October 2023 NARFE Magazine

Applicable to all discounts: Residents under a Life Care Agreement are not eligible for the discounts. These discounts do not apply to any room, board or services which are paid for all or in part by any state or federally funded program. Discounts are available to members and their family members, including spouse, adult children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and corresponding in-law or step adult children, siblings, parents, and grandparents through current spouse. Subject to availability. Further restrictions may apply.

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**Discount is only applicable to new clients of personal assistance services by a Brookdale agency under an executed service agreement.

***Discount is only applicable to new residents of a Brookdale assisted living or memory care community admitting under an executed respite agreement. Discount applies to the daily rate.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jenn Rafael

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER

Beth Bedard

CONTENT MANAGER

Matt Sanderson

ADDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN

TGD

EDITORIAL BOARD

William Shackelford, Kathryn E. Hensley, Johann De Castro

CONTACT US

NARFE Magazine

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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.

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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

WILLIAM SHACKELFORD President; natpres@narfe.org

KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org

CHIEF

OF STAFF

JOHANN DE CASTRO jdecastro@narfe.org

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

REGION I Jeff Anliker (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont)

Tel: 413-813-8136

Email: jeff.anliker@outlook.com

REGION II Larry Walton (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania)

Tel: 443-831-1791

Email: rvp2@narfe.org

REGION III Lynn Harper (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Puerto Rico)

Tel: 478-951-3260

Email: lynn_harper@msn.com

REGION IV Robert L. Helfrich (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin)

Tel: 317-501-1700

Email: rlhelfrich@yahoo.com

REGION V Cindy Reneé Blythe (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota)

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REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas)

Tel: 903-660-2784

Email: pappysdad@cobridge.tv

REGION VII Sharon Reese (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming)

Tel: 575-649-6035

Email: rvp7@narfe.org

REGION VIII Robert H. Ruskamp (California, Hawaii, Nevada and Republic of Philippines)

Tel: 703-628-3234

Email: ruskampr@gmail.com

REGION IX Steven Roy (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington)

Tel: 425-344-3926

Email: stevenroy1@yahoo.com

REGION X Robert Allen (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia)

Tel: 757-404-3880

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 © 2023, 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.

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.

Reflecting on NARFE’s Latest Professional Growth and Actions

First, NARFE has a true professional managing the operation of NARFE headquarters. Following the departure in May 2022 of the former NARFE executive director, Staff Vice President Johann DeCastro was named the interim chief of staff.

On July 24, I officially removed that “interim” tag from his position. As chief of staff, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our organization. His passion, expertise and dedication will continue to inspire and lead our team to new heights. Undoubtedly, he will thrive in his new role as chief of staff.

By the time that you are reading this column, you will have learned about what occurred at the NARFE Federation Presidents’/National Executive Board Meeting the last week in August. This joint meeting was only the second large-scale in-person NARFE meeting since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. I wish I could provide you with full details of the meeting, but this column must be finished by the first week in August so the October issue can be distributed to you by mid-September. I want to sincerely thank Emerson Kretzer, currently serving as Missouri Federation president, for stepping up to serve as the coordinator of the federation presidents portion of the meeting.

During the pandemic, many of us became adept at using virtual platforms to attend our various chapter, federation and regional meetings. While all these meetings give interested members plenty of opportunities to learn more about ways to protect their annuities and health benefits, in-person meetings allow for a much better exchange of information. This is not the time to let complacency hold us back. It’s time to rally, as NARFE members always have, to defend our pay and benefits. I know that many of you participated virtually in LEGcon23 in June. I want to thank NARFE members who took what they learned from the presenters during LEGcon23 and used the information at in-person meetings during Grassroots Advocacy Month in August to ensure that members of Congress heard from NARFE members on issues important to us. Your efforts demonstrate that for more than 102 years, NARFE members have provided the “tireless advocacy” we proudly claim in our slogan.

With the success of in-person meetings, I hope that many of you will consider joining me and other members of your National Executive Board and NARFE Headquarters staff at FEDcon24 in August 2024. This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis, MO. Stay alert for more information in future issues of your NARFE Magazine

WILLIAM SHACKELFORD NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org

TRACKING RETIREMENT CLAIMS

FIND OUT how many retirement claims

OPM Retirement Services receives and processes each month, with average processing times and total inventory, at www.narfe.org/opm-processing

Help NARFE Grow During the Fall Membership Drive

During NARFE’s Fall Membership Drive, current members can earn $10 for each new member they recruit, as well as other prizes

We truly need all NARFE members to step up and help us grow by reaching out to potential new members. Please use email, your websites and social media to

encourage your fellow members to participate, and to promote the benefits of NARFE membership.

To assist you in your recruiting efforts, we have a wide range of resources you can use to introduce active and retired federal employees to NARFE.

To access them, visit the home page at www.narfe.org and

choose “NARFE Fall Membership Drive.” This links to the Membership Officer Resources page, which has many helpful tools to aid in recruiting—in person and online.

The fall membership drive runs through December 31, 2023.

Together, we can help NARFE grow!

SAVE MORE WITH NARFE PERKS

Whether you are planning your next vacation, buying a gift or planning for retirement, members can save money on everyday purchases with special discounts from our Affinity Partners. Taking advantage of just one offer could more than pay for your annual membership. Visit www.narfe.org/narfe-perks-formembers (or see p. 58) to see how your savings could add up.

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

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.

SHARE NARFE MAGAZINE

Interested in sharing NARFE Magazine with a friend to show them the value of membership?

Encourage them to request a digital download at www. narfe.org/communications/ narfe-magazine/

NARFE Hospital Indemnity and Short Term Recovery Insurance Plan

This plan can help you manage how life’s surprises affect what you’ve worked so hard for. It pays cash benefits to you, or anyone you choose, to use the money as you see fit. Use the cash benefits to stay more in control of your health care choices, maintain your self reliance, and receive the level of care you’ve earned and deserve.

5.2% Pay Raise? Chances Increase After House,

Senate Pass Separate NDAA Bills With Military Pay Hikes

In July, the House and Senate passed separate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.

Now the two chambers must come together to negotiate a final bill. The NDAA has passed Congress 62 years in a row, and each year NARFE tracks and provides input on the NDAA, as it often contains provisions affecting the federal community.

What had started as a bipartisan bill in the House Armed Services Committee, passing that committee 58-1, quickly fell apart during the amendment process on the House floor. Several partisan amendments were added that undermined bipartisan support for the final bill. Nonetheless, the bill passed 219-210 through a party-line vote, authorizing defense spending up to $886 billion and a 5.2% military pay raise. Actual spending will need to be passed through the appropriations process.

Included in the House NDAA report language was a directive to the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Office of Personnel Management, to report on “a comprehensive review of the civilian workforce on the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to ensure that all family members and dependents who are currently receiving benefits are eligible.” A previous Government

Accountability Office (GAO) report indicated that the FEHB program covers enough ineligible dependents to cost the program up to $1 billion annually. The bill would also add pregnancy as a qualifying life event to add Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance coverage, allowing expecting parents to add life insurance before the birth of a child.

In the other chamber, the Senate NDAA also authorizes a 5.2% pay increase for military service members but also includes the Department of Defense civilian workforce in this figure. This further increases the likelihood of a 5.2% average pay increase for the federal workforce. The bill passed with a solid bipartisan majority, 86-11.

Just before the Senate began floor consideration of the NDAA, NARFE wrote to senators about two submitted amendments, one that would block the return of the merit-system-breaking Schedule F and another that would disrupt the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

The anti-Schedule F amendment, entered by Sen.

OCTOBER ACTION ALERT: URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR THE SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT OF 2023, H.R. 82/S. 597

This bill, introduced in the House by Reps. Garret Graves, R-LA, and Abigail Spanberger, D-VA, and in the Senate by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, and Susan Collins, R-ME, would fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset—longstanding policies that have unfairly diminished the retirement benefits of hardworking public servants. We continue to add cosponsors, reaching 289 in the House by early August. With your strong advocacy efforts, we can build even more support to pressure leaders to act! Visit the Legislative Action Center, www.narfe.org/action, to message your representative and senator today!

Dianne Feinstein, D-CA, was not considered by the full chamber. However, in a surprise move, an amendment submitted by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, which would have effectively ended the TSP I Fund and the recently implemented mutual fund window, did receive a lastminute vote. The amendment required a 60-vote threshold for passage, which it failed to reach; the vote was 55 to 42.

The Rubio amendment prohibited TSP investment in a “country or security of concern” as defined by the Director of National Intelligence in the Annual Threat Assessment. This includes the People’s Republic of China and, by extension, Hong Kong. According

MYTH VS. REALITY

MYTH: WEP and GPO affect everyone receiving a government pension.

REALITY: The WEP only impacts individuals who have both Social Securitycovered employment and a pension from employment not covered by Social Security, such as some public employees and teachers. The GPO affects certain spouses or survivors of government employees who receive a pension from a non-Social Security-covered job.

to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which oversees the TSP, no commercially available international investment indices exclude Hong Kong. As such, the amendment, if passed into law, could force the I Fund to close. Additionally, FRTIB indicated that there is no costeffective way to monitor the 5,000 funds in the mutual fund window to stay in compliance with the amendment. Therefore, the amendment could force FRTIB to close the mutual fund window, causing federal workers and retirees to miss out on substantial investment opportunities entirely unrelated to China.

