December 2023 NARFE Magazine by NARFE

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

December 2023 VOLUME 99 ★ NUMBER 10

P. 26

The Evolving Federal Office P. 34 Handling Classified Documents P. 44 Open Season Report

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Contents DECEMBER 2023 COVER STORY PAGE 26

FEATURE PAGE 34

THE EVOLVING FEDERAL OFFICE Agencies are struggling to figure out their physical space needs, avoid empty buildings, and hedge against possible policy changes to future workforce demands. HANDLING CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS We take a look at the management of classified documents and why they are so important to America’s national security.

Special Feature

Columns

44 Open Season Report

4 From the President

Washington Watch

24 Benefits Brief

The Evolving Federal Office

8 The Costs of a Shutdown

60 Managing Money

P. 34 Handling Classified Documents

9 OPM Issues Rule to Prevent

62 Alzheimer’s Update

10 WEP/GPO Repeal Bill Hits 290

Departments

Schedule F

Cosponsors in House During Advocacy Summit

11 FLTCIP Premiums Increase by as Much as 86%

14 Bill Tracker

6 NARFE Online

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

December 2023 VOLUME 99 ★ NUMBER 10

P. 26

P. 44 Open Season Report

ON THE COVER Illustration by TGD

18 Questions & Answers 19 Countdown to COLA 64 NARFE News 70 NARFE Perks 72 The Way We Worked

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

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 99 ★ NUMBER 10

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jenn Rafael

REGION I Jeff Anliker

CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Beth Bedard CONTENT MANAGER Matt Sanderson ADDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN TGD EDITORIAL BOARD William Shackelford, Kathryn E. Hensley, Johann De Castro CONTACT US NARFE Magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Editorial: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Francine Garner advertising@narfe.org

NARFE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED ON THE TELEPHONE: This publication can be heard on the telephone by persons who have trouble seeing or reading the print edition. For more information, contact the National Federation of the Blind NFBNEWSLINE® service at 866-504-7300 or go to www.nfbnewsline.org. ON DIGITAL AUDIO: Issues of NARFE Magazine are also available in audio format through the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS). For availability, call 202-727-2142 or your local NLS service provider. The Association, since July 1970, has been classified by the IRS as a tax-exempt labor organization [not a union]; however, dues and gifts or contributions to the Association are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

NATIONAL OFFICERS WILLIAM SHACKELFORD President; natpres@narfe.org KATHRYN E. HENSLEY Secretary/Treasurer; natsectreas@narfe.org

CHIEF OF STAFF JOHANN DE CASTRO jdecastro@narfe.org

(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

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:

(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

EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org

REGION IX Steven Roy

NARFE HEADQUARTERS

(Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington) Tel: 425-344-3926 Email: stevenroy1@yahoo.com

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

REGION X Robert Allen (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia) Tel: 757-404-3880 Email: rvp10@narfe.org

NARFE Magazine (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly except in February and July by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $48. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2023, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

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From the President

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

Being Aggressive in 2024

s my first year as your national president draws to a close, I believe things are beginning to look up for our organization. In my first column, I said, “NARFE is facing a big challenge in membership recruitment. As an organization, we must put a renewed emphasis on recruiting, retention, and reinstatement. If NARFE is going to attract more active federal employees into the organization, a change in the way we do business is vital.” The turn-around began in April with the arrival of our new Director of Membership Engagement, Nora MacDonald. Under her guidance, our newly re-organized membership engagement department has slowed our membership decline. This has been accomplished through a targeted renewal effort directed at those individuals whose membership, due to a variety of reasons, lapsed. Additionally, in an effort to increase awareness of NARFE, we have been represented at conferences of other organizations, such as Federally Employed Women (FEW), Blacks In Government (BIG) and United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA). Another positive accomplishment for NARFE has been an increase in non-dues revenue through the development of new sponsorships by Business Development Manager Francine Garner. As a result, NARFE is less dependent on the dues paid by renewing members as well as new members when they join NARFE. In 2024, with the financial assistance from these new sponsorships, federation conferences and conventions should be successful. During the joint Federation Presidents’ and National Executive Board meeting held in late August, NARFE Federation Presidents made several recommendations to the National Executive Board, with high priority that beginning in 2024, focus on a sustained recruitment effort to add at least 20,000 new recruits annually over the next five years. These recommendations will place an emphasis on recruiting, retention and reinstatement. Fulfillment will require an aggressive approach, necessary to ensure that NARFE remains viable, by the staff

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

at NARFE headquarters as well as members in federations and chapters. Also at the August meeting, Montana Federation Second Vice President Felix Spinelli presented me with a gavel and hand-crafted striking block from Bozeman Chapter 843. This gavel was used by Chapter 843 of the National Association of Retired Civil Employees (NARCE), which was the name of our organization between 1947 and 2004. This gavel and striking block will be displayed in the memorabilia cases in the lobby of NARFE headquarters.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

In August, many representatives expressed concern about which chapter and federation records should be retained. Record management is important to the overall governance of chapters and federations. Guidance for the retention of active current files as well as archived files is set forth in the Records Management and Quick Reference Chart found in Appendix B of the Chapter and Federation Officer Manual (F-10). Records should be well-organized, kept for a specified period and purged periodically. This chart is a guide to current practices and includes standards that are accepted by NARFE. Records can be divided into three categories: Oneyear files, three-year files and permanent records. From the staff and officers at NARFE, thank you for your membership. Please take a moment during the upcoming holidays to give thanks for all we have in our lives and the ability to share it with family and friends. Stay safe.

WILLIAM SHACKELFORD NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT natpres@narfe.org

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NARFE Online SAVE MONEY WITH NARFE PERKS WHETHER you are planning your next vacation or move, buying a gift or planning for retirement, members can save money on everyday purchases with special discounts from our Affinity Partners. Visit www.narfe.org/perks or see p. 70.

Stay Informed About News That Matters to You

ant to stay on top of key federal news and benefits information? Subscribe to NARFE Daily News Clips.

This newsletter features breaking news and informative articles from various outlets curated just for NARFE members, as well as NARFE

media statements, op-eds and more. NARFE Daily News Clips is delivered to inboxes weekday mornings. To join the mailing list, visit www.narfe.org/clips.

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

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

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

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

TRACKING RETIREMENT CLAIMS

Find out how many retirement claims OPM Retirement Services receives and process each month, with average processing times and total inventory, at www.narfe.org/opm-processing.

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Ready to enroll? If you’re eligible: Enroll online at RetireeFEHB.OPM.gov. Or call the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Retirement Information Center at 1-888-767-6738 (TTY: 711). Aetna Medicare is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2021 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. ©2023 Aetna Inc. Y0001_GRP_5995_2024_M 19.22.323.1 (9/23)

Washington Watch

The Costs of a Shutdown

ver the past 50 years, there have been 21 total or partial government shutdowns. With yet another shutdown looming over Congress this fall, it’s

important for NARFE members and the general public to understand the effects shutdowns have on the personal and broader economic outlook of federal workers and all Americans. What exactly is a government shutdown? A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass annual spending legislation to keep the government funded before the end of the fiscal year or before appropriated funding runs out. Congress is tasked with passing 12 annual appropriations bills each year, but the institution often fails to complete this task on time, creating the need to either pass a continuing resolution or let the government shutter. Government departments, agencies, and services cannot function through funding lapses, except for a few essential services. A shutdown does not affect mandatory spending like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. These programs do not require Congress to pass funding each year. For federal retirees,

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

federal annuities will continue to be paid, and your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage continues. From a federal worker perspective, non-essential workers are furloughed, while those designated as essential personnel must work without pay.

Back pay for federal workers is guaranteed when the government reopens due to a change in the law after the 2018-2019 shutdown, but missed paychecks are still a distinct possibility. More than 2 million civilian federal employees and nearly 2 million military personnel may face financial insecurity due to a government shutdown. Although back pay is guaranteed, delayed paychecks equate to missed rent, mortgage and car payments and other bills. Like 60% of American workers, many federal employees say they live paycheck to paycheck.

DECEMBER ACTION ALERT: ACT NOW FOR A JUST RETIREMENT FUTURE Visit NARFE’s Legislative Action Center at www.narfe.org to send a message to your lawmakers, urging their cosponsorship of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, H.R. 82/S. 597. As H.R. 82 has garnered more than 290 cosponsors, it is paramount to bolster this support in both chambers. This bill aims to rectify the unjust policies of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which unfairly diminish Social Security benefits for federal, state, and local federal retirees who earned a pension from their civil service career, distinct from benefits earned through Social Security-covered employment.

MYTH VS. REALITY MYTH: WEP and GPO only affect a diminishing number of federal retirees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System. REALITY: Millions of retirees, including state and local government retirees, are impacted by WEP and GPO. These policies create financial hardships, and have other far-reaching consequences for these public employees, who include educators, law enforcement, firefighters, federal retirees—and their families, making repeal a necessary priority.

A shutdown would increase pressure on the already strained finances of millions of Americans. A government shutdown also affects the overall economy, reducing government revenue and harming connected industries. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the 2018-2019 government shutdown cost the economy $11 billion. The 2013 government shutdown cost the National

Park Service upwards of $7 million in revenue due to its inability to issue permits and collect fees, and the U.S. Travel Industry Association estimated the country loses more than $135 million in tourism every day when the government is closed. When rational minds win out and Congress reopens the federal government, agencies incur additional costs to restart operations. Between lost

revenue, productivity, paychecks, and other economic factors, government shutdowns don’t save taxpayers a dime. Instead, these unnecessary events negatively harm the personal finances of millions of Americans and the broader financial stability of the country. And for what? Not once has the group trying to use a government shutdown as leverage succeeded. —BY KHAMARE GARNER, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE

OPM Issues Rule to Prevent Schedule F

n September 15, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a proposed rule designed to reinforce the merit-based, nonpartisan civil service. The proposal is a direct response to the Trump administration executive order known as “Schedule F,” which created a broad exception to the rules ensuring civil servants are hired and fired based on merit, not political affiliation and loyalty or lack thereof. The order creating Schedule F, revoked in January 2021, sought to move tens of thousands of career federal employees in policy-making positions to a new job classification outside the merit system, removing standard employment protections. This

could have resulted in mass firings and positions filled with

‘SCHEDULE F’ CREATED A BROAD EXCEPTION TO THE RULES ENSURING CIVIL SERVANTS ARE HIRED AND FIRED BASED ON MERIT, NOT POLITICAL AFFILIATION AND LOYALTY OR LACK THEREOF.

those potentially unqualified, a tactic to circumvent merit

protections and merit-based hiring. While Schedule F is going nowhere under the current administration, the conversation has shifted to the future. Proponents of Schedule F are still out there and calling for its return. Even some presidential hopefuls have stated their intention to bring Schedule F back. While the policy largely failed in its last attempt, this was partly because the previous administration ran out of time. The return of Schedule F at the beginning of a new administration could be much more effective. OPM’s proposed rule titled “Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System SEE OPM ON P. 12 NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Washington Watch

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

WEP/GPO Repeal Bill Hits 290 Cosponsors in House During Advocacy Summit

n an emotionally charged moment, NARFE and its fellow advocates gathered on Capitol Hill for the WEP/ GPO Repeal Advocacy Summit on September 13. The summit marked a significant juncture in the ongoing battle against the inequities of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). It also heralded a crucial step forward for the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82. When it was announced the bill surpassed 290 cosponsors, there was a collective relief among the crowd. This achievement is transformative in the fight to overturn the harmful WEP and GPO provisions. The critical milestone allows lead sponsor Rep. Garret Graves, R-LA, to file a motion that could propel the bill toward a floor vote or committee action. He wants to engage in constructive dialogue with the House Ways and Means Committee before advancing the motion. This strategic approach marks the importance of building bipartisan consensus to achieve the ultimate goal—full repeal of WEP and GPO. The summit was more than just a platform to celebrate legislative progress; it was a stage for poignant testimonies from committed advocates like teachers, police officers,

