. Now that you have returned to federal service, I’d recommend that you ask your agency’s retirement office to prepare a retirement estimate report, which will show the correct high-3 average salary.

You can find additional details about how OPM computes high-3 average salaries in chapter 50 of the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) / Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Handbook: www. opm.gov/retirement-services/ publications-forms/csrsfershandbook/c050.pdf.

BENEFICIARY FORMS

Q A

Is it possible for me to cancel the prior designations I’ve made in the past on beneficiary forms? Yes, you can file a new beneficiary form to cancel any prior designations that you previously made. There are examples on each of the beneficiary forms listed below that show you how to do this. If you cancel a prior designation without adding a new one, then upon your death, the benefit would be paid out according to the standard federal order of precedence, which is also explained on each of the following forms. It is very important to keep your beneficiary designations up to date before and after you have retired. • SF-2808 - “Designation of Beneficiary for CSRS” www. opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ sf2808.pdf. • SF-3102 - “Designation of Beneficiary for FERS” www. opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ sf3102.pdf. • SF-1152 - “Designation of Beneficiary for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee” (employees only) www.opm. gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf1152.pdf.

• SF-2823 - “Designation of Beneficiary for Federal Employees Group Life Insurance” www.opm.gov/ forms/pdf_fill/sf2823.pdf. • TSP-3 - “Designation of Beneficiary for Thrift Savings Plan” www.tsp.gov/ PDF/formspubs/tsp-3.pdf

RETIREMENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS AND RETIREMENT INCOME

Does a lapse in funding typically affect payments from sources of retirement income, such as Social Security, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), CSRS or FERS?

No. When Congress fails to appropriate funds or approve a budget that enables the federal government to fully operate, the budgets that allow the Social Security Administration, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (which administers the TSP) and OPM (which administers CSRS and FERS) to process retirements and administer payments are not affected by typical government shutdowns. Individuals who have been receiving payments from these sources prior to a shutdown are not affected. Individuals who applied for Social Security during a shutdown were not affected in the past. However, individuals who applied for retirement under CSRS or FERS during a shutdown may have experienced a delay in the processing of their retirements from OPM; this would typically be caused

by the employees’ agencies being unable to forward the retirement application package to OPM before the shutdown. OPM cannot process a retirement until an employee’s agency forwards his or her retirement application package. But once a shutdown ends and OPM receives a complete retirement application package, it processes the retirement and makes the necessary retirement payments retroactive to the effective date on which the employee retired. If someone separated from federal service for retirement during the shutdown, he or she may have trouble making withdrawals from the TSP. This is because the TSP typically receives a separation code in an electronic communication from the agency payroll office when an employee separates from federal service. But if the agency shutdown occurred before that separation information was sent to the TSP, then the TSP could not allow the employee to make any post-separation withdrawals until the agency reopened and sent the code.

PENALTY TAX FOR TSP WITHDRAWALS

If I separate from federal service at age 56, will I be subject to a penalty tax if I take a withdrawal from the taxable portion of my TSP before age 59½?

You are correct that your pretax TSP distributions are subject to income tax and may be subject to an additional tax. Generally, the amounts withdrawn before reaching age 59½ are called NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Questions & Answers

early distributions. Individuals must pay an additional 10% early withdrawal tax unless an exception applies. In your case, retirement at age 56 meets one of the exceptions, which allows a federal employee who separates in the year they reach age 55 or later to be exempt from the 10% additional tax. Furthermore, retired public safety officers (such as federal law enforcement officers and firefighters) are also exempt if they retire in the year they turn age 50. Remember that this exemption only applies to distributions that you take directly from the TSP. If you transfer any portion of your traditional TSP to a traditional IRA and attempt to take distributions before age 59½, the distribution may be subject to the 10% additional tax. More details and other exceptions can be found in the TSP Tax Notice (TSP-536) at www.tsp.gov/PDF/formspubs/ tsp-536.pdf.

CSRS OFFSET

I retired under the CSRS Offset retirement plan at age 58. When should I expect OPM to reduce (offset) my annuity?

The offset is applied when the basic requirements for Social Security are met (usually at age 62) even if you decide not to apply for Social Security at that time. OPM will compute the offset based on the amount of Social Security potentially payable at age 62 and not the larger amount that you might claim at a later age. If you are not entitled to Social Security at age 62, there is no offset until or unless you later become entitled to Social Security. If you have worked and paid the FICA tax for at least 10 years, you are generally entitled to Social 20

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Security. Learn more about your Social Security benefit by creating your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov, where you may request an estimate of your future benefits. The amount of the offset is computed by Social Security upon request from OPM and is the lesser of: 1. The amount of the Social Security benefit attributable to your federal service covered under the CSRS Offset provisions; or 2. The amount obtained by multiplying the total years of offset service divided by 40, multiplied by the Social Security benefit you are entitled to receive. For example, if the total years of offset service are 11 (rounded to the nearest whole year), then 11/40 or .275 would be multiplied by the Social Security benefit payable at age 62, let’s say $2,000, for an offset of $550 ($2,000 x .275) applied to your CSRS benefit at age 62. For more details about CSRS Offset, view the webinar archived at the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute, recorded in April 2021, titled, “CSRS Offset: The Best of Both Worlds or a Nightmare?” You can find it at www.narfe.org.

STATE TAXES

I recently retired, and I’ve noticed that OPM did not withhold any deductions from my annuity for state income tax. What is the best method for me to contact OPM to have the proper amount of state tax withheld from my monthly annuity payment?

If you have signed up to use OPM Services Online, you may log

in to your account and specify the dollar amount of state tax you want withheld from your monthly annuity payments. The withholding must be in whole dollars, and the minimum amount cannot be less than $5. At www.servicesonline. opm.gov/ you can log in to your OPM online account to start, change or stop the withholding of state taxes from your annuity payment. You’ll receive a welcome letter in the mail from OPM Retirement Services when it approves your application for retirement to start dispersing your recurring monthly payment. The letter includes your claim number, which will begin with the letters CSA or CSF. Within a few days of receiving your welcome letter, you’ll also get a letter with a temporary password to access OPM Retirement Services Online. You’ll have 30 days to sign in to your online account with your temporary password before it expires. Once you’re signed in, you’ll be prompted to create a new password and create security questions and answers. If your temporary password expires before you create your account, contact OPM and request a new one so you can start using its online services. If you don’t use the internet or you don’t have online access to your account with OPM, you can call or write OPM to start, change or stop the withholdings from your annuity payment. If writing to OPM, be sure that your letter includes your CSA or CSF number. Write to OPM at: OPM Retirement Operation Center Tax Withholdings PO Box 45 Boyers, PA 16017-0045

Call OPM at: 1-888-767-6738 TTY: 711 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. OPM’s busiest time is between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. ET.

REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION

Q A

Can I take all my required minimum distributions from my IRA and leave funds in the TSP? If you have multiple IRAs (including traditional IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs and SEP IRAs), the IRS says you need to calculate the RMD separately for each IRA, but you may take

the RMD from as few as one IRA. Employer plans are a different story. If you have multiple employer-based retirement plans, such as the TSP and a 401(k), you must calculate and take a separate RMD from each employer plan you hold. You cannot take an RMD from an IRA to satisfy an employer-based retirement plan RMD, or vice versa. To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.

