ON THE TELEPHONE: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFBNEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org.
ON DIGITAL AUDIO: Issues of NARFE Magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider.
The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.
NATIONAL OFFICERS
WILLIAM SHACKELFORD President; natpres@narfe.org
KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org
TO JOIN NARFE, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR FIND
A LOCAL CHAPTER: CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 OR GO TO www.narfe.org
TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL LISTING:
CALL (TOLL-FREE) 800-456-8410 EMAIL memberrecords@narfe.org OR GO TO www.narfe.org, log in and click on “My Account”
TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST: EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org
NARFE HEADQUARTERS
606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-7760
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET
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) Tel: 785-256-1450
Email: mrsdocbusyb@yahoo.com
REGION VI Marshall L. Richards (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Republic of Panama and Texas) Tel: 903-660-2784
Email: pappysdad@cobridge.tv
REGION VII 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
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.
Briefings from FEDcon24, Marketing and Elections
FEDCON24
By the time you read this column, you will have learned about all the activities at the NARFE biennial national training conference, FEDcon24, in St. Louis, and the National Executive Board (NEB) meeting during the last week of August. Conference attendees enjoyed a variety of speakers and training sessions with something for everyone. While most of the 400-plus attendees were from NARFE chapters and federations, almost 50 were active federal employees.
I wish I could provide you with full details of the conference, but this column must be finished by the end of July so the October issue can be distributed to you by mid-September. Detailed information on everything that occurred at the conference will be available in the November magazine and on the NARFE website. This information will include which bylaws amendments were passed and which newly elected national officers and regional vice presidents will serve on the 2025-2026 NEB.
MEMBERSHIP MARKETING
At the joint Federation Presidents’ and NEB meeting in Alexandria in August 2023, the Federation Presidents submitted a membership recruitment plan to me. The plan was designed to reverse the membership decline that NARFE has been experiencing for several years. Using the plan from the Federation Presidents, NARFE headquarters staff developed a request-for-proposal (RFP) to solicit vendors that could provide NARFE with much-needed membership engagement advice. In August 2024, the NEB selected Street Level
Studio, Inc. to aid NARFE. Representatives of Street Level Studio met with several members during FEDcon24.
The overall strategy is for NARFE to increase its membership through heightened visibility within the many federal agencies, bureaus, and commissions. There will also be an increased focus on attracting new members among all federal employees by making these individuals aware of the benefits of joining NARFE.
NATIONAL ELECTIONS
Now that the NARFE elections are over, members can focus on our national elections. Several seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate are being contested. Some of these seats have been vacated by long-time members of Congress who have supported NARFE issues for several years.
Regardless of your affiliation, please acquaint yourself with the positions of all of the candidates to become an “educated voter.” Your vote could lessen the chance that efforts to reduce/eliminate the benefits of federal employees, retirees, and annuitants will occur.
I appreciate your support. Remember, an interested member is an involved member!
WILLIAM SHACKELFORD
NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org
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Health insurance plans are offered and/or underwritten by Aetna Life Insurance Company (Aetna). 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 benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the federal brochure. Plan features and availability may vary 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/retireeplans
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
NARFE Members Save On Office Supplies With ODP Business Solutions
Score big on major discounts on office supplies with your NARFE membership! ODP Business Solutions offers a wide
range of essential supplies, from notebooks and pens to binders and folders, all at unbeatable prices.
Remember: Taking advantage
VISIT NARFE’S LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER
NARFE’s team of professional lobbyists continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the federal community. Send your lawmaker a letter easy with our Legislative Action Center at www.narfe.org/ advocacy/legislative-action-center.
IT’S ALL IN NARFE NEWSLINE
NARFE NewsLine delivers weekly breaking and key federal benefits news and information from NARFE and media sources around the country. You also receive key updates about federal benefits and advocacy efforts, as well as lifestyle topics. Members receive this in their inbox every Tuesday.
of just one NARFE Perks offer could more than pay for your annual membership. Visit www.narfe.org/ narfe-perks-for-members.
FIND YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER
Visit www.narfe.org/chapters to find an interactive map to find your local NARFE chapter and meet fellow active and retired feds!
TACKLE OPEN SEASON WITH ARCHIVED WEBINARS
While every Open Season will present new information, like with your premium, our Federal Benefit Institute’s webinar archive dating back to 2019 contains a wealth of broad, helpful benefits topics. These expert-moderated training videos arm members with benefits knowledge to not only keep you informed during Open Season, but year round. Visit www.narfe.org/webinar-archive.
What’s Project 2025—and What Does It Mean for Feds?
Project 2025 has been getting a lot of attention in the news. We’re here to explain what it is and what it means for federal employees and retirees.
The 2025 Presidential Transition Project, or Project 2025, is an effort of a broad coalition of conservative organizations led by the Heritage Foundation to, according to the Project 2025 website, “build on four pillars that will, collectively, pave the way for an effective conservative administration: a policy agenda, personnel, training, and a 180-day playbook.” In essence, it’s an effort to ensure that, if elected, the next Trump administration is staffed with well-trained employees ready to implement the project’s conservative agenda. From a personnel perspective, the project focuses on identifying individuals to fill existing positions filled by political appointment and a broader pool of staff to replace existing civil servants if the administration reinstitutes Schedule F.
Exactly how much influence the project would
have on a future Trump administration remains to be seen. Numerous different political forces influence any administration. Project 2025 represents a consolidated effort by conservative groups and individuals with close ties to the Trump campaign and the former Trump administration. Notably, the former Project 2025 director, Paul Dans, served as chief-ofstaff at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in the
former Trump administration. Dans stepped down in August. But Project 2025 would not be the only game in town, and President Trump disavowed the project in July: “I have not seen it, have no idea who is in charge of it, and, unlike our very well received Republican Platform, had nothing to do with it.” Even so, there are parallels between Trump’s campaign positions, such as support for eliminating merit-based civil service protections through a return of Schedule F, and the Project 2025 policy agenda.
The Project 2025 policy agenda is extensive. The
OCTOBER ACTION ALERT: PROTECT MERIT BASED CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM
Visit NARFE’s Legislative Action Center at www.narfe.org to send a message to your lawmakers urging them to cosponsor the Saving Civil Service Act, H.R. 1002/S. 399. This act would prevent the return of Schedule F, ensuring the public’s expectations of a system that is efficient, fair, protected against undue political interference in the execution of laws. Merit-based civil service rules are integral to preserving professionalism, institutional knowledge and expertise within the federal government.
project has produced a 922page book of policy proposals on a broad range of issues implicating every federal agency (or, in some cases, for the Department of Education, it proposes eliminating it).
It includes a chapter titled “Central Personnel Agencies: Managing the Bureaucracy.”
From an administrative policy perspective, the project focuses on a comprehensive strategy centered on “Dismantling The Administrative State And Returning Self-Governance to the American People,” focusing on diminishing the influence of bureaucracy and regulatory constraints that purportedly stifle American prosperity.
Its chapter on the central personnel agencies endorses the implementation of Schedule F, which would allow an administration to reclassify tens of thousands—or more— competitive service positions protected by merit-based rules into a new excepted service schedule without such rules, permitting termination for any reason, including political affiliation. If instituted,
MYTH VS. REALITY
MYTH: Collaborative advocacy only benefits larger organizations and leaves smaller groups without a voice.
REALITY: Collaborative advocacy benefits all participating organizations, regardless of size. By aligning with larger organizations, smaller groups gain a platform and greater visibility, while larger organizations benefit from the diverse perspectives and increased legitimacy that smaller groups bring. This mutual support strengthens the overall advocacy effort.
this policy could allow an administration to fire civil
IF INSTITUTED, THIS POLICY COULD ALLOW AN ADMINISTRATION TO FIRE CIVIL SERVANTS BASED ON THEIR POLITICAL LEANINGS AND REPLACE THEM WITH PARTY LOYALISTS.
NARFE STRONGLY OPPOSES A RETURN OF SCHEDULE F.
servants based on their political leanings and replace them with party loyalists. NARFE strongly opposes a return of Schedule F.
Project 2025’s federal workforce chapter also supported reducing federal retirement benefits—albeit vaguely—and supporting other changes to federal workforce policy, such as instituting merit pay.
Effective governance and service delivery by the
government rely heavily on the dedication and expertise of federal workers. In NARFE’s view, any measures to reduce their compensation, diminish benefits, or increase job insecurity risk undermining essential public functions.
NARFE’s core concern with Project 2025 centers around its support for reinstituting Schedule F and the prospect of converting large portions of the civil service into pseudopolitical appointments, with the potential for mass firings based on political affiliation, leading to the loss of institutional knowledge and professionalism in the civil service, and an ushering in a return to the spoils system.
From NARFE’s perspective, protecting the integrity and independence of the civil service remains paramount for ensuring effective governance and continued service to the American people.
—BY RANDALL “RJ” THACKER, MANAGER, POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AND JOHN HATTON, STAFF VICE PRESIDENT, POLICY AND PROGRAMS
The House and Senate made progress before the August recess, advancing their versions of appropriations
bills to fund the government for fiscal year 2025, setting the stage for additional consideration and cross-chamber negotiation.
At press time, leaders and members from both sides of the SEE APPROPRIATIONS ON P. 12
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
Two Heads are Better Than One: The Benefits of Collaborative Advocacy
In the realm of advocacy, collaboration is a powerful strategy, more powerful than some may think. Working in coalition with other like-minded groups can significantly up our legislative impact.
By forming alliances and engaging in collaborative advocacy, we can better stand up for our members, making our concerns more pronounced, and better heard by policymakers.
Building a coalition involves joining forces with other organizations that share similar goals and concerns. This approach has numerous benefits:
• Increased Influence: A coalition represents a larger, more diverse constituency, which can make a stronger case to legislators and government officials.
• Resource Sharing: Organizations can pool their resources, expertise and networks, leading to more effective and efficient advocacy efforts.
• Unified Messaging: A coalition can present a unified front, making it clear that an issue has widespread support across different sectors and communities.
NARFE has a long history of working with dozens of organizations that comprise coalitions to advocate for federal employees and retirees. Some of our key allies include:
• The Federal-Postal Coalition: Founded in the
1970s, this coalition includes more than 30 national organizations and represents more than 5 million federal and postal workers and retirees. The coalition has been instrumental in advocating for retirement security, health care benefits and workplace rights. Recently, the coalition has joined together to support efforts to protect the meritbased civil service system from politicization.
• The Employee Thrift Advisory Council (ETAC): This select group of 15 organizations offers counsel to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), which administers the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). ETAC has worked on introducing additional options within the TSP, such as the Roth 401(k).
• Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO): NARFE is an active member of the LCAO, a coalition of 68 national nonprofit organizations focused on the well-being of America’s older population. This coalition works on issues like Medicare, Social Security and long-term care. Many of these organizations, like NARFE, are dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights and benefits of the federal community. By collaborating, we can leverage each other’s strengths and expand our reach.
Collaborative
advocacy often is demonstrated by the use of sign-on letters. These letters are drafted by one or more organizations and then endorsed by multiple coalition members. The purpose is to show wide support for a particular policy position or legislative proposal. Sign-on letters can be particularly effective because they show that a policy has widespread backing, which can persuade lawmakers to take action, as well as attracting media coverage, raising public awareness and putting additional pressure on policymakers. Also, they become part of the official record, documenting the collective stance of multiple organizations. By signing onto joint letters and engaging in coordinated advocacy efforts, coalitions are able to present a robust, cohesive voice to Congress. These efforts increase the likelihood of further movement and progress on legislative fronts.
Collaborative advocacy has proven a potent tool for NARFE and its allies. Together we achieve a greater impact than any one organization could alone. This approach not only magnifies our voice but also demonstrates to policymakers that our concerns, needs and interests are shared, expressed and well-championed.