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

THIS ACHIEVEMENT IS TRANSFORMATIVE IN THE FIGHT TO OVERTURN THE HARMFUL WEP AND GPO PROVISIONS. THE CRITICAL MILESTONE ALLOWS LEAD SPONSOR REP. GARRET GRAVES, R-LA, TO FILE A MOTION THAT COULD PROPEL THE BILL TOWARD A FLOOR VOTE OR COMMITTEE ACTION.

and federal retirees who have personally felt the weight of these provisions on their livelihoods and financial security. Their stories revealed the financial distress of WEP and GPO and their resolve to pass H.R. 82. “For over four decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset have unfairly reduced, and even wiped out, the earned Social Security benefits of public servants, punishing those who choose to answer the call to serve their nation, states and local communities,”

said NARFE President William “Bill” Shackelford during an impassioned speech at the summit. “For those lawmakers who have yet to sign on in support of the Social Security Fairness Act, listen to your constituents,” he added. “Listen to those calling and writing to your offices each day with their stories. Congress cannot continue to ignore the plight of public workers.” NARFE is grateful for its members, who have demonstrated unwavering solidarity through their incredible advocacy efforts. They have sent more than 3,000 letters to lawmakers in conjunction with phone calls and meeting requests. NARFE’s continued progress in advocating for the repeal of the WEP and GPO is linked to the steadfast commitment of its members in the fight. The journey to dismantle the WEP and GPO provisions is challenging and marked by obstacles and complexities. Yet, with each member’s efforts, we draw closer to a just Social Security system. As the Social Security Fairness Act continues to gain traction, we stand resolutely forging ahead for a more secure and equitable future for federal retirees. —BY IVANA SARA, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER

FLTCIP Premiums Increase by as Much as 86%

nrollees in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) were mailed letters the week of September 11 indicating the amount their FLTCIP premiums will increase, starting in January 2024. Based on survey responses from NARFE members, premium increases ranged as high as 86%. Premium increases were approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pursuant to its contract renewal with John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company (John Hancock) for a new seven-year period beginning May 1, 2023.

NARFE National President William “Bill” Shackelford expressed NARFE’s condemnation of the premium increases in a September 12 statement, explaining: “Additional premium increases for FLTCIP enrollees may be multiples higher than the amount they were originally quoted, contrary to what any reasonable person could expect when they entered into their contract for coverage.” Last July, NARFE wrote to OPM urging they consider providing a partial refund option to enrollees who are locked into the program. OPM authorized a paid-up limited benefit, but no

CONTRIBUTE TO

refund option. Enrollees were also given the option to reduce coverage to keep premiums the same (or lower than the increase). “Now, they may be facing a choice between unaffordable premiums or inadequate coverage; and have lost the time and opportunity to forge an alternative plan for future longterm care costs,” Shackelford continued. Even with the options, Shackelford argued the scenario resembles a classic bait-andswitch scheme. “FLTCIP enrollees took the bait when SEE FTLCIP ON P. 12

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

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Washington Watch LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES NARFE NewsLine – A weekly newsletter that goes out to NARFE members on Tuesdays and includes weekly recaps of legislative news, compiled by NARFE’s advocacy and communications teams. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER – A one-stop site to send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org. OPM FROM P.9

Principles” would allow federal employees to keep their existing job protections and clarify that they cannot be taken away unless the employee voluntarily gives up these rights. It pares down the definition of “confidential, policy determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating” to noncareer political appointees. It makes moving positions from the competitive service to the excepted service harder. The rule also grants federal employees the right to appeal job reclassification that strips civil service protections before the Merit Systems Protection Board. A future administration could attempt to undo the rule, FTLCIP FROM P.11

they purchased insurance at lower-quoted price, and now are forced to switch to a highercost product or lose their investment,” he said. Shackelford also raised questions about the profitstructure of the program. “Why is the insurance company making profits after failing to get actuarial assumptions correct year after year—or earning less than expected investment returns— while enrollees pay higher premiums again and again?” he said. Per OPM’s benefit administration letter (23-902), dated September 11, 2023, “John Hancock, the FLTCIP insurance carrier, is required to monitor FLTCIP experience and propose 12

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

but it would require significant time. A reversal would have to go through the administrative rulemaking process and come with proper justification. In a statement about the rule, OPM Director Kiran Ahuja said, “Career federal employees deliver critical services for Americans in every community. Prior attempts to needlessly politicize their work risked harming the American people.” NARFE’s National President William Shackelford also said, “Every administration should—and will—bring along its cadre of political appointees to set and direct the policy of the duly elected president. But this rule will

strengthen the longstanding, bipartisan consensus of a nonpartisan civil service, which safeguards the rule of law and professionalism over partisanship or nepotism while ensuring continuity between administrations.” NARFE stands firmly against attempts to politicize the federal workforce and strip career federal employees of their merit system protections. The rule proposed by OPM reflects Congress’s legislative history and intent when it created the merit-based civil service system, and NARFE applauds OPM for this proactive measure.

corrective action to OPM when experience indicates that it may be needed. Recent analysis of the program’s actual and projected experience concludes that a premium rate increase is needed. The current FLTCIP premiums are not sufficient to meet future projected obligations.” But Shackelford wrote to the relevant House and Senate committees and subcommittees urging they hold hearings to investigate the reasons for the premium increase, the profit structure of the program, and options for providing alternatives to—or relief from— the extraordinary premium increases. While it may be true that FLTCIP premiums were set

at a rate lower than expected costs, Shackelford’s letter to congressional committees highlighted issues with the structure of the FLTCIP program, citing OPM’s own 2022 market analysis study that compared FLTCIP to private-sector long-term care insurance offerings. Notably, the study contrasted private market programs where “the ultimate responsibility for the policyholders’ liabilities is the insurer,” with FLTCIP, where “it is the program itself.” Yet the FLTCIP insurer receives profits as a percentage of premiums and assets in the program, not claims experience.

—BY ROSS APTER, DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS

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

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NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR H.R.159/S.59: Chance to Compete Act of 2023 / Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-NC / Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-AZ Cosponsors: H.R. 159: 3 (D) 2 (R) S. 59: 1 (D) 2 (R) 0 (I)

H.R. 1002/S. 399: Saving the Civil Service Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Tim Kaine, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 1002: 17 (D) 3 (R) S. 399: 14 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)

FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY

H.R. 1487: The Strengthening the Office of Personnel Management Reform Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 1487: 1 (D) 0 (R)

H.R. 3115/S. 1496: Public Service Reform Act / Rep. Chip Roy, R-TX / Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL Cosponsors: H.R. 3115: 0 (D) 14 (R) S. 1496: 0 (D) 1 (R) 0 (I)

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

Implements merit-based reforms to the Passed the House under civil service hiring system that replace suspension of the rules degree-based hiring with skills- and 1/24/2023 competency-based hiring. Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 1/24/2023

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.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 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 Codifies several recommendations Committee on Oversight for OPM by the National Academy of and Accountability 3/9/2023 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.

NARFE’s Position:

LATEST ACTION(S)

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

Support

Oppose

No position

NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

LATEST ACTION(S)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Referred to the House Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Energy and Commerce 7/12/2023

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).

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means 9/5/2023

Cosponsors: H.R. 82: 201 (D) 97 (R) S. 597: 36 (D) 7 (R) 3 (I)

H.R. 4260: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA Cosponsors: H.R. 4260: 101 (D) 0 (R)

SOCIAL SECURITY

H.R. 4583/S. 2280: Social Security 2100 Act / Rep. John Larson, D-CT / Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-CT Cosponsors: H.R. 4583: 178 (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: 1 (D) 27 (R)

NARFE’s Position:

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

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

Support

Oppose

No position

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE BILL TRACKER

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

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

LATEST ACTION(S)

H.R. 536/ S. 124: The Federal Provides federal employees Adjustment of Income Rates with an 8.7% average pay raise (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, in 2024. D-VA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI

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

Cosponsors: H.R. 536: 74 (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

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

Cosponsors: H.R. 856: 33 (D) 3 (R) S.274: 10 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) FEDERAL COMPENSATION

H.R. 1301/ S. 640: Federal Employees Civil Relief Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI Cosponsors: H.R. 1301: 3 (D) 0 (R) S. 640 15 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) 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

Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance 3/2/2023 Referred to Committee on Homeland Security & Government Affairs 10/4/23

Requires Social Security and federal retirement programs to use the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retirement benefits.

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

H.R. 866: The Equal COLA Provides Federal Employees Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Retirement System (FERS) retirees with the same annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as Civil Serve Retirement System Cosponsors: (CSRS) retirees. H.R. 866: 37 (D) 0 (R)

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

H.R. 716: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA Cosponsors: H.R. 716: 35 (D) 0 (R)

NARFE’s Position:

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

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.

Cosponsors: H.R. 5883: 0 (D) 1 (R) S. 3029: 1 (D) 2 (R) 0 (I)

FEDERAL ANNUITIES

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

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

Support

Oppose

No position

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Questions & Answers

Q&A

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

EMPLOYMENT RETIREMENT ELIGIBILITY

My service computation date (SCD) says I have 30 years of service. Why is my HR office telling me I am not eligible to retire? I am 58 years old. How can this be?

Did you know that federal employees have several SCDs? For example, your SCD Leave appears on every SF 50 (notification of personnel action) in block #31. Your SCD Leave is generally used to determine when you are eligible to move from four to six to eight hours of annual leave accrual. Your SCD retirement reflects service that is creditable toward your eligibility to retire. Generally, SCD Leave and SCD retirement are the same unless you are retired from a career in the military, or you have other service such as non FERS-covered service performed after 1988 that counts for leave accrual but not for retirement. Knowing how much creditable service you have for your retirement eligibility and the computation of your retirement benefit is very important. Review the SF 50s in your electronic official personnel folder (eOPF) to see if you had retirement coverage during your federal career. This is indicated in block #30. Also, ensure all of your prior civilian and military service is documented and on file in your eOPF. To learn more, visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Retirement Center: https://www.opm.gov/ retirement-center/. If you are not sure if your service has been properly accounted for and documented, it is important to contact a retirement specialist in your human resources office to request assistance.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

RETIREMENT PROCESSING

Q A

I am thinking of retiring in the next year and hear it will take a long time for OPM to finalize my application. How long does it take and what could slow down the process? According to the new OPM Retirement Quick Guide (https://www.opm.gov/ retirement-center/quick-guide), retirement processing begins when you complete and submit your retirement application for your date of separation. Check with your retirement specialist at your agency, but in most cases, you should submit your application at least 60 days prior to your retirement date. Next, your agency will prepare your retirement “package” along with sending your payroll information to OPM; this may take 30 to 45 days and is generally completed within 30 days of your separation. Once your retirement information arrives at OPM, you will have a file set up in its system, and interim payments may begin within 10 to 15 days of OPM receiving your submission from the agency. Next comes the process of reviewing and calculating your benefits, which may take another 50 to 90 days. Once your retirement has been finalized, then OPM will deposit your first regular monthly payment. Retirement is one of those times

when your “emergency fund” may come in handy to help pay expenses while OPM is working on your application. Beware of some of the common causes of delays in retirement processing: • Court orders such as a divorce decree or property settlement. These require an additional step and are sent to the court order benefits branch for review. • Experience as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, air traffic controller, Capitol police, Supreme Court police, or nuclear materials courier, as these cases use a special annuity computation. • Past or active workers’ compensation claims. • Experience as a part-time or intermittent federal employee. • Federal service at multiple federal agencies. • Missing documents and forms, or incomplete or incorrect information in your retirement application. • Moving without updating your address with OPM. The NARFE Federal Benefits Institute has webinars archived, and this one will provide you with more details on the transition to retirement: “The Final Countdown to Retirement: Smoothing the Transition.” Watch this and other informative webinars at: https://www.narfe. org/federal-benefits-institute/narfe-webinars/ webinar-archive/.

RETIREMENT DEATH NOTIFICATION

I am thinking ahead and want to be sure that my family knows what they should do when the time comes. Who needs to be notified when I pass away?