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Benefits Brief

Surprise Billing Is No More hen a Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan participant receives care from an out-of-network provider such as an anesthesiologist or surgical

assistant, the plan generally charges a much higher cost-sharing (coinsurance or copayment) amount or may not cover the charge at all. This type of unexpected expense may happen when you receive emergency care and have little or no say in the facility or provider from whom you receive care. It also happens if you receive nonemergency care from an in-network facility or practice, but you are seen by non-network providers. The facility or provider may demand payment for the difference between the full charge of the service on top of the out-of-network benefit coverage provided by your plan—referred to as “balance billing.” When you are careful to seek care within your plan’s network, but you receive a bill from an out-of-network provider, that’s an unpleasant surprise. Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect. This federal law provides protections against the “surprise billing” and balance billing practice under certain circumstances. Health care consumers will benefit from this law when in need of emergency and nonemergency care from out-of-network providers at your health plan’s in-network facilities and air ambulance services from out-of-network providers. The NSA is incorporated in P.L. 116-260, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. See Division BB of the law at www. congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/ house-bill/133/text/enr. Your health plan must comply with the NSA protections that hold you harmless from unexpected bills. To learn how this works with your FEHB

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

plan, check out Section 4—Your Costs for Covered Services—of your FEHB plan brochure. You can find your 2022 brochure by selecting your state on the map located at www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance/healthcare/ plan-information/plans/. Key provisions of the NSA bans: • Surprise billing for emergency services. Emergency services, regardless of where they are provided, must be treated on an in-network basis without requirements for prior authorization. • High out-of-network costsharing for emergency and nonemergency services. Patient cost-sharing, such as coinsurance or a deductible, cannot be higher than if such services were provided by an in-network doctor, and any coinsurance or deductible

must be based on in-network provider rates. • Out-of-network charges for ancillary care (like an anesthesiologist or assistant surgeon) are prohibited at an in-network facility in all circumstances. • Other out-of-network charges without advance notice are prohibited Health care providers and facilities must provide patients with a plainlanguage consumer notice explaining that patient consent is required to receive outof-network care before that provider can bill at the higher out-of-network rate. These provisions will provide patients with financial peace of mind while seeking emergency care as well as safeguard them from unknowingly accepting out-of-network care and subsequently incurring surprise billing expenses. For more details visit www.hhs. gov/about/news/2021/07/01/ hhs-announces-rule-toprotect-consumers-fromsurprise-medical-bills.html. To read several fact sheets on the topic from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, visit www.cms.gov/ nosurprises. The NSA doesn’t apply to programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services, Veterans Affairs Health Care or TRICARE because these programs have other protections against high medical bills. —MICHELE BOLLIER IS A RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST WITH RETIRE FEDERAL.

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Safeguard Your Benefits With NARFE-PAC BY ROSS APTER

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

t feels good knowing that someone is looking out for your interests. It brings a level of certainty and relief that is hard to come by in today’s world. Federal workers and retirees have had a lot to contend with in recent years, but our community is lucky to have something that many others don’t, fighting for our shared interests and your bottom line: NARFE-PAC. NARFE members have a political action committee dedicated solely to protecting the earned pay and benefits of those who have served this nation. It’s one of the many benefits of being a member of NARFE. From advocating for your federal annuity to fighting for your health care, NARFE-PAC is there when threats to your retirement security rear their ugly heads. While the last two years have been filled with uncertainty, our community has shown great resolve. We’ve learned from experience that when we work together, we can speak with a loud and unified voice against attempts to weaken your retirement security. That’s why every NARFE member should consider giving to the PAC during NARFEPAC Month. Your contributions amplify our advocacy and help ensure that your benefits are protected.

Uncertainty on the Horizon It’s difficult to say what this year will have in store, but chances are that it will be anything but ordinary. On top of which, there’s an election quickly approaching. Now isn’t the time to get caught flat-footed. Your support of the PAC prepares NARFE to beat back attempts to break promises made to you after decades of service. Make no mistake—threats like smaller costof-living adjustments (COLAs), higher health insurance costs due to reduced government contributions, and negligible returns on G Fund investments may come back sooner than we hope. We need to be prepared to make our case if and when they do.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Number of Seats Gained and Lost in the U.S. House of Representatives by State: 2020 Census Gained +1

-1 -1 -1 -1

-1

+2 +1

We also want to continue our progress in building support for positive reforms, such as repealing or reforming the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), improving COLAs and lowering the cost of health insurance. Fortunately, you have NARFE-PAC, a powerful tool that provides additional opportunities for our association to engage those making decisions on the future of federal benefits. The PAC allows NARFE staff and members like yourself to build relationships with lawmakers so that they better understand our most pressing concerns. The work of the PAC has been integral to raising awareness of the issues important to federal retirees and employees. The PAC also enables NARFE to be proactive by helping elect those who support the federal community and our right to the benefits we’ve earned. We need more leaders who understand that you have kept your end of the bargain, and now the government must keep its end. That’s why the PAC needs the support of every NARFE member. Your contributions strengthen the PAC and send a clear message to legislators and candidates seeking office that NARFE is watching and working to advance and defend your benefits. Please contribute today.

A Midterm Twist As if any more twists were needed this year, the 2022 midterms won’t be your standard election. That’s because they will be the first election in a decade with new congressional maps across the country, which means that almost every candidate 26

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+2 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1

Lost

-1

Texas Colorado Florida Montana North Carolina Oregon California Illinois Michigan New York Ohio Pennsylvania West Virginia

-1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1

for the House of Representatives will run in newly drawn congressional districts. For many running, this marks a whole new ballgame because of drastic changes to their former districts. Federal law dictates that each state with more than one representative redistrict after each decennial census. To make matters more complicated, some states lost or gained congressional seats because of changes in population. This confusing process leaves citizens and candidates wondering what district they will be drawn into and what the forthcoming election will look like. So, what does redistricting mean for NARFEPAC, and why should you care? One of the purposes of the PAC is to help elect Fed-friendly candidates to Congress. While redistricting may make it easier for a member of Congress to get reelected, the opposite may also be true. Many of our allies, those with strong records defending federal pay and benefits from cuts, will have greater difficulty getting reelected. Not all hope is lost just because of redistricting, but it does mean NARFE’s allies will have their work cut out for them. Many members of Congress will find that their new districts contain voters they’ve never represented before. Others will have to run in districts that are much more competitive than in the past. A properly functioning campaign is key to creating name recognition and securing votes, and NARFE-PAC can help our allies obtain the funds necessary to run a competent campaign, even in the face of this challenge.

What You Can Do to Help The easiest way to help is by sending a contribution, especially this March during NARFEPAC Month. Please consider contributing—either online on NARFE’s website or through the mail using the contribution form included below. Doing so is quick and easy and will ensure that the PAC has the funds to support our allies in Congress. Want to be a strong supporter of the PAC? Sign up to become a NARFE-PAC sustainer to contribute monthly. Sustainers form the backbone of NARFEPAC, and contributions can be made directly from your annuity or through a credit card. In addition to contributing, there are other things that you can do to show support. One of the best ways to grow NARFE-PAC is by speaking about it and encouraging your fellow members to contribute. This is an easy method for bolstering the program, and it goes a long way toward raising awareness of the PAC’s important work. Mention the PAC at your next NARFE event and encourage everyone to contribute. Invite them to read this article for more information about the program.