In its letter to senators, NARFE noted that it does not

challenge the concept behind the Rubio amendment, but expressed concerns regarding the unintended consequences of the policy and urged that limitations on investments in specific countries or securities should not be limited to the TSP, but rather apply to all American investments. Otherwise, the policy singles out TSP investors for disparate treatment and limits the effectiveness of the proposed policy.

NARFE will provide further updates to members as the House and Senate negotiate the final NDAA.

—BY ROSS APTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

Larson, Blumenthal Introduce Bill to Strengthen and Expand Social Security

On July 12, Ranking member of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Rep. John Larson, D-CT, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT, introduced the Social Security 2100 Act, H.R. 4583/S.2280, along with nearly 200 cosponsors. The NARFEendorsed bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), and it aims to strengthen Social Security to fulfill the promise of retirement security for all Americans.

Notably, the bill would extend the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund, provide

a 2% across-the-board benefit increase, improve cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) by basing them on changes in the consumer price index for Americans aged 62 and older, improve survivor benefits for middle-income widows and widowers from two-income households, and more. Costs would be financed by applying Social Security taxes to earnings above $400,000 per year (with credit toward future benefits) and applying a 12.4% net investment income tax for taxpayers earning more than $400,000 per year.

Larson is the ranking member of the Social Security

Subcommittee in the House, and the H.R. 4583 bill enjoys the support of 176 Democratic cosponsors. But given control over the House and chamber, the bill stands little chance of moving during this Congress. Nonetheless, it represents an opening salvo in negotiations as the Social Security Trust Fund inches towards insolvency in the 2030s. While Congress is unlikely to tackle that issue this year or next, at some point, reality will threaten the security of benefits and likely force action to shore up the valuable program.

—BY JOHN HATTON, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY AND PROGRAMS

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

During Grassroots Advocacy Month, Members Push for Action on Retirement Security

NARFE members came together during Grassroots Advocacy Month (GAM) and showed spirited determination in their collective action. As congressional recess began, members seized the opportunity to amplify their voices, advocating for retirement security. Members showcased their commitment throughout the month to effect change.

NARFE’s GAM informational videos took center stage, empowering members with essential knowledge and skills covering social media strategy, constructive communication, legislative process navigation, and storytelling while being a data source. These insightful modules provided valuable strategies, resources, and insider tips to elevate the efficacy of their advocacy.

NARFE members embarked on a lively social media campaign, filling Twitter feeds and Facebook walls with powerful messages urging endorsement for the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) and the Equal COLA Act (H.R. 866). Their united voice resonated across platforms, raising awareness. Advocates wrote Letters to the Editor (LTE) to their local newspapers and outlets, sharing personal experiences and highlighting

the impact of unfair policies like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), drawing the attention of their lawmakers and informing the community about the need for change.

NARFE MEMBERS EMBARKED ON A LIVELY SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN, FILLING TWITTER FEEDS AND FACEBOOK WALLS WITH POWERFUL MESSAGES URGING ENDORSEMENT FOR THE SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT (H.R. 82) AND THE EQUAL COLA ACT (H.R. 866).

Through GAM’s phone banking efforts, letters, and in-person meetings, members directly engaged with their lawmakers. Using phone scripts from the advocacy toolkit, members called their congressional leaders and staff to discuss the toll of unfair provisions affecting millions

of federal retirees. Members also played a vital role in the legislative process by sending action letters and encouraging friends and family to do so to drive co-sponsorship and push NARFE priorities to a vote.

Congressional district leaders organized in-person meetings with lawmakers during the month, allowing advocates to speak directly to their representatives and share their concerns. These face-to-face meetings with lawmakers and their constituents helped foster a better understanding of how these legislative issues affect the NARFE community.

We extend our gratitude to every NARFE member who supported this campaign. Your efforts have amplified our collective voice, ensuring our concerns for retirement security and fair treatment are heard loud and clear. As we move forward, let’s carry the spirit of grassroots advocacy in all that we do, continuing to champion the rights of federal retirees and government employees.

Visit NARFE’s Facebook and Twitter pages and its Grassroots Advocacy Month website, www.narfe.org/gam23, to get a full recap.

—BY IVANA SARA, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER

NARFE-PAC Goals for the 2023-2024 Election Cycle

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$258,500 Send NARFE members to 125 local fundraisers

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Goal progress as of June 30, 2023

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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

Congress Leaves Appropriations Until After Recess

Congress left for August recess with more work to do to pass the appropriations bills necessary to fund the government for the next fiscal year, beginning October 1. Just one bill has passed either chamber, with the House advancing its Military Construction-Veterans Affairs bill. But both the House and Senate appropriations committees have made progress advancing bills, with the Senate advancing all 12 appropriations bills out of committee, and the House advancing 10 of the 12.

The bipartisan debt limit agreement—the Fiscal Responsibility Act—set spending caps for both defense and non-defense spending, which appeared to provide some certainty for the annual government funding bills. But the House Freedom Caucus has continued to demand lower nondefense spending, with most of the appropriations bills being approved out of committee along party lines.

Meanwhile, Senate appropriators have passed all 12 bills through committee with broad, bipartisan support, adhering to the spending caps set by the debt limit agreement, while also proposing cap-exempt emergency funds for disaster relief and support for Ukraine. At press time, the full Senate had not yet taken up the bills, but its progress has been a positive sign for the appropriations process.

It remained to be seen whether Speaker Kevin McCarthy will be able to thread the needle between finding bipartisan compromise and appeasing the House Freedom Caucus enough to prevent a threat to his speakership, or if he’s pressured into triggering a government shutdown to maintain a unified caucus.

Beyond concerns with the prospect of a government shutdown, NARFE also weighed in on the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) appropriations bill, as this spending bill funds the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and plays an important role in determining the 2024 federal employee pay raise.

The House FSGG bill provided OPM with a total of $373 million in FY24. This represents a 12% decrease in funding from what was provided in FY23. NARFE remains concerned that this spending decrease could derail ongoing modernization efforts. The committee-approved legislation also keeps language that would effectively end the Thrift Savings Plan mutual fund window and force agencies to return to telework policies in place before the pandemic. Importantly, the legislation remains silent on the 2024 federal employee pay raise, making it more likely that the President’s proposed 5.2% increase goes into effect next year. Notably, the accompanying House committee report maintains language NARFE

previously provided expressing congressional concern with OPM Retirement Services (RS) customer service. The language requires OPM to publicly report initial retirement claim and adjustment processing times, along with quarterly congressional briefings on delays and issues surrounding OPM’s call center.

The Senate FSGG appropriations bill was a different story, providing OPM with a total of $457 million in FY24, roughly $35 million more than the total enacted for OPM in FY23. The bill was also silent on a federal employee pay raise. Importantly, the committee’s accompanying report recommended $35 million for “OPM’s highest priorities, i.e., the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, improvements to Retirement Services, and IT modernization improvements.” This additional funding is directed at addressing some of NARFE’s top concerns for OPM.

The Senate’s report language also included similar language regarding OPM RS customer service levels and reporting, but differed on telework policies, instead directing OPM, the Office of Management and Budget and agencies to analyze how telework affects agency productivity. At press time, neither chamber had passed the FSGG appropriations bill.

—BY JOHN HATTON, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY AND PROGRAMS

NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

H.R.159/S.59: Chance to Compete Act of 2023 / Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-NC / Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-AZ

Cosponsors:

H.R. 159: 3 (D) 2 (R) S. 59: 1 (D) 2 (R) 0 (I)

H.R. 1002/S. 399: Saving the Civil Service Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 1002: 15 (D) 2 (R) S. 399: 14 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

Implements merit-based reforms to the civil service hiring system that replace degree-based hiring with skills- and competencybased hiring.

Passed the House under suspension of the rules 1/24/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 1/24/2023

FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY

H.R. 1487: The Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management Reform Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 1487: 1 (D) 0 (R)

Prevents any position in the federal competitive service, created after September 30, 2020, from being reclassified into the excepted service, outside the protection of merit system rules without the express consent of Congress. The bill also requires the consent of an employee to be reclassified, mandates reporting of conversions to the Office of Personnel Management, and places caps on the number of employees converted to the excepted service via Schedule C.

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.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 2/15/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 2/14/2023

H.R. 3115/S. 1496: Public Service Reform Act / Rep. Chip Roy, R-TX / Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL

Cosponsors:

H.R. 3115: 0 (D) 14 (R)

S. 1496: 0 (D) 1 (R) 0 (I)

Would make all federal employees at-will and enable workers to be removed for good cause, bad cause or no cause at all. The legislation would also abolish the Merit System Protections Board and limit removal appeals to claims of whistleblower retaliation and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints before the US Court of Appeals.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 3/9/2023

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 5/5/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 5/9/2023

NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position

vision

NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

H.R. 82/S. 597: The Social Security Fairness Act / Rep. Garret Graves, R-LA / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH

Cosponsors:

H.R. 82: 199 (D) 90 (R)

S. 597: 36 (D) 5 (R) 3 (I)

H.R. 4260: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 4260: 98 (D) 0 (R)

SOCIAL SECURITY

H.R. 4583/S. 2280: Social Security 2100 Act / Rep. John Larson, D-CT / Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT

Cosponsors:

H.R. 4583: 176 (D) 0 (R)

S. 2280: 4 (D) 0 (R) 0 (I)

Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. 1/9/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 3/1/2023

Reforms the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly rebate of $150 to current beneficiaries (age 62 or older before 2025) and creating a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEP-affected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2025).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 6/21/2023

H.R. 716: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 716: 28 (D) 0 (R)

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

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, Education and the Workforce, and Energy and Commerce 7/12/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 7/12/2023

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Veterans’ Affairs, Oversight and Accountability, and Armed Services 2/1/2023

FEDERAL ANNUITIES

H.R. 866: The Equal COLA Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA

Cosponsors:

H.R. 866: 32 (D) 3 (R)

Provides Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees with the same annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as Civil Serve Retirement System (CSRS) retirees.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 2/8/2023

NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position

FEDERAL COMPENSATION

H.R. 536/ S. 124: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

Cosponsors:

H.R. 536: 72 (D) 1(R) S. 124: 19 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

H.R. 856/ S. 274: Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act / Rep. Don Beyer, D-VA / Sen Brian Schatz, D-HI

Cosponsors:

H.R. 856: 33 (D) 3 (R) S.274: 9 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

H.R. 1301/ S. 640: Federal Employees Civil Relief Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

Cosponsors: H.R. 1301: 2 (D) 0 (R) S. 640 15 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

Provides federal employees with an 8.7% average pay raise in 2024.