Check the resources and information link under the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute https:// www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute/ to download the free guide to navigating survivor benefits titled “Affairs in Order: Benefits Guidance for Survivors of Federal Annuitants” and the detailed worksheets in the “Be Prepared for Life’s Events, What Your Survivors Should Know” publication. You are smart to think ahead to have a plan in place. Let someone know to contact your supervisor or someone else you work with if you are an employee. The human resources office will reach out to those who

appear to be eligible for benefits. The death of a retiree or person receiving benefits from OPM needs to be reported to OPM. There are several ways to reach OPM: • Online at https://rsreporting.opm.gov/ AnnuitantDeath/ReportAnnuitantDeath • Call OPM at 888-767-6738: Here are some tips when you call: - Call at 7:40 a.m. or after 3 p.m. eastern time. - Wednesday through Friday tends to be less busy. - We recommend using an earpiece or speaker phone as you could be on hold for awhile. - Send an email to OPM at retire@opm.gov notating the CSA (retiree) or CSF (survivor) number. There are other places to contact if the retiree or survivor were receiving the following benefits: • Contact BENEFEDS at 1-877-888-3337 or https://www.benefeds.com/ if you were covered under your Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Plan (FEDVIP) • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program at 1-800-582-3337 or https://www.ltcfeds.com/ Also, review your designation of beneficiaries to see if they need to be updated: • Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/ sf2823.pdf • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) https://www.tsp.gov/ • Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

COUNTDOWN TO COLA There will be a 3.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuities, military retirement annuities and Social Security benefits; and a 2.2 percent COLA for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuities, Monthly % % Change MONTH CPI-W Change from 291.901 applicable to payments provided in January 2024. OCTOBER 2022 293.003 0.40 0.38 The Consumer Price Index NOVEMBER 292.495 -0.17 0.20 for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) DECEMBER 291.051 -0.49 -0.29 for September 2023 was JANUARY 2023 293.565 0.90 0.57 302.257, 0.33% higher than the average CPI-W for FEBRUARY 295.057 0.50 1.10 the third quarter of 2023, MARCH 296.021 0.33 1.40 which was 301.236. The annual COLA is determined APRIL 297.730 0.58 2.00 by comparing the change in MAY 298.382 0.22 2.20 the CPI-W from year to year, JUNE 299.394 0.34 2.60 based on the average of the third-quarter months of July, JULY 299.899 0.17 2.70 August, and September. The AUGUST 301.551 0.55 3.30 CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, SEPTEMBER 302.257 0.23 3.50 housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services. For FECA COLA updates, visit narfe.org and search for FECA.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Questions & Answers https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf3102.pdf (only if there are any remaining contributions you have not received) The Social Security Administration (SSA) handles death reports for both Social Security and Medicare recipients. To report a death, you can do one of the following: • Provide the deceased person’s Social Security number to the funeral director so they can report the death to the SSA. • Look up and contact your local SSA office at https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp, or call the SSA’s main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make the report. Spouses and minor children may be eligible for Social Security survivor’s benefits. Visit the SSA’s Survivors Benefits page at https://www.ssa.gov/ benefits/survivors/ to learn more.

from federal employment. I need to know if the government will pay its portion of my wife’s medical coverage if I pass before she does. My wife doesn’t have coverage under Medicare Part B.

FEDVIP

I retired a few years ago and now I am planning to get married. Can I add my spouse to my health benefit and elect a survivor benefit?

Q A

What is the best way to select a dental and/ or vision plan available through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)? FEDVIP offers a variety of dental and vision plans, including standard and high option versions for most plans, with some plans only offering “in-network” coverage. For dental plans, there are variations in the amount of dental expenses can be claimed and the amount of out-of-pocket cost that you will be responsible for. For vision coverage, there are differences in the allowance for frames and lens options as well as other discounted services. It can be confusing, so a plan comparison tool can be used to select a plan. There are two such programs available at: • https://www.benefeds.com/ • https://www.checkbook.org/newhig2 - If you would like a more detailed option to compare plans at a nominal fee use the Checkbook Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. This site will ask you questions about what’s most important. Be sure to check your FEHB plan to see if you have dental or vision benefits included in your health plan before paying an additional fee for supplemental coverage. Another suggestion is to contact your vision and dental providers to confirm which FEDVIP programs they participate in.

SURVIVOR BENEFITS

Q 20

I currently have Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) self plus one and elected a survivor benefit for my wife when I retired

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

If you predecease your spouse covered under your FEHB plan, she will be entitled to continue coverage if she is entitled to a survivor annuity benefit. The government contribution amount toward the FEHB premiums will continue, and her coverage will be reduced to self only unless there are eligible children who are covered. It is not required to be enrolled in Medicare Part B as your FEHB coverage will continue. Refer to your FEHB plan brochure, Section 9, for additional information for coverage when you are 65 and are not enrolled in Medicare.

Q A

Congratulations! Your new spouse may be covered under your FEHB plan, and you may choose a survivor benefit election within two years of your marriage. To change to a self plus one or self and family health benefits enrollment, contact OPM as early as 31 days before your marriage or up to 60 days after. You may also wait until the next health benefits open season to make the change. If you already have a family plan, contact the health benefits carrier to include your spouse in the coverage. When you contact OPM to notify them of your recent marriage, they can provide you with information regarding your survivor benefit options. The election will result in a two-part reduction to your retirement. You will be responsible for the normal reduction for the survivor annuity you wish to provide along with a permanent reduction to your retirement to cover the period since your retirement began or since your last survivor benefit ended. Refer to OPM’s website for additional information regarding life events: https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/ my-annuity-and-benefits/.

FEGLI

Why does OPM only require a copy of the death certificate and FEGLI requires a certified copy? FEGLI won’t pay the claim for my wife who passed away.

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Questions & Answers

I am sorry for your loss and the frustration you are experiencing. It is unfortunate that in some cases a copy of a document is acceptable and in other cases it must be a certified document. It is generally a good idea to order extra copies of the death certificate, as you generally will need one for every benefit and account for which you are the beneficiary. The Office of FEGLI (OFEGLI) requires a certified copy of the death certificate to process FEGLI claims. Once you submit the required document, your insurance claim will be processed. Typically, OPM also requires a certified copy of the death certificate.

DOMESTIC PARTNERS

Q A

My significant other has lived with me for five years and said there’s a new law allowing domestic partners to be on the government health insurance plan. Can you advise on this? Your partner is not an eligible family member on your FEHB plan. Only legally married spouses are eligible for coverage. You must provide a copy of your official marriage certificate to prove you are legally married. OPM will consider a common-law spouse eligible for coverage as a family member under FEHB if your state recognizes common-law marriage. The following states currently allow common-law marriage: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. For information on states that previously recognized common-law marriage, refer to the National Conference of State Legislatures website at ncls.org. To consider a common law spouse as an eligible family member for FEHB coverage, you must provide the following documents: • A court order or judgment from the initiating state recognizing the marriage. • Your signed declaration (contact your employing office or OPM for more details). You must also provide one of the following documents that list you and your spouse: • The first page of your most recent tax return. • Proof of common residency and proof of combined finances. Here are how the rules for common law marriage and domestic partners apply to your other federal benefits: • These same rules apply to coverage of your spouse under FEGLI, Option C, Family Coverage as above for FEHB.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

• For spousal survivor benefit elections under CSRS or FERS, OPM may require proof of marriage documentation if you are married under common law in a state that recognizes the marriage or if you were married in a ceremonial marriage. Refer to Retirement and Insurance Form RI 38-86 for additional information. • Under CSRS and FERS, employees may elect, at retirement, an insurable interest annuity for someone who has a financial need for their life expectancy. A close relative (1st cousin or closer) has an assumed insurable interest. • The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) will allow domestic partners of employees and annuitants who satisfy the same-sex domestic partnership standard to be treated as a qualifying relative for eligibility for enrollment in a long-term care insurance policy. Currently, the FLTCIP has suspended accepting new applications until December 2024. • For more information visit: https://www. opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/ domestic-partner-benefits-faq/ same-sex-domestic-partner-benefits/.

SOCIAL SECURITY

My wife gets Social Security retirement benefits. She only worked in private industry; never for the government. I worked in the federal government for 32 years and I receive a federal pension under the CSRS retirement plan. I never worked enough in private industry to qualify for Social Security. When I die, if my wife outlives me, she will receive a CSRS survivor benefit? When she receives that benefit, will she also continue to receive her Social Security benefits or will those benefits be terminated once she begins receiving her survivor annuity from my CSRS?

Your spouse is entitled to receive the CSRS survivor benefit you elected for her when you retired, and she will continue to receive her own earned Social Security benefit. If she predeceases you, you may elect to restore your CSRS, or FERS, retirement annuity benefit to the unreduced amount as of the date of death.

To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800-456-8410 and select option 2 for the Federal Benefits Institute; send the question by postal mail to NARFE Headquarters, ATTN: Federal Benefits; or submit it by email to fedbenefits@narfe.org.

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Benefits Brief

Changes for FEHB 2023 Open Season and Medicare Part D his year’s Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season runs from November 13 through December 11. This is your annual opportunity to review your current plan and

compare new options. All employees and annuitants should learn of any changes to their coverage and premiums for 2024.

NARFE members can access all the open season resources at https://www.narfe.org/openseason/, which includes an updated webinar library, links to OPM’s insurance information pages, FEHB and Medicare coordination, and FEDVIP and FSAFEDS info.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AND FEHB

As a federal or postal retiree, if you enroll in specific FEHB plans, you may be eligible to elect an enhanced level of benefits through enrollment in the plan’s Medicare Advantage (MA) option. You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to be eligible for an FEHB Medicare Advantage plan. For 2024, you may find plans offer automatic group enrollment seamlessly with a more customer-friendly approach than in past years. You may also opt out of MA during the plan year if you choose. In these plans, your monthly Medicare Part B premium subsidy will be automatically applied to your Medicare Part B premium in the form of a reduced premium charge. Your reduced Part B premium will be used on your Social Security benefit, direct bill from Medicare, or annuity benefit, 24

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

depending on how you pay your premium. Remember that the MA plans advertised on television are individual plans and are unrelated to the FEHB program. The FEHB plan offering the MA enhancement is a custom group MA plan designed specifically for retirees in the FEHB program. OPM requires that FEHB members for whom Medicare is primary must receive coverage equal to or greater than they would have received without Medicare. Do not suspend or terminate your FEHB coverage with OPM, or you will also be terminated from the MA plan. While remaining in the FEHB program, once enrolling in the MA plan, it will take over as the primary and only payer. You will no longer need to coordinate between Medicare and FEHB.

MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

Ten FEHB plans, including the popular BlueCross BlueShield plans, will provide additional savings and enhanced benefits through a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan in 2024. This is in addition to the 28 plans that include the enhanced MA options that pare with your FEHB plan.

All of these provide enhanced benefits and additional savings via Part D (but in coordination with FEHB). Therefore if you currently have a Part B Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), or if you would if you enrolled, then you may incur an additional Part D IRMAA when enrolling in these plans, if you choose to do so. Here are some of the current and future benefits of this Part D coverage made available through recent changes in the law: • For 2023, there is a $35 cap on the cost of insulin products and cost-sharing for Part D adult vaccines is waived. • For 2024, the 5% coinsurance for Part D catastrophic coverage is eliminated and income eligibility for the low-income subsidy expands to 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). • For 2025, there will be a $2,000 cap on a Part D enrollee’s out-of-pocket spending, and a Part D enrollee may spread their out-of-pocket costs over the year. • From 2024 through 2030, average basic Part D premium growth is capped at 6% annually. Medicare Part B covers outpatient physician services, including drugs typically administered by a physician in an office setting. It also covers some drugs available in an outpatient pharmacy setting.

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As a new FEHB plan member receiving these enhanced benefits, you may currently be taking drugs not on the plan’s drug list, also known as a formulary, or they are restricted in some way. Speak with your doctor about appropriate alternative medications available on the plan formulary. If none are found, you (your representative or doctor) can request an exception. If approved, you may be able to obtain the drug for a specified period. In addition, you may be eligible to receive a transition supply of at least a one-month supply as described in your plan’s evidence of coverage anytime during the first 90 days of membership. After your transition supply, these drugs may not continue to be covered.