Contribute to Contribute monthly through your annuity. Get started at narfe.org/pac-sustainer. Monthly contributors of $10 or more receive a sustainer lapel pin

OR Make a one-time contribution: q $25 – Basic lapel pin q $50 – Bronze lapel pin q $100 – Silver lapel pin

NARFE-PAC Annuity Withholding Is Here NARFE-PAC has expanded its contribution options, so NARFE members can now support the PAC monthly through their federal annuities, no credit card needed. Annuity withholding is the most efficient way to give to the PAC and allows your contributions to go further. Register with NARFE by going to www.narfe.org/ pac-sustainer and using the provided instructions to authorize the withholding on the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Retirement Services Online website. You can also call OPM at 1-888-767-6738 to set up the withholding—just be sure to let NARFE know you’ve done this by giving us a call afterwards at 1-800-456-8410, option 3, so we can update your NARFE member account. Only NARFE members can give through annuity withholding; contributions from nonmembers will be screened and returned.

NARFE Member #: ____________________________________ Name: _____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________ State: _________________

ZIP:__________________

Occupation: _________________________________________ Employer: ___________________________________________

q Charge my credit card q MasterCard

q VISA

q Discover

q AMEX

Card #: ____________________________________________ Exp. Date: _____ /_________ mm

yyyy

q $250 – Gold lapel pin

Name on Card: ______________________________________

q $500 – Platinum lapel pin

Signature: __________________________________________

q Other: _________

Date: _____________________

Contribution totals are cumulative for the 2021-2022 election cycle

n No pin for me. I’d like 100 percent of my contribution to go to NARFE-PAC.

Mail coupon and/or check payable to NARFE-PAC to: NARFE-PAC Budget & Finance | 606 North Washington St. | Alexandria, VA 22314

To comply with federal law, we must use our best efforts to obtain, maintain and submit the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 each calendar year. NARFE-PAC is for the benefit of political candidates and activities on a national level. NARFE members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal, and NARFE will neither favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution or failure to make a voluntary contribution. The suggested amounts are only suggestions and not enforceable. Only members of NARFE may contribute to the PAC. Contributions from non-members will be returned. NARFE-PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE-PAC:

Goals for 2021-2022 NARFE-PAC, the political arm of NARFE, works to defend your earned pay and benefits by building strong relationships between NARFE and members of Congress. Support the PAC and help fight for the federal community. Below is the latest progress for the 2021-2022 election cycle, as of December 31, 2021.

Raise $1.85 million

$902,343

NARFE-PAC also wants to connect more members with their lawmakers to help legislators better understand our issues. We’ve set and met goals to increase these interactions and hope to continue that successful trend. If you hear of a fundraising event for your member of Congress, send word to your chapter NARFE-PAC chair so that the information can reach NARFE’s advocacy department. With proper approval from NARFEPAC, you and other NARFE members can attend an event and represent NARFE. You’ll gain the vital face time with lawmakers that we need to ensure that our elected representatives recognize NARFE’s presence in your district or state. NARFE-PAC also relies on information from our federations before making a disbursement. If you have interacted with your lawmaker or a candidate, share that information with your chapter PAC chair. NARFE-PAC uses a consultative process to help determine whether a campaign is deserving of PAC funds, and every bit of information is helpful. You play a critical role in electing Fed-friendly lawmakers.

A Time for Urgency Simply put, NARFE-PAC can’t do it without you. If the PAC is going to reach its goals and help elect 28

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

Send NARFE members to 120 local fundraisers

Disburse $1.35 million in political contributions

$559,500

Fed-friendly lawmakers in 2022, then we need NARFE members to contribute and show support. It starts with you. Uncertain times call for bold leadership and definitive action. Choose both by supporting the PAC today. The midterm elections will be here before you know it. Progress made by the PAC now will work in our favor come Election Day. Help protect your earned pay and benefits; contributions of any amount are welcome. Thank you for your support of NARFE-PAC and for taking a stand for what you have earned. —ROSS APTER IS NARFE’S DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS.

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NARFE.org

When Work Goes Virtual Feds Measure the Impact of 2 Years of Online Operations BY DAVID TOBENKIN

ederal agencies and organizations serving federal employees are increasing their virtual efforts as coronavirus restrictions, rising telework and the manner in which information is shared continue to move federal operations and communications online.

The past two years have demonstrated that federal agencies can fulfill their missions effectively through mostly online operations. “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the majority of the nation’s civil servants have worked remotely, while tens of thousands were on the front lines maintaining the continuity of our government and delivering critical services to the public,” notes Loren DeJonge Schulman, vice president of research and evaluation at the Partnership for Public Service (PPS), a nonprofit that promotes federal agency best practices.

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

She and others say that the pandemic experience provides a pathway for future federal work and engagement that could involve greater reliance on telework and enhanced use of technology for agency operations and communications, and for improved delivery of services to the public.

Serving Federal Employees

A key question at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak was whether civil servants working fully remotely could continue operations effectively while agency physical doors were closed. Data suggests that the federal government has risen to the challenge, Schulman notes. Despite disruptions and hardships, federal agencies performed strongly in the PPSmaintained 2020 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government Rankings’ COVID-19 category, which measured employee views on the support they received during the earlier months of the pandemic. Strong positive responses included the following: • Whether their organizations supported their mental and physical well-being during the pandemic (88.6 percent). • Whether they received the resources they needed to do their work (88.6). • Whether their agencies were able to successfully deliver on their missions in the midst of the crisis (85.8). • Whether they had leaders who communicated effectively and prioritized their welfare (81.4). These responses were collected between mid-September and early November of 2020, with 59 percent of respondents reporting that they teleworked every day during the peak of the pandemic compared to just 3 percent of the time before the pandemic. For many agencies, the key has been addressing the shortcomings of remote work while capitalizing on its advantages, says Angelica Alfonso-Royals, chief creative officer, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Management Directorate, at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Human connection is really what makes a team hum,” Alfonso-Royals says. “It has been very important at DHS to find opportunities to create, collaborate and celebrate together as a team.

Virtual meetings, where teams can be on camera, provided the connection that would have otherwise been missing had we not had the technology to seamlessly continue the mission virtually over the last 20-plus months. While ‘something’ has been lost—perhaps the ability to read an expression in person—something else has certainly been gained, such as virtual connections with colleagues whose paths you might not have crossed in person in an office setting.”

Engaging With the Public and Performing Agency Missions

The pandemic has affected how agencies performed their missions, Schulman says. For example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Veterans Health Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) have prioritized increased access to telehealth services. At the DVA in early 2020, most outpatient appointments for veterans shifted from in-person to telephone or video call, resulting in a more than 1,000 percent increase in telehealth visits over the previous year, Schulman notes. This increase helped veterans safely access care during the pandemic, often from their homes.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE Enhances Its Outreach NARFE has taken major steps to expand and improve its online presence over the past year. In November, NARFE launched FEDHub, an online community platform for members designed to enhance engagement within the organization. FEDHub gives NARFE the ability to create and facilitate numerous online communities composed of different groups within NARFE, such as groupings by chapters, regions, member agencies or former agencies, and issues, says Dave Bowman, NARFE senior director of membership development. “Using FEDHub, members with shared backgrounds or interests can more easily interact online with each other, connect, and talk about their experiences,” Bowman says. “It also gives us a platform to more effectively deliver information. We can, for example, have webinar-related discussion sessions with content experts or