—BY IVANA SARA, MANAGER, GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
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APPROPRIATIONS FROM P.9
aisle expected Congress to pass a continuing resolution to extend the fiscal year 2024 funding past the November elections. However, the committee work in both chambers prepared the bills that will be used as the baseline for lame duck session deliberations.
In July, the House Appropriations Committee advanced 12 fiscal year 2025 appropriations bills through the committee, preparing them for a potential vote by the full House of Representatives.
Chairman Tom Cole, R-OK, highlighted this accomplishment, emphasizing that all members had ample opportunity for input throughout the process. He stated, “Every single bill has been marked up … everybody has had their opportunity for input.” He acknowledged the importance of this stage in the appropriations process, emphasizing readiness for negotiations with the Senate. The full House also passed five of the twelve bills.
The Senate Appropriations Committee also passed 11 of their 12 appropriations bills before the congressional recess, leaving only the Homeland Security appropriations bill unfinished.
Chair Patty Murray, D-WA, expressed confidence in the Senate’s progress, stating, “These bills deliver critical resources to get moms and babies vital nutrition assistance, get veterans the care they have earned and deserve, support families in rural communities, protect America’s
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
food supply, ensure our Capitol remains a safe place for all to come and visit, strengthen our posture in the Indo-Pacific, and much more.”
IN JULY, THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ADVANCED TWELVE FY25 APPROPRIATIONS BILLS THROUGH THE COMMITTEE, PREPARING THEM FOR A POTENTIAL VOTE BY THE FULL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Murray’s remarks highlighted the broad-ranging impact of the Senate’s appropriations bills, emphasizing bipartisan collaboration and the importance of these initiatives in addressing diverse national priorities. By advancing these “strong, bipartisan bills,” Murray aimed to set a positive trajectory for the appropriations process, emphasizing its importance in meeting critical national needs.
The simultaneous progress in the House and Senate appropriations processes marks a significant step toward finalizing fiscal year 2025 funding priorities. The House’s completion of markups and advancement of bills to the floor positions them for negotiation. At the same time, the Senate’s approval of allocations sets the stage for further deliberation
and reconciliation between the chambers.
Looking ahead, the appropriations process will enter a phase of inter-chamber negotiations and conference committees to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of each appropriations bill. This process is crucial for reaching consensus on funding levels and priorities, ensuring that the final FY25 appropriations package reflects the priorities and compromises necessary to secure bipartisan support and advance national interests.
The appropriations bills approved by each chamber’s committee encompass various critical initiatives, from healthcare and nutrition assistance to veterans’ services, rural community support, national security measures, and infrastructure investments. Each bill represents a concerted effort to address pressing national needs and allocate resources effectively to support American communities and priorities.
Despite positive comments from both House and Senate appropriators, there’s still a lot of work and negotiations ahead. House and Senate leaders must compromise on topline numbers and the underlying bills. With the expectation of a continuing resolution extending funding past November 7, the election’s results and expectations for the next Congress will indeed influence any final deal.
—BY RANDALL “RJ” THACKER, MANAGER, POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Committed
NARFE BILL TRACKER
THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.
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: 77 (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: 50 (D) 3 (R) S.274: 10 (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: 4 (D) 0 (R)
S. 640 15 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)
FEDERAL COMPENSATION
H.R. 5883 / S. 3029: Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act of 2023 / Rep. Gerald Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-AZ
Cosponsors:
H.R. 5883: 1 (D) 3 (R)
S. 3029: 1 (D) 2 (R) 0 (I)
H.R. 5995: The Federal Retirement Fairness Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
Cosponsors: H.R. 5995: 93 (D) 25 (R)
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
H.R. 7127: Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) / Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI )
Cosponsors: H.R. 7127: 86 (D) 1 (R)
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.
Aims to significantly increase death gratuities and funeral allowances for federal employees who tragically lose their lives while serving the nation. This bill would ensure that the families of dedicated civil servants receive greater financial support during their time of loss.
Allow federal employees who started their careers as temporary workers, but transitioned to permanent work, to buy credit towards retirement for their temporary work. The FRFA enables these workers to make catch-up contributions, ensuring they receive full retirement credit for their service.
Provides federal employees with a 7.4% average pay raise in 2025
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
Referred to the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Health 11/9/23
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 385 05/09/2024
Referred to House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 10/25/23
Referred to House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 1/30/2024
NARFE Recruiter Rewards
Help NARFE Grow AND Win Cool Stuff!
Did you know that NARFE rewards our members for recruiting new members? Think of it as a special thank you from Headquarters for increasing our numbers and voices.
Enrollment Submission Requirements:
• Recruiter’s Membership ID must be included on each application.
• To receive the Fall Membership Recruitment Drive credit, all envelopes must be postmarked on or before December 31.
HOW DOES THIS AWESOME INCENTIVE WORK?
January-August
• Recruiter receives $8 for any new (never joined) active federal employee enrollment only
September-December Fall Membership Recruitment Drive
• Recruiter receives $10 for new enrollment (any member type—active or retired federal employee)
Recognition:
• Top Performers from the Fall Membership Recruitment Drive will be announced in the NARFE Magazine (March Edition) with prizes to be announced.
New members can join by:
• Mailing in the application from the F-135 brochure
• Going online to narfe.org/join
• Calling us at 800-456-8410 Ext 1, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
• Mailing in the application that appears in every issue of NARFE Magazine
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: 210 (D) 113 (R)
S. 597: 46 (D) 11 (R) 3 (I)
H.R. 4260: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA
Cosponsors:
H.R. 4260: 103 (D) 0 (R)
SOCIAL SECURITY
Repeals both the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
The House Committee on Ways and Means held Field Hearing on 11/21/2023
Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 3/1/2023
FEDERAL ANNUITIES
H.R. 4583/S. 2280: Social Security 2100 Act / Rep. John Larson, D-CT / Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT
Cosponsors:
H.R. 4583: 187 (D) 0 (R)
S. 2280: 4 (D) 0 (R) 0 (I)
H.R. 5342: Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2023 / Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-TX
Cosponsors:
H.R. 5342: 1 (D) 34 (R)
H.R. 716: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA
Cosponsors:
H.R. 716: 40 (D) 0 (R)
H.R. 866 / S. 3194: The Equal COLA Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Alex Padilla, D-CA
Cosponsors:
H.R. 866: 55 (D) 5 (R) S. 3194: 6 (D) 0 (R) 2 (I)
S. 3974: Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act / Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)
Cosponsors:
S. 3974: 5 (D) 0 (R)
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).
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.
Reforms the WEP by providing a monthly payment of $100 to current WEP-affected beneficiaries and $50 for an affected spouse or child. Creates a new formula to calculate benefits for future WEP-affected individuals (turning 62 in or after 2025).
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.
Provides Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) retirees with the same annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirees.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 6/21/2023
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Subcommittee on Health 7/14/23
Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 7/12/2023
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 9/5/2023
Significantly adjust the calculation of COLA by basing it off of the Consumer Price Index for Americans aged 62 or older (CPI-E) instead of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) to better reflect rising living expenses faced by the aging community
Referred to the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs 2/28/23
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.
Action By: House of Representatives 02/08/2023
Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 11/1/23
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance 03/19/2024
NARFE BILL TRACKER
THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
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
H.R. 7236: Reducing the Effects of the Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Response Act, or the RECOVER Act / Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC-at Large and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-MD
Cosponsors: H.R. 7236: 1 (D) 0 (R)
Implements merit-based reforms to the civil service hiring system that replace degree-based hiring with skills- and competency-based hiring.
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.
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.
Provides free lifetime identity protection coverage to current, former and prospective federal employees and contractors whose personal information was compromised by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) data breaches in 2015.
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
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
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
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability 2/5/24
NARFE BILL TRACKER
THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING. CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.
BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR
H.R. 5779: Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 / Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-MI
S. 3262: The Fiscal Stability Act / Sen. Joe Manchin, D-WV
FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY
Cosponsors:
H.R. 5779: 13 (D) 13 (R)
S. 3262: 3 (D) 5 (R) 1 (I)
To establish a commission on fiscal stability and reform. Ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute by the yeas and nays 22-12 1/18/24
Referred to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration 1/8/24
Referred to Senate Committee on Rules and Administration 11/08/2023
NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position
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Questions & Answers
Q&A
EMPLOYMENT
CANCELLATION OF BENEFICIARY FORMS
QTHE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS were compiled by NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute experts. NARFE does not provide legal, financial planning or tax advice or assistance.
Several years ago, when I entered the federal workforce, I was married and filled out several beneficiary forms to determine who might receive federal monies as a lump sum payment upon my death. My family situation has changed, and I’m wondering if I can cancel prior designations of the beneficiary forms that I filed in the past.
AFor Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)/Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and unpaid compensation, you can use a new beneficiary form to change or cancel any prior designations that you may have made in the past. There are examples on each of the beneficiary forms listed below that show you how to do this. If you cancel a prior designation, then upon your death, the benefit will be paid out according to an order of precedence, which is also explained on each of the following forms.
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a little different. According to TSP, Book 31, “Death Benefits,” to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries, log in to My Account at https://www.tsp.gov/ or contact the ThriftLine. Remember that once you select a beneficiary(ies), you cannot cancel and return to the order of precedence. You will only be able to designate a new beneficiary. Refer to these forms:
• SF3102 Designation of Beneficiary for FERS or CSRS https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ sf3102.pdf
• SF1152 Designation of Beneficiary for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf1152.pdf
• SF2823 Designation of Beneficiary for Federal Employees Group Life Insurance https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf2823.pdf
DRAWING SOCIAL SECURITY SURVIVOR BENEFIT BEFORE DRAWING MY OWN
QI’m still working as a federal employee and approaching my full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security this year. I understand that the annual earnings limit that prevented me from drawing Social Security will no longer apply to me when I reach my FRA. My working spouse passed away several years ago, and I’ve been contemplating the idea of drawing my Social Security spousal survivor benefit first and then switching to my benefit at age 70. Is this possible?
AIf you intend to wait until age 70 to claim your maximum benefit from Social Security that you earned for yourself, as a surviving spouse,
you apply for your widow’s benefit based on your former spouse’s work record and delay your earned benefit. The marriage had to last at least nine months before your spouse passed away, and you have not remarried before age 60. Due to the earnings limit that applies until you reach your full Social Security retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later), your wages have prevented you from drawing benefits until this year. When you apply for Social Security benefits, you will be asked about any marriages and divorces so that it can be determined if you are eligible for benefits on someone else’s work record other than your own.
The situation above would also apply to someone who has outlived a former spouse to whom they were previously married for at least 10 years. Even if the former spouse died years after the divorce, the surviving former spouse would have the same option described above if the surviving former spouse has not remarried before the age of 60.
ROTC MILITARY SERVICE
QI was a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet at the university I attended. Can I pay a
COUNTDOWN TO COLA
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) decreased 0.1% in June 2024. To calculate the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the 2024 third-quarter indices will be averaged and compared with the 2023 third-quarter average of 301.236. The percentage increase determines the COLA. June’s index, 308.054, is up 2.26% 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.
military deposit and receive service credit under FERS for these four years?
AUnfortunately, ROTC students aren’t typically on active duty for four years like the cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. military academies. ROTC students who perform active duty training (ADT) during a summer training course or with a reserve unit they might have trained with during their annual two-week training exercise or cruise might want to initially contact their university or reserve unit for more details regarding the necessary service documentation. Unfortunately, weekend drills with a reserve unit are not considered ADT. You may request a statement of active service using Form SF-180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) to obtain the necessary service documentation to verify the exact start and end dates for each period of active duty performed while in ROTC. For more information, visit https://www. archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ standard-form-180.html.