NOTE FOR VETERANS Veterans Affairs Department (VA) providers cannot submit claims to an MA plan. Veterans can request reimbursement when all the following are true: • You are an MA member or were at the time of the service. • You received Medicare-covered services from a VA provider or facility. • You paid a higher copayment or coinsurance for the Medicare-covered services (including prescription drugs) through the VA than you would have used your MA plan. • You can submit a request for reimbursement by completing the VA 10-583 Form and mailing it to the address on your ID card. —MICHELE BOLLIER IS A RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST WITH RETIRE FEDERAL.

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NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

THE FEDERAL OFFICE In the future, going to work may mean sharing space with coworkers from other agencies—or even needing to reserve a desk for the week BY DAVID TOBENKIN

Federal office buildings have been a source of identity for employees and a symbol of the permanence of bureaucracy. But after the COVID-19 pandemic led to almost complete telework at most federal agencies, agency management and employees are contending with conflicting ideas about what the federal office of the future should look like.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

gencies are struggling to figure out their physical presence needs, avoid empty buildings, and hedge against possible policy changes to workforce demands in the future. “Nobody wants to go back to the office full time, every day, and the success of agencies getting things done during the pandemic taught us that they don’t need to,” said Adam Bodner, a real estate consultant and prior real estate executive at two federal agencies, the U.S. Department of State and the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB), a small independent federal agency focused on the sale of unneeded and underutilized federal real estate. “Everybody’s still struggling with this new paradigm, how to implement it, and what it’s going to look like.” The status quo looks increasingly untenable. In July, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a bombshell report to Congress titled “Federal Real Property: Preliminary Results Show Federal Buildings Remain Underutilized Due to Longstanding Challenges and Increased Telework.” It found that many major federal agencies’ office buildings are largely empty. After analyzing the usage of 21.5 million square feet of usable office space—conference rooms, team rooms, and offices— at 24 agencies during three weeks in early 2023, the GAO found that 17 agencies’ buildings were occupied at 25% capacity or less. It reported those agencies were incurring billions of dollars in annual costs to continue to staff, operate, and maintain largely empty offices. “I have been a firm believer that if agencies aren’t using their space, they should lose it,” said Rep. Scott Perry, R-PA, in his opening statement at a hearing discussing the GAO report. “We need to get a handle on this and push agencies to examine how they are using space.” There are a variety of efforts by federal agencies to use space more efficiently, and thoughtfully, and

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

adapt to changing workplace demands, but they face various challenges. If there is a focus for future office space use, it is flexibility, according to Simi Marinho, studio director at the Washington, D.C., office of international design and architecture firm Gensler, as well as government and defense leader for their southeast region. Gensler has consulted with several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, on how they can design and use space to improve their missions. “Flexibility is the term you hear used more and more,” said Marinho. “We want to make sure spaces are flexible for future changes in how agencies will meet their missions and in how they get their work done, and to be able to better accommodate expansions and contractions as needs change.”

On August 4, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients sent an email to cabinet leaders stating an expectation that in the fall, “your agencies will be implementing increases in the amount of in-person work for your team. This is a priority of the president—and I am looking to each of you to aggressively execute this shift in September and October.” Much could depend on the results of the 2024 national election. A future telework-averse administration could order most employees back to their offices. GAO noted that many federal agency executives expressed a reluctance to reduce office space footprints or undertake major office space usage reforms while the level of required in-office staffing remains in flux.

Back to the Office?

The federal government owns 511 million square feet of office space, according to the Federal Real Property Profile Management System—a governmentwide database maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA). It’s the federal agency that manages approximately 1,500 federally owned buildings used by various agencies. GSA also leases space for tenant agencies from private-sector owners. The GAO report noted that inefficient space usage by federal agencies has been a key issue since 2003. For years, administrations and Congress have championed telework through legislation as a work-life balance benefit for many employees. Then, COVID-19 led to almost complete telework for all but essential employees at many agencies, and federal agencies delivered surprisingly effective service. However, many in Congress question whether there is a point at which remote work ceases to be efficient and service to the public is compromised. Lawmakers are now calling for federal employees to return to work in person.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

“We want to make sure spaces are flexible for future changes in how agencies will meet their missions and in how they get their work done.” Simi Marinho, studio director, Gensler

GEN SLE RR END ERI NG

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

Outdated Office Designs The GAO report noted many federal agencies could do better in providing modern workspaces that would both entice federal employees to want to work in them and promote efficient use of office space. GAO found, for example, that many building configurations do not support a modern workplace. “The headquarters buildings we visited were built decades ago,” according to the report. “They … included numerous areas no longer needed in the modern workplace, such as some administrative and storage spaces. In some cases, agencies also configured their spaces with larger office spaces than are currently needed.” Better and more flexible design can be a tool to increase office use efficiency and increase building appeal, says Robert Peck, Gensler’s co-leader of its government and defense practice and a former senior GSA executive. Gensler representatives supplied renderings showing more functional and attractive office layouts. The rendering on this page shows more natural light, with the majority office furniture situated at the windows, says Peck. It includes a large central meeting space with folding partitions so the room can be reconfigured into two smaller training/conference rooms. It also showcases acoustical furnishings and tools that reduce noise levels in open spaces. With portable partitions, power and data in raised access floors, workstations on casters, and wireless access points, these spaces can be reconfigured as needs and headcounts change over time. Significant alterations to federal buildings can be costly and time-consuming. According to GAO, agency officials told GAO staff that the need for additional financial resources to reconfigure their spaces to support a hybrid office is a major hurdle.

ING DER N E RR SLE GEN

agencies to reduce their usage of office space and other real estate. GSA is a poster child in this area, as in other aspects of federal office space usage. Over the past 10 years, GSA has reduced its own workplace footprint by more than 50%, notes Charles Hardy, GSA’s chief architect. “GSA is poised to help agencies review their real estate requirements to maximize efficiencies, whether it means right-sizing their workplace, sharing buildings, or exploring coworking opportunities where it makes sense,” Hardy adds. What does sharing space look like? First, there is coworking between different federal agencies, such as allocating different floors to two or three agencies in the same office building. This already happens in many cities and towns where federal office buildings housing employees from different agencies are co-located. However, agencies sharing space in their Washington, D.C., headquarters and their major regional buildings with other agencies is much less common. A second flexible office use is called hoteling, where employees do not have designated offices or workstations and instead must reserve space for the coming week using an online schedule. At the

Strategies for Success

Efforts to shrink the federal footprint is nothing new. In 2015, under President Barack Obama, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a management procedures memorandum, 201501, directing executive branch departments and NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

“I have been a firm believer that if agencies aren’t using their space, they should lose it.” Rep. Scott Perry, R-PA start of the week, employees set up their remote office with whatever personal effects they want and remove them when they leave at the end of the week. GSA uses both coworking spaces with other agencies and hoteling, notes Bodner, saying that while he was employed at PBRB, he worked out of GSA headquarters shared space and used their room reservation system for conferences and meetings. “I thought it was very effective,” said Bodner. “Yes, you lose your ability to keep all your stuff around and pictures of your kids. But otherwise, I thought it worked. Agencies should be sharing space more often.” He added that it is important for teams who work together to make sure they meet on site on the same days.

“Otherwise, you are still going to be on Zoom calls all day, and then what is the point of coming in?” said Bodner. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has also been a leader in telework and hoteling arrangements, maintaining a robust program for more than two decades. Several months ago, USPTO announced it would downsize and relinquish 600,000 square feet of space while renewing 1.6 million square feet under a five-year contract. GSA is trying to expand the sharing model on a national scale, with locations where different agency teams can come in and work together; prototypes are in Philadelphia; Chicago; Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; San Francisco; and Tacoma, WA. In January, GSA opened a Workplace Innovation Lab to demonstrate future workplace technology, workspace configurations, behavioral opportunities, and sustainability tools. Between February and July 2023, the lab was used by more than 14 agencies, executing 2,300 meeting reservations and 2,500 individual reservations, with more than 4,000 federal employees touring or using the space, according to Hardy. Unions have engaged in negotiations over federal office space usage. Some interviewed said rules for usage and allocation of space resulting from such negotiations have slowed progress to adapt to new space usage forms. Federal unions recognize the need to use office space efficiently, says National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) National President Doreen Greenwald. “NTEU has been vocal for many years, well before the pandemic, about the cost efficiencies that agencies can achieve through the use of telework and other alternative work schedules,” said Greenwald. “[We support] appropriate agency space that fits with the requirements of varying positions and the flexibilities offered, whether it is in the form of hoteling, shared workspaces or private work areas.” —DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, DC, AREA.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

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Handling Classified Documents Everything you need to know about sensitive government information: why it’s secret, who can see it and how it eventually gets shared with the public BY EVERETT A. CHASEN

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

n the past year, much was made of the discovery of classified documents at the homes of President Joseph R. Biden, former President Donald Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence. In addition, classified information was found on the home computer server of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a few years ago. So, what are classified documents and why is keeping information secret so important to America’s national security? “A classified document is a document that contains classified national security information,” said Bryan Oklin, senior legal adviser for the Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). ISOO issues guidance to all federal agencies on classifying, safeguarding and declassifying national security information. Executive Order 13526, issued by President Barack Obama, defines classified national security information as information requiring protection against unauthorized disclosure. When it is in document form, such documents must be marked by a cover sheet, a stamp, or other means to indicate its status as classified. According to The New York Times and other news outlets, more than 50 million documents are marked classified by the federal government every year, although the government does not publicly disclose the exact number. Vann Van Diepen, who worked with classified information throughout his 35-year career at the Department of State and in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, explains why classified documents are necessary: “Our intelligence community is able to collect phenomenal stuff people on the outside have no inkling of,” he said. “We’re able to collect information like that in part because we are able to keep some secrets in the government. “Some people risk their lives and have developed incredibly innovative techniques to collect this information,” Van Diepen, who served as principal deputy assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation before retiring, added. ”It would be easy for foreign governments to ‘turn off the tap’ if those techniques are compromised.” NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

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How Documents Are Classified

Throughout the government, information may be classified at one of three levels: • Top secret, a designation applied to information whose unauthorized disclosure, or leak, could reasonably be expected to cause “exceptionally grave damage” to U.S. national security. • Secret, for information whose unauthorized disclosure could cause “serious damage.” • Confidential, information whose unauthorized disclosure could “damage” our national security. At all levels, the agency classifying the information must be able to identify or describe the damage a leak could have. Federal employees, contractors and others require proper security clearances to get access to classified information. Before gaining access, they must be approved by an agency head or the agency head’s designee. They must also have an approved nondisclosure agreement on file and a need to know the specific classified information he or she is accessing. A “need to know” basis means the agency has determined a prospective recipient requires access to specific classified information to “perform or assist in a lawful and authorized government function,” Oklin said.

One Employee’s Experience

NARFE Magazine spoke to a recently appointed federal employee who required a top-secret clearance as a job candidate under consideration. The employee, who wishes to remain anonymous because of the work involved, underwent an 11-hour interview as part of the clearance process, as well as a polygraph test—an agency-specific requirement most government employees are not required to meet for a clearance. The investigation took 15 months to complete. “[The length] depends on the level of security,” the person said. “Mine was very high. That’s why it took so long.” “They went through each part of the SF-86 [Standard Form 86-Questionnaire for National Security Positions] and not only asked about the references listed in the form, but also asked for people who can be additional references,” the employee added. Candidates are then asked for additional people they might know. 38

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

“I think they spoke to about 50 people,” the employee said. “There were plenty of people I had no idea that they interviewed. I found out indirectly.’ The employee said there were a lot of “painfully personal” and intrusive questions, many of which the candidate did not think would be relevant in any way to their mental state or ability to perform the job. The employee advises others who are undergoing the process to be patient with the process, and to be prepared: in many cases, investigators will dig into your personal life at an unexpected level. “Be honest, because in my opinion, they’re looking at the whole person, meaning you can be capable of doing things that are not entirely good,” the employee said. “You need to be honest about the fact you did them, and you need to be honest about promising not to do them again.”