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 1/26/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 1/26/2023

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

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Veteran’s Affairs and House Administration 2/7/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 2/7/2023

Protects federal workers and contractors from a variety of civil financial penalties during a lapse in appropriations or a breach of the debt ceiling.

Referred to the House Committees on Oversight and Accountability, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Judiciary, Education and Workforce, and House Administration. 3/1/2023

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 3/2/2023

NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position

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Q&A

EMPLOYMENT

RECOVERY OF LOST SICK LEAVE HOURS

QI am preparing to retire early next year, but I have been having trouble resolving an issue with my sick leave balance. I returned to federal service in 1993 and previously had a balance of 500 hours of sick leave when I resigned in 1985. When reinstated to federal service, my employer did not credit me for my unused sick leave balance. I have heard that employees can be recredited with their prior sick leave balance, regardless of how long they were gone. Can I get this corrected?

ABefore Dec. 2, 1994, sick leave regulations provided that employees were entitled to have their hours of sick leave recredited if reemployed within three years after their separation from federal service. A new law took effect on Dec. 2, 1994, that removed this limitation but only for reemployed employees on or after Dec. 2, 1994. Unfortunately, you were rehired before the new law took effect.

DEFERRED RETIREMENT APPLICATION PROCESS

QI separated from federal employment several years ago and wasn’t

eligible for retirement because I was under retirement age. I will be applying to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for my deferred Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirement to begin next year. How long do you expect OPM will take to process my retirement application? Will I receive any benefits while my application is being processed?

AAlthough OPM recommends that you submit your FERS application for a deferred retirement (Retirement and Insurance Form RI 92-19) two months before you want your

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.

retirement to begin, generally, you will not receive your Civil Service Active (CSA) number, and OPM will not complete the processing of your retirement benefit until after the effective date of your retirement.

OPM may need to gather additional information or documentation from other agencies or offices, such as the National Personnel Records Center, which can take time. The processing time for your retirement might also depend on other variables, such as the complexity of your case and the volume of applications being processed at OPM. Deferred retirement cases are not eligible for interim retirement pay status while processing this type of retirement. This means you will not be paid until OPM finalizes or “adjudicates” your retirement. Allow time, in some cases more than two or three months from the date your retirement was to begin, to receive your benefits. Once OPM finalizes your retirement, you will be paid retroactively a lump sum payment for any previously unpaid annuity payments owed to you.

For more information regarding the application process for deferred retirement, we recommend the following resources:

• Information Pamphlet for FERS Deferred or Postponed Retirement www.narfe.org/ opm-ri92-19a

• FERS Application for Deferred or Postponed Retirement https://www. opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ri9219.pdf

In the member portal of the NARFE website, you can also access a webinar previously recorded in June 2022 titled “Understanding Deferred/ Postponed Retirement Options.”

ANNUAL AND SICK LEAVE AT RETIREMENT

QIt came as a shock that not only will federal and state taxes be taken out from my lump-sum payment for my unused annual leave, but FICA and Medicare taxes as well. Colleagues and experts have counseled me for years that given a choice of using “leftover” annual leave or “leftover” sick leave (i.e., days that will not add up to an entire month), one should always use sick leave. What, if anything, am I missing about this advice?

AThis year, the “leave” year will have 27 leave accruals and end on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, for most federal employees. The U.S. Postal Service is an exception, as their leave periods begin on Saturday instead of Sunday. This means that if someone were to retire on Jan. 13, 2024, they could be paid after retirement in a lump sum for 240 hours of annual leave that they carried over from 2022, plus an additional 216 hours they earned during the 27 leave periods of 2023 (if they are in the eight-hour leave category)

for a total lump sum annual leave payout of 456 hours.

You are correct that this payment is subject to withholding for FICA and Medicare, as these are payroll taxes and federal and state (when applicable) income taxes. However, the lump sum leave payment is not subject to withholding for FERS or CSRS contributions, TSP contributions, or insurance premiums.

For example, if an employee had an annual leave balance of 456 hours and was paid at an hourly rate of $40, this would be a gross payout of $18,240 and a net of around $13,000 after taxes. This would provide a nice cushion to hold you over until your retirement is finalized.

To compare with the same number of hours of unused sick leave, 456 hours would add two months and 19 days of service to the retirement calculation. Let us round it up to three months, so this would be worth an additional benefit of 1% (or 1.1% if over age 62 with

COUNTDOWN TO COLA

20 or more years of service) x $80,000 (High-three average salary) x 3/12 = $200/year to the FERS retirement benefit or $220 if eligible for the 1.1% computation. It would take nearly 80 years ($18,240/$220) of getting the extra $220 per year to get back the equivalent of $18,000 in forfeited salary.

If you are in your last year on the job, it is better to use sick leave and save annual leave if you have a valid reason to use your sick leave, financially speaking. If you have a large balance of sick leave at retirement, consider yourself fortunate that you did not have a reason to use it earlier in your career. However, if you are far from retirement, treat your sick leave like gold, as it is your short-term disability insurance.

TAX-FREE PORTION OF THE ANNUITY

QI’m preparing to retire next year and would like to understand better the federal taxation of my

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 0.17% in July 2023. To calculate the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the 2023 third-quarter indices will be averaged and compared with the 2022 third-quarter average of 291.901. The percentage increase determines the COLA. July’s index, 299.899, is up 2.7% from the base.

The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services.

future annuity payments from OPM. How does the money withheld from my federal civilian salary (on a post-tax basis) for FERS retirement contributions (including my military deposits paid into FERS) affect the federal taxation of my annuity?

ASince you already paid federal income tax on your retirement contributions, and the money you used to pay your deposit was paid with after-tax dollars, you are entitled to receive an amount equal to those contributions as tax-free income in retirement. Under the IRS Simplified General Rule, a portion of each monthly payment is tax-free and represents the recovery of your previously taxed contributions. The remaining part of each monthly payment is fully taxable. It would be best to continue to claim this tax-free amount until the total amounts claimed equal your retirement contributions. At that time, all your benefits become taxable.

Your retirement contributions are shown on the 1099-R tax form OPM will send you each January for tax filing purposes. The IRS has a tax withholding estimator to help you compute the tax-free portion of your annuity payment and your monthly federal income tax withholding. You can find that estimator here: https:// www.irs.gov/individuals/ tax-withholding-estimator.

If you want to update your federal tax withholding, sign into your online account or contact OPM. Refer to the IRS Publication 721 for more details regarding the federal taxation of your federal annuity here https://www.irs.gov/ pub/irs-pdf/p721.pdf.

RETIREMENT TAX-FREE PORTION OF ANNUITY AFTER LOSS OF SPOUSE

QI elected a spousal survivor benefit when I retired, which affected the computation of the tax-free portion of my annuity each year. I am referring to the return of my retirement contributions that were withheld from my salary “after-tax” during my career. If my spouse should predecease me and I cancel my spousal survivor benefit, would this action change the taxfree portion of my annuity?

ANo. Suppose you previously elected to have your annuity reduced to have a survivor annuity payable to your spouse upon your death and notify OPM that your marriage has ended. In that case, your annuity will be restored (i.e., increased) to remove the previously elected survivor benefits reduction. However, the amount initially calculated to determine the taxfree portion of your annuity will remain the same. Refer to IRS Publication 721 mentioned above for more details.

REEMPLOYED ANNUITANT SALARY OFFSET

QIf I return to federal employment after retirement as a “reemployed annuitant,” will my salary be offset by only the amount of my FERS Basic Retirement Benefit, or will they also offset the amount of the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement (RAS)?

AIn most cases, when a FERS retiree returns to federal service without a dual compensation waiver, which is a provision that allows a retiree to return to federal employment

without a salary offset of their retirement that requires special authorization, their salary is typically reduced by the amount of the retiree’s gross annuity. The RAS is not part of the gross annuity, so the agency would not use income from OPM when computing the reduction to the salary payable.

However, the salary that you earn during reemployment could affect the continued payment of the RAS. OPM uses an annual earnings test that may require that your RAS be reduced or terminated. Suppose you are younger than 62 at retirement and entitled to the RAS as part of your FERS Basic Retirement Benefit. In that case, you will be surveyed annually each spring, beginning with the year after your retirement, so you may report the earned income from the previous year. Based on the amount of income that exceeds an annual earned income limit ($21,240 is the limit for 2023), the RAS payable later that year, beginning with the July FERS retirement payment (payable on August 1), will reflect the reduction or start the termination of the RAS.