When requesting periods of ADT, the requested documentation must include the exact start date and ending date for each period. Once you have the necessary service documentation that reflects your ROTC ADT, you can use the RI 20-97 form to request the required estimated earnings during each period of military service and then work with your agency retirement office for assistance with depositing FERS. For more information, visit https://www.opm.gov/forms/ pdf_fill/ri20-97.pdf
RETIREMENT
QMy divorce decree dictates that my former spouse will receive the maximum spousal survivor benefit upon my death, and I have also elected a spousal survivor benefit for my current spouse. If I predecease my former and current spouse, would my current spouse be allowed to maintain coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program?
For FECA COLA updates, visit narfe.org and search for FECA.
AIf your current spouse is under your FEHB plan on the date of your death and is potentially
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eligible for a spousal survivor benefit, then your surviving spouse would be allowed to maintain access to the FEHB with the same options and the same premium rates that annuitants have.
Since the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) cannot pay more than 50% (FERS) or 55% (CSRS) of your annuity to a combination of former and current spouses upon your death, the former spouse would receive the maximum spousal survivor benefit and the current spouse would arrange with OPM to pay for the FEHB coverage. If the former spouse predeceases the current spouse, the spousal survivor benefit payment would shift to the current spouse. OPM would take the FEHB premium from the spouse’s survivor benefit payment.
DEDUCTIONS FROM INTERIM RETIREMENT PAY
QI just retired from federal service a couple of weeks ago and expect to be in temporary retirement pay status until OPM finalizes my retirement. What deductions are withheld from these temporary payments, and how long should I expect to be in this temporary retirement pay status?
AIn interim retirement pay status, OPM will only withhold federal income taxes from your monthly payments. You may be asked to pay dental, vision, or long-term care insurance premiums. However, the premiums owed for life insurance and health insurance benefits will be deducted from the amount OPM will owe you when the retirement is finalized. OPM will also begin deducting dental, vision, and long-term care premiums if you have these benefits; once your claim has been finalized, OPM provides a quick guide for retirement processing that includes an approximate timeline for processing a retirement claim.
You can find this guide at https://www.opm.gov/ retirement-center/quick-guide/. Keep in mind that if you’re eligible for the FERS Special Retirement Supplement in addition to your annuity, the FERS Supplement would not be part of your interim retirement pay but would be included in the adjustment payment that OPM pays you later upon the final adjudication of your retirement.
You may find that the federal income taxes withheld from your first interim payment will be higher than the federal tax withholdings from your subsequent interim payments and regular annuity. OPM will make any necessary tax withholding
adjustment when they finish processing your application. However, once your retirement has been finalized, you can log into your account with OPM and adjust your monthly payments for both federal and state tax withholding. Consult with your tax advisor for additional assistance.
VERIFICATION OF FEGLI
Q
How can a surviving family (or funeral home director) obtain verification of FEGLI coverage for a deceased annuitant?
AThe family (or the funeral home director) can email the request using OPM’s Freedom of Information email address at foia@opm.gov and or call their office at 202-606-3642. Once the initial request is made, OPM’s Retirement Information Office will respond and provide further instructions and the necessary forms to claim such information. Although they are not available online, the two forms that OPM will provide will include the FOIA Request Form and the FOIA Release Form. For more details regarding the FEGLI claim process, please refer to the instructions included with Form FE-6, “FEGLI/MetLife Claim for Death Benefits” at https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ fe6.pdf
FEDERAL TAXATION OF FEDERAL PENSIONS
QWhen I retire, what happens to the contributions that I paid into the FERS plan during my career?
AW hen an employee resigns instead of retiring from federal service, they may request a refund of their retirement contributions, forfeiting their future deferred retirement benefit. Since you are retiring, those contributions will be returned to you as part of your retirement benefit. As you have already paid tax on those retirement contributions during your career, a small portion of your retirement will be tax-free over your life expectancy (and spouse, if married). For more details, including the computation of the tax-free portion of your pension from OPM, you can refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 721 at https:// www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p721.pdf .
TSP AND FERS SUPPLEMENT
Q
I’m a FERS annuitant receiving the FERS supplement from OPM. I took a distribution
from my TSP this year. Will I have to report that on the earnings survey I receive from OPM next spring?
ANo. Distributions from retirement savings accounts such as TSP are not considered earnings for OPM’s earnings test for FERS Special Retirement Supplement payments. Only earned income, such as wages and salaries from employers or net earnings from self-employment, count against receiving the supplement. When you receive the annual “FERS Supplement Earning Survey” next spring, you will receive information on reporting your 2024 earned income. The annual earnings limit for 2024 is $22,320 before there would be a reduction to your supplement in 2025. .
To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.
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IUnderstanding Your Death Benefits
t’s a scenario we all wish we didn’t have to face, but unfortunately, it’s a reality for many of us.
An employee or retiree passes away, and a surviving family member or friend contacts us for guidance. The conversation usually goes like this:
“Did the deceased employee or retiree provide any documents or have a retirement folder at home?”
It’s a common response, and we understand the confusion and stress it can cause. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
How do you prepare for the inevitable? Here is a checklist that may help:
DETERMINE NOW WHAT PAYMENTS ARE PAYABLE
Your beneficiary or beneficiaries may be eligible for survivor benefits, including a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) survivor annuity, a lump-sum death benefit, Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and/or unpaid compensation.
Active employees should review their electronic official personnel folders (eOPF) to review beneficiary forms on file. Survivors’ Benefit entitlements depend on many factors, such as your participation in the program, years of service, and marital status. Your HR office can help you determine entitlements. Contact your agency’s human resources for assistance.
Retirees are required to make decisions concerning FEGLI and survivor benefit elections at retirement. You can view your current FEGLI and survivor elections Office of Personnel Management Service Online account. To visit this site, go to https://www.servicesonline. opm.gov/. You can also contact the OPM’s Retirement Operations Center at (888) 767-6738 Monday through Friday between 7:40 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time for assistance.
You will find a detailed explanation of benefits payable by reading the NARFE white paper titled “Affairs in Order: Benefits Guidance for Survivors of Federal Annuitants,” available at https:// www.narfe.org/wp-content/ uploads/2022/03/0222-Affairsin-Order-Benefits-Guidance.pdf.
KEEPING YOUR BENEFICIARY FORMS UP TO DATE
When was the last time you checked your beneficiary designations? Federal employees and annuitants can use the forms at www.opm.gov/forms to designate beneficiaries for their retirement plans.
• SF-2823: FEGLI Designation of Beneficiary
• SF-3102: CSRS/FERS Designation of Beneficiary
• SF-1152: Designation of Beneficiary, Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee (applicable to active employees only)
To update your TSP Designation of Beneficiary, log
BENEFITS RESOURCES
NARFE OFFERS MEMBERS a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute.
in to “My Account” on the TSP website at www.TSP.gov.
If you do not have beneficiary forms on file, any payments due upon your death will be distributed according to the established order of precedence on each form. If you are satisfied with the regular order of precedence, you do not need to file any designations:
1. To your widow or widower
2. If none, to your child or children equally, and to the descendants of deceased children
3. If none, to your parents equally or to your surviving parent
4. If none, to your appointed executor or administrator of your estate
5. If none, to your next of kin, who is entitled to your estate under the laws of the state in which you resided at the time of your death
CREATE AN “AT-HOMERETIREMENT/BENEFITS” FOLDER
Whether you are an active employee or retired, you should create a retirement/ benefits folder for your home. Depending on your preference, this folder can be a hard or digital copy. It is a living set of documents. Therefore, you will place a copy in this folder every time you complete paperwork about your benefits or retirement programs. Then, most importantly, please let someone you trust know where the folder is located!
REPORTING THE DEATH OF AN EMPLOYEE OR ANNUITANT
If the deceased individual is an active employee, the survivors should contact the deceased employee’s agency. The agency will explain the benefits available and provide them with the necessary forms to complete.
The survivors will notify OPM if the deceased individual is retired. OPM will determine what benefits they may be eligible for and send them the claims forms needed to effectuate any payments. Survivors can report the death of the annuitant online at https://rsreporting.opm.gov/ AnnuitantDeath or by calling OPM at (888) 7676738 Monday through Friday between 7:40 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time for assistance.
The survivors must supply certified copies of the death certificate and the claim forms submitted to the agency or OPM. Survivors should also be prepared to submit additional documents (marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or death certificates) for deceased children or spouses. If necessary, OPM will change Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) enrollment from Self Plus One or Self and Family to Self-Only coverage.
OTHER BENEFITS TO CONSIDER
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Survivors should contact 877-968-3778 or TDD at 877-847-4385. See the TSP pamphlet titled “Death Benefits” at https://www.tsp.gov/publications/tspbk31.pdf
• Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Plan (FEDVIP): Survivors should contact BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-3337 or visit www. Benefeds.com for more information.
• Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program: Survivors can contact customer service at 1-800582-3337 or visit https://www.ltcfeds.com/.
• Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report a death for Social Security and Medicare recipients. To find your local field office, visit https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make the report. Spouses and minor children may be eligible. To learn more, visit the SSA’s “Survivors Benefits” page at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ survivors/
—MERCEDES JOHNSON IS A RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST WITH RETIRE FEDERAL.
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As you age, you might feel more isolated than earlier in life. Children have grown up and may have moved away, or you have moved away. Close friends and family members may have passed away. In retirement, you don’t have the structure of a job, which provided for social interaction. Maybe you find yourself longing for the “good old days,” when you were busy and felt you had purpose. You might even feel forgotten by loved ones or frustrated with them for not contacting you. If you find yourself dealing with these issues, you might be experiencing loneliness. Let’s understand how loneliness and isolation affects you, what you can do about it and resources available to help you cope.
Loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness a significant health risk, comparing its dangers to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
Defining Social Isolation and Loneliness
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy calls loneliness a public health crisis. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness a significant health risk, comparing its dangers to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness and social isolation are different but related. Loneliness is the sense of being alone that includes distress or unpleasant feelings associated with having fewer-than-desired social relationships. Social isolation refers to having few social contacts and relationships.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging in 2023, during COVID-19 in 2020, 56% of older adults reported feeling socially isolated. According to the latest polling on loneliness in January 2023, 34% of older adults aged 50 to 80 reported feeling socially isolated. More than one in three older adults (37%) reported feeling a lack of companionship.
Risk Factors for Loneliness and Social Isolation
Research shows that social, economic, logistical, mental and physical health factors can lead to loneliness and social isolation.
Social
A major trigger for loneliness as we age is a lack of social connections. Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, family separations, chronic illness and being a caregiver. Additionally, at-risk groups may include older individuals from ethnic and racial minority groups, LGBTQ+ seniors and rural residents. Research shows that higher levels of social connectedness suggest better resilience and wellbeing in our communities.
Jean Olson, a retired foreign service officer, decided to relocate to a community where she had a small network of friends and one that allowed her to meet people and help others. Being single, she knew that she had to be proactive in connecting with others.
“I looked to traditional groups that always need volunteers—museums, the library, the church,” she said. “I also looked at experiences that would put me in new situations where I could learn and contribute. That’s what led me to the senior tuition waiver program at the local state university and got me back in the classroom—as a student.”
Mental and Physical Health
Social isolation and loneliness may also be detrimental to your mental and physical health. They have been linked to poorer cognitive function and higher risk for dementia, depression, anxiety, substance use, and obesity. The National Poll on Healthy Aging, found at https://www. healthyagingpoll.org/, has consistently found that feeling isolated from others, feeling a lack of companionship and having infrequent social contact are strongly associated with poorer physical and mental health.