How Agencies Manage Classified Documents

Documents that include both classified and unclassified information are considered classified. In most cases, the agency originating the document must indicate which portions are classified by marking it or in other ways. The agency is required to then provide the classified portions with the applicable classification level. “Federal agencies establish policies and procedures for managing classified records within their agency,” Oklin said. “However, there is not a government-wide inventory of all classified documents.” There are, however, various requirements for storing classified information for both physical and electronic documents. These requirements vary based on the level of the information’s classification. Classified information that is electronically accessed, processed, stored or transmitted is protected in accordance with policy set out in Intelligence Community Directive 503, issued by the director of national intelligence. The directive guides the intelligence community on certifying and accrediting information systems that can be used to store classified data electronically. At the U.S. Department of State, policies and procedures for handling classified information are generally clear and intuitive, according to Van Diepen.

“You literally swear to protect certain information from unauthorized persons and do the things you have to do to make sure unauthorized persons don’t get physical access to that information and don’t hear about what’s in it from you,” he said. The State Department has separate secure telephones that are the only ones on which classified information can be discussed. There are also sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs) for some categories of highly classified information that can only be read or discussed in one of those facilities. “For very highly classified information, we had to go down to the offices of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR) and look at it in their spaces,” said Van Diepen. “If our people needed to create documents using that level of information, they had to do it on word processors down there.” In later years, INR constructed little SCIFs in the front offices of all the State Department bureaus

so documents could be properly discussed and reviewed up there rather than our going down to INR, Van Diepen added. Although he received document security training during his career, most of this is common sense. “Don’t take classified documents home,” said Van Diepen “Lock them away at night. Don’t let anyone uncleared see anything classified, and don’t discuss anything classified in front of them. Make sure uncleared visitors to your office suite are always escorted, even the office’s cleaners.” At the end of the day, to protect classified documents, there needs be a high level of trust among staff. “You’ve got to be able to trust your people,” he added “If your people are not competent and trustworthy, they’re going to either deliberately or inadvertently release stuff almost regardless of the procedures. There’s just no way you can have that level of control over that many people for that length of time.”

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Who Can Classify Documents?

There has been much discussion recently about who is authorized to classify or declassify documents. Original classification is the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security, coupled with a required designation level. The authority to classify information originally may only be exercised by the president, the vice president, heads of executive agencies and other officials designated by the president. According to ISOO’s Fiscal Year 2022 report to the president, 700 employees at 16 agencies can classify documents as top secret, secret or confidential. Another 935 can determine that a document should be designated as secret or confidential, and three can only determine if documents should be considered confidential. Every agency with the authority to classify documents is required to prepare a classification guide to ensure that classifiers make decisions in a “proper and uniform” manner, according to Oklin. The task of derivative classification can only be done by people authorized to do so, who are called “derivative classifiers.” The term refers to extracting, paraphrasing, restating or generating information in a new form that is already classified, and then marking the newly developed material in a way that’s consistent with the classification markings applied to the source information or classification guidance. Duplicating or reproducing existing classified documents is not considered a derivative classification. Derivative classifiers are responsible for maintaining the protection and integrity of classified information. They are required to possess expertise in the classified subject matter, as well as the classification management and marking techniques. ISOO has recommended that the confidential classification level be eliminated in any future classified national security system. This will “more closely align with the U.S. government’s approach to cybersecurity domains” and with the two-tiered classification systems many of America’s closest allies use, Oklin said. 40

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

TYPES OF CLASSIFICATIONS Top Secret Documents: Information that, if leaked, could reasonably be expected to cause “exceptionally grave damage” to national security. Secret Documents: Information that, if leaked, could cause “serious damage” to national security. Confidential Documents: Information that, if leaked, could “damage” national security. How Is a Document Declassified?

“Declassification happens in several ways,” said William C. Carpenter, senior program analyst at ISOO. “Permanent records of the United States government are subject to automatic declassification at 25, 50, and 75 years.” The process is designed so academic researchers and citizens can better understand our history. It also ensures information that can still cause damage to national security continues to be protected. There are nine reasons why information can be exempted from declassification 25 years after the information is prepared. Among them are if declassification would reveal the identity of a confidential human source, a human intelligence

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Open Season is November 13 – December 11 Open Season is November 13 – December 11

“Be honest, because in my opinion, they’re looking at the whole person, meaning you can be capable of doing things that are not entirely good. You need to be honest about the fact you did them, and you need to be honest about promising not to do them again.” Anonymous federal employee who underwent a deeply extensive background check and polygraph test

source, or a relationship with an intelligence or security service of a foreign government. Another exemption is if the document would clearly and demonstrably reveal information that would assist in the development, production, or use of weapons of mass destruction; or if it would reveal information that would cause serious harm to relations between the United States and a foreign government, or to our nation’s ongoing diplomatic activities. Documents exempted from release after 25 years are reviewed again at 50 and 75 years. Agencies wishing to exempt specific information from automatic declassification at these milestones must obtain authority to do so from an Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel. Another way records can be declassified is through a mandatory declassification review process. Through this, any member of the public can request any federal government agency to review classified information for declassification regardless of its age or origin. Records that are the subject of pending litigation, those that have already been reviewed during the past two years, and certain CIA files are exempt from this process. “Agencies may also choose to declassify information under their own discretion,” Carpenter adds. Presidents can declassify, too, although the extent of a president’s legal authority to unilaterally declassify materials without following declassification procedures has not yet been challenged in court, according to the American Bar Association.

States government available to the public. The agency accepts classified records transferred to its custody by other agencies. It then processes these records for declassification through its National Declassification Center. NARA preserves the records of each presidential administration and makes these records available under the provisions of the Presidential Records Act, which states any records created or received by presidents as part of their constitutional, statutory or ceremonial duties are the property of the United States government and will be managed by NARA at the end of the administration. “A lot of people talk about how there’s too much stuff that’s classified by the government,” said Van Diepen. “Most of them never worked in the government, and they just don’t understand the huge amount of day-to-day work that routinely involves this kind of information. Much classified information is based on intelligence, some of which was passed to us confidentially by another government.” Van Diepen said that at a minimum, we have a moral obligation not to release that information, because we want our allies to have confidence that we’re not going to just spread whatever they tell us to anyone. “And that confidence will encourage them to tell us more,” he said. “There’s all sorts of information that is extremely important and has a very legitimate need to be kept secret.”

Preservation of Documents

—EVERETT A. (EV) CHASEN IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN

NARA is responsible for preserving and making the permanent records of the United

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

THE WASHINGTON, DC, AREA. HE RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.

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Start off the year with the APWU Health Plan’s MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN! Visit www.apwuhp.com to learn more about Medicare Advantage and to see our great benefits for 2024! reat g e s e h t l l a t e g o u ’l l Y • No copays, deductibles ! e r o m d n a s t i f e ben or coinsurance for covered medical services

• $85 Medicare Part B monthly reimbursement • $60 quarterly allowance to spend on select over-the-counter products • Wellness programs such as a free gym membership, a 24-hour NurseLine and in-home visit with a healthcare practitioner

CHECK US OUT ON:

PEN SEASON

REPORT

2023 OPEN SEASON: NOVEMBER 13 – DECEMBER 11 FEHB PLAN CHANGES

he 2023 federal benefits Open Season for changes to your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program enrollment ends Monday, December 11. There is still time to review health plans and make an informed decision. FEHB participants are able to pick from 158 health plan choices during this Open Season. If you are a federal employee and not presently enrolled in the FEHB program, you may enroll during Open Season if you are not otherwise excluded from coverage because of the nature of your appointment. If you are a federal annuitant and are not presently covered by the FEHB program as an enrollee or a family member, you cannot enroll in the FEHB program during Open Season, unless you previously suspended your FEHB enrollment in favor of coverage under TRICARE, TRICARE For Life, a Medicare Advantage (MA) HMO plan, CHAMPVA, Medicaid or as a Peace Corps volunteer. Open Season changes for employees are effective at the beginning of the first pay

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

period after January 1, 2024. Open Season changes made by annuitants and survivor annuitants are effective on

EVEN MORE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT NARFE.ORG/ OPEN-SEASON. January 1, 2024, and the premium changes will be reflected in the February 1, 2024, annuity payments.

PLAN BROCHURES

When deciding which plan is best for you, be sure to review your current plan’s 2024 brochure, as well as the brochures for other plans you are considering. The 2024 plan brochures for all FEHB plans can be viewed online and downloaded at www.narfe.org/open-season/ fehb-plan-information-for-2024/. Each brochure is formatted the same way, with sections on

specific topics, such as “Your Costs for Covered Services” and “Coordinating Benefits With Other Coverage.” And all plan brochures have a box on the cover that provides the page numbers to find the new premium rates and the plan’s changes for the new year. All plans provide a summary of benefits and coverage with easyto-understand information about out-of-pocket costs, coverage and rights of enrollees.

PREMIUM CHANGES

The enrollee share of premiums for employees and annuitants will increase an average of 7.7% in 2024. The average increase in the government share of premiums will be 5%. The overall average total premium will be 5.8% more in 2024, which is in line with premium increases projected for or reported by other large privateand public-sector employers. (Annual average premium increases for previous years were 7.2% in 2023, 2.4% in 2022, 3.6% in 2021, 4% in 2020, 1.3% in 2019, 4% in 2018, 4.4% in 2017 and 6.4% in 2016.)

These figures are not an across-the-board increase per plan. It is the weighted average increase for the total premium (government and employee share) for all the plans in the FEHB program. This means that some plans’ premiums decreased, some did not change at all and some increased.

Even if your plan’s premiums are not rising by much, make sure you read the plan brochure— particularly Section 2, “Changes for 2024.” This section will reveal which, if any, out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments and coinsurance, will increase in 2024. Another reason to check your brochure is that you should

not assume that your coverage will not change. Procedures and medications that have been covered or not covered in years past may have changed. Also, note which costs are not included in meeting the plan’s yearly deductible. Out-of-pocket expenses can really add up. —FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE

2024 FEE-FOR-SERVICE PLAN CHANGES

he following are select changes in benefits offered by fee-for-service (FFS) and restricted FFS providers for 2024. Please note that our summaries do not capture all the change details for 2024. Review the brochures, available at www.narfe.org/openseason/fehb-plan-information-for-2024/. Many plans will include clarifications of existing benefits that could be beneficial when choosing a plan. When reviewing each plan’s changes, take note of announced changes in preferred provider organizations (PPOs). If you live in a state where your plan is changing its PPO network, you need to contact the plan and ask for a new PPO directory for 2024 to ensure that your doctors, hospitals, etc., will be in the new network. Otherwise, you may wish to change plans during Open Season. Using your plan’s PPOs is a major way to save on out-of-pocket costs.

FEE FOR SERVICE PLANS

APWU Health Plan Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.apwuhp.com BlueCross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan Changes to Standard: • Members enrolled under the FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program will have a separate pharmacy drug out-of-pocket catastrophic maximum of $2,000. Previously, there was no separate catastrophic maximum. Changes to Basic: • Members enrolled under the FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program will have a separate pharmacy drug out-of-pocket catastrophic maximum of $3,250. Previously, there was no separate catastrophic maximum. Changes to FEP Blue Focus: • We now provide benefits for medically necessary genetic testing for members requesting this

service due to susceptibility or possible high-risk of disease once prior approval has been obtained. Previously, we did not provide benefits for these services. Learn more: www.fepblue.org

GEHA Benefit Plan Changes to High and Standard: • GEHA’s new Medicare Advantage (PPO) plan, offered in partnership with UnitedHealthcare (UHC), is subject to Medicare rules. • Bariatric Surgery requires a participation in a physician supervised diet plan for at least 6 months duration within the past two years. Previously, the participation was immediately prior to the surgical authorization. • The following services are no longer covered: acupressure, aroma therapy, biofeedback, clinical ecology, cupping, dry needling, environmental medicine, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathic services and Rolfing. • Self-reported activities (flu shot, first trimester prenatal care, online wellness portal classes) have been removed from the rewards program. • The Plan will remove the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) requirement for transfer from an authorized acute care confinement. Changes to HDHP: • The deductible for Self Only enrollment increases from $1,500 to $1,600 and from $3,000 to $3,200 for Self Plus One and Family enrollments. NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Real-life legal protection you can count on

Buying a house? Creating a will? Dealing with a traffic ticket? Real life is full of moments—expected and unexpected—that call for legal expertise. With MetLife Federal Legal, you don’t have to go it alone. It’s like having a lawyer on call… The MetLife Federal Legal Plan covers up to 80+ legal matters. And the annual cost is less than a single, one‑hour consultation with an attorney.1 With no hourly attorney fees… You’ll have unlimited consultations for covered matters when using a network attorney. All for $22 or less per month. And access to 18,000+ experienced attorneys Our online tool makes finding an attorney simple. And you’ll have the flexibility to meet with them in person, by phone, or online.