MEDICARE AND TRICARE

QAs a federal retiree, I’m considering suspending my health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program for TRICARE for Life (TFL). I already have Medicare Parts A & B and enjoy that my FEHB plan has been waiving most of my copays and deductibles when Medicare pays first. Will TFL do the same?

ATFL is Medicare “wraparound” coverage for military retirees and their dependents. It provides a similar range to the FEHB

plans that offer a waiver of your deductible, copayments, and coinsurance when Medicare is the primary payer. If you are TRICAREeligible and have enrolled in Medicare parts A and B, regardless of age or place of residence, you are eligible for TFL. Coverage is only for those with Medicare and does not extend to family members who are not Medicare-eligible. Your TFL coverage starts the first day Medicare Part A and B are in effect.

The advantage for FERS or CSRS retirees to suspend FEHB coverage when enrolled in Medicare A and B with TFL is that you will no longer have to pay your FEHB premiums. There is no premium for TFL, as it was paid for with your military service. However, it is a requirement of TFL to be enrolled in Medicare A and B. To ensure TRICARE coverage is adequate when you suspend your FEHB in retirement, you must sign up for Medicare Part B before you stop FEHB. TRICARE will not be a secondary payer to your employersponsored health plan until you have Medicare Part B.

Federal employees and their spouses aged 65 may continue their FEHB coverage and delay coverage under TFL until they enroll in Medicare A and B during a particular enrollment period following their retirement. Part B of Medicare has no late enrollment penalty if you are covered by “current employment” group health insurance from an employer with 20 or more employees. Here are some other takeaways:

• Retirees who wish to suspend their FEHB coverage to use TFL may call OPM’s Retirement Information Office at 1-888-7676738 to obtain a suspension form (RI 79-9).

• To learn more about the benefits of TFL, visit https:// www.tricare.mil/Plans/ HealthPlans/TFL .

• To learn more about enrolling in Medicare during a Special Enrollment Period, read https://

www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510012.pdf

CANCELLATION OF SPOUSAL SURVIVOR BENEFIT

QMy spouse and I recently divorced, and my divorce decree states that I am not required to provide a survivor benefit to my former spouse. How do I tell OPM that I do not want my annuity reduced any longer for the cost of the spousal survivor benefit that I elected years ago when I initially retired? I also want to switch my federal health insurance plan from “self plus one” to “self-only” coverage.

AWhen a marriage ends due to death or divorce, the survivor benefit you elected at retirement is no longer payable. Your annuity may continue to be reduced if a qualifying court order awarded your former spouse a survivor annuity.

The following conditions must exist for your former spouse to receive a benefit:

• You were married to your former spouse for at least nine months.

• You performed at least 18 months of creditable civilian service.

• Your former spouse to whom you were married less than 30 years has not remarried before age 55. In your case, the court order did not provide the continuation of the survivor benefit election, so you must inform OPM of this change and notify them of your divorce. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Contact OPM via email at retire@ opm.gov or by phone at 1-888767-6738. The phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 7:40 am to 5:00 pm ET. If you need help getting through, try to call early in the morning or late in the evening when the lines are less busy. Ensure you have your Civil Service Active (CSA) number ready to share when communicating with OPM.

2. OPM will require documentation to process your request. Be prepared to provide OPM with the following documents:

a. Submit form RI 20-120 (Request for Change to Unreduced Annuity) and include a copy of your divorce decree. Visit https://www.opm. gov/forms/pdf_fill/ri20-120. pdf for more information.

b. Submit form OPM 2809 (Health Benefits Election Form). Although form RI 20-120 includes a section where you can switch to a Self-Only health plan, OPM might want you to submit form OPM 2809, which provides more details. As an annuitant, you do not need a qualifying life (QLE) to switch to a self-only health plan. However, divorce (QLE 2B) is an event that permits you to switch to a different FEHB plan if desired. Read https://www.opm.gov/forms/ pdf_fill/sf2809.pdf for more information.

c. Keep a copy of the forms submitted for your future reference.

d. Follow the instructions on the forms to submit the documents to OPM. Be sure to follow instructions for mailing physical copies or uploading scanned copies through OPM’s online portal.

3. After submitting your request, keep track of your communications with OPM. Take note of any reference numbers or confirmation emails you receive. This is a crucial step should you need to follow up on your request.

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

Understanding FEHB and Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is private health insurance for Medicare users. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you still have Medicare but get all your Medicare-covered benefits through a private program. Most Medicare Advantage plans also cover prescription drugs and may cover other services, such as vision, dental and hearing benefits.

More than 28 million people nationwide are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, accounting for nearly half or 48% of the eligible Medicare population. As more Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans offer a Medicare Advantage option for retirees enrolled in original Medicare (Parts A and B), it is crucial to understand the differences that Medicare Advantage plans offer.

Retirees who are eligible for Medicare can choose from the following options:

• Continue FEHB coverage alone without Medicare Part B. Most retirees qualify for premium-free Part A and should enroll when eligible.

• Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, where FEHB coverage pays second when Medicare is the primary payer. This option is driven by the incentives that some FEHB plans provide when enrolled in Medicare A and B.

• Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and then enroll in the specific Medicare Advantage option offered by your FEHB plan provider. These

plans also require Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage at no additional charge unless the enrollee is subject to Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharges for Part D. Your FEHB Medicare Advantage plan option is a Medicare contract separate from the FEHB Plan but acts in coordination with it.

• Suspend FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicare A, B, and C (Medicare Advantage) plans through

www.medicare.gov.

Suspending FEHB to enroll in a commercial Medicare Advantage plan is not required.

• Suspend FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicare A and B and TRICARE for Life for military retirees and spouses. It is not required to suspend FEHB to enroll in TRICARE for Life.

• Suspend FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicaid or a similar state-sponsored program of medical assistance to eliminate the cost of FEHB coverage. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan through one of the FEHB plans that offer this benefit, you will have the following benefits, which may vary depending on the FEHB plan:

• Eliminated or reduced plan deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance

• Reduced Medicare Part B premium

• Gym membership

• Non-emergency transportation to doctor’s appointments

• Meal delivery following a hospital stay

Premiums for FEHB plans offering a Medicare Advantage option are among the lowest in the FEHB program and can help offset the extra cost of Medicare Part B. Medicare Advantage plan options may also provide a Part B premium

IF YOU ENROLL IN A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN, YOU STILL HAVE MEDICARE BUT GET ALL YOUR MEDICARECOVERED BENEFITS THROUGH A PRIVATE PROGRAM.

LEARN MORE

reduction or rebate. There are FEHB plans that offer incentives to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B that don’t require the second enrollment in a Medicare Advantage option.

Suppose you are not ready to enroll in the Medicare Advantage option. In that case, you may consider BC/BS Basic Option, GEHA High Option, and Aetna Direct plan that offer a Part B rebate or health fund to offset some of the cost of adding Medicare Part B coverage, waiver of deductible, copayments, and coinsurance when Medicare is primary payer; and other benefits may be enhanced. For example, BC/BS Basic offers mail-order drug benefits when enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.

To locate a list of all plans available in your state, as well as links to the plan brochures, changes for each plan from the previous year, information on plan patient safety programs, and links to the plan provider directories, visit www.narfe.org/opm-plans.

If you are considering a new health plan option for 2024, remember that the open season runs from November 13 through December 11, 2023, with coverage effective for annuitants on January 1, 2024.

—MICHELE BOLLIER FEDERAL.

EVALUATING NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS

Medicare-Eligible Feds Face New Options

BY DAVID TOBENKIN

Here’s why: In August 2022, Congress enacted significant reforms to Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Some reforms will be implemented starting this coming plan year, 2024, and some in subsequent years. Those changes will result in drug cost-savings that may make it increasingly advantageous for Medicare-eligible annuitants to add Medicare Advantage and Part D plans specificially targeted at the federal annuitant population. These plans retain FEHB coverage but add Medicare Advantage and/or Part D coverage. We’ll call them Fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans; this is in comparison to the other two conventional options for federal annuitants who are Medicare eligible: combining FEHB coverage in retirement with traditional, federal governmentadministered Medicare, forgoing Medicare Part B and relying solely on their FEHB plans.

“These new benefits are so good,” says Kevin Moss, editor of Consumers’ Checbook’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees, that most people will benefit from being “covered under Fedfriendly Medicare Advantage plans that include Medicare Part D and/or enroll in [Fed-friendly] Medicare Part D supplemental prescription drug plans.”

While Medicare Advantage Part C is technically part of Medicare, private insurance replaces federal government-provided insurance, also known as traditional or original Medicare. One must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to participate in

Medicare Advantage. While Medicare Part A is free, Parts B and D require monthly fees.

‘Fed-Friendly’ Medicare Advantage Medicare Advantage plans have evolved in recent years. As a NARFE Magazine story noted two years ago, in recent years, health insurers began offering a new breed of Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed to serve federal annuitants’ special retirement health insurance needs and to interact well with their generous FEHB program benefits. The Fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans pair a Part B premium reimbursement—sometimes the total amount—with significantly reduced or no costsharing for health care expenses. Generally, they are better options than non-Fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans, which either have additional premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums or network limitations. They also don’t offer Part B premium reimbursements, notes Moss. However, Fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans are not the best option for everyone, such as annuitants still earning high annual incomes, plans that do not cover desired doctors or health care providers, or those traveling abroad, living in an area where a desired plan is not provided.