The National Institute on Aging indicates that loneliness is associated with the development or worsening of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, poor health, serious illness, decreased mobility and loss of independence. You may be more likely to be socially isolated or lonely if you are in poor health. Even having trouble hearing can make it difficult to have conversations with friends and family, making you feel isolated.
Economic
Limited financial resources can isolate individuals in retirement, leading to a sense of instability, including financial and food insecurity and lack of affordable housing. These factors hinder maintaining and establishing relationships or social
connections. Research reveals that Americans over 50 who feel lonely or dissatisfied with their personal relationships are more susceptible to financial scams. Isolation limits their opportunities to discuss financial issues with others, making them prime targets for scammers pretending to offer emotional support while exploiting them financially.
Logistical
As people age, their physical and cognitive abilities can decline, affecting their ability to drive safely, which may lead to a loss of a driver’s license and lack of transportation. Unable to drive, the older individual may be more isolated, especially if they live in a hard-to-reach neighborhood or rural area. Although technology, such as video calling and social media, has evolved and expanded to connect us, it can increase feelings of loneliness and social isolation, depending on how it’s used. For instance, excessive use of technology can prevent people from making in-person connections, leading to loneliness.
Indications of Loneliness/Isolation
Loneliness is frequently difficult to spot. You may be unaware that you are lonely or may be reluctant to disclose that you are. Consider some questions that may indicate you or someone close to you experience isolation and loneliness.
• Social withdrawal: Are you stepping back from regular social activities, avoiding phone calls, text and visits from friends and family? Social withdrawal and isolation may have a variety of causes and often lead to feelings of loneliness.
• Lack of interest in activities: Do you find yourself turning down invitations, avoiding hobbies you once enjoyed or staying in bed more? It is normal for us to slow down as we age and reduce activity levels but a complete lack of interest in activities can indicate physical inactivity.
• Lack of purpose: Are you meaningfully engaged in activities or “just going through the motions?” To deal with loneliness that comes from changes such as retirement, reassess your purpose. What do you feel you are meant to do and how can you find new ways to contribute?
• Unexplained fatigue: Are you having headaches and difficulty communicating? Loneliness can manifest itself in physical symptoms as well. If you are having unexplained fatigue and headaches that don’t
seem to have an apparent cause, loneliness could be the culprit.
What Can You Do About Isolation and Loneliness?
Various face-to-face and digital strategies are available to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Below are some of these strategies and tips.
Create and Maintain Social Connections
Create and stay connected with family, friends and your community. Marvene Horwitz retired from the National Institutes of Health. Even before retiring, she had a network of friends and family. Since retiring, she nurtures those connections via phone/texts/emails, outings and travel. She also volunteers at her synagogue and a community-based organization that provides meals for individuals who have serious illnesses.
Get to know your neighbors and build a sense of community within your neighborhood. Initiate conversations and stay involved in community events, such as cultural festivals, art exhibits or educational
A wide variety of face-toface and digital strategies are available to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
workshops, which can provide opportunities to meet new people. Weave an emotional thread between you and younger family members or friends. Although you may have to initiate contact, it can make you feel more connected.
One way to connect digitally is through AARP’s “Connect2Affect,” found at https://connect2affect. org/. Connect2Affect creates a network of resources that meets the needs of anyone who is isolated or lonely and helps build social connections older adults need to thrive. Another resource is “The Villages Network,” found at https://www.vtvnetwork.org/. It’s a grassroots community-based organization formed to help older adults age in place and stay connected to their communities. Another strategy is to find a local faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events. If you’re a pet lover, you can adopt a pet to address loneliness. Animals can be a source of comfort and may also lower stress and blood pressure.
Use Technology With Purpose
A wide variety of digital technology has been developed to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Social media is an excellent way for older adults to stay connected with friends and family. Platforms like Zoom, Facetime, Skype,
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Volunteering provides a sense of purpose, improves communities and allows you to establish new routines after retiring.
and social networks like Facebook and Instagram allow you to stay connected. They offer a sense of community, promote and offer group activities and disseminate information.
If you are not tech-savvy, sign up for an online or in-person class at your local public library or community center to help you learn how to use email or social media. AARP’s Senior Planet, found at https://seniorplanet.org/, provides classes, articles and activities for older adults who are learning to thrive in today’s digital world.
Volunteer
(Mentoring, Charitable Organizations and Faith Communities)
Volunteering is an excellent way to stay socially active. It provides a sense of purpose, improves communities and allows you to establish new routines after retiring. People who meet through volunteer work share a common interest and something to bond over. You might also form relationships with the people you’re serving. After retiring from the federal government, Ana Adler volunteered for a wide range of organizations, including her neighborhood association, the board of her condo and a tutoring program for at risk third grade students.
“I feel it’s important to connect with my community, but more importantly, it allows me to contribute to worthwhile purposes and is a good reason to wake up in the morning,” she said.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, AmeriCorps Seniors, found at https://americorps. gov/serve/americorps-seniors, is a national service and volunteerism program that connects adults aged 55 and up to local service opportunities that match their interests.
Continue to Learn
Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby or take a class to learn something new. Who knows? You might have fun and meet people with similar interests. Many traditional colleges and universities offer older adults reduced or free tuition. Local recreation and community centers offer training on a variety of topics to help you develop new skills.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, which writer Everett Chasen mentioned in the October 2023 NARFE Magazine article “Continuing Lifelong Learning” and can be found at https:// www.osherfoundation.org/, offers non-credit, college-level education experiences for seasoned adults. It operates on the campuses of 125 higher education institutions in the United States.
Get Active
Stay physically active. Regular exercise benefits physical health, improves mood and reduces feelings of loneliness. You can exercise at home, in fitness centers, senior centers or in other community locations like the YMCA.
Enhance your FEHB coverage
Robert Dious is a recent retiree from the Department of State. He keeps physically active by exercising at a sports complex three times a week and walking on a neighborhood trail with his spouse. He feels it’s essential to have a regular exercise routine.
Silver Sneakers is a helpful resource for older adults, also referenced in Chasen’s October 2023 NARFE Magazine article. You can learn more at www.silversneakers.com. The nation’s leading community wellness program was established to help older adults get active and connect with others through online fitness classes, on-demand videos and access to thousands of gyms across the country. It might be offered at no additional cost through your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and/or Medicare plans.
Senior centers offer a variety of activities and services specifically designed for older adults, such as educational classes, physical fitness programs, cultural outings and social gatherings. There are over 11,000 senior centers—connecting 1 million older adults to vital community services across the U.S. Joining your local senior center is a great way combat loneliness in retirement and meet people in your neighborhood.
One exemplary senior center is the Sunshine Senior Center in St. Petersburg, FL. It is nationally accredited and dedicated to enriching the lives of
older adults through health, fitness, and wellness programs; educational and enrichment classes; social and recreational activities and volunteer opportunities.
The National Council on Aging has an interactive map at https://www.ncoa.org/ncoa-map to help you find a senior center closest to you.
Do you want to travel while learning about history and cultures? Road Scholar, found at https:// www.roadscholar.org/, may be the place for you. The organization provides learning adventures to locations around the world.
Continue Working
Just because you’ve retired from your previous career doesn’t mean you will never work again. For some individuals, work is a major source of personal identity. If you feel isolated in retirement, miss social interaction, a sense of purpose and self-worth, you might want to consider continuing work. For some people retiring is an opportunity to begin a new career. Flexible jobs, like freelance or consulting work, allow you to create your schedule. Peter Pearson retired from his leadership position helping libraries fundraise. He loved his job and didn’t like the idea of retiring, so he decided to continue working in various capacities assisting libraries on strategy and fundraising.
Seek Counseling If Necessary
A doctor, clergy, or therapist can provide a supportive environment for older adults to talk about their feelings of loneliness. These professionals provide an opportunity for you to get emotional support from someone who understands what you’re going through. They can make suggestions and discuss strategies for coping with your loneliness. John Russotto, a retired clinical social worker, became a caregiver for his widowed mother and brother. After they passed away, he realized that he was alone. Although he became involved in his church and volunteered at social events he sought help from his priest to get emotional support.
Conclusion
Retirement can be a wonderful time to pursue your passions and enjoy life after years of hard work. However, it can also be a time when you feel lonely and isolated from the world around you. Through the years, you have gained a variety of valuable skills and resilience when coping with change. Focus on what you can do to respond to your loneliness by using the strategies, tips and resources shared in this article.
—HERB CASEY IS A RETIREMENT AND TRANSITION COACH BASED IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL. HE RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS A HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL.
SCHEDULE The Truth About F
BY DAVID TOBENKIN
Everything you need to know about proposed changes to the merit-based civil service, including legislative efforts, and legal implications if Schedule F is revived under a future administration.
Will potential reforms to federal employment regulations allow federal career civil servants to be fired at will? Events unfolding in the next few months could soon provide the answer.
The Short Life of Schedule F and Its Potential Revival
In October 2020, just months before he left office, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order (E.O. 13957) that created a new Schedule F excepted service category for federal employees like the one used for political appointees. The reform directed federal agencies to classify civil service positions related to policy as “excepted service” positions. As a result, this subjected those employees to more rapid appointment or termination without many of the due process protections afforded “regular” civil servants. Many experts argued that such a move could politicize an impartial, politically-neutral federal civil service. Still, its authors stated that the reforms were necessary to hold civil servants, especially senior leadership, more accountable for implementing democratically-supported policies.
The executive order directed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and federal agency heads to set procedures to prepare lists of career positions of a “confidential, policy-determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating character” and
to create exceptions from competitive civil service rules for them and share with OPM for review and approval. Many agencies prepared lists, but only two arrived at the point of sharing the lists with OPM before the Trump’s administration tenure ended on January 19, 2021. None of the lists reclassified positions, according to a September 2022 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that analyzed the implementation of Schedule F.
During the week following President Joseph Biden’s inauguration, among the new administration’s first acts was repealing the Schedule F executive order. Two successive attempts at enacting a legislative bar to any future Schedule F failed in the U.S. Congress. In response, earlier this year, OPM adopted a new rule that would impede but not bar any future administration’s efforts to impose a new Schedule F.
A future administration that supports Schedule F could direct OPM to revoke that rule and reinstate Schedule F. That would allow Schedule F-related measures, including reclassification of large numbers of positions into the far more flexible “excepted service,” to go into effect within six
months of the January 20, 2025, presidential inauguration and likely sooner, according to several sources. Whether existing competitive service employees could be reclassified as excepted service employees against their will remains to be seen, though many interviewed said it would be challenging to stop such reclassifications.
Some influential think tank supporters of Trump, and former government executives in Trump’s earlier administration involved in the implementation of Schedule F are calling for Schedule F’s revival.
“This [Schedule F] needs to be a day-one initiative; [former president Trump’s] very supportive of it; he’s done it before,” said former Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a September 23, 2022, edition of The Charlie Kirk Show. “If he’s given that opportunity, and I hope he is, this would be one of those first things that I would imagine that he would do.”
The conservative Heritage Foundation think tank’s blueprint for a second Trump presidency,
Project 2025, also calls for reinstitution of Schedule F. However, in July, Trump disavowed support for that document.
A reelection agenda on Trump’s website, Agenda47, appears to call for reinstituting Schedule F: “On Day One, re-issue 2020 executive order restoring the president’s authority to fire rogue bureaucrats.”
“I think, at the latest, by June 2025 and possibly much sooner, if there is no legislation to prevent it, a new Trump administration could begin populating the bureaucracy with people who are political loyalists, who will write policy the way they want, and who won’t question things that are just factually wrong, like a Sharpie change to a hurricane map,” says Ronald Sanders, a retired civil service executive appointed by Trump to lead the Federal Salary Council. He resigned in protest after issuance of the Schedule F executive order.