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

subject matter experts, or even run live chats to enhance member participation and engagement.” The platform could be important to NARFE’s future as a whole, says Jenn Rafael, NARFE’s director of communications and marketing. “FEDHub is absolutely going to increase engagement among our members in a way that in-person meetings might never be able to,” Rafael says. “It will allow members to find peers with similar interests or concerns in an entirely different state—who maybe worked for the same agency or did the same sort of job at a certain time—and they’ll find commonalities. We also think this will benefit the organization in terms of idea generation by allowing one federation or chapter to more easily know about something interesting that another federation or chapter is doing, such as recruiting or subsidizing memberships.” FEDHub (located at fedhub. narfe.org) is not a video-based communication tool like Zoom, but it will allow embedding of video content and will interact with NARFE’s database, allowing NARFE to more easily share information with members in subgroups and see patterns, such as groups that might be of interest to a member. Bowman says NARFE will help leaders of chapters and other groups set themselves up on FEDHub and

train them on how to use it. For the approximately 20,000 NARFE members who are active federal employees, FEDHub will allow them to participate in events off hours and in a manner better tailored to their informational needs and interests, notes Bowman. In another online effort, in January 2021 NARFE launched a new website at www.narfe.org, while still maintaining its legacy website. The new website makes information easier to access and is designed to appeal to the general public as well as NARFE members. It allows NARFE to more seamlessly manage the website’s content, such as live events and educational resources. Bowman points out that the new website’s WordPress platform updates more quickly and adjusts the formatting of content based on the size of a viewer’s screen, which allows more effective use on smartphones and tablets for those tapping into NARFE’s resources on the go.

However, not all aspects of the transition were smooth. Schulman says that more than 40 percent of rural veterans enrolled in the DVA health care system lack a sufficiently strong internet connection to access telehealth. Anticipating sustained demand for telehealth services, the DVA is partnering with the private sector to bring internet access to rural veterans and is establishing remote clinics where veterans can access telehealth services closer to their homes. Another challenge some agencies have tackled successfully is online identification, says Schulman. The IRS is one of many agencies with strict online identity verification requirements aimed at reducing errors, fraud and abuse. But these requirements have also prevented many customers from accessing the IRS’ online services—in fiscal year 2020, only 42 percent of taxpayers attempting to verify their identity and register for a new online account were able to meet the IRS’ authentication standards. Recognizing this burden, the IRS is now testing a Secure Access Digital Identity program, which will provide additional options for people to verify their identity, such as using utility bills or driver’s licenses. Federal IT and communications contractors have stepped in to help agencies improve online engagement. Bob Ainsbury, chief product officer at Granicus, an international provider of digital government support services, says “adopting Granicus solutions

allowed for agencies to transition to digital while maintaining the same level of service constituents expect out of government.” The Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Lab, for example, leverages govDelivery, Granicus’ digital communications tool, to construct email, social media and SMS messages, and to share its newsletter. The company has also worked with the DVA, Department of Labor and the Department of Transportation.

Communicating Effectively

NASA is widely recognized as a leader among federal agencies in communications. That, in part, is born of necessity: For NASA, winning hearts and minds is important given its perennial fight to sell the agency’s mission as worthy of federal funding. At NASA, enabling public viewings of spacecraft launches has long been part of the agency’s public outreach efforts. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, NASA created a Virtual Guest Program as an alternative to in-person

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

launch viewing, says Cindy Steele, NASA chief of public engagement. NASA stakeholders, employees and the public are invited to participate in NASA launches and landings virtually. For crewed missions, participants have an opportunity to ask questions and submit comments and well wishes directly to the crew members. More than 458,000 people around the world have registered to take part in virtual launches and landing experiences. The site can be found at www.nasa.gov/ virtualguest/. A strong, transparent and accessible website has become a requirement for dealing effectively with the public at many agencies. NASA’s award-winning website has been a bedrock component of the agency’s communications since the early 1990s, notes Brian Dunbar,

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

NASA’s internet services manager. The website provides agency news, mission updates and the latest multimedia content, including jawdropping images and simulations of spacecraft and space travel. The success of the site is supported by a global fan base, with more that 50 percent of visits originating outside of the United States in 2021. NASA is careful to target content on different social media platforms to audiences that will appreciate them, says Stephanie Smith, NASA social media manager. “Just like you might speak differently about your job, whether you’re talking with a friend, a relative or one of your work colleagues, we might feature different aspects of a mission depending on the audience.” —DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, DC, AREA.

NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program What is dues withholding? It is a dues-payment method available to retired NARFE members, their spouses and annuitant survivors giving them the option to have their annual NARFE membership dues deducted from their annuities each month. Advantages • Save more than 10% off your annual NARFE dues • Sign up your spouse and double your savings • You’ll never get another dues reminder from us • Your monthly payment is affordable and convenient • You may cancel your dues withholding at any time

How does it work? One-twelfth of your total dues is automatically deducted from your monthly annuity. Your monthly deduction is determined by the following formula: ($42 NARFE dues ÷ 12) + (Chapter dues - if applicable ÷ 12) = total monthly deduction How do I sign up? Complete the Dues Withholding Application below. Send no payment. It may take 60 to 90 days before auto-deduction starts. Your membership starts as soon as your application is received. To learn more about dues withholding, call 800-456-8410.

NARFE Dues Withholding Application for NARFE Members who are Retirees, Spouses of Retirees or Annuitant Survivors STOP! Complete this section ONLY if you are signing up for Dues Withholding. If so, DO NOT send payment

o YES. I want to enroll in NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program. NARFE dues of $42* and chapter dues, if applicable, to be withheld annually. (*Dues-withholding members save more than 10% off the regular NARFE dues rate.) Civil Service Annuity Number

Social Security Number (9-digit number)

–

C S

–

(Include prefix, CSA or CSF) (Include any applicable suffix)

o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms.

NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Full Name ____________________________________

NARFE Membership ID _______________________________

Street Address ________________________________

NARFE Chapter Number ______________________________

Apt./Unit _____________________________________

o YES. I also authorize my (NARFE member) spouse’s dues to be withheld from my annuity. (Additional annual dues of $42 and chapter dues, if applicable, to be withheld annually. If YES, enter spouse’s information below.)

City ________________________________________ State ___________ ZIP _________________________ Phone (__________) ___________________________ Email _______________________________________ Date of Birth _________ /_________ /__________________ mm

yyyy

Spouse’s Name ____________________________________ _________________________________________________ Spouse’s Membership ID _____________________________ Spouse’s Email _____________________________________

AUTHORIZATION (Withholding will begin in 60-90 days). Send NO PAYMENT with Dues Withholding Application! I authorize the United States Office of Personnel Management to make appropriate deductions from my annuity payments, not to exceed the amount certified by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association as the amount of dues for which I am annually obligated, in accordance with elections I made above, and to pay the deducted sum to the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). This authorization shall also apply to any and all dues changes certified by NARFE membership in accordance with elections I made. Please allow 60-90 days for processing. I understand that this authorization shall be valid until NARFE receives and processes my written notice of cancellation in accordance with its agreement with the Office of Personnel Management and that any disputes regarding this authorization shall be a matter between NARFE and myself. I hold the Office of Personnel Management harmless for any erroneous allotment deduction made pursuant to this authorization. ___________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant

______________________________

Date

Dues payments and gifts or contributions to NARFE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

MAIL THIS FORM TO: NARFE, ATTN: Member Services, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 800-456-8410

memberrecords@narfe.org

Do not send money with this form

(DW-2 01/21)