Medicare Part D Changes

Now, finally, we come to what is new. Medicare Part D, traditional Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, historically was of little interest to federal annuitants, as FEHB drug coverage was as good or better than Medicare Part D. But in August 2022, Congress enacted Medicare legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), that changes that equation for many.

Here are the significant changes:

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First, insulin charges were capped at $35/month starting in January 2023. FEHB members should check their plans to see if they already offer insulin for less than $35 a month before considering this a factor in making the switch. Under some plans, insulin can cost as much as $624 per month and often allows less flexibility in different insulin types, such as rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate, and long-acting. Some insulin is also offered under

Many Medicare-eligible federal annuitants will face a bevy of new Medicare Advantage plan choices during Open Season this year, and experts say they’re worth a serious look.

NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute webinars offer members expert guidance during Open Season.

This year’s webinars will help you choose the best plans for your situation, including whether Medicare Advantage plans might be right for you.

MEDICARE BASICS

Medicare is the federal senior health insurance program that serves Americans 65 and older that most citizens must pay into before they retire. Traditional Medicare is composed of four parts:

• Part A covers inpatient hospital care, hospice, and skilled nursing services.

• Part B covers outpatient services ranging from physician services to labs to home health to surgeries and imaging.

• Part C is Medicare Advantage.

• Part D is prescription drug coverage. The federal government provides Parts A and B. While Medicare Advantage, Part C, is technically part of Medicare, private insurance replaces federal governmentprovided insurance, also known as traditional or original Medicare. One must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to participate in Medicare Advantage. While

Medicare Part A is free, Parts B and D require monthly fees.

Medicare has a limited initial enrollment period, with most seniors having a sevenmonth window surrounding and including the month the person turns 65. There is a 10% penalty per year for eligible annuitants not enrolling in Part B who later enroll.

NARFE federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan wrote a NARFE Magazine article on the key related decision of enrolling in Medicare Part B in a November 2021 article, Finding Your Way Through the Medicare Part B Dilemma. Read it online: https://www.narfe.org/magazine-issues/ narfe-magazine-november-2021/

amount—with significantly reduced (or no) cost-sharing for health care expenses.

Medicare Part B, and that price also decreased in July, Moss says.

Second, starting in January 2024, the catastrophic coverage coinsurance requirement under Medicare Part D, which takes place when total spending reaches $7,400 per year, will be eliminated. Under catastrophic coverage, enrollees currently must pay a 5% share. However, this is after these patients will already have had to pay through three earlier phases: a deductible (100%), initial coverage (25%), and a coverage gap (25%). Only those with costly coverage, such as gene therapy, drugs, cancer drugs, and expensive specialty drugs, will benefit much from this rule change, Moss says.

Also, starting in 2024, the legislation will prevent Part D premiums, which increased 10% from the 2022 to 2023 plan years, from rising by more than 6% per year for seven years. The premium cap will start in 2024 and last through 2030. This ensures that the costs of the expanded benefits will not be passed along to beneficiaries over that period, Moss says.

Fourth, starting in 2025, a $2,000 annual outof-pocket spending cap will be implemented, and Part D enrollees will be able to spread the $2,000 over the year. That is likely to save annuitants with average-to-high drug prescriptions a great deal of

money, given this catastrophic limit is far lower than the devastating limit in most FEHB plans, which for a self-only enrollee could range from $1,500 to $9,100 per year, Moss says.

OPM issued a carrier letter at the end of January highlighting these changes and encouraged carriers to offer more Fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans so annuitants can benefit from the IRA reforms. This probably will result in more of these plan offerings and more consumer choice this coming Open Season for coverage in 2024.

New Plan Type Available in 2024

To receive enhanced Part D benefits for 2024, annuitants will have two enrollment options: the Fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans previously discussed and supplement Part D prescription drug plans, sometimes called PDP Employee Group Waiver Plans (EGWPs). PDP EGWPs are a new plan type that has never been offered to federal annuitants. Expect to see these plans in 2024. To be eligible for enrollment in a PDP EGWP, you must be enrolled in Medicare, either Part A & B or Part A. This will be the enrollment option for any annuitant that does not have Part B due to wanting to avoid paying the Part B premium, being subject to a Part

“Fed-friendly” Medicare Advantage plans pair a Part B premium reimbursement— sometimes the total

B enrollment penalty, or paying a higher Part B premium from IRMAA.

While carriers have not announced the details of their fall plans, some noted the potential of such plans.

“We were the first FEHB carrier to offer a national Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan as an option for retirees with Medicare Parts A&B in our Aetna Advantage plan and will continue to offer this plan in 2024,” says Candice Sanchez, vice president, federal plans at Aetna. “This Aetna Medicare Advantage plan provides the same coverage as Original Medicare but with additional benefits, such as $0 deductible and affordable excellent prescription benefits. Plus, it includes a reduction in Medicare Part B premiums of $100 per month (up to $1,200/year).

Sanchez added that their Aetna Medicare Advantage plan already includes prescription coverage under Part D, incorporating available

savings and lowering out-of-pocket costs for members.

“Our Aetna Medicare Advantage plan provides equal or better coverage for members than its corresponding FEHB plan, Aetna Advantage,” she said. “We are in the process of evaluating OPM’s carrier letter regarding the Part D EGWP guidance for 2024 for our portfolio of plans.”

Some Flies in the Ointment?

A condition of the new benefits is that carriers offer EGWPs. Not all carriers do. BCBS did not through the 2023 year, and a big question is whether they will do so in 2024, Moss notes.

Moss expresses concern regarding one aspect of OPM’s guidance to date, namely that it will allow carriers to propose plans that feature automatic group enrollment for PDP EGWPs for FEHB participants who have Medicare, stating that this reduces consumer choice and could enroll FEHB participants for whom these plans may not be the

Starting in 2025, a $2,000 annual out-ofpocket spending cap will be implemented, and Part D enrollees will be able to spread the $2,000 over the year.

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Open Season

best offering, such as higher income participants for whom the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) applies.

Auto-enrollment is possible but will require consumer protections, including transparency, an OPM spokesperson said in a written statement.

“As indicated in the FEHB Call Letter and the technical guidance, OPM will allow Carriers to auto-enroll annuitants into PDP EGWPs,” noted an OPM spokesperson. “Carriers are required to notify beneficiaries if they will be auto-enrolled in a PDP EGWP. Carriers must have a seamless, customer-friendly approach to allowing affected members to opt out of the enhanced Medicare product, if they so choose, in a manner consistent with CMS’ requirements in the PDP Enrollment and Disenrollment Guidance. Members may opt out of the PDP EGWP at any time, and the notification will explain the process for opting out.”

It also is unclear if this could allow carriers to charge additional fees for fed-friendly Medicare Advantage plans or supplemental plans, Moss says. OPM’s guidance and its statement to NARFE Magazine did not preclude such a possibility.

Moss says that the bottom line is that NARFE annuitant members need to start preparing for rapid action ahead of this coming Open Season, as they may face significant new choices with only a brief window after carriers announce their 2024 plans to determine whether and how the recent changes affect them, including the danger of being autoenrolled in a program that may not be optimal.

Open Season this fall is from November 13 to December 11. NARFE will host a November 9 webinar presented by Moss titled “Big Changes in How Federal Retirees Will Receive Prescription Drug Coverage in 2024 and Beyond.”

NARFE members can use the discount code NARFE20 to save 20% on Consumer Checkbook’s 45th edition of the Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees and Annuitants; the discount code can be applied to the cost of online access, the print edition or both. Carriers will likely release details on plan offerings before Open Season starts in late October and early November. Moss says the guide will provide in-depth analysis and advice on all the new Part D enrollment options available to annuitants in plan year 2024.

—DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, DC, AREA.

this fall is from November 13 to December 11. Carriers will likely release details on plan offerings before Open Season starts in late October and early November.

PEN SEASON REPORT

2023 OPEN SEASON: NOVEMBER 13 — DECEMBER 11

FEHB PLAN CHANGES

The 2023 federal benefits open season will run from Monday, November 13, to Monday, December 11.

During open season, federal employees may enroll in or change their current enrollments in several federal insurance benefit programs: the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS).

Federal retirees and survivors may change their current enrollment in FEHB and FEDVIP. Open season is the only time of the year when enrollees in FEDVIP can cancel their registration.

In early October, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will release information regarding the 2023 premiums and benefit changes for the numerous insurance plans participating in these federal programs. This occurs well before open season’s start date to give everyone enough time to study the options and decide whether to change.

NARFE will publish selected information in the November and December issues of NARFE Magazine. Resources also will be posted on NARFE’s website at www.narfe.org/open-season.

THIS YEAR’S FOCUS

In its annual call for carriers this year, OPM highlighted specific areas of concern:

• Fertility Benefits: As of June 2022, 20 states have passed fertility insurance coverage laws, and, as in prior years, OPM has been monitoring state efforts. There also continues to be a steady, upward trend among large employers in offering various coverage options for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and other fertility treatments. There also continue to be increasing numbers of large employers offering an evaluation by a reproductive endocrinologist or infertility specialist, and many provide additional coverage beyond an assessment. Large employers have also seen an upward trend covering infertility services, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), drug therapy, intrauterine insemination, and egg freezing. Medications account for up to 35% of the total cost, making coverage of drugs a meaningful contribution to the overall cost. For 2024, OPM requires carriers to provide coverage for artificial insemination, the drugs associated with artificial insemination procedures, and the cost of IVF-related medicines for three cycles annually to defray the overall IVF cycles for FEHB enrollees.