The What and Why of Schedule F
Executive Order 13957 said Schedule F was necessary to provide agencies “greater ability and discretion” to assess critical qualities in applicants to fill these positions than is provided by the competitive service process. The executive order also stated the government’s performance system was inadequate, and employees’ poor performance in policy-relevant roles resulted in delays and substandard work within agencies. This resulted in federal agencies needing to “expeditiously remove poorly performing employees from these positions without facing extensive delays or litigation.”
Unions vehemently opposed the executive order, and many federal governance experts, NARFE, and other employee advocates said it could allow federal employees to be fired based upon failure to tow party lines and to make way for jobs dispensed as rewards for party loyalists, rather than to competent professionals. This regularly occurred prior to congressional enactment of the Pendleton Act in 1883, which created the current merit-based federal civil service system.
The Range of Agency Responses to Schedule F
The GAO report noted there is no evidence of any federal agency actually reclassifying positions into Schedule F, much less using reclassification to remove any civil servant, by the time the executive order was revoked.
However, two small federal agencies came close to implementing Schedule F reclassifications. The GAO stated that both the OMB under Vought and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission submitted written requests to OPM
to place agency positions into Schedule F. OPM approved the OMB’s request to place 136 positions into Schedule F. According to GAO analysis, this could have affected 415 employees, or 68% of OMB’s workforce at the time who were in those positions.
On January 8, 2021, OPM approved all but four of the 140 positions proposed by OMB for placement into Schedule F.
“OMB was in the process of reclassifying affected employees as Schedule F employees and converting them from competitive service to excepted service under Schedule F when time ran out in early 2021,” says Alissa Czyz, then GAO’s acting director of strategic issues who signed off on its report to Congress.
GAO they took preliminary steps to comply.
GAO they took preliminary steps to comply. See chart below from the report.
Legislative Efforts
Over the past few years, parties concerned that a future administration could seek to reinstitute Schedule F have introduced various legislation and legislative amendments targeted at removing executive branch discretion to impose a Schedule F, or allow a similar removal of civil service protections. However as of August 2024, these efforts failed to pass in a highly divided Congress and one in which there is strong support for Schedule F or equivalent measures among many Republicans.
The other 13 federal agencies that responded to OPM with Schedule F implementation updates told
OPM with Schedule F implementation updates told
at removing executive branch discretion to that’s standalone legislation or inclusion of language
“We continue to push for legislation, whether that’s standalone legislation or inclusion of language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Agency
Agency action
Submittedpetitionfor placementin Schedule F Respondedbutpetition notcompletedRespondedthatitwould notsubmitapetition
International Boundary and Water Commission
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Evironmental Protection Agency
Department of the Treasury
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Trade Commission
National Endowment for the Humanities
Corporation for National and Community Service
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
National Archives and Records Administration
National Transportation Safety Board
National Labor Relations Board
Figure 1: Summary of All Agency Schedule F Responses to the Office of Personnel Management during Executive Order 1357’s Preliminary Review Period (October 21, 2020 - January 19, 2021)
or inclusion in another bill, to prevent a return of Schedule F,” says NARFE Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs John Hatton. “It’s unclear to me that the NDAA will even be passed through both chambers prior to the election. Unfortunately, the legislative calendar is not friendly to our efforts in terms of getting something across the finish line prior to the election.”
Like the legislative efforts led by Sanders, Don Kettl, former dean of the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, and some other former federal military, intelligence, and national security leaders, are attempting to counterbalance Schedule F preventative measures with civil service reforms. These are designed to establish simpler, more expedited measures for firing poor performers and hiring new employees to address the demands of Schedule F advocates for more accountability and efficiency.
Hatton and Sanders agree there is less chance of legislation preventing Schedule F’s implementation after the election.
“Once the presidential election occurs, no matter who wins, all of this will be moot,” Sanders says. “If it’s Harris, it’ll be status quo. If it’s Trump, it’ll be Schedule F and Project 2025 and a middle ground will probably be a non-starter.”
How Things Could Unfold
If Trump wins the election, many expect his new administration to revive Schedule F or something like it–and do so early in his administration rather than at the end, allowing time for implementation.
As noted, new OPM rules would block reinstitution of Schedule F, but a future presidential administration could undo those rules. OPM would need to conduct notice-and-comment rulemaking to repeal the OPM rules, which could occur in two to six months. Then a new Schedule F executive order could be issued.
Another key factor may be how long it takes agencies to determine which positions should be reclassified, get approval from OPM, and implement the reclassifications. The original executive order gave agencies seven months to determine which of their positions were in policy and send a petition to OPM for approval to place designated competitive service positions into Schedule F.
How wide will Schedule F be applied to the scope of affected employees? The first Schedule F included positions “of a confidential, policy-determining, policymaking or policy advocating character.”
“We continue to push for legislation, whether that’s standalone legislation or inclusion of language in the National Defense Authorization Act or inclusion in another bill, to prevent a return of Schedule F.”
— John Hatton, NARFE Staff Vice President of Policy and Programs
“Many said that agencies could have identified positions affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees across government because Schedule F criteria could be broadly interpreted. In contrast, some stakeholders told us they expected Schedule F placement to be limited to a more narrow set of positions,” the GAO report said.
Once positions were reclassified and filled, incumbents could immediately be terminated as de facto “at will” employees, says Stephanie Rapp-Tully, a partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC federal employment law firm, while noting there are some ways they could challenge such adverse actions.
Heading to the Courts
There will likely be court challenges to implementing a future Schedule F.
Hatton says a challenge might contest whether it is too sweeping and undermines Congress’s intent when it enacted its civil service statutes. That could be an uphill battle. Anti-Schedule F legislation made Congress aware of the issue. Congress had the chance to address it but chose not to take action. Schedule F also takes advantage of an existing statutory loophole allowing executive branch discretion in administering the civil service laws.
A U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) leader told the GAO that if Schedule F was implemented, MSPB would have expected increased appeals and challenges related to the schedule. According to the GAO inquiry, the MSPB leader said
employees in positions placed into Schedule F could argue that the terms of their employment were changed so much that they suffered harm, citing loss of due process rights associated with Schedule F positions, especially if they were involuntarily moved from a position with appeal rights to one without appeal rights.
There is no express statutory provision that would prevent the reclassification of existing civil service positions into excepted service positions, says Steve Lenkart, executive director of the National Federation of Federal Employees, a federal employee union with 110,000 members. He is also a former executive director of the MSPB, a federal agency that serves as the guardian of federal merit systems principles. Lenkart adds that the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA) allows employees who feel they’ve been unfairly reassigned to file with the MSPB.
There is a good chance challenges to Schedule F could end up at the Supreme Court, many interviewed said.
“Attorneys from multiple unions have been looking at different legal options, but we do not have a very friendly Supreme Court,” says Lenkart.
A court injunction preventing the implementation of new Schedule F rules would be high on the list of objectives for a Schedule F challenger.
Adverse Actions Against Employees
A whole other set of challenges could arise from using Schedule F-like reforms to take adverse actions against reclassified individual employees to remove them from the federal government. Agencies are generally required to follow certain procedures when seeking to remove an employee for misconduct or poor performance.
Rapp-Tully notes much could depend on the interpretation of federal employment law by MSPB during removal proceedings. MSPB appeal rights in adverse action cases after completing two years of employment are embodied within 5 U.S.C. § 7511, notes John Mahoney of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm of John Mahoney, Attorneys at Law.
“While employees could challenge the action through the MSPB or the courts, they would do so while unemployed and likely footing their own legal bill,” Rapp-Tully said.
The Effect on Employees
Employee advocates worry about the effect a revived Schedule F could have on federal employees’ efforts to uphold federal law, take action against corruption, and adhere to their job duties and observed facts.
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“My conscience would not permit me to stay on, given the real reason—not the ostensible reason, but the real reason— behind Schedule F was to put loyalists in senior civil servant positions, not to enhance their accountability, but to substitute political fealty for that accountability. And that’s just plain wrong.”
— Ronald Sanders, a retired civil service executive appointed by Trump to lead the Federal Salary Council
“Schedule F would, to quote a colleague of mine, Robert Shea, a former senior OMB official, potentially provide for an army of suck-ups who won’t speak truth to power, who will just say ‘yes,’ and salute smartly,” Sanders says. “The Iraq weapons of mass destruction debacle [where federal employees and senior U.S. leaders used alleged WMDs in Iraq as a pretext for the Iraq invasion despite a lack of evidence] is a perfect example of that. You don’t want people telling policymakers what you think they want to hear. You have to tell them what you really think, right? And then let them decide.”
They could still decide to invade Iraq, Sanders adds.
“But at the end of the day, you can’t be accused of muddling your advice,” he said. “Civil servants should not be thinking, ‘Well, if I tell this appointee what I really think, I could lose my job.’ ”
The reinstitution of Schedule F could increase the number of cases where federal employees find themselves compelled to resign if agency leaders make policy choices that contravene the facts, says Sanders. Employees no longer able to work consistently with their consciences may feel compelled to resign as Sanders did when he left federal service after the institution of Schedule F.
“My conscience would not permit me to stay on, given the real reason—not the ostensible reason, but the real reason—behind Schedule F was to put loyalists in senior civil servant positions,” Sanders says. “Not to enhance their accountability, but to substitute political fealty for that accountability. And that’s just plain wrong. But if you speak truth to power and the political appointee or the elected official says, ‘I hear you. But here’s a lawful order. I want you to implement what I want to do, and it’s something for which the American people have given me a mandate,’ then that senior civil servant has an obligation, duty-sworn to follow that order if that order is lawful. They can’t go underground and become a guerrilla government. That’s where I draw the line.”
—DAVID
TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, D.C., AREA.
1 The Service Benefit Plan may pay a hearing aid benefit for Basic and Standard Option of up to $2,500 total, with prior approval, every 5 calendar years for adults age 22 and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22.
2 Price shown does not include cost of comprehensive hearing exam. Examination and testing for prescribing of hearing aids is covered under the Service Benefit Plan. The member should confirm that the provider rendering the hearing exam is a Preferred provider. If the provider is Non-preferred, the member may be charged a maximum fee of $75 for the exam, and the member may need to submit a claim for reimbursement.
3 Smartphone-compatible hearing aids connect directly to iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod® Touch devices. Some TruHearing models connect to Android® phones directly. Connectivity also available to many Android phones with use of an accessory.
Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure. Blue365 offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services that members may purchase from independent vendors, which are not covered benefits under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental® and/or Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision®. These products and services will be offered to you through the entire benefit year.
During the year, the independent vendors may offer additional discounts on these products and services. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the customer service number on your member ID card. Any disputes regarding your health insurance products and services may be subject to your plan’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from vendors
Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific vendor,
PEN SEASON REPORT
2024 OPEN SEASON: NOVEMBER 11 – DECEMBER 9
FEHB PLAN CHANGES
The 2024 federal benefits Open Season will run from Monday, November 11, to Monday, December 9.
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.
Postal Service employees, annuitants and their eligible family members will enroll in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. Postal employees may enroll in or change their current enrollments in FEDVIP and FSAFEDS, and postal retirees may change their current enrollment in FEDVIP.
In early October, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will release information regarding the 2024 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
. Resources also will be posted on NARFE’s website at www.narfe.org/open-season.
POSTAL SERVICE HEALTH BENEFITS (PSHB)
U.S. Postal Service employees, annuitants, and their family members who are currently eligible for coverage under FEHB will be eligible for coverage under PSHB.
USPS employees and annuitants currently enrolled in FEHB plans who do not enroll in a new PSHB plan during Open Season will automatically be enrolled in a PSHB plan.
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.