Managing Money

The SECURE Act and the Thrift Savings Plan

n 2019, Congress passed the SECURE Act, which introduced the new 10-year rule many beneficiaries must now follow when inheriting a retirement plan. For

most retirement plans, the rule took effect January 1, 2020; however, the law carved out an exception and delayed the effective date until January 1, 2022, for governmental plans, including 403(b) and 457(b) plans sponsored by state and local governments, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). In the era before the SECURE Act, beneficiaries were broken down into one of two broad categories—designated beneficiaries and nondesignated beneficiaries. A designated beneficiary is a living human, whereas a nondesignated beneficiary is a nonperson such as a nonqualified trust, a charity or an estate. The SECURE Act further divided designated beneficiaries into two subgroups: eligible designated beneficiaries and noneligible designated beneficiaries. Before 2020, designated beneficiaries inheriting a retirement plan had the option of taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) over his or her own life expectancy, a strategy known as the “stretch IRA.” The SECURE Act, however, eliminated the stretch option for the group of designated beneficiaries falling into the noneligible designated beneficiary subgroup; it now requires them to follow the 10-year rule. Unlike beneficiaries utilizing the stretch strategy, which requires the beneficiary to take

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

a minimum distribution each year, the 10-year rule has no annual RMDs. Instead, the

THE SECURE ACT DEFINED FIVE GROUPS OF ELIGIBLE DESIGNATED BENEFICIARIES— THOSE WHO ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE 10-YEAR RULE AND WHO MAY STILL UTILIZE THE STRETCH STRATEGY. 10-year rule simply requires the inherited retirement plan to be fully liquidated within 10 years after the year of the plan owner’s death. For example, a noneligible designated beneficiary who inherits a retirement plan in 2022 will have until December 31, 2032, to fully distribute the inherited account. The SECURE Act defined five groups of eligible designated

beneficiaries—those who are excluded from the 10-year rule and who may still utilize the stretch strategy. The five groups are: spousal beneficiaries; disabled beneficiaries (as defined by IRC Section 72(m) (7)); chronically ill beneficiaries (as defined by IRC Section 7702B(c)(2), with limited exception); beneficiaries not more than 10 years younger than the decedent; and certain minor children of the original retirement account owner. Even though the SECURE Act’s 10-year rule has applied to most retirement plans since 2020, it didn’t apply to the TSP until January 1 of this year, which means that even noneligible designated beneficiaries who inherited a TSP in 2020 or 2021 were still permitted to employ the stretch IRA strategy. Although the SECURE Act allows noneligible designated beneficiaries to take up to 10 years to distribute an inherited retirement plan, it doesn’t mean that they will be able to keep an inherited TSP account in the TSP for up to 10 years. That’s because the Act didn’t change the TSP’s death payment rules for beneficiaries. Under TSP rules, only a spouse inheriting from the original TSP participant may maintain a beneficiary participant TSP account. A nonspouse beneficiary’s only option is to take a lump-sum distribution, which may be paid directly to the beneficiary (and will be fully taxable to the extent

BENEFITS RESOURCES NARFE OFFERS MEMBERS a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute.

the distribution comes from the traditional TSP), or transfer the distribution directly to an inherited IRA. In other words, if a nonspouse designated beneficiary (either eligible or noneligible) wishes to preserve the tax benefits of the inherited TSP account for as long as legally permissible, he or she will need to transfer the inherited TSP to an inherited IRA—either traditional, Roth or both, depending on the type of TSP account balance being inherited. It’s important to point out that the SECURE Act didn’t impact the TSP rules applying to a beneficiary inheriting a beneficiary participant TSP account (which only the surviving spouse of the original TSP participant may maintain). In this

case, the beneficiary participant TSP account will be paid out directly to the beneficiary as a lumpsum distribution. The beneficiary of a beneficiary participant TSP account doesn’t have the option to transfer the distribution to an inherited IRA, which means all tax benefits are lost following the death of the beneficiary TSP participant. The SECURE Act has major implications for retirement plan beneficiaries. Be sure you and your beneficiaries understand the rules. MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, IS PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK, AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE AND REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE INC. (SFA). SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH SFA.

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NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Alzheimer’s Update

Using Music and Art to Engage Those With Alzheimer’s aring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia requires effective planning and creative methods. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, some

studies have shown that music might reduce feelings of agitation and may improve other behavior issues that are common in the middle stages of the disease. And those in the late stages of Alzheimer’s may still be able to tap a beat or sing the lyrics of a song they knew from childhood; according to the Mayo Clinic, “musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease.” Art, meanwhile, offers opportunities for selfexpression, giving a voice to those who may have decreased verbal abilities. When caregivers participate in the activities, they can reduce their own stress while also connecting with their patients, even when verbal communication has become difficult. Here are some suggestions for someone caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia when using music as a means of engagement: • If possible, let the person choose what music to listen to. If not, identify the type of music that the person is familiar with and most enjoys. Try to play whole albums or playlists that aren’t broken up by commercials, as those interruptions could cause confusion. • Use different types of music to create the mood you want. It could be a tranquil tune to create a calm environment, or a more sprightly song from the adolescence of the person with Alzheimer’s, boosting his or her spirit.

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

• Keep the music at a reasonable volume so that it isn’t disorienting. Tamp down other competing noises by closing windows and turning off the TV or computer. • Encourage singing along to the tune; add hand claps and even dancing, if possible. Consider introducing basic musical instruments, such as a small drum or tambourine. Making art offers a sense of accomplishment and purpose for many who suffer from dementia. There are various art activities you can do with someone with middle- to latestage Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are some suggestions for engaging in art together: • Try to find a balance between keeping the project at an

adult level to avoid anything that feels demeaning or too childlike, while also being willing to help the person begin the activity and understand what to do. • Make sure not to use any sharp items or toxic materials. • Offer simple instruction and help when necessary. For example, if painting, you may need to demonstrate the brush stroke movement first. • Use the activity as a springboard for interaction. Talk about the artwork and what feelings or thoughts it evokes. Ask questions and give encouragement. • Allow plenty of time for you and your loved one to complete the project, whether that’s in an afternoon or over the course of a month. Focus on doing the project together with lots of patience, lots of encouragement and lots of enjoyment. Special thanks to the NARFE chapters that had teams participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, helping us reach our 2021 walk goal. And thank you to all members for your continued support of the NARFEAlzheimer’s Research Program. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or call the 24-hour helpline at 800-272-3900. OLIVIA A. WILLIAMS IS CHAIR OF THE NARFE-ALZHEIMER’S NATIONAL COMMITTEE. EMAIL: OEASHF3@ GMAIL.COM. THIS COLUMN APPEARS QUARTERLY.

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU. If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air. Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you. • No heavy oxygen tanks • Safe for car and air travel • Ultra quiet operation • Full range of options and accessories • Lightweight and easy to use • Clinically validated for 24/7 use

Call 1-866-816-9631 or visit inogen.com for a free consultation and info guide. MKT-P0261

Share Your NARFE Pride ShopNARFE is the official online store offering NARFE-branded merchandise. A portion of the proceeds from all purchases support the organization. Shop now at www.narfe.org/shopnarfe.

His & Hers Jackets and Polos Bumper Sticker & Auto Magnets Commemorative Key Ring

ShopNARFE

Centennial Lapel Pin Tote Bags

Face Masks

License Plate Frames

And More!