• FEHB and Medicare Coordination: OPM will now receive proposals to allow FEHB program members to benefit from Medicare Part D coverage by enrolling in carriers’ or their affiliated sponsors’ Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Employer Group

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Enroll online at RetireeFEHB.OPM.gov Or call the O ce of Personnel Management (OPM) Retirement Information Center at 1- 8 8 8 -767- 673 8 (T T Y: 711).

Aetna Medicare is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal . See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan bene ts, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availabilit y may var y by ser vice area. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivit y Health, Inc. ©2021 Tivit y Health, Inc. All rights reser ved. Healt h insurance pl ans are o ered and /or under written by Aet na Life Insurance Company (Aet na). This is a brief description of the features of this Aetna health insurance plan. Before making a decision, please read the plan’s applicable federal brochure(s). All bene ts are subject to the de itions, limitations and exclusions set for th in the federal brochure. Plan features and availabilit y may var y by location and are subject to change. Aetna does not provide care or guarantee access to health services. For more information about Aetna plans, refer to AetnaFeds.com/ etiree lans

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OPEN SEASON REPORT

Waiver Plans (MA-PD EGWPs) or Prescription Drug Plan Employer Group Waiver Plan (PDP EGWPs). This is now an automatic group enrollment for PDP EGWPs. It also requires carriers to coordinate benefits for FEHB members with other health care coverage, including Medicare Part B.

• Gender-Affirming Care: In the 2024 plan year, OPM recommends that FEHB carriers review updated information from recognized entities such as the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, the Endocrine Society, and the Fenway Institute for changes in medical policies and adjust accordingly. Executive Order 14035 directs OPM to promote equitable health care coverage and services for enrolled LGBTQ+ employees and their covered family members through the FEHB program.

• Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, renal disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and certain types of cancer. Obesity disproportionately affects some ethnic and/or racial groups. Estimates have shown that the annual medical cost for people who have obesity are on average 42% to 75% higher than those of normal weight,

with costs increasing significantly with the severity of obesity. Nutrition and physical activity supports are essential components for prevention and treatment. This coverage includes drug therapies for adolescents aged 12 and older.

• Mental Health: OPM recommends continuing the carriers’ strategies to improve access to and availability of mental health treatment and addressing access concerns and known Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health Services. This includes promoting the integration of mental health and primary care; expanding mental health provider networks; using reimbursement models that integrate health, mental health, and substance use disorder care, such as the collaborative care model; covering services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network rates when needed to provide timely access to specialized care; and continuing compliance with the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. In addition, OPM highlights continued concern about youth and incidences of mental challenges and substance use disorders related to the COVID19 pandemic.

POSTAL SERVICE HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE STARTS IN 2025

During Open Season this year, postal workers, retirees and their families will choose their 2024 coverage from among plans offered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.

Starting in 2025, the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, a new, separate program within FEHB, will insure eligible Postal Service employees, annuitants and their eligible family members.

It is important to note that postal annuitants will not be required to enroll in Medicare Part B if they have not already done so. Anyone who is a postal annuitant as of January 1, 2025, and not already enrolled in Medicare Part B, will not be required to enroll in Part B as a condition of receiving health benefits through the PSHB program.

Any family members of such a postal annuitant are also exempt from the Part B enrollment requirement. Further, postal employees who are at least age 64 as of January 1, 2025, will not be required to enroll in Medicare Part B when they retire (as a postal annuitant) as a condition of receiving health benefits through the PSHB program. Any family members of such a postal employee are also exempt from the Part B enrollment requirement.

Furthermore, Medicare-eligible postal annuitants and family members who are not already enrolled in Medicare Part B will have a six-month special enrollment period, beginning April 1, 2024, to enroll in Part B penalty free.

Learn more at www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance/pshb/

COMMON OPEN SEASON QUESTIONS

Will my current health plan continue to participate in the FEHB program?

The FEHB program adds new plans and drops others each year, and plans can change from year to year. For instance, you may find that your premium stays the same, but certain medical procedures are not covered the way they have been in the past. The best way to stay on top of upcoming changes is to read the information available from your health plan and from OPM. To ensure you do not miss any critical communication, make sure your current address is on file with both OPM and your FEHB plan.

How do I get a plan brochure for Open Season? I didn’t get one in the mail. Health insurance carriers are no longer required to send plan brochures through the mail. You can view the brochures online at OPM’s website (www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/plan-information/plans/) or

call your carrier using the contact information on your health plan ID card.

I am a federal annuitant. Can I change my enrollment to Self Plus One during Open Season or was enrollment in Self Plus One required in the five years leading up to my retirement?

No, you do not have to be enrolled in Self Plus One for the five years before you retire to change during Open Season.

If I make a change during Open Season, when will it be effective?

Open Season changes for annuitants are effective January 1. Changes for most current employees are effective the first day of the first full pay period in January. If you need medical services before the effective date of your Open Season enrollment, you should contact your old plan.

— NARFE FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE

OCTOBER 12 To B or Not to B (Whether or not to Take Medicare Part B)

OCTOBER 26 Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans

NOVEMBER 2 Choosing the Best FEHB Plan: Medicare Edition

NOVEMBER 9 Big Changes to How Federal Annuitants Receive Prescription Drug Benefits in 2024 and Beyond

NOVEMBER 15 Choosing the Best FEHB Plan: Without Medicare Edition

CONTINUING

LEARNING

BY EVERETT A. CHASEN

Whether you’re looking for a new career, fulfilling a lifelong dream or trying to stay socially active, returning to college has significant benefits.

Some retirees return to the classroom because their first careers ended, and they’d like to continue to work but do something different. Others want to stay working in their chosen field but must remain current and competitive with the latest trends and technologies. Some wish to achieve lifelong education goals like obtaining advanced degrees, while others want to challenge themselves, meet new people, and learn new things.

Several nationwide programs, such as The Bernard Osher Foundation (www.osherfoundation. org), champion lifelong learning for older adults to enhance their well-being, exercise their brains, and expand their social networks. The not-forprofit Road Scholar program (www.roadscholar. org) inspires adults to learn, discover and travel by offering trips around the world led by teacher guides with significant knowledge about a destination or a subject of interest to lifelong learners.

While different states and educational institutions have their requirements, most states don’t require people 60 or older applying to degreegranting programs to take standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or GRE—and many don’t ask them to write the types of essays that are the bane of most high school seniors’ existences. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), 60% of accredited degree-granting educational institutions offer older adults tuition waivers. Others offer special discounts to seniors or let them attend classes for free.

Most older Americans haven’t set foot in a classroom in years. However, there are excellent reasons for federal employees and retirees to return to school, regardless of age.

Many public and private scholarships are available to older students. Some require applicants to meet income requirements, and all need to be U.S. citizens and have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help determine your eligiblity requirements.

ACE’s report, “Mapping New Directions: Higher Education for Older Adults” observed that adults over 50 are more likely to be served by community colleges than students under 25. Half of college-going adults aged 50 or older attend community colleges, compared to 33% of college students under 25.

ACE also found that the top five programs enrolling older adult students are fine arts and the humanities, business management and entrepreneurship, human services and counseling, teacher education, and health services. Many returning students prefer intergenerational learning to age-segregated education and believe older and younger students can learn from one another.

Starting a New Career

Louise Van Diepen, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs retiree, and her husband, Vann Van Diepen, returned to school after retirement to learn a vocation new to both of them: financial planning.

“Louise had gotten interested in looking under the hood of our finances and learning more about them,” said Vann, a State Department retiree. “And

[this area] appealed to me because I wanted a more structured, analytic way of looking at what I’d been doing on our behalf for 25 years.”

The couple enrolled in a rigorous, seven-course University of Virginia program to receive a certified financial planning certificate. They took courses in financial planning, insurance, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and income tax planning, followed by a capstone in which students prepare and present actual financial plans based on specific scenarios.

For many of their fellow students, the program is a stepping-stone to becoming a certified financial planner—but doing so requires taking a national examination and completing either 6,000 hours of professional experience relating to the economic process or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience.

“We’re retired and want to stay retired,” Louise explains. “So that just didn’t work for us.”

Instead, they use the knowledge they gained to offer informal planning advice to friends and family and to work better with their financial planner. Louise and Vann volunteered at Catholic Charities DC for four years and now work with AARP’s TaxAide program as pro bono tax preparers. Their new expertise benefits those who come to them for assistance.

The Van Diepens were the only retired students in their classes—and not only did they keep up with

their younger classmates, but they also excelled. “Every afternoon, we did our required reading,” Louise said. “Then we made [index] cards and drilled each other on what we’d read. Because we weren’t working, we had more time to devote to our studies. I think we were the top students!”

They suggest that students considering entering a new and rigorous study be aware of how the instruction will be provided.

“Is it virtual or in person,” Vann asks, “and if it’s in person, where do you have to travel? Make sure that it fits with what you’re looking for. One of the things we enjoyed about our in-person experience was that we got to interact directly with other students and our professors. You won’t get much of that in a virtual classroom environment.”

“Be sure you know what you’re getting and that this is how you want to get your learning done,” he said.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Although the Van Diepens had specific objectives in mind when they began their studies, many older students agree with the philosophy of State Department retiree Charles Silver.