Magazine
As a reminder, enrollment in a PSHB plan will not disrupt enrollment in other insurance and benefits programs, including:
• Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)
• Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)
• Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), or
• Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
2024 PRIORITIES
In its annual call for carriers this year, OPM highlighted specific areas of concern:
• FEHB and PSHB Coordination with Medicare
• FEHB and PSHB Prescription Drug Coverage
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse.
Additionally, OPM stated it expects carriers to continue to focus on providing gender affirming care and services, maternal health, fertility, obesity management, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and telehealth benefits, all priorities identified previously.
• Medicare Coordination: Carriers were directed to implement a multi-pronged educational outreach effort to inform eligible
OPEN SEASON REPORT
enrollees about Medicare coordination, including the potential effects of the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).
OPM stressed the need for carriers to customer service via telephone, online chat, and email, particularly related to members enrolled in Medicare Employer Group Waiver Plans (EGWPs).
• Prescription Drug Coverage: OPM will continue to receive proposals to allow FEHB program members to benefit from Medicare Part D coverage by enrolling in carriers’ or their affiliated sponsors’ MA-PD EGWPs or PDP EGWPs.
Related to EGWPs, the letter stated that “pharmacy claims must be adjudicated at the point of sale using processes seamless to the member. Neither the member nor the pharmacy should have to determine which benefit adjudicates at the lowest cost-share.”
• Fraud, Waste and Abuse: OPM stated carriers are responsible for preventing, detecting, investigating, and reporting instances of fraud, waste, and abuse within the FEHB and PSHB programs. FEHB and PSHB carriers were urged to follow guidance
TAMMY FLANAGAN’S ADVICE ON FINDING THE BEST PLAN WITH MEDICARE
Federal Benefits Institue benefits expert Tammy Flanagan has advice on choosing the best plan if you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. First, narrow down your options by looking at what’s available where you live and where you will receive care. Do you have a second home in another part of the country or another part of the world? Are you a snowbird who spends the winters where it is warmer rather than living all year round at your home in the north? Are there other family members who aren’t eligible for Medicare coverage under your FEHB plan?
If you wish to have a plan that allows both in-network and out-of-network coverage, eliminate the plans with restrictions. Try to focus on the plans that offer incentives to enroll in Medicare A and B, which may include:
• Waiver of FEHB cost sharing, leaving you with little out-of-pocket costs.
• Part B reimbursement or health fund to cover some of the additional expense of adding Part B.
Look for plans that offer services that you or your family may need, such as alternative medicine like acupuncture or massage therapy, generous hearing aid benefits, longer coverage for skilled nursing care, or perhaps less hassle when you have overseas claims so that you don’t need translation or currency exchange rates.
For more information on choosing a plan, members can find Tammy’s feature article “Making Sense of Medicare” in the November 2023 issue of NARFE Magazine archived online at www.narfe. org/magazine-issues
OPEN SEASON REPORT
on removing ineligible family members from Self Plus One and Self and Family enrollments.
OPEN SEASON FAQS
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. This year, postal employees and retirees will receive coverage via the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program. Many–and the largest—FEHB plans will have PSHB counterparts, so it will be a similar (or the same) plan under a different umbrella and with a different set of premiums. But some may not offer PSHB coverage. Be sure to utilize resources provided via NARFE’s website this Open Season to learn the latest. 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/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/planinformation/plans/) or call your carrier using the contact information on your health plan ID card.
In my agency, who can I go to for assistance or answers to my Open Season questions?
For help with or questions about your Open Season options, contact your human resources office or your agency’s shared service center. Your agency should have provided you with its contact information.
If you still need assistance after speaking with those sources, try contacting your agency’s headquarters’ level agency Benefit Officer using the following link for contact details: https://apps.opm. gov/abo/index.cfm#list.
If you have remaining questions that your agency can’t address, contact NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute at fedbenefits@narfe.org
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.
What are the parameters used to determine the dates for the annual Open Seasons for health, dental and vision insurances as well as for flexible spending accounts?
Each year, Open Season runs from the Monday of the second full workweek in November through the Monday of the second full workweek in December. This year’s Open Season begins Monday, November 11, and ends Monday, December 9.
This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental and vision insurance coverage for you and your family.
It is also the time for current employees to consider how much money to put aside in flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses for the upcoming year.
I have had the same health insurance plan since the day I first joined the federal government years ago. Why is it important to have a federal Open Season every year?
Most Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans will see benefit and rate changes for the upcoming year. Some plans might drop out of the program, and others may change their service areas or coverage options. Also, postal employees and retirees will enroll for the first time in plans that are part of the Postal Service Health Benefits program. There are many different types of plans available in just about any ZIP code. It is wise to review your coverage during this period each year to decide what coverage and premium best suits your needs for the upcoming year.
Another program to consider during Open Season is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Through this program, you have the option to supplement your health insurance plan with separate dental and/ or vision insurance coverage that could potentially reduce your out-of-pocket costs for these types of care. You may also cancel your participation in these programs during this period.
What is dues withholding?
NARFE’s Dues Withholding Program
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)
o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms.
Full Name
Street Address
Apt./Unit
City
State ___________ ZIP
Phone (__________)
Email
Date of Birth _________ /_________ /
Civil Service Annuity Number
(Include prefix, CSA or CSF) (Include any applicable suffix)
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.
MAIL
this form
OPEN SEASON REPORT
A flexible spending account through FSAFEDS can save employees money through lower tax withholding. You can fund your account through pretax contributions from your salary and use the account to pay for health care out-of-pocket or dependent care costs.
Typically, you cannot enroll, change your enrollment or cancel your coverage in these programs outside of an Open Season unless you experience a qualifying life event.
Why are the enrollee shares for some Self Plus One enrollments the same or higher than Self and Family enrollee shares for the same plan?
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provided the following answer to that question:
“For most enrollees, the enrollee share for Self Plus One will be lower than the enrollee share for Self and Family. However, it is possible that some plans will have higher enrollee shares for self-plus-one enrollments than for self-and-family enrollments.
“The statutory formula that is used to calculate the government contribution is based on the average of all plan premiums and requires that OPM calculate a maximum contribution for each enrollment type.
“In other words, there is a limit to how much the government will contribute toward the cost of a Self Only, Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment. The government contributes the lesser of the maximum contribution or 75% of the total premium. The remaining amount is the enrollee share (how much the enrollee must pay).
“In some cases, such as plans with a premium cost that is above the program average, this calculation may result in a higher enrollee share for a Self Plus One enrollment than a Self and Family enrollment.”
Which benefit is the most important to consider?
The answer to that question can vary depending upon your medical needs in the upcoming year.
For those not enrolled in Medicare Part B, the catastrophic protection benefit is very important. It puts a dollar limit on what you must pay out of pocket in terms of co-payments and coinsurance for the expenses that the plan covers.
If a federal employee is married to another federal employee and they don’t have any eligible children under their FEHB plan, then it’s usually
less expensive to maintain a separate Self Only FEHB plan versus a shared Self Plus One plan.
However, you should consider using OPM’s online plan comparison tools and/or the Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Federal Health Plans to carefully compare your options, including physician networks and prescription drug coverage (NARFE members receive a 20% discount).
If I make an Open Season enrollment change and I have to go to the doctor after January 1, which plan do I contact to provide the insurance coverage based on my visit?
If you are an annuitant, you should contact your new plan. Your Open Season enrollment is effective January 1.
However, if you are an active employee, your new plan is not responsible for providing coverage until the effective date of your enrollment change, which for most active employees is the first day of the first full pay period in January.
As an active employee, if you need medical services before the effective date of your Open Season enrollment or change, you should contact your old plan.
Your old plan will provide coverage according to its new 2024 contract for care received in January before the effective date of your new plan. These expenses will count toward your prior year’s deductible.
Can I enroll online in the FEDVIP without contacting the OPM?
BENEFEDS is an enrollment and premium processing system sponsored by OPM that you must use to enroll in the FEDVIP.
BENEFEDS includes a secure website and a call center. BENEFEDS also handles billing and premium administration. It’s the only place to enroll in a FEDVIP plan. You can enroll securely online at www.benefeds.com or by telephone at 1-877-8883337, TTY 1-877-889-5680.
Is it possible to make a serious mistake in choosing a plan during Open Season?
There really aren’t any bad plans in the FEHB or PSHB. It’s just that there may be a plan that is better suited for you based on how and where you want to obtain your health care in the upcoming year.
Federal employees, retirees and their survivors enjoy the widest selection of health plans in the country. You can choose from among consumer-
OPEN SEASON REPORT
driven and high-deductible plans that offer catastrophic risk protection with higher deductibles, health savings/reimbursable accounts and lower premiums; fee-for-service (FFS) plans and their Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO); or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), if you live (or sometimes if you work) within the area serviced by the plan.
Common mistakes include: enrolling in a costly plan or option when you don’t need one; a plan that doesn’t cover a specific benefit that you need; Self Only coverage when you need additional coverage or vice versa; or you enroll in a plan that requires you to use preferred providers and there are none in your area.
You might also make a mistake if you live outside the United States and Puerto Rico, and neglect to enroll in a plan that offers “overseas” benefits.
Are there any useful tools online that can help me make decisions during this Open Season?
Several resources can help you understand the relationship between the three annual Open Season programs and aid you in choosing an FEHB or PSHB plan and/or a FEDVIP plan. If actively employed, you also have resources to assist you with setting up a health care or dependent care Flexible Spending Account.
To find all the information you need to make informed decisions during Open Season in one place,
start with NARFE’s Federal Benefits Open Season portal at www.narfe.org/open-season. Of particular interest are the five NARFE Federal Benefits Institute webinars dedicated to Open Season topics, including one on the PSHB, which will be streamed live on November 7, and one on FEHB Plans that work best with Medicare Parts A & B, which will be streamed live on November 12.
For a more sophisticated set of online tools, consider using the Consumers’ Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. Some agencies have purchased access to this program for their employees, so if you are actively employed, refer to the following web link to see if your agency has secured access for you: www.checkbook. org/newhig2/year22/more.cfm. If you don’t currently work for an agency that provides such access, you can use the discount code 20NARFE to receive 20% off the regular cost of using the website. The site also offers some “Open Season Tips” at www.checkbook.org/newhig2/year22/ advice/11-fehb-open-season-tips.
FSAFEDS has tools and calculators on its website to assist employees with determining the appropriate amount they might want to set up in a flexible spending account during the Open Season for any qualified expenses they anticipate incurring in the upcoming year.
These tools are available at the following link: https://fsafeds.com/support/savingscalculators. — NARFE FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR ALL PLAN PARTICIPANTS
• Research Preferred Providers. Fee-for-service (FFS) plans use preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and doctors to help contain program costs and keep premiums at a reasonable rate. Usually, you will save a lot on out-of-pocket costs if you use your plan’s preferred hospitals or doctors. However, PPO arrangements are business contracts that are not always renewed. PPO arrangements can be made and also can be discontinued from one year to the next. In addition, there may not be PPO arrangements in all parts of the country. If you are enrolled in an FFS plan or thinking of enrolling in one, you should check with the hospitals and doctors you use and ask them if they are PPO providers in your plan. You also can review your plan’s PPO
directory to see if your doctor or hospital is a PPO provider for your plan.
• Ask Questions. Make sure to confirm information in your plan’s brochure by speaking with a plan representative. Do not assume anything. For example, plans may describe benefits in terms of “annual” or “annually.” This would seem to mean “each year,” when, in fact, it may mean that a year must have elapsed before it will cover you again.
• ID Cards. New plan identification cards showing your enrollment are issued by the health plan. If you do not change to another plan or option during Open Season, you don’t necessarily get a new ID card from the plan.
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NARFE safeguards the earned pay and benefits of America’s five million federal workers, retirees, their spouses, and survivors. NARFE is YOUR legislative voice and tireless advocate.