NARFE.org/shopnarfe

NARFE News

2021 Fall Membership Drive and FEDHub: Members Give NARFE a Big Boost

his past fall, as the country struggled to return to some semblance of normalcy, it sometimes felt like for every step forward, we took two steps back. The NARFE team

and our members, however, stayed positive and ended the year with a couple key achievements. While there were a few more in-person events where members could recruit, opportunities for personal connections were still limited, so members took advantage of NARFE’s online recruitment tools to approach and sign up new members virtually. The results were fantastic: 423 current members brought in nearly 520 new members from September through December 2021, a 67 percent increase over the 2020 Fall Membership Drive. And while we don’t have the space here to list all of our recruiters, we would like to recognize a few who brought in multiple members, including Rafael Braithwaite, Lance Chang, Ruby Harney, Frank Impinna, Gregory Kann, Emerson Kretzer, Arthur Lemke, James Neal, Frances Piper, Marianne Polo, Yoggi Riley, June Staton and Jean Taylor. To all of our members who participated, we thank you for your support and for your commitment to helping us grow. As an organization, we are stronger because of you.

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

423 CURRENT MEMBERS BROUGHT IN NEARLY 520 NEW MEMBERS FROM SEPTEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER 2021. NARFE members have also been contributing lots of questions, ideas and activity to our FEDHub online member community. In the first five weeks after it launched, more than 1,200 NARFE members had already visited and logged in, contributing nearly 400 posts in numerous discussion

threads across multiple communities (discussion groups). Open Season coverage was a hot topic during the fall, with members sharing thoughts and exchanging ideas about FEHB, Medicare Part B, specific 2022 plan options and more. We continue to add more topic-specific communities, including one for federal employees approaching their retirement date, and others focused on specific agencies or job functions, like a U.S. Postal Service community and one for active and retired federal human resources (HR) professionals. Visit www.narfe.org today and take full advantage of all the resources NARFE has to offer you, including FEDHub, webinars, federal benefits advice, NARFE Perks and much more. Your enthusiastic participation helps keep NARFE thriving— thank you for your membership and your support. —BY DAVE BOWMAN, SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

INTERESTED IN HOW EACH STATE TAXES FEDERAL ANNUITIES? Be sure to check out the State Tax Roundup in the April issue of NARFE Magazine. The April issue should hit your mailbox in late March.

Donate

to NARFE programs

Join the Silver Circle

Enclosed is my NARFE Silver Circle Contribution: $ ________

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE (write Silver Circle on memo line)

Name: ___________________________________________________________

All donations go to the NARFE General Fund to support NARFE Programs and operations.

PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: NARFE / 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314 or donate online at www.narfe.org/ silvercircle With NARFE’s thanks, you will receive: • A Silver Circle pin and recognition on narfe.org with a donation of $100 or more. • A Silver Circle pin, your name plate placed on the Silver Circle plaque at NARFE Headquarters, recognition on narfe.org and recognition at the NARFE yearly conference with a donation of $1,000 or more.

Address: _________________________________________________________

Silver Circle contributions are NOT tax-deductible.

Name: (please print) _______________________________________________

City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________

Credit Card Information: q M/C q VISA q Discover q AMEX Card Number: ____________________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______ (mm)/ _____ (yy)

Security Code: ______________

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____ / ___/____

Support Alzheimer’s Research NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $15 Million Fund $14,190,763.99* *Total as of December 31, 2021. 100 percent of all contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research. If you have any questions, write to: National Committee Chair Olivia Williams 22 Garden Springs Road Columbia, SC 29209 OR EMAIL: oeashf3@gmail.com MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research (write your chapter number on memo line)

Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ ________ Every cent that is contributed is used for research. Name: ___________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________ Chapter number: __________________________________________________

PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633

Credit Card Information: q M/C q VISA q Discover q AMEX

Your charitable contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____ / ___ / ______

Give to the

NARFE-FEEA Fund MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-FEEA Fund PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: FEEA 1641 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Your charitable contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Card Number: ____________________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______ (mm)/ ____(yy)

Security Code: _______________

Name: (please print) _______________________________________________

The NARFE-FEEA Fund supports NARFE members during disasters; provides scholarships to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and funds other programs to support NARFE members at the direction of NARFE and FEEA. Enclosed is my NARFE-FEEA Fund Contribution: $ ________ Name: ___________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________

To make credit card or e-check contributions, visit www.feea.org/givenarfe.

NARFE News

Apply for the 2022 NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Program

he 2022 NARFE-FEEA Fund Scholarship Awards Program is now accepting applications. Recipients will receive a one-time award of $1,000 to put toward the 2022-23 school year. The 2022 NARFE-FEEA Fund Scholarship Awards Program is now accepting applications. Recipients will receive a one-time award of $1,000 to put toward the 2022-23 school year. Applicants must be seniors in high school; children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren of NARFE members are eligible. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. ET

Thursday, March 24, 2022. For more information and to access the application, visit www.feea. org/our-programs/scholarships/. The scholarship program is funded by the NARFE-FEEA Fund, supported by NARFE members and administered by FEEA. In 1987, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) established a scholarship program for children and grandchildren of federal employees. Ten years later, NARFE joined FEEA’s Board of Directors and soon after that authorized creation of a

scholarship program open to relatives of NARFE members. To support the program, donations to the NARFE-FEEA Fund can be made online at www. feea.org/givenarfe or by check payable to NARFE-FEEA Fund mailed to: NARFE-FEEA Fund c/o FEEA, 1641 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Enter the Silver Circle With a Contribution Today The Silver Circle donor recognition program supports the direct work of NARFE: providing information and advocacy you rely on. Your donation to the association’s general fund ensures that NARFE has the resources to continue to fight for the financial security and earned benefits for you and the federal community. Member dues alone cannot support this mission.

Donate now to the Silver Circle at www.narfe.org/silvercircle. With NARFE’s thanks, you will receive: • •

A Silver Circle pin and recognition on www.narfe.org with a donation of $100 or more. A Silver Circle pin, your name plate placed on the Silver Circle plaque at NARFE Headquarters, recognition on www.narfe.org and recognition at the NARFE yearly conference with a donation of $1,000 or more.

For details on making a tribute gift in honor of, or in memory of, an outstanding NARFE member, and to learn more about the Silver Circle donor recognition program, please visit www.narfe.org/silvercircle or send an email to donatenow@narfe.org. To donate by check, please see the coupon on Page 41.

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

2022 FEDERATION CONFERENCES AND ELECTION INFORMATION This information was correct as of press time in late January; please contact your federation to make sure these details are current.