“When I was in university,” he said, “I was busy getting a degree, which meant there were all sorts of interesting things I never studied. Now, I try to take courses I know absolutely nothing about.”

Like thousands of others, Silver attends classes offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), in his case at George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, Virginia.

“In retirement, we find folks lose social connections,” said Jennifer Disano, executive director of GMU’s OLLI program. “OLLI can help facilitate friendships and build relationships. We offer older adults the opportunity to take academic classes without the pressure. No homework, no grades, just learning for the love of it!”

At GMU, OLLI provides classes in 12 subject areas: from arts and music to current events, history to science, technology and health—and much more.

“History is the most popular subject, absolutely,” Disano tells us. “Classes on current events, the humanities, and the social sciences are well attended. And people are interested in finance. We get professors from the economics department to come over and give lectures. They are fabulous,

“One of the things we enjoyed about our in-person experience was that we got to interact directly with other students and our professors.”

Vann Van Diepen State Department retiree.

providing timely, interesting information about what’s happening in economics and finance.”

Disano estimates that about 20% of the program’s courses are taught by GMU professors.

“In those, you‘re going to have a high level of academics, although there’s no homework,” says Disano. Another 30% are taught by regional experts, who are plentiful in the Washington, D.C., area. “We have people coming in from think tanks like the Wilson Center or the Carter Center for Peace, as well as the National Park Service and other places in the area.”

The remaining 50% of OLLI courses at GMU are taught by members.

“You get people who are super passionate about a topic that has nothing to do with their careers or anything they study, but they’re just really interested in it,” Disano said. “For example, we have a member who loves wine and everything about the whole process of creating wine. He gives terrific lectures on the subject, and then students go on trips to wineries and get into the science of it. We have former physicians who talk about the best things you can do to keep yourselves healthy or about a certain area of medical research.”

Jennifer Disano, executive director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, George Mason University

“We offer classes, events, social opportunities, and club activities, including a photography club and an investment forum—two of our most popular clubs,” Disano added. “We also offer ‘lighter fare’ classes like bridge and a walking club, as well as conversation groups like ‘what’s in the daily news.’” Silver participates in both the lighter fare programs and the more intellectual offerings. “The chance to learn more about Jane Austen, Dante, or [20th-century English novelist] John Galsworthy or about Civil War railroads in the Northern Virginia area is a wonderful change from what I know from work,” he said.

Engagement with lifelong learning, Disano believes, is strongly correlated with continued brain function and emotional health. She cites several recent studies to support this contention.

One, by a researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, demonstrates that telomeres (a stretch of DNA that protects the ends of your chromosomes from damage or fusing with nearby chromosomes) can be kept from shortening by following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and being socially active through activities such as group classes. This, in turn, may delay the pace of aging and the onset of diseases like cancer.

A second study showed that taking classes shows a positive association for older adults with improved brain function and lower incidences of dementia. This is what the authors call “cognitive leisure activities.” And a recent study found

“We offer classes, events, social opportunities, and club activities, including a photography club and an investment forum—two of our most popular clubs.”

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that during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults in South Florida who participated in social engagement activities over Zoom largely avoided social isolation and loneliness, which are linked to poor health outcomes.

OLLI at GMU fights social isolation through programs like a “Walk and Talk Club.” Members walk for about an hour (two miles) and then go to a bakery or café to continue conversations over coffee and sweets. The club has more than 70 members, and there have been as many as 30 walkers at some events.

“My participation in the OLLI Walk and Talk Club is a chance to get out, walk, and discover the wealth of parks and paths that make Fairfax County a nice place to live—and at the same time, get to know my fellow OLLI members a bit better in an informal setting,” Silver said.

There are also “Ethnic Eats,” “Dirty Knee” (for gardeners), a personal computer users’ group, and a mahjong group. Many of the program’s 600 yearly course offerings over three semesters are offered online for those who can’t get to OLLI at one of GMU’s three campuses.

Membership in OLLI at GMU costs a flat fee of $450 annually, although other OLLI programs have different rates.

“For that fee, you can sign up for everything we offer,” says Disano. “You have access to everything. The only additional fees are for bus trips or course materials like books.” GMU OLLI members also

gain access to the school’s library and pay a reduced fee to access GMU’s fitness facilities.

The program encourages members’ engagement with students at the school and raises funds to provide scholarships for deserving undergraduates. “These and other activities deepen our connection to the university and its activities, which opens up a whole other arena of fun and exciting things to do for our members.”

Although OLLI at GMU is part of the nationwide network of OLLI programs, “each program is unique, and we’re autonomous from one another, but we have the connection of our endowments from The Bernard Osher Foundation,” Disano explains. “We also have a wonderful resource in the Osher National Resource Center, a hub where all OLLIs share best practices.” A list of the 125 learning institutes hosting OLLIs can be found at https:// www.osherfoundation.org/olli_list.html.

Before he retired, Silver attended a retirement seminar sponsored by the State Department. His instructor offered attendees some critical advice, he recalls. “You have two sets of muscles to keep fit in retirement: those in your body and those in your mind. OLLI has gone a long way in helping me exercise both sets of muscles and put my newfound free time to productive use. It’s an important part of how I fill my retirement day!”

—EVERETT A. (EV) CHASEN IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA. HE RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.

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Converting Directly From the Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA

The two most common questions I receive regarding Roth conversions are: First, can the traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) be converted to the Roth TSP?

Second, can money be converted directly from the traditional TSP to a Roth IRA, or does the money need to be transferred to a conventional IRA first?

The answer to the first question is simple—No. The TSP does not allow an “in-plan” conversion, which converts from the traditional account in an employer-based retirement plan like the TSP to the Roth account within the plan. A participant must move the money to a Roth IRA to perform a Roth conversion with the traditional TSP balance.

Although the answer to the second question is simple, it requires further explanation due to recent confusion in this area.

While a Roth conversion may be performed as a two-step process (to a traditional IRA first, followed by a conversion from the traditional IRA to a Roth IRA), it doesn’t need to be. Instead, participants may perform a Roth conversion by transferring money from the traditional TSP directly to a Roth IRA.

This wasn’t always permitted. The Pension Protection Act of 2006, which took effect in 2008, paved the way for money to be converted directly from an employerbased retirement plan, such as the TSP, to a Roth IRA. I believe in keeping things

THE TSP DOES NOT ALLOW AN “IN-PLAN” CONVERSION, WHICH CONVERTS FROM THE TRADITIONAL ACCOUNT IN AN EMPLOYER-BASED RETIREMENT PLAN LIKE THE TSP TO THE ROTH ACCOUNT WITHIN THE PLAN.

simple. The fewer moving parts, the better. Therefore, I’m a proponent of the one-step conversion directly from the traditional TSP to a Roth IRA. The confusion is that some believe the TSP has incorrectly classified transfers from the traditional TSP to a Roth IRA as a rollover, which they claim are not rollovers. Their position is that these TSP participants’ Roth IRAs (those who converted directly from the traditional TSP to a Roth IRA) are not Roth IRAs but are instead rollover traditional IRAs because they are funded with pre-tax traditional TSP funds.

Technically, transferring money directly from the Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA is a rollover. According to IRS “Topic No. 413, Rollovers From Retirement Plans” (www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc413), “A rollover occurs when you withdraw cash or other assets from one eligible retirement plan and contribute all or part of it, within 60 days, to another eligible retirement plan. This rollover transaction isn’t taxable unless it is to a Roth IRA or a designated Roth account from another type of plan or account. Still, it is reportable on your federal tax return.”

The key takeaway from the IRS quote is a rollover from the Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA is taxable. When a participant withdraws money from the TSP (including a rollover to another retirement plan), the TSP issues a 1099-R to report the transaction. The gross distribution is reported in box 1, and the taxable amount of the distribution (including any money transferred directly from the Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA) is reported in box 2a.

While there are a few different types of rollovers (which I’ll address in a future column), transferring money directly from the traditional TSP to a Roth IRA is what’s called a direct rollover and will be treated as such on a 1099-R by reporting code G (rollover to another retirement plan) in box 7.

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The problem is the TSP issued some incorrect 1099-Rs related to rollovers from the Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA. While the 1099R’s were correctly coded as a rollover (code G in box 7), the taxable amount in box 2a was incorrect (the few I reviewed reported $0 in box 2a). In those instances, the TSP participants contacted the TSP and requested a corrected 1099-R that correctly said the conversion was taxable in box 2a.

Any TSP participant who converted money directly from the traditional TSP to a Roth IRA should review their 1099-R and tax return to ensure the conversion was correctly reported. If not, the participant should request a corrected

1099-R from the TSP and work with a tax professional to fix the return. For more information on the Pension Protection Act and how rollovers from an eligible employer plan to a Roth IRA are taxed, see IRS Notice 2009-75.

MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK. SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA), MEMBER FINRA/SIPC. ADVISORY SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT LLC AND SFA. MARK KEEN IS A REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF SFA AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE OF SFA AND STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT, LLC. SFA AND STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT ARE AFFILIATED THROUGH COMMON OWNERSHIP BUT OTHERWISE UNAFFILIATED WITH KEEN & POCOCK. NEITHER STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT NOR SFA PROVIDE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE.

NARFE Magazine Wins 2 APEX Awards

In June, NARFE was honored to learn that two NARFE Magazine feature stories had been chosen for Awards of Excellence in the 35th Annual Awards for Publication Excellence (APEX).

Tammy Flanagan received an Award of Excellence in the category Writing –Financial & Investment Writing, for the October 2002 cover story “Ensure Good Health with the Right Insurance.”