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NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $17 Million Fund $16,293,115.76
*Total as of August 16, 2024 All contributions go directly to Alzheimer’s research, with the exception of funds given to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s or The Longest Day.
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RShould You Delay Your First Required Minimum Distribution?
equired minimum distributions (RMDs) are the minimum amounts that must be withdrawn each year from taxdeferred retirement accounts, such as the traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Although RMDs generally start the year a retirement account owner turns 73, the drop-dead date—the Required Beginning Date (RBD)—for taking the first RMD is April 1, following the year the retirement account owner turns 73. The option to delay the first RMD (and only the first RMD) provides a planning opportunity and may save on taxes given certain circumstances.
It’s important to note that pushing the first RMD out until the following year is merely delaying the first year’s RMD and not avoiding it altogether. In other words, the retirement account owner will have to take two RMDs in a single year – one for the year they turned 73 and a second RMD by December 31 of the year they turn 74.
For example, a retired TSP participant turns 73 in 2024 and decides to delay their first RMD until 2025. In this case, the TSP participant will take their 2024 RMD in 2025 (no later than April 1) and their 2025 RMD by December 31, 2025. As a side note, the TSP will not let participants delay until April 1, as the TSP will send out an automatic payment in March to ensure the participant doesn’t miss the deadline.
Those still working when turning 73 may be able to
a single year may push the retirement account owner into a higher tax bracket and lead to higher taxes than the account owner would incur if they took the first two distributions over two years. But there are circumstances when delaying the first RMD and taking two RMDs in a single year will result in lower taxes.
THOSE STILL WORKING WHEN TURNING 73 MAY BE ABLE TO DELAY RMDS DUE TO WHAT’S REFERRED TO AS THE “STILL WORKING EXCEPTION.”
delay RMDs due to what’s referred to as the “still working exception.” This exception applies only to the current employer’s retirement plan. It allows someone still working to delay RMDs until the year of separation, with an RBD of April 1 following the year of separation.
This begs the question: Is it better to take the first RMD the first year it’s required or delay it and take two the following year?
As you may have guessed, taxes play a major role in determining the optimal distribution strategy. In some cases, taking two RMDs in
Take, for example, someone working the year of their first RMD, but not (or at least not as much) the second year. We’ve had several clients in this situation. Most recently, a husband and wife—both highincome earners— plan to retire in late 2024, the husband’s first RMD year. After running tax estimates for 2024 and 2025, we determined it would be best for the husband to delay his 2024 RMD and take two in 2025. This results in both RMDs being taxed at a rate of 24% versus the first RMD being taxed at 32% if he were to take it in 2024.
Remember that things aren’t always as they appear when dealing with taxes. What I refer to as stealth taxes have a way of producing unexpected outcomes. One such stealth tax is what’s known as the Social Security tax torpedo, which occurs when an increase in other (non-social security) income causes more of one’s Social Security benefits to be taxable (for a detailed explanation on how and when Social Security benefits are
BENEFITS RESOURCES
NARFE OFFERS MEMBERS a wide range of information on federal benefits. Visit www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute.
taxable, see my column in the November 2018 issue of NARFE Magazine, which may be found on NARFE’s website).
For example, a client who recently went through our retirement boot camp turned 73 this year. He and his wife were in the 12% tax bracket in 2023, and they assumed that, given that his $30,000 RMD would barely push them into the 22% bracket (or so they thought), he should take his first RMD in 2024. He failed to consider the impact the RMD would have on the taxable portion of his Social Security benefits.
In their case, the RMD would have caused approximately $22,000 more of their Social Security benefits to be taxable. By delaying his
2024 RMD until 2025, they avoided the Social Security tax torpedo one more year and will save about $3,000 in federal taxes over the twoyear period.
Don’t overlook the importance of taxes when deciding on the timing of your first RMD.
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.
Do you have the NARFE Visa® Platinum credit card in your wallet?
Apply for your NARFE Visa Platinum credit card today and receive a $25 statement credit1 towards your next purchase!
More reasons to keep the NARFE Visa Platinum credit card at the top of your wallet:
» Earn six (6) points per $1.00 spent on all streaming services, and one (1) point per $1.00 spent on all other purchases2
» No annual fee, no balance transfer fees, no cash advance fees, and no foreign transaction fees3
» Credit limits up to $25,000
» Protect your card with Visa Secure and Visa Secure Remote Commerce (SRC)
1 $25 Visa statement credit applies to new applicants only. The credit expires after six months if it is not used. All loans are subject to credit approval.
2 There is a 60-point monthly cap on streaming services.
3 Other fees such as late fees, returned check fees, and an over-the-limit fee may apply. For the full list of fees SFCU charges, please visit SignatureFCU.org/FeeSchedule. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) ranges from 12.99% - 18.00%. Rates, terms, and conditions may vary based on credit worthiness and qualifications. Your actual APR will be determined at the time of application and will be based on your application and credit information. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. Rates are set by the Board of Directors and may change without notice.
Ready to get started?
Scan the QR code to your left, visit SignatureFCU.org/NARFE to apply today, or contact our Member Services Department at (800) 336.0284 ext. 684 to get started today.
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WHERE THEY STAND & HOW THEY VOTED: 118TH CONGRESS
KEY BILL COSPONSORSHIPS:
The Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82/S. 597
NARFE supports this bill because it would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which unfairly reduce the earned Social Security benefits of Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuitants and many other former public servants from the state and local levels.
Saving Civil Service Act, H.R. 1002/S. 399
NARFE supports this bill because it would safeguard the merit-based civil service by preventing the return of Schedule F. It would prohibit any position in the federal competitive service created after September 30, 2020, from
being reclassified into the excepted service, outside the protections of merit system rules, without the express consent of Congress.
Equal COLA Act, H.R. 866/S. 3194
NARFE supports this bill because it would provide Federal Employees Retirement Systems (FERS) retirees with annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) based on the measured change in consumer prices. Under current law, when consumer prices increase above 2% annually, FERS annuitants do not receive the full COLA, as is provided to Social Security beneficiaries and Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuitants.
KEY SENATE VOTES, 118TH CONGRESS
2023 Senate Vote #146, June 1, 2023
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746)
NARFE supported this bill because it prevented the federal government from defaulting on its financial obligations. In the case of such a default, there would be no guarantee that federal salaries, annuities and Social Security would (or could) be paid to those who earned such benefits, threatening delayed or foregone payments. The Senate passed the bill, which was signed into law on June 3, 2023, by a vote of 63-36.
2023 Senate Vote #210, July 27, 2023
Rubio Amendment #523 to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (S. 2226)
NARFE opposed this amendment because it could have forced the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to shut down its International Stock Fund, the I Fund, and close its mutual fund window, which offers TSP participants the ability to direct retirement savings to investments outside the TSP’s core funds. The amendment would have prohibited TSP investments in a “country or security of concern.” While NARFE did not oppose the concept behind the amendment, its language and impact threatened to be too broad, prohibiting investment options that had little or no nexus to the underlying countries or securities of concern, resulting in a disparate impact on federal retirement savers. The amendment, not having
achieved 60 votes in the affirmative (the agreed-upon threshold for this and other amendments on this bill), was not agreed to in the Senate by a vote of 55-42.
2023 Senate Vote #247, September 30, 2023
Continuing Appropriations Act of 2024 (H.R. 5860)
NARFE supported this bill because it prevented an unnecessary and wasteful government shutdown that a lapse in appropriations would have caused. The bill extended the fiscal year 2023 spending levels through November 17, 2023. The Senate passed the bill, which was signed into law later that day by a vote of 88-9.
2024 Senate Vote #114, March 23, 2024 FY2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2882)
NARFE supported this bill because it included increased funding to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for information technology modernization and operations directed, in part, towards improvements to customer service provided to federal annuitants via its Retirement Services division. The bill also provided funding for many other federal departments and agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, avoiding another continuing resolution or a government shutdown. The Senate passed the bill, which was signed into law later that day by a vote of 74-24.
NARFE publishes this scorecard of the 118th Congress to ensure NARFE members are as informed as possible about where their representatives and senators stand on key NARFE bills and how they voted on bills or amendments implicating NARFE concerns.
KEY HOUSE VOTES, 118TH CONGRESS
2023 House Vote #32, January 24, 2023
Chance to Compete Act (H.R. 159)
NARFE supported this bill because it would improve the federal hiring process to ensure merit-based civil service rules function effectively and allow federal agencies to bring in the talent needed to fulfill their missions and serve the American people. Notably, the bill would allow agencies to share applicant assessments, shift toward resume review by subject matter experts, and focus job qualifications on skills rather than simply educational attainment. The bill passed the House by a vote of 422-2. At press time, the Senate had not yet considered the bill.
2023 House Vote #243, May 31, 2023
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746)
NARFE supported this bill because it prevented the federal government from defaulting on its financial obligations. In the case of such a default, there would be no guarantee that federal salaries, annuities and Social Security would (or could) be paid to those who earned such benefits, threatening delayed or foregone payments. The House passed the bill, which was signed into law on June 3, 2023, by a vote of 314-117.
2023 House Vote #513, September 30, 2023
Continuing Appropriations Act of 2024 (H.R. 5860)
NARFE supported this bill because it prevented an unnecessary and wasteful government shutdown that a lapse in appropriations would have caused. The bill extended the fiscal year 2023 spending levels through November 17, 2023. The House passed the bill, which was signed into law later that day by a vote of 335-91.
2023 House Vote #636, November 8, 2023
Ogles Amendment #84 to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill (H.R. 4664)
NARFE opposed this amendment to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill because it would have prohibited the use of funds to (and therefore prevented) finalization and implementation of a proposed rule by OPM titled “Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles.” The proposed rule (now final) reinforces longstanding civil service protections and merit system principles. Notably, it clarifies that competitive service protections – which exist to preserve a nonpartisan, professional civil service – may not be taken away via an involuntary move from the competitive service to the excepted service (e.g., via a reclassification of the position); that “confidential, policy determining, policymaking, or policy advocating” positions refer to noncareer, political appointments, and may not be applied to career civil servants; and establishes procedures for moving positions from the competitive to the excepted service (including appeal rights for federal employees whose positions are reclassified). The amendment failed by a vote of 198-221.
2024 House Vote #102, March 22, 2024
FY2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2882)
NARFE supported this bill because it included increased funding to OPM for information technology modernization and operations directed, partly toward improvements to customer service provided to federal annuitants via its Retirement Services division. The bill also provided funding for many other federal departments and agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, avoiding another continuing resolution or a government shutdown. The House passed the bill, which was signed into law the next day by a vote of 286-134.
Alaska
STATE BY STATE RECORD ON KEY NARFE VOTES
VOTE LEGEND
P Voted for the NARFE position
x Voted against the NARFE position
NV Did not vote
S Speaker of the House, rarely votes
I Not yet elected when vote taken
CO-SPONSORSHIPS
Pc Co-sponsored the legislation
xc Did not co-sponsor
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
AL
At-large representative
R Retiring, not seeking reelection
S Representative running for Senate
D Defeated in primary
O Seeking other office
* Senator whose term expires in 2024
2026 Senator whose term expires in 2026
2028 Senator whose term expires in 2028
118th Congress: SENATE
CO-SPONSORSHIPS VOTE # VOTE #
Illinois
CO-SPONSORSHIPS
118th Congress: SENATE
Minnesota
Klobuchar (D)
2026 Smith (D)
Mississippi
Wicker (R)
Schmitt (R)
Montana
Tester (D)
Daines (R)
Nebraska
Fischer (R)
2026 Ricketts (R)
South
South Dakota
New Hampshire 2026 Shaheen (D)
Menendez (D)
New
New
Gillibrand (D)
North Carolina 2026 Tillis (R)
North Dakota
Cramer
Vermont
Virginia
West
Wisconsin
118th Congress: HOUSE
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
California cont.