FEDERATION CONFERENCES ALASKA: September 24, 2022, online: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/89098661119; contact Paul McIntosh, pjmac@gci.net

NEW HAMPSHIRE: May 18-19, 2022, in Rochester (if in person) NEBRASKA: May 25-26, 2022, online; contact Harold Kaege, hlklaege@gmail.com

IDAHO: May 13, 2022, in Boise

PENNSYLVANIA: May 2-3, 2022, in York

ILLINOIS: September 20-22, 2022, in Effingham

SOUTH DAKOTA: May 16-18, 2022, in Pierre

INDIANA: April 21, 2022, in Indianapolis

FEDERATION ELECTIONS

KANSAS: April 25-26, 2022, in Lindsborg MASSACHUSETTS: May 5, 2022, in Devens MISSISSIPPI: April 7-9, 2022, in Louisville MISSOURI: May 4-5, 2022, in Springfield

KANSAS: March 1 to April 8, 2022. Contact John Ourada, john.ourada@ cox.net MONTANA: April 1 to May 15, 2022. Contact Leland Walbruch, walbruchsofmt@centurylink.net

MONTANA: June 7, 2022, online: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/5472873904; contact Leland Walbruch, walbruchsofmt@centurylink.net

GUIDE TO GIVING NARFE relies on your donations to accomplish its many goals, such as developing educational resources about benefits, helping elect Fed-friendly lawmakers, supporting Alzheimer’s research or providing scholarships and other financial assistance to NARFE members and their families. Here are four ways you can support NARFE and its affiliated programs.

Contributions to NARFE-PAC help elect Fedfriendly lawmakers who defend the earned pay and benefits of the federal community. The PAC strengthens relationships with congressional allies by providing opportunities for NARFE members and staff to connect with lawmakers and discuss NARFE’s most pressing concerns. The PAC is a separate fund of NARFE and is funded solely through direct contributions from NARFE members. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donate now at members.narfe.org/Support-NARFE/Support-PAC, mail a contribution using the PAC giving form in NARFE magazine, or go to narfe.org/PAC-sustainer to give monthly through your federal annuity.

NARFE’S ALZHEIMER’S FUND Since 1985, NARFE members have played a major role in seeking a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Through its partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, NARFE supports research into the causes, prevention, detection and effective treatment of Alzheimer’s and all other types of dementia. Your contribution is deductible for federal income tax purposes. Donate online at www.alz.org/narfedonate or mail your contribution with the form on the Donate to NARFE Programs page in NARFE Magazine.

NARFE GENERAL FUND Donations support the educational resources and advocacy efforts that our members rely on; membership dues alone are not sufficient to sustain NARFE. When you donate to fundraising initiatives such as the Century Club, Silver Circle Program, note pads, occasional cards, calendar and holiday cards, you ensure NARFE has the means to continue to fight for financial security and earned benefits on behalf of the federal community. Your contribution is not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Donate online at www.narfe.org/ donatenow or reply to the coupon you receive in the mail.

NARFE-FEEA FUND Donations support NARFE members during disasters; fund scholarships for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of members; and provide other financial help to members as directed by NARFE and the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund. Your contribution is deductible for federal income tax purposes. Donate online at www.feea.org/givenarfe or mail your contribution with the form on the Donate to NARFE Programs page in NARFE Magazine.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

to our wonderful sponsors for their support in making NARFE’s Centennial year a spectacular success!

NARFE MEMBER BENEFITS • Access the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute for powerful resources to help you fully understand and manage your benefits.

Active and Retired Federal Employees ... Join NARFE Today! The only organization dedicated solely to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and retirees, NARFE informs you of any developments and proposals that affect your compensation, retirement and health benefits, AND provides clear answers to your questions.

Who Should Join NARFE?

If your future security is tied to federal retirement benefits—federal retirees, current employees, spouses and individual survivors—you should join NARFE.

• Visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives about bills affecting federal benefits. • Get NARFE Magazine with news and insights for the federal community. • Save time, hassle and money with NARFE Perks. • The opportunity to get involved at the local level by joining a chapter in your area. 1Q6

NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION YES. I want to join NARFE for the low annual dues of $48.

q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.

q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE) q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.) q Charge my: q MasterCard

______________________________________________

Full Name

______________________________________________

Street Address

q VISA

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

City

State

ZIP

______________________________________________

Phone

______________________________________________

I am a (check all that apply) q Active Federal Employee

q Active Federal Employee Spouse

q Annuitant Spouse

q Discover

q AMEX

___________________________________________ Card No. Expiration Date _____ /________ mm

Apt./Unit

q Annuitant

PAYMENT OPTIONS

yyyy

___________________________________________ Name on Card ___________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date

TOTAL DUES $48 Annual Dues X ___________ = ___________ Per Person # Enrolling Total Dues Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

q Survivor Annuitant

q Please enroll my spouse _________________________________________

Spouse’s Full Name

LOOKING TO MEET OTHERS in the federal community and participate in NARFE at a local level? Call 800-456-8410 to learn about a NARFE chapter in your area.

_________________________________________

Would you like to receive a FREE one-year chapter membership? Choose one: q Chapter closest to home OR q Chapter #____________

THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN

MAY WE THANK SOMEONE? Did someone introduce you to NARFE? Please provide their Name and Member ID.

Spouse’s Email

1. Complete this application and mail with your payment to NARFE Member Services / 606 N Washington St / Alexandria, VA 22314-1914.

2. Join online at www.NARFE.org. 3. Call 800-456-8410, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Name ___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members, and will not be sold or rented to third parties. (01/21)

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

USE YOUR NARFE PERKS AND YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL MORE THAN PAY FOR ITSELF!

PRODUCTS........................................................................................................................................... ADT Home Security | 844-892-3513 | https://Partners.ADT.com/SSE-P1

Get your ADT-monitored home security system today for $28.99 a month with AND $100 Visa reward card from Protect Your Home ADT Authorized Premier Provider. *New customers only. Visit website for full details of offer.

GE Appliances Store | Use the link below to start shopping!

Save with NARFE members-only access to the GE Appliances Store! You will enjoy up to 25% off MSRP every day on the latest in high-quality appliances. *Orders can not be shipped to P.O. boxes, APOS, Canada, Puerto Rico, HI, AK or U.S. Territories. https://www.myapstore.com/GEStore/Appliances/ Registration?AuthCode=MONARFE21

LegalShield | 410-419-7130 | www.legalshield.com/info/narfe

Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, you have affordable legal help when you need it. NARFE members receive the discounted rate of $18.95 for families of 10 (two adults and up to 8 children) when you sign up through the website above.

Office Depot | 855-337-6811 x 2897 | www.officediscounts.org/narfe

Because you’re a member of NARFE you have access to exclusive, members-only discounts at Office Depot and OfficeMax. With your NARFE membership, you can save up to 75% off regular prices (as listed on officedepot.com) on our Best Value List of preferred products. Create an account and browse through our discounts, or shop in-store by printing your FREE Store Purchasing Card. Visit https:// officediscounts.org/narfe for details and more! *Tech, software and select furniture items are not part of the discount program.

Purchasing Power | www.PurchasingPower.com/NARFE

While not a discount program, Purchasing Power is an exclusive purchase program helps members buy brand-name computers, electronics, appliances and furniture via annuity allotment when cash is not an option. No credit check or down payments.

INSURANCE........................................................................................................................................... NARFE Insurance Services | 800-233-5764 | www.narfeinsurance.com

Designed exclusively for NARFE members, (plans administered by Mercer) Senior Age Whole Life Insurance, Senior Term Life Insurance, Hospital Income and Short Term Recovery Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, AssistPlus, Discount Prescription Plan and Pet Insurance.

Member Options | 833-378-8224 | https://www.member-options.com/narfe

Member Options Auto and Home Insurance Program - Save Money with Multiple Quotes! Get quotes from top-rated insurance carriers on Auto, Home, Renters, Pet insurance and more in a matter of minutes. Answer a few simple questions online or over the phone with our licensed insurance experts to compare multiple options that meet your specific needs. To review and choose what’s best for you, go to the link above or call 833-378-8224.