Everett Chasen received an Award of Excellence in the

category Print Media – Senior Citizen Issues, for the May 2022 cover story “Scams Targeting Seniors: Don’t Take the Bait.”

NARFE Magazine has been a past winner of the APEX Awards, and this year we are thrilled to

Johann De Castro, CPA, Named NARFE Chief of Staff

Johann De Castro, CPA was recently promoted to the position of Chief of Staff of NARFE, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.

“As Chief of Staff, Johann will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our organization,” NARFE National President William Shackelford said. “He will work with both

the board and staff towards building the organization through bold decisions, streamlining operations, and driving crossfunctional collaboration.

“Johann has proven to be an outstanding team player, consistently going above and beyond to support staff and contributing to a positive work environment. His analytical mindset, and ability to solve

2023 CONFERENCES

NEW HAMPSHIRE: November 1, 172 N. Main St., Concord, NH, Holiday Inn Concord Downtown; email Patricia Grandmaison, patspoint2@gmail.com.

WISCONSIN: November 6; contact Melanie Miller, melanie.miller@wisc.edu.

receive continued recognition because of the skilled work of our staff and writing team. The APEX Awards highlight excellence in graphic design, editorial content, and the ability to achieve overall communications excellence. There were more than 1,100 entries, providing for some intense competition. Congratulations to Tammy, Ev and the staff who produce NARFE Magazine! Members can read archived issues of NARFE Magazine at www.narfe.org/ magazine-issues .

—BY MATTHEW SANDERSON, CONTENT MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS

complex problems will be instrumental in driving

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.)

Social Security Number (9-digit number)

Civil Service Annuity Number

C S

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

o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms.

Full Name Street Address

Apt./Unit City State ___________ ZIP Phone (__________)

NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

NARFE Membership ID

NARFE Chapter Number

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.)

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.

New Grassroots Program Manager at NARFE

Ivana Sara has joined NARFE as the grassroots program manager, where she spearheads and oversees grassroots advocacy initiatives to promote the organization’s legislative priorities and engage members in impactful advocacy efforts. With a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of South Florida and a master’s in public policy from Northeastern University, Ivana brings a solid academic foundation for policy development and implementation.

Ivana’s career journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences and a profound commitment to positively impacting people’s lives. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivana demonstrated her versatility and dedication by working closely with regulatory affairs, explicitly focusing on Food and Drug Administration regulations for medical devices. In this critical role, she played an instrumental part in addressing the shortage of ventilators and developed valuable skills in

navigating complex federal regulations.

Ivana then pursued one of her key policy interests and transitioned to the affordable housing sector, acknowledging the pressing need for accessible and affordable housing in Boston. Working from the developer’s side of the housing sector, she focused on increasing housing inventory in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods and addressing housing affordability and equitable development issues. Ivana recognized that the housing crisis demanded innovative, multifaceted solutions catering to the city’s most vulnerable populations. She collaborated closely with city officials,

innovation and ensuring our organizations growth,” Shackelford said.

De Castro was named Acting Executive Director in May 2022. During the past year, he has led several initiatives to modernize NARFE systems and processes, positively affecting all aspects of the organization.

De Castro joined NARFE in 2018 as NARFE’s Staff Vice president for Finance and Administration. Prior to his time at NARFE, he amassed nearly three decades of management, finance and accounting experience at for-profit and nonprofit organizations. De Castro has been a certified public accountant for 25 years.

community organizations, and various coalitions to expand the low-income housing tax credit in advocating for increased housing inventory and rehabilitation.

In her role at NARFE, Ivana aims to bring her advocacy experience and strategic insights to the forefront, harnessing the power of grassroots activism to amplify the voices of federal workers and retirees. Her passion for driving meaningful change aligns perfectly with NARFE’s mission to protect and enhance the benefits of its members.

In her spare time, Ivana enjoys volunteering at the local Salvation Army and experimenting with diverse culinary dishes, especially that of her Lebanese roots. As a Florida native, Ivana enjoys taking advantage of the outdoors by kayaking and paddle boarding.

“I am thrilled to join NARFE and work on pioneering new and imaginative approaches to advocacy,” she says. “By harnessing the dedication and passion of our members, we can amplify our impact and ensure that the interests of our members are at the forefront of legislative decisions.”

SHARE YOUR NARFE ‘WHY’

NARFE helps members every day. Whether it’s solving a problem with federal benefits, or picking up valuable financial planning tips, or just staying informed on the issues affecting active and retired Feds, NARFE has something for everyone.

We want to hear from you about why you belong to NARFE. Visit www.narfe.org/my-NARFE-why and share on FEDHub why you’re proud to be a member.

CHIEF OF STAFF FROM P.54

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.

NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

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

I am a (check all that apply)

NARFE MEMBER BENEFITS

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

• Access to FEDHub, NARFE’s online community, where members share ideas, information and solutions—it’s the go-to place where active and retired Feds connect

• Visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives about bills affecting federal benefits.

• Get NARFE Magazine and our weekly e-newsletter, NewsLine—your best sources for the latest news and information on issues impacting federal employees and retirees.

• NARFE Perks discounts on insurance, travel, health services and more!

• Nearly 800 local chapters unite federal employees, retirees, their spouses and survivors, and provide networking, advocacy and leadership opportunities.

q Check, Money Order or Bill Pay (Payable to NARFE)

q Bill me (NARFE membership will start when payment is received.)

q

q Please enroll my spouse

Spouse’s Full Name Spouse’s Email

THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN

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.

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 #____________

THANK YOUR RECRUITER Did someone introduce you to NARFE? Please provide their Name and Member ID.

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. Some NARFE member benefits are provided by third parties (NARFE Perks), and not NARFE.

PRODUCTS

SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE AT

www.NARFE.org/memberperks

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 | Shieldbenefits.com/narfe

Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, you have affordable legal help when you need it. 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.

ODP Business Solutions | 1-800-650-1222 | www.officediscounts.org/narfe

Because you’re a member of NARFE, you now have access to exclusive members only discounts at ODP Business Solutions (previously Office Depot/Office Max). Members save up to 75% off on ODP Business Solutions Best Value list of preferred products and can take advantage of products discounted off the officedepot.com regular prices. Restrictions may apply so visit officediscounts.org/narfe for details. Product and service discounts may no longer be available for in-store purchases.

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.

Active&Fit Direct | https://www.narfe.org/narfe-perks-for-members/activefit-direct/ Stay active from anywhere for $28/mo. Active&Fit Direct includes 12,200+ Gyms, 9,300+ On-Demand Videos and 1:1 Well-Being Coaching. A fitness program with no annual fees and no long-term contracts. Switch gyms anytime. Membership options for your spouse. No Enrollment Fee With Promo Code: FALLFITNESS

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.

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

PRE-PLANNING

..................................................................................................................................

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.

ADDITIONAL PERKS

.......................................................................................................................

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

1-800-GOT-JUNK? | 800-468-5865 | www.narfe.org/1-800-got-junk

NARFE Members Save 10% with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Do you have old furniture, appliances, electronics, construction debris, yard waste or other junk you need to make disappear?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? can take away almost any material we can fit in our trucks, without you ever lifting a finger—all you have to do is point! Use code NARFE10 when you book. To get started, give us a call or book online.

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 | narfe@wvlcorp.com

At Wheaton, we know interstate relocation is much more than trucks and boxes. With a network of topquality agents throughout the United States, Wheaton provides peace of mind with every relocation.

TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ENTERTAINMENT ...........................................................................

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.

Collette Travel | 844-311-6563 | www.narfe.org/gocollette

With over 160 tours to all 7 continents and travel styles varying from small group to river cruising, Collette offers something for everyone. As a NARFE member, you receive an additional $50-$100 off all tours including sales and offers! Just use your member benefit code NARFESAVE or let our reservation agent know you are a NARFE Member when booking.

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.

Member Deals | https://memberdeals.com/narfe/?login=1

MemberDeals is your one stop for great discounts on nationwide travel and entertainment! Find exclusive discounts, special offers, preferred seating, and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, hotels, and much more. Visit MemberDeals and find savings such as up to 40% on top theme parks nationwide and preferred access tickets to your favorite concerts, sports & more!

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

INSURANCE .........................................................................................................................................

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

Designed exclusively for NARFE members, (plans administered by AMBA Administrators, Inc.) Senior Age Whole Life Insurance, Senior Term Life Insurance, Hospital Indemnity 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 toprated 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.

Protecting the President

Secret Service agents accompany President Harry Truman and Mexican President Miguel Aleman as they leave what was then known as National Airport in an open limousine in 1947.

The Secret Service was originally established in 1865 to combat counterfeiting. After President William McKinley’s assassination in 1901, the Secret Service began protecting U.S. presidents, the role for which they are most known.

Today, the Secret Service continues to protect national leaders and visiting foreign dignitaries while also safeguarding U.S. financial systems.

PHOTO from the Records of the Harry S. Truman Library, 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.

DID YOU KNOW?

The U.S. Secret Service has nearly 7,000 employees working in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Visit www.secretservice.gov/ about

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* . Call 1-855-252-0025 to discover more or visit www.blue365deals.com/fep.

EXPERIENCE - HearUSA has been changing lives through better hearing since 1987. Our experienced Hearing Care Professionals will recommend solutions that fit your lifestyle and unique needs.

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.

©2023 HearUSA. All Rights Reserved.

*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