Get budget-friendly legal support— for you and your family. Visit metlifefederalbenefits.com to learn more.

SCAN NOW

1. Cost may vary. This cost is based on an average monthly rate for MetLife Legal Plans of $25. The average hourly rate of $391 for attorneys is based on years of legal experience, National Law Journal and ALM Legal Intelligence, Survey of Law Firm Economics (2021). Legal plans are administered by MetLife Legal Plans, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio. In California, this entity operates under the name MetLife Legal Insurance Services. In certain states, group legal plans are provided through insurance coverage underwritten by Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Warwick, RI. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write the company. Some services not available in all states. No service, including consultations, will be provided for: 1) employment-related matters, including company or statutory benefits; 2) matters involving the employer, MetLife and affiliates and plan attorneys; 3) matters in which there is a conflict of interest between the employee and spouse or dependents in which case services are excluded for the spouse and dependents; 4) appeals and class actions; 5) farm and business matters, including rental issues when the participant is the landlord; 6) patent, trademark and copyright matters; 7) costs and fines; 8) frivolous or unethical matters; or 9) matters for which an attorney client relationship exists prior to the participant becoming eligible for plan benefits. Coverage for defense of criminal matters is excluded from insurance coverage for individuals located in New York. For all other personal legal matters, an advice and consultation benefit is provided. Additional representation is also included for certain matters. Please see your plan description for details. L0923035237[exp0925][All States][DC,GU,MP,PR,VI] Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY © 2023 MetLife Services and Solutions, LLC

OPEN SEASON REPORT PLANS WITH MEDICARE PART B PREMIUM REIMBURSEMENT According to the Office of Personnel Management, one FEHB plan will begin offering full reimbursement of the Medicare Part B premium to persons also enrolling/enrolled in their Medicare Advantage Plan for 2024: • CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc. (Standard Option) Serving: Upstate, Hudson Valley, and Central New York There are 29 FEHB plans offering a total of 38 options that continue to reimburse some or all of the Part B premium for members enrolled in the plan’s Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicare Part B: • MHBP (Standard Option) • Aetna Advantage (Advantage Option) • MD I.P.A. (High Option) • Aetna Direct (Consumer Option) • NALC Health Benefit Plan (High Option) • APWU (High Option) • Rural Carrier Benefit Plan (High Option) • Compass Rose (High Option) • SAMBA Health Benefit Plan (High and Standard Options) • Foreign Service Benefit Plan (High Option) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Open Access HMO (High • Health Alliance HMO (Standard Option) Option) • HealthPartners (High Option) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Advanced (Tampa, • Kaiser Permanente – Colorado (High & Standard Options) Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta)(Value Option) • Kaiser Permanente – Georgia (High & Standard Options) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Advanced (Chicago, San • Kaiser Permanente – Hawaii (High Option) Antonio, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland) (Value • Kaiser Permanente – Mid-Atlantic States (High & Standard Option) Options) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary – East Region • Kaiser Permanente – Fresno, California (High & Standard (High Option) Options) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Primary – West Region • Kaiser Permanente – Northern California (High & (High Option) Standard Options) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Primary – East Region (High • Kaiser Permanente – Southern California (High & Option) Standard Options) • UnitedHealthcare Choice Primary – West Region (High • Kaiser Permanente – Northwest (High & Standard Option) Options) • UPMC Health Plan (Standard Option) • Kaiser Permanente – Washington Core (High & Standard Options) The following six FEHB plans offering a total of seven options continue to provide Part B reimbursement if you are enrolled in Parts A and B: • Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan (Basic Option) • Medical Mutual of Ohio Northeast (Standard Option) • UPMC Health Plan (Standard Option) • Health Alliance Plan (High & Standard Options) • GEHA Benefit Plan (High Option) • Medical Mutual of Ohio Southwest (Standard Option)

• The Plan will increase the out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM) from $5,000 to $6,000 for Self Only enrollment and from $10,000 to $12,000 for Self Plus One and Self and Family enrollments when an in-network provider is used. When an out-of-network provider is used, the Plan will increase the out-of-pocket maximum from $7,000 to $8,500 for Self Only enrollment and from $14,000 to $17,000 for Self Plus One and Self and Family enrollments. • The Plan will increase the premium pass through contribution from $900 to $1,000 for Self Only enrollment and from $1,800 to $2,000 for Self Plus One and Family enrollments. Learn more: www.geha.org

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

GEHA Indemnity Benefit Plan Overall plan changes: • Generic metformin 850mg tablets for individuals aged 35-70 years with no prior use of antidiabetic medications will be covered at no cost share. • The following services will no longer be covered: acupressure, aroma therapy, biofeedback, clinical ecology, cupping, dry needling, environmental medicine, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathic services and Rolfing. Changes to Elevate Plus: • The deductible will increase for Self Only enrollment from $150 to $200 and from $300 to $400 for Self Plus One and Family enrollments.

• The out-of-pocket maximum will increase from $6,000 to $7,000 for Self Only enrollment and from $12,000 to $14,000 for Self Plus One and Self and Family enrollments. • The specialist copayment will increase from $45 per visit to $50 per visit. • The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) requirement for transfer from an authorized acute care confinement is removed Learn more: www.geha.org MHBP Overall plan changes: • SilverScript Employer Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) is added under Medicare Part D. • Prescription drug benefits have been modified for members with Medicare Part B Primary. • The Kidney Support Program was removed. • The ExtraCare® Health Discount Card Program was removed. Changes to Standard Option and Value Plan: • A skin cancer screening program through SkinIO has been added. Changes to Standard Option: • The Medicare Advantage catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum is now $2,000 per person annually. Learn more: https://mhbp.com

MAKING CHANGES

Open Season changes for employees are effective at the beginning of the first pay period after January 1, 2023. Changes for retirees and survivor annuitants are effective January 1, 2023, and premium changes will be reflected in February 1, 2023, annuity payments. If verified enrollment is required, the change notice from OPM should suffice for annuitants; the notification from their agency will suffice for employees.

Make the switch and get enhanced benefits. MHBP Standard Option offers an Aetna MedicareSM Advantage Plan (PPO) for members who have Medicare Parts A and B as their primary coverage.

(TTY:711)

• Prescription coverage as low as $0 • $0 deductible, copayments and coinsurance for medical care • $900 Medicare Part B premium reduction for eligible members • Added programs such as SilverSneakers® and Healthy Home Visits

Visit: MHBP.com Live chat 1:1 consultations Webinars

Call us at: 1-800-410-7778

Plans offered by First Health Life & Health Insurance Company. This is a brief description of the features of this MHBP plan. Before making a final decision, please read the Official Plan Brochure (RI-71-007). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure. A single annual $52 associate membership fee makes all MHBP plans available to you. For more information about MHBP plans, refer to MHBP.com Aetna Medicare is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2021 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Y0001_GRP_4111_2022_M 19.22.320.1-OCT NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

OPEN SEASON REPORT NALC Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.nalchbp.com SAMBA Health Plan Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.sambaplans.com

RESTRICTED FEE FOR SERVICE PLANS

Compass Rose Overall plan changes: • Tier 2 prescription copays for Network Retail 30-day and 90-day supplies and Mail Order 90-day supplies increased. • Pharmacy copays were aligned for all members regardless of Medicare status for members not in Compass Rose Medicare Advantage. • The amount of medication consumed before a refill is covered was increased to 80% for home delivery pharmacy. • Out-of-Pocket Maximums have increased for Self Plus One or Self and Family in-network and out-of-network.

• Employees and retirees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are eligible to enroll. • The plan uses Optum Rx for pharmacy benefit management services. • Bariatric surgery coverage now includes adolescents 12 and older. • Prior authorization is required after the 12th home health visit. Learn more: www.compassrosebenefits.com Foreign Service Benefit Plan Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.afspa.org Panama Canal Area Benefit Plan Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.pcabp.com.pa Rural Carrier Benefit Plan Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.rcbphealth.com.

2024 FEDVIP PLANS

pen Season for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) coincides with the Open Season for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Eligible individuals will be able to choose benefits that cover dental care, vision care or both. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sponsors the program, which offers participants a choice from 12 dental and five vision carriers. Three types of enrollments are available: Self Only, for the enrolled employee or annuitant; Self Plus One, for the enrolled employee or annuitant and one eligible family member; and Self and Family, for the enrolled employee or annuitant and all eligible family members. Typically, in-network coverage is covered by the plan allowance; outof-network benefits are covered at the same plan allowance but with the member paying the difference between what insurance pays and what the provider charges. The coinsurance or copay of each tier of coverage (preventive and diagnostic, intermediate services, major services, and general services) varies by carrier and plan type. For more information, including plan brochures, go to www. benefeds.com or call 877-888-3337. 50

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

DENTAL PLANS

There are seven nationwide and five regional carriers. Premiums are based on rating areas (a group of ZIP codes). Each plan can have up to five rating areas. See the chart on page 54 for nationwide plan premiums. To find out your rating area, visit www.narfe.org/open-season and scroll down to “FEDVIP Dental and Vision Coverage.”

NATIONWIDE DENTAL PLANS

Aetna Dental Two plan options Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.aetnafeds.com/fedvip-dental.php. BlueCross BlueShield Dental Two plan options • No deductible for in-network services. • Annual benefit maximum, High option: unlimited in-network, $3,000 out-of-network; Standard option: $1,500 in-network, $750 out-of-network. • Orthodontia for adults and children has no waiting period and is covered at 50 percent. High option lifetime maximum: $3,500, regardless of

network; Standard option lifetime maximum: $2,500 in-network, $1,250 out-of-network. • Three cleanings per year are included. Learn more: https://feds.deltadentalins.com/. Delta Dental Two plan options • No deductible for in-network providers. • Annual benefit maximum, High option: unlimited in-network, $3,000 out-of-network; Standard option: $1,500 in-network, $1,000 out-of-network. • Orthodontia covered at 50 percent with no waiting period. High option: $3,500 lifetime maximum for children, $2,000 for adults (both in-and out-of-network). Standard option (children only): $2,000 lifetime maximum in-network, $1000 out-of-network. • Additional cleaning for those with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes and during pregnancy. . Learn more: www.bcbsfepdental.com/.

GEHA Connection Dental Federal Two plan options • No deductible for in-network services for both options. Standard out-of-network deductible for Class B and C services is $25 Standard Self Only, $50 Standard Self Plus One and $75 Standard Self and Family. • Annual benefit maximum: Unlimited for High option; $2,500 for Standard option in-network, $2,000 out-of-network. Learn more: www.geha.com/plans/dental. MetLife Federal Dental Plan Two plan options • No deductible in-network for both options. Outof-network deductible: $50 High option for Class A, B and C services; $50 for Standard option Class A services, $100 for Class B and C. • Annual benefit maximum: Unlimited for High option; $1,500 in-network and $1,000 out-ofnetwork for Standard option.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

OPEN SEASON REPORT

• Orthodontia lifetime benefit maximum for High option: $5,000 child/$3,000 adult; Standard option: $2,000/person. Learn more: https://fedvip.metlife.com/. United Concordia Dental Two plan options Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.uccifedvip.com/. UnitedHealthcare Dental Two plan options Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.uhcfeds.com/fedvip.