PRE-PLANNING................................................................................................................................... Neptune Society | 800-NEPTUNE (637-8863) | www.neptunesociety.com

Our prearranged plans cover all necessary expenses for one guaranteed price even if the services are not needed for 40 or 50 years. The Neptune Society offers a $100 discount to all NARFE members. *Discounted offer is not valid for residents of Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky. Void Where Prohibited.

MOVING SERVICES................................................................................................................................... Coleman Allied | 850-375-0917 | jack.jacobs@colemanallied.com

With over 300 agency partners and an entire team dedicated to a quality move experience, Coleman Allied provides customized discount levels for all NARFE members for Interstate moves. *The NARFE pricing only applies to moves that leave the state you currently reside in.

Wheaton World Wide Moving | 800-248-7960 | www.wheatonworldwide.com

At Wheaton, we know interstate relocation is much more than trucks and boxes. With a network of top-quality agents throughout the United States, Wheaton provides peace of mind with every relocation. To start the moving process please call us at 800-248-7960 or go to www.wheatonworldwide.com.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT.................................................................................................................... Choice Hotels International | 800-258-2847 | www.choicehotels.com

With 6,400 hotels throughout the world, Choice Hotels offers something for everyone. As a member, receive 20% off your next stay at participating hotels when you use Special Rate ID 00801967.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car® | Book Now! | https://partners.rentalcar.com/narfe

When you’re ready to go, Enterprise Rent-A-Car makes it easy. We offer everyday low rates on a great selection of cars, trucks and vans and customers are picked up at no extra cost*. See website for exclusions.

Hotel Engine | https://members.hotelengine.com/join/narfe175

Hotel Engine, a private booking platform, connects organizations and their members to deeply discounted hotel rates.

National Car Rental® | 800-CAR-RENT | www.nationalcarrental.com

NARFE members receive great rates with National Car Rental! At National, we pride ourselves on always providing you with unsurpassed convenience and choice. https://partners.rentalcar.com/narfe

Wyndham Hotels | 1-877-670-7088 | http://bit.ly/WYNDHAM_NARFE

NARFE members receive up to 20% off the “Best Available Rate” at participating Wyndham Hotel Group locations worldwide. To receive discount, book online or call our special member benefits hotline at 1-877-670-7088 and give the agent your special discount ID number 1000007874 at time of booking. For online bookings, your discount ID will automatically be entered and your discount displayed.

WELLNESS.................................................................................................................................................... Brookdale Senior Living Communities | 877-713-2762 | www.brookdale.com/narfe

As the largest operator of senior living communities in the US, Brookdale has over 1,000 locations all across the country. Members are eligible for 7.5% discount at Brookdale Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities and 10% discounts on Brookdale Private Duty Home Care. Discounts are for new move-ins/customers only. R

Life Line Screening | 800-324-9906 | www.lifelinescreening.com/NARFE

Life Line Screening, America’s leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will conduct health screenings using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in your neighborhood. Operator code BKHN075.

ADDITIONAL PERKS.................................................................................................................................

SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE AT

www.NARFE.ORG/memberperks

The Way We Worked

Surveying Our Wildlife The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for conservation, management and law enforcement activities on National Wildlife Refuges. Fish and Wildlife agents engage in a number of activities, including conducting annual wildlife surveys. This 1950s photo shows agents trapping and banding waterfowl on the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, MD as part of an annual survey. The survey estimates the breeding populations of key North American ducks and geese and assesses habitat conditions. It had been held every year since 1955 but was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. PHOTO from the Records of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives, courtesy of the National Archives History Office, in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org.

NARFE MAGAZINE MARCH 2022

DID YOU KNOW? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, part of the Interior Department, traces its roots to 1871, when the U.S. Commission on Fish and Fisheries was created to remedy a decline in fisheries. Learn more at https://fws.gov/.

5 Great Reasons

Why Oticon MoreTM could be the answer to your hearing problems.

1 Oticon More with Brain HearingTM technology

A revolutionary hearing aid that gives the brain more of the relevant information it needs to make better sense of sound. So you can get better speech understanding with less effort and the ability to remember more.

Connectivity made easy

Never change a battery again

Simple, wireless connectivity to your favorite devices via Bluetooth®. Make hands-free calls, stream music, connect to smart devices and more!

A trouble-free rechargeable solution allows you to recharge at night for a full day of hearing. FREE charger included!1

The hearing aid with built-in intelligence

Take advantage of your $2500 benefit

Works more like how the brain works because it learned through experience. Clinical studies prove Oticon More delivers 30% more sound to the brain and increases speech understanding.2

Exclusive pricing for NARFE members. Your insurance may cover all or part of the cost. Call for more information.3

This special offer for federal employees and retirees is available only at Your Hearing Network locations. To find your location call

877-696-5335

Lithium-ion battery performance varies depending on hearing loss, lifestyle and streaming behavior. 2Compared to Oticon Opn STM, Santurette, et al. 2020. Oticon More clinical evidence. Oticon Whitepaper. 3Your out-of-pocket costs may vary depending on plan benefits, eligibility, deductible, co-insurance, and model of device chosen. This is not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Benefit is not available through all insurance plans. Please call us to verify your coverage. 1

Members,

Pay $0

out-of-pocket! Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members may be eligible for two fully covered hearing aids with zero out-of-pocket cost on many models when applying your hearing aid benefit*. HearUSA offers all these features and follows all safety protocols for our customers and employees. Call 1-855-252-0025 to discover more or visit www.blue365deals.com/hearusa. EXPERIENCE - HearUSA has been changing lives through better hearing since 1987 and a proud NARFE Circle Sponsor since 2016. CHOICE - All major hearing aid brands and styles available, including completely-in-the-canal, the smallest custom hearing aids on the market. TECHNOLOGY - Smart technology helps you hear more clearly and eliminates annoying feedback “whistling”. RECHARGABLE - Most models have rechargeable options; no need to ever replace batteries! Plus, many models connect with your cell phone! TELEHEALTH - Take advantage of HearUSA Telehealth Services where you obtain quality care at home. Telehealth appointments are available.

Three-year manufacturer’s warranty covers repairs Three-year loss and damage coverage provides peace of mind One-year of FREE batteries eliminates an extra expense One year of FREE in-office service will get you off to a great start!

Call 1-855-252-0025 to schedule a FREE in-person or telehealth hearing appointment today! *The Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit for Standard and Basic Option up to $2,500 total every 5 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. FEP Blue Focus does not have a hearing aid benefit. Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure. Blue365® offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services that members may purchase from independent vendors, which are not covered benefits under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental and/or Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision. These products and services will be offered to you through the entire benefit year. During the year, the independent vendors may offer additional discounts on these products and services. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the customer service number on your member ID card. Any disputes regarding your health insurance products and services may be subject to your plan’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from vendors providing products and services on or accessible through the Site. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific vendor, product or service available under or through the Blue365 Program or Site.

March 2022 NARFE Magazine

Articles inside

The Way We Worked

Member Perks

Alzheimer’s Update

The NARFE Halftime Report Legislative Accomplishments in the 117th Congress

NARFE National Pres. Ken Thomas Testifies Before Congress on the Future of Federal Work

NARFE Online

Managing Money

Questions & Answers

NARFE Reflects on Successful 2021 Grassroots Advocacy Engagement

From the President

Hearing Highlights Social Security Reform Bill That Includes NARFE Priorities