Georgia
Kansas
Massachusetts
118th Congress: HOUSE CONTINUED
Mississippi
118th Congress: HOUSE CONTINUED
Help NARFE Grow and Win Cool Prizes During NARFE’s Fall Membership Drive!
Did you know that NARFE rewards its members for recruiting new members? Think of it as a special “thank you” from our staff for building our membership and voices.
NARFE kicked off our annual Fall Membership Drive on September 1, and the program runs through December 31, 2024. Current members can earn $10 for each new member they recruit, as well as other prizes.
This is a critical time of year when 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. And be sure to provide prospects with your NARFE member ID number
so you get credit when the new members join.
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, log in at www. narfe.org and click on “For Members” on the menu bar and select “Officer Resources” on the drop-down menu. On the Officer Resources page, scroll down and click on “Membership Officer Resources” to access a page with many helpful tools, including:
• A recruitment email template that incorporates a testimonial
2024 CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Information as of June 1, 2024:
CONNECTICUT: conference October 10, Marriott Courtyard, 4 Sebethe Dr, Cromwell. Contact Federation Secretary Peggy McGrath, pleisure@cox.net, for more information.
INDIANA: conference October 24, NALC Union Hall 2211 E 54th Street, Indianapolis. Contact Federation President John Triplett, johntriplettnarfe@gmail.com, for more information.
• The NARFE membership brochure, with powerful talking points
• An “elevator speech” to help you quickly and effectively explain the benefits of NARFE membership
• The “About NARFE” video if you have an opportunity to make a short introduction to NARFE and want the impact of professional, polished media
• A membership presentation script that covers NARFE’s advocacy efforts and all our key member benefits
• PowerPoint slides provide visuals that sync up with the script and show all the ways NARFE helps members get more out of their federal benefits
NEW HAMPSHIRE: conference October 30, Holiday Inn Concord Downtown Hotel, 172 No. Main St, Concord. Visit www.narfe.org/NH for information.
REGION IX SYMPOSIUM: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, October 24-26, Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA. Contact Mary Alice Binder, mary_binder@msn.com, or visit www.narfe.org/ wa/ for more information.
Become a Silver Circle Contributor Today
NARFE offers members a way to give to the association’s General Fund through its donor recognition program, the Silver Circle.
Your contribution to the Silver Circle supports the direct work of NARFE as we continue to provide you resources and advocacy that you rely on and that member dues alone cannot support. When you donate to the Silver Circle, you are ensuring that NARFE has the resources to continue to fight for the financial security and earned benefits for you and the federal community.
NARFE appreciates all financial support you provide to us and would like to recognize you for your generous contributions to our cause. Donate now to the Silver Circle at narfe.org/silvercircle.
With NARFE’s thanks, you will receive:
• A Silver Circle pin and recognition on NARFE.ORG with a donation of $100 or more.
• A Silver Circle pin, your name plate placed on the Silver Circle plaque at NARFE Headquarters, recognition on NARFE.ORG and recognition at the NARFE yearly conference with a donation of $1,000 or more.
To learn more about the Silver Circle donor recognition program or how to recommend an outstanding NARFE member to the Silver Circle, please visit www.narfe.org/silvercircle or email us at donatenow@narfe.org
Enclosed is my NARFE donation: $
q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
ZIP:
Member Number:
q CHECK ENCLOSED (payable to NARFE) FR-SILVERCIRCLE OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
q MasterCard q VISA q Discover q AMEX
Card Number:
Expiration Date: (mm)/ (yy)
3-Digit Security Code: Date:
Signature:
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PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: NARFE, Attn: Silver Circle, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Donations to NARFE are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
NARFE Hires Legislative Affairs Manager
RJ Thacker has joined NARFE as legislative affairs manager. In this role, he is crucial in advancing the organization’s advocacy agenda and representing the interests of federal employees and retirees.
RJ has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Shawnee State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. In addition, he serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve in his home state of Ohio.
RJ grew up in a small town in Appalachia: Minford, Ohio. Seeing his community underserved and left behind in the modern day encouraged him to start studying politics and eventually get involved at the local level. He wanted to make things better for communities and people who were too often forgotten about or actively neglected.
RJ’s career experience has largely been as a campaign worker for Democratic candidates across the country. He has worked with voters in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, and Georgia on races ranging from small city council races to the 2020 Georgia Senate runoffs. His experience
MEMBERSHIP FROM P.70
• A full-color ad you can download featuring a member testimonial
• Excerpts from NARFE Magazine you can download and send to prospects
as an organizer instilled in him a desire to continue giving back and using the skills he developed there to remain engaged in the political world.
RJ began his career as a part-time canvasser for Lew Nicholls in Kentucky, where he fell in love with interacting and empowering voters to hold their representatives accountable and to ensure their viewpoints are heard. This passion led him to volunteer and work with multiple campaigns throughout rural Ohio during the 2018 election cycle. Eventually, after graduating with his bachelor’s in 2019, he volunteered with the Elizabeth Warren primary campaign before accepting a position with the Alabama Democratic Coordinated Campaign seeking to re-elect Doug Jones.
While many of these campaigns were losses, this only fueled his resolve to keep working to elect people who care for their constituents and seek to improve communities like the one he grew up in. RJ began working with the Georgia Coordinated campaign to elect Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock in Georgia immediately after Sen. Jones’s heartbreaking defeat, where he was involved in the historic Democratic victory,
If you need printed supplies to support your efforts (membership flyers, applications, copies of NARFE Magazine, etc.), you’ll find a link to the F-18 Requisition for Printed Supplies interactive online order form on the “Membership Recruitment Resources” page that you can use to place your order.
flipping the senate. Afterward, he decided that while organizing is important, he wanted to pivot to a more policy-side role, and as such, began applying to master’s degree programs to continue his education. Being graciously accepted at Maxwell allowed him to increase his policy bonafides and meet incredible mentors who encouraged and assisted in his professional growth. Feeling grateful for the nation that allowed him the opportunity to attend a prestigious university such as Maxwell, RJ signed a contract with the Army Reserve hoping to continue to give back. After graduating with his master’s degree and finishing training with the Army Reserve, he began working with NARFE. In his role at NARFE, RJ interfaces with candidates as part of NARFE-PAC’s political engagement, and works with members of Congress to advance NARFE’s legislative priorities.
—BY MATT SANDERSON, CONTENT MANAGER
If you have questions, please email our membership development team at membership@narfe.org or call us at 800-456-8410. Thank you for your commitment and support as we all work to create a better future. Together, we can grow NARFE!
—BY NORA MACDONALD, DIRECTOR, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
Active and Retired Federal Employees–Join NARFE (or Renew) 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. Membership expiring? Renew now!
NARFE MEMBER BENEFITS
• Understand benefit changes and key aspects to stay on top of with NARFE’s monthly webinars, held on a variety of topics such as TSP’s, health insurance options and long term care insurance updates
• Direct access to Federal Benefits Institute experts who can answer your most pressing questions and help you get answers you need from OPM
• Topical and robust articles on new legislation, and topics like car buying tips and finding your path in retirement, and the ever popular Q&A section addressing your most burning benefit questions in NARFE Magazine
• Support from your peers with access to FEDHub, the only national online community for the federal community, and local chapters, where you can meet feds in a neighborhood near you
• Weekly news roundup email called Newsline, with helpful tips and updates from NARFE on the work we are doing to support you
• Discounts on popular national brands with NARFE Perks
• Powerful advocacy and alerts to take action on important legislation pending in Congress and our advocacy team that protects your benefits every day!
NARFE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
o Yes. I want to join NARFE for the low annual dues of $48
o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms.
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THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN/RENEW
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.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
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Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
LOOKING TO MEET OTHERS in the federal community? Go to www.narfe.org/chapters to find a chapter near you.
Are you a new member who wants to receive a FREE one-year chapter membership? Choose one:
o Chapter closest to home OR o Chapter #____________
Renewing members can call 800-456-8410 x1 to inquire about your chapter dues amount or to join a NARFE chapter today.
THANK YOUR RECRUITER Did someone introduce you to NARFE? Please provide their name and member ID.
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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. (02/24)
(Previously Office Depot/Office Max)
Use your NARFE Perks and your membership will more than pay for itself! See how much you can save at www.NARFE.org/memberperks
Exclusive Offer for NARFE Members: NARFE members can enjoy discounted monthly monitoring rates, $0 installation fees, reduced activation fees, and a $500 equipment voucher for customizing their security and smart home systems with ADT monitoring. Enhance your home security with these exclusive benefits tailored just for you. Select the link for more details and fill out the contact page to speak to a security expert and place your order.
BMG Money is the better loan solution for federal government employees and retirees who are working on improving their credit scores. Apply in minutes regardless of credit score with instant funding available. All credit scores are encouraged to apply with higher acceptance rates.
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
HP – The Association Member Store | 1-888-678-9620 | www.narfe.org/hp-perk-2024E
NARFE members enjoy exclusive discounts via a private store environment. Save up to an additional 10% on Desktops, Laptops, Printers, and Accessories; and save an additional 5% on Care Packs and Services. Access to exclusive member-only promotions. Simply log on and purchase your options with a dedicated US Sales Support team to assist you. HP has Business Account Managers based in Boise, ID, and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Call 1-888-678-9620, Monday - Friday 7:00am -7:30pm CST.
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 | https://www.purchasingpower.com/?domain=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.
Signature FCU Visa Platinum Card | www.SignatureFCU.org/NARFE
Signature FCU is a full-service, nationwide federal credit union operating since 1970. Membership starts with just a $5 deposit into a standard savings account—no membership fees and no minimum balance requirements to enjoy all the products and services we have to offer, including the NARFE Visa® Platinum Credit Card. This special card gives back to your organization and gives you one point for every $1 you spend to redeem for cash, travel, and merchandise.
WELLNESS
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: STAYSTRONG
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.
Line Screening | 800-324-9906 | www.lifelinescreening.com/NARFE
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.
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 top-quality 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
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 | www.hotelengine.com/join/24530f9
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 | https://partners.rentalcar.com/narfe/
NARFE members receive great rates with National Car Rental! At National, we pride ourselves on always providing you with unsurpassed convenience and choices. To make a reservation, call National Car Rental and reference Contract 5282909.
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 top-rated insurance carriers on Auto, Home, Renters, Pet insurance and more in a matter of minutes. Answer a few simple questions online or over the phone with our licensed insurance experts to compare multiple options that meet your specific needs. To review and choose what’s best for you, go to the link above or call 833-378-8224.
ADDITIONAL PERKS
An Evening Campfire Talk
This July 1973 photograph shows a National Park Service ranger giving an evening campfire talk at Wonder Lake campground in Denali National Park, then known as Mount McKinley National Park. As the campground closest to the mountain, Wonder Lake has some of the best views—on a sunny day. Park rangers at Wonder Lake still give campfire talks related to park and mountain history, geography, and topography, and many other topics.
PHOTO from the Records of the 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?
On the eve of the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016, the highest peak in North America changed from “Mount McKinley” to “Denali.” The timing of the change not only helped mark the agency’s centennial but also illuminated a naming debate that has lasted more than 100 years and illuminated the park’s long human history. No fewer than nine native groups have used unique names for the mountain. There are five Athabaskan languages surrounding the park, each with its oral place name. According to University of Alaska linguist James Kari, the groups to the north and west of the mountain (and Alaska Range) use words that translate to “the tall one.” The Athabaskan languages to the south of the mountain use words that mean “mountain-big.” The name “Denali” stems from “deenaalee,” from the Koyukon language traditionally spoken on the north side.
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.
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