REGIONAL DENTAL PLANS

Dominion National Two dental exclusive provider organization (EPO) options Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: https://federal.dominionnational. com/. EmblemHealth Dental Two plan options Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.emblemhealth.com/. HealthPartners Dental Two plan options Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: www.healthpartners.com/fedvip. Humana Dental Two plan options (one PPO and one EPO) Service area: All of Alabama, the majority of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, DC, Florida, Georgia, the majority of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and parts of Maryland. • Deductible: $50 for individual under High option, in- or out-of-network; $100 for family in-network, $150 for family out-of-network under High PPO option. No deductibles for Standard EPO option. • Annual benefit maximum: unlimited. 52

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

• Orthodontia under the High option is covered at 50 percent of plan allowance, with a lifetime maximum benefit of $2,500; Standard option has fixed copays. • No waiting periods for any services. Learn more: https://your.humana.com/feds/dental. html. Triple-S Salud Service area: Puerto Rico Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more at https://salud.grupotriples.com/.

VISION PLANS

There are five vision carriers, each with two plan options. Aetna Vision Preferred • No deductible and $0 eye exams. • Frame allowance: $300 for High option, $160 for Standard option; 20 percent discount on balance. Learn more: www.aetnafeds.com/fedvip-vision.php BlueCross BlueShield Vision Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: https://bcbsfepvision.com/ Metlife Federal Vision Plan • Annual eye exams with no copays. • Frames/lenses or contacts once every calendar year for both plan options. Learn more: https://fedvip.metlife.com/vision

SEE FEDVIP ON P. 56

Watch NARFE’s Open Season Webinar Series On-Demand To B or Not to B (Whether or not to Take Medicare Part B) Recorded October 12, 2023 Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans Recorded October 26, 2023 Choosing the Best FEHB Plan: Medicare Edition Recorded November 2, 2023 Big Changes to How Federal Annuitants Receive Prescription Drug Benefits in 2024 and Beyond Recorded November 9, 2023 Choosing the Best FEHB Plan: Without Medicare Edition Recorded November 15, 2023

Go to www.narfe.org/webinar-archive

ALL WEBINARS FREE FOR NARFE MEMBERS

NOT A MEMBER? Join NARFE today at NARFE.org/Join.

NARFE FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE

OPEN SEASON REPORT 2024 PREMIUMS - NATIONWIDE DENTAL PLANS PLAN NAME AETNA DENTAL High

RATING REGION

SELF ONLY biweekly monthly

SELF PLUS ONE biweekly monthly

SELF AND FAMILY biweekly monthly

$16.90 $18.62 $19.81 $21.86 $23.74

$36.62 $40.34 $42.92 $47.36 $51.44

$33.79 $37.23 $39.62 $43.73 $47.48

$73.21 $80.67 $85.84 $94.75 $102.87

$50.69 $55.85 $59.42 $65.58 $71.22

$109.83 $121.01 $128.74 $142.09 $154.31

$9.86 $10.86 $11.54 $12.72 $13.80

$21.36 $23.53 $25.00 $27.56 $29.90

$19.73 $21.70 $23.08 $25.43 $27.61

$42.75 $47.02 $50.01 $55.10 $59.82

$29.59 $32.55 $34.61 $38.15 $41.41

$64.11 $70.53 $74.99 $82.66 $89.72

$18.39 $20.60 $22.43 $24.29 $27.19

$39.85 $44.63 $48.60 $52.63 $58.91

$36.77 $41.20 $44.85 $48.58 $54.37

$79.67 $89.27 $97.18 $105.26 $117.80

$55.16 $61.80 $67.28 $72.87 $81.56

$119.51 $133.90 $145.77 $157.89 $176.71

1 $9.87 $21.39 2 $10.82 $23.44 3 $12.30 $26.65 4 $13.28 $28.77 5 $14.67 $31.79 DELTA DENTAL’S FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL PROGRAM High 1 $17.65 $38.24 2 $19.36 $41.95 3 $21.24 $46.02 4 $22.61 $48.99 5 $26.35 $57.09

$19.75 $21.63 $24.60 $26.56 $29.33

$42.79 $46.87 $53.30 $57.55 $63.55

$29.62 $32.45 $36.90 $39.85 $44.00

$64.18 $70.31 $79.95 $86.34 $95.33

$35.31 $38.72 $42.48 $45.21 $52.69

$76.51 $83.89 $92.04 $97.96 $114.16

$52.96 $58.07 $63.73 $67.82 $79.04

$114.75 $125.82 $138.08 $146.94 $171.25

Standard

2 3 4 5

2 3 4 5 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD FEP DENTAL High 1 2 3 4 5

Standard

2 3 4 5 GEHA CONNECTION DENTAL FEDERAL High 1 2 3 4 5

Standard

2 3 4 5 THE METLIFE FEDERAL DENTAL PLAN High 1 2 3 4 5

Standard

2 3 4 5

$9.45 $10.30 $11.10 $11.71 $13.41

$20.48 $22.32 $24.05 $25.37 $29.06

$18.91 $20.59 $22.19 $23.42 $26.83

$40.97 $44.61 $48.08 $50.74 $58.13

$28.36 $30.89 $33.29 $35.13 $40.24

$61.45 $66.93 $72.13 $76.12 $87.19

$17.26 $19.41 $21.22 $23.71 $25.70

$37.40 $42.06 $45.98 $51.37 $55.68

$34.52 $38.81 $42.44 $47.42 $51.41

$74.79 $84.09 $91.95 $102.74 $111.39

$51.79 $58.22 $63.66 $71.13 $77.11

$112.21 $126.14 $137.93 $154.12 $167.07

$9.82 $11.01 $12.06 $13.46 $14.59

$21.28 $23.86 $26.13 $29.16 $31.61

$19.65 $22.01 $24.07 $26.90 $29.15

$42.58 $47.69 $52.15 $58.28 $63.16

$29.45 $33.02 $36.12 $40.34 $43.73

$63.81 $71.54 $78.26 $87.40 $94.75

$18.43 $19.44 $21.59 $23.49 $26.14

$39.93 $42.12 $46.78 $50.90 $56.64

$36.85 $38.88 $43.19 $46.98 $52.29

$79.84 $84.24 $93.58 $101.79 $113.30

$55.28 $58.31 $64.78 $70.46 $78.43

$119.77 $126.34 $140.36 $152.66 $169.93

$10.23 $10.88 $12.13 $13.38 $14.16

$22.17 $23.57 $26.28 $28.99 $30.68

$20.47 $21.75 $24.26 $26.77 $28.33

$44.35 $47.13 $52.56 $58.00 $61.38

$30.70 $32.63 $36.39 $40.15 $42.49

$66.52 $70.70 $78.85 $86.99 $92.06

* Rating regions for each carrier are not the same for all plans

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

RATING REGION UNITED CONCORDIA DENTAL High 1 2 3 4 5

Standard

2 3 4 5 UNITEDHEALTHCARE DENTAL PLAN High 1 2 3 4 5

Standard

2 3 4 5

SELF ONLY biweekly monthly

SELF PLUS ONE biweekly monthly

SELF AND FAMILY biweekly monthly

$16.99 $19.07 $21.18 $23.26 $25.35

$36.81 $41.32 $45.89 $50.40 $54.93

$33.98 $38.13 $42.33 $46.51 $50.70

$73.62 $82.62 $91.72 $100.77 $109.85

$50.96 $57.20 $63.52 $69.77 $76.03

$110.41 $123.93 $137.63 $151.17 $164.73

$9.65 $10.84 $12.01 $13.17 $14.34

$20.91 $23.49 $26.02 $28.54 $31.07

$19.30 $21.65 $24.01 $26.34 $28.67

$41.82 $46.91 $52.02 $57.07 $62.12

$28.95 $32.48 $36.01 $39.52 $43.01

$62.73 $70.37 $78.02 $85.63 $93.19

$21.14 $22.19 $23.31 $26.82 $31.53

$45.80 $48.08 $50.51 $58.11 $68.32

$42.28 $44.39 $46.61 $53.63 $63.06

$91.61 $96.18 $100.99 $116.20 $136.63

$63.43 $66.58 $69.92 $80.45 $94.58

$137.43 $144.26 $151.49 $174.31 $204.92

$11.13 $12.59 $13.52 $14.22 $16.54

$24.12 $27.28 $29.29 $30.81 $35.84

$22.25 $25.18 $27.05 $28.45 $33.08

$48.21 $54.56 $58.61 $61.64 $71.67

$33.38 $37.77 $40.57 $42.67 $49.62

$72.32 $81.84 $87.90 $92.45 $107.51

Everything You Need for a Vibrant Retirement Discover premier senior living at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. Get your FREE brochure! Call 1-800-215-3103 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com.

ASHBY PONDS Ashburn, VA GREENSPRING Springfield, VA RIDERWOOD Silver Spring, MD 964563_NM

PLAN NAME

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

OPEN SEASON REPORT NEW POSTAL BENEFITS START IN 2025

uring Open Season this year, postal workers, retirees and their families will choose their 2024 coverage from among plans offered by the FEHB program. Starting in 2025, the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, a new, separate program within FEHB, will insure eligible Postal Service employees, annuitants and their eligible family members. It is important to note that postal annuitants will not be required to enroll in Medicare Part B if they have not already

postal annuitant) as a condition of receiving health benefits through the PSHB program. Any family members of such a postal employee are also exempt from the Part B enrollment requirement. Furthermore, Medicareeligible postal annuitants and family members who are not already enrolled in Medicare Part B will have a six-month special enrollment period, beginning April 1, 2024, to enroll in Part B penalty-free. Learn more at www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance/pshb/.

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

2024 PREMIUMS - NATIONWIDE VISION PLANS PLAN NAME AETNA VISION PREFERRED High

SELF PLUS ONE monthly

SELF AND FAMILY biweekly monthly

biweekly

Standard

$5.65 $12.24 $3.13 $6.78

$11.28 $24.44 $6.26 $13.56

$16.93 $36.68 $9.39 $20.35

Standard

$5.63 $12.20 $3.53 $7.65

$11.25 $24.38 $7.05 $15.28

$16.88 $36.57 $10.58 $22.92

Standard

$4.82 $10.44 $3.31 $7.17

$9.65 $20.91 $6.61 $14.32

$14.47 $31.35 $9.92 $21.49

Standard

$5.53 $11.98 $3.53 $7.65

$11.06 $23.96 $7.04 $15.25

$16.59 $35.95 $10.57 $22.90

Standard

$6.69 $14.50 $3.55 $7.69

$13.40 $29.03 $7.09 $15.36

$20.11 $43.57 $10.65 $23.08

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD FEP VISION High THE METLIFE FEDERAL VISION PLAN High UNITEDHEALTHCARE VISION PLAN High VSP VISION CARE High

FEDVIP FROM P. 52

UnitedHealthcare Vision Plan Brochure unavailable by press time. Please check www.narfe.org/open-season. Learn more: https://fedvip.myuhcvision.com/. VSP Vision Care • No copay for progressive lenses. • Retinal screening fully covered for members with diabetes who do not have diabetic eye disease. Learn more: www.choosevsp.com.

SELF ONLY monthly

biweekly

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing • Short-Term Rehabilitation • Memory Care

A health center with doors open

WIDE WIDER

and with our arms even

At Falcons Landing, exceptional care doesn’t end with our healthcare. Sure, we’re recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Nursing Home for Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care,” and yes, we offer state-ofthe-art, specialized Memory Care in a brand-new, standalone neighborhood. But look closer and you’ll also find a close-knit community of people who excel at caring. So while our healthcare is outstanding, the common bonds that unite us are what’s truly remarkable.

Get to know us better! Schedule your personal tour today: 703-844-3186

FALCONSLANDING.ORG

INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING | POTOMAC FALLS, VA Falcons Landing is proud to be a non-profit Life Plan Community.

Eligibility for Independent Living at Falcons Landing is open to any officer that has served, senior level federal employees GS14 and above, spouses or surviving spouses. If you are looking for short-term rehab, long-term care, assisted living or memory care, no military or government background is required.

FALCONSLANDING.ORG

OPEN SEASON REPORT 2024 FEHB PRESCRIPTION DRUG GUIDE

n the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, prescriptions can be filled by health plans through the plan’s preferred retail pharmacies, nonpreferred retail pharmacies and the plan’s mail order service. The plans charge coinsurance and/ or copayments for prescription drugs when they are purchased through any of these sources. Some plans provide prescription drug plan benefits even if the plan’s annual deductible is not met. Other plans may have a specific annual deductible that must be met before the plan begins to pay prescription drug benefits. Health plans will substitute available generic equivalent drugs for brand-name drugs for prescriptions submitted to local pharmacies and mail order services unless the prescribing physician indicates that the patient is to receive only the brand-name

medication. To keep prescription drug benefit costs down for the plans, some are reducing out-of-pocket costs for generic drugs and raising them for brand-name drugs. This will make prescription drugs more costly for enrollees needing life-saving and life-extending medications, which are usually brand-name specialty drugs. You also will see that some plans have capped the yearly amount of out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs to keep enrollees who need the expensive brand-name drugs—sometimes called specialty drugs—from possible financial hardship.

MEDICARE AND DRUG COVERAGE

Enrollees covered by Medicare Part A and Part B may note that some plans waive their own deductibles, coinsurance and copayments for hospital and

medical services. These waivers do not apply to the prescription drug copayments and/or coinsurance. Some plans will charge lower coinsurance and copayment rates for enrollees who are covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. In addition, there are some plans that charge Medicare enrollees the same coinsurance and copayments as non-Medicare-eligible enrollees in one option, while charging Medicare enrollees smaller coinsurance and/or copayment amounts than non-Medicare enrollees in the plan’s other option. Special for those with Medicare Part D: Starting in 2024, you don’t have to pay a copayment or coinsurance if your drug costs are high enough to reach the catastrophic coverage phase; coinsurance amounts for some Part B-covered drugs may be less if a prescription drug’s price increased higher than the rate of inflation;

YOUR COSTS: PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

PLAN

RETAIL PHARMACY / NETWORK

Blue Cross Blue Shield - Standard

Generic: $7.50 Brand name: Preferred 30% of plan allowance / Nonpreferred 50% of plan allowance

Compass Rose

Generic: $5 Brand name: Preferred: 40% of the plan cost up to $400 / Nonpreferred: You pay all charges

GEHA - Standard

Generic: Lesser of $10 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost Brand name: Preferred: 40% for up to a maximum of $250 for a 30-day supply / Nonpreferred: 60% for up to a maximum of $350 for a 30-day supply

GEHA Elevate Plus

Generic: Lesser of $10 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost Brand name: Preferred: Lesser of $80 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost / Nonpreferred: 50% of plan allowance

MHBP - Standard

Generic: $5 Brand name: Preferred: 30% of plan allowance plus cost difference from generic equivalent, up to $200 / Nonpreferred: 50% of plan allowance plus cost difference from generic equivalent, up to $200

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

your plan can’t charge you more than $35 for a one-month supply of each insulin product Part D covers, with no deductible.

COMPARE PLANS

Usually, patients will fill orders for short-term prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, at a local pharmacy. They will use mail order services for maintenance drugs, such as medications used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease, etc.

It is wise to compare the prices of medications at local pharmacies with the cost of obtaining the medications through mail order services. Sometimes, the cost of filling a prescription at a local pharmacy is less than the copayment for using a mail order service. Some plans charge the full mail service copayment even though the actual cost of the prescription drug is less than the copayment; other plans charge only the cost of the prescription drug if

the actual cost of the drug is less for the mail service pharmacy than the copayment. In other words, do not expect the mail service pharmacy to charge less than the copayment because the local pharmacy has the prescription drug at a lower price. Some plans have limitations on the amount and frequency of dispensing prescription drugs. Plan members should be aware of those limitations and also should be aware that some plans have prior-approval requirements before certain prescriptions can be filled. The general rule for most plans is that refills can be obtained when 75 percent of the current supply is used up. With some plans’ copayments for brand-name drugs increasing January 1, check your current prescription level to see if you can order a refill before the end of the year and avoid any increase. —FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE

FOR SELECTED PLANS RETAIL PHARMACY / NON-NETWORK

MAIL ORDER (90-DAY SUPPLY)

45% of plan allowance

Generic: $15 Brand name: Preferred: $90 / Nonpreferred: $125

You pay all charges

Generic: $10 Brand name: Preferred: 40% of the plan cost up to $800 / Nonpreferred: You pay all charges

Generic: Lesser of $20 or the cost of the drug Brand name: Preferred: 40% for up to a maximum of $550 for a 90-day supply/ Nonpreferred: 60% for up to a maximum of $650 for a 90-day supply

You pay all charges

Generic: Lesser of $30 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost Brand name: Preferred: Lesser of $240 or the cost of the drug / Nonpreferred: 50% of plan allowance

Same as network

Generic: $10 Brand name: Preferred: $80 plus difference between allowance and the cost of a generic equivalent / Nonpreferred: $120 plus difference between allowance and the cost of a generic equivalent

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Managing Money

Transferring Retirement Plans to the TSP and IRA-to-IRA transfers

ast month’s column discussed how a participant may use a direct rollover or indirect rollover (60-day rollover) to move money from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to an Individual

Retirement Account (IRA). This month’s column will discuss transfers to the TSP as well as an important rule relating to IRAto-IRA rollovers. The TSP will accept direct and indirect rollovers of taxdeferred money from traditional IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and eligible employer plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, to the traditional TSP. Keep in mind that you can only roll over money to the TSP if you already have an existing TSP account with a balance. Furthermore, you cannot roll over a Roth IRA to the Roth TSP. The TSP will, however, accept direct rollovers—but not indirect rollovers—of qualified and nonqualified Roth distributions from Roth 401(k)s, Roth 403(b)s, and Roth 457(b)s. You may even roll over an eligible Roth account if you don’t already have a Roth balance in your TSP account (assuming you have an existing TSP account). As explained last month, the best method for transferring money from the TSP to an IRA is the direct rollover. The same is true for transferring an IRA or another employer plan into the TSP. Still, when it comes to transferring an IRA to the TSP, a difference in the tax withholding rules makes the indirect IRAto-TSP rollover a little less cumbersome.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

While IRA withdrawals are subject to a default 10% federal tax withholding, unlike with a TSP withdrawal, an IRA owner may opt out of the withholding. This makes an indirect IRA-toTSP rollover more palatable than an indirect TSP-to-IRA rollover

THE ONE-ROLLOVERPER-YEAR RULE PERMITS ONLY ONE INDIRECT IRA-TO-IRA ROLLOVER WITHIN A ONE-YEAR PERIOD (PER 365 DAYS, NOT PER CALENDAR YEAR). because an IRA owner won’t need to come up with other funds when completing the rollover. Keep in mind the 60-day time limit still applies and that some states have mandatory withholding requirements, which is why the direct rollover is still the preferred method. When performing an IRA-toIRA transfer, IRA owners have two options—an indirect rollover and a trustee-to-trustee transfer.

Like a direct rollover from the TSP to an IRA, a trustee-totrustee transfer moves the money directly from one IRA to another IRA and is the preferred method for an IRA-to-IRA transfer. With the indirect IRA-to-IRA rollover, not only does the 60-day limit apply, but there’s another critical rule (the one-rollover-per-year rule) that IRA owners must be aware of. The one-rollover-per-year rule permits only one indirect IRA-to-IRA rollover within a one-year period (per 365 days, not per calendar year). In 2014, the Tax Court interpreted this rule to mean that you cannot make a non-taxable rollover from one IRA to another if you have already made a rollover from any of your IRAs in the preceding one-year period. For the purposes of applying the one-per-year rule, the limit will apply by aggregating all IRAs an individual may own, including SEP, SIMPLE, traditional, and Roth IRAs, effectively treating them as one. The good news is the one-peryear rule only applies to indirect IRA-to-IRA rollovers. It does not apply to trustee-to-trustee transfers (this type of transfer is not a rollover) or to rollovers from traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs (conversion), IRA-to-plan rollovers, plan-to-IRA rollovers, or plan-to-plan rollovers (plan refers to employer retirement plans, such as the TSP). If the one-rollover-per-year rule is broken, not only will any previously untaxed amounts of

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

the IRA distribution be considered taxable, but any amount rolled into another (or the same) IRA will be treated as an excess contribution and assessed a 6% annual penalty until corrected. Despite the potential landmines, an indirect IRA-to-IRA rollover can come in handy as a way for IRA owners to use the rollover as sort of a 60-day loan to cover short-term cash needs. Furthermore, the one-per-year rule applies to individuals separately, so married couples can stretch this into a 120-day loan by using one spouse’s IRA distribution to repay the other spouse’s IRA within 60 days. Of course, it’s critical for IRA owners to understand and follow all the rules to avoid potential taxes and penalties when using an IRA as a short-term loan.

Moving money from one retirement plan to another may make sense, given one’s circumstances. Understanding the options for transferring a retirement plan is critical to ensuring a smooth transfer. 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.

Did you recently join NARFE and looking for a way to get involved with local feds in your community? Are you missing the friends you used to work with every day in the office?

Find a local chapter convenient to you!

New member s receive t heir first yea r of chapter dues FREE!

Visit www.narfe.org/chapters to find the chapter that’s right for you, and then call us between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET at 800-456-8410 and we’ll get you signed up right away.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Alzheimer’s Update

Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Understanding the Difference

ccording to the 2023 facts and figures by the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It is the most common form of dementia,

with loss of memory and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is also an umbrella term for many conditions impacting the brain, affecting various thinking skills and cognitive abilities. This can also become serious and impair daily life. These conditions include Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body, frontotemporal disorder, Huntington’s disease and mixed dementia. They can be severe enough to affect behaviors, feelings and even relationships. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for about 60% to 80% of the cases. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of case, which occurs from microscopic bleeding and blood vessel blockage in the brain. Those experiencing simultaneous changes to the brain from multiple types of dementia have mixed dementia. Many other conditions can cause symptoms of cognitive impairment, but they are not dementia. This includes some reversible cases, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. While diseases caused by abnormal changes to the brain are grouped under the general term “dementia,” the condition is often incorrectly mislabeled as “senility” or “senile dementia.” 62

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

This false interpretation is that serious mental decline is average for aging. Alzheimer’s disease is more commonly confused with dementia. Some of the signs of dementia can vary greatly, which include short-term memory loss. Daily functions like keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments and running errands are significantly altered by memory loss. Symptoms of dementia can be progressive. Signs of cognitive impairment may start slowly and gradually worsen over time, leading to dementia. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or other changes in their thinking ability, please do not ignore them and seek professional medical care. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The commonly known risk factor is increasing age, and most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. However, younger-onset Alzheimer’s can affect people under the age of 65. It is also referred to as early-onset Alzheimer’s, and people with it could be in the disease’s early, middle or late stages.

Alzheimer’s is also a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over several years. In the early years, memory loss is mild. However, with latestage Alzheimer’s, individuals abruptly lose the ability to carry a conversation and respond to their environment. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, and they can also live as long as 20 years, depending on several factors. Alzheimer’s has no cure, but there are two treatments: aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi®). These medications can remove betaamyloid—one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease—and ultimately reduce the cognitive and functional decline of people with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Other treatments can temporarily slow the worsening dementia symptoms and possibly improve the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. There’s a global effort today to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset and prevent it from developing, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This treatment and information are crucial to a family member or caregiver taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Until we have a cure, it is also critical to extend the

lives of those suffering and help them live with a better quality of life. Thank you for your continued NARFE monthly contributions toward Alzheimer’s research. These donations are helping those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. I believe that a cure will soon be found and, as a result, we will have our first survivor case. Please continue to eat right. Exercise your mind, body and soul, and enrich your lives to help yourself, your family and others. NARFE members, I want you to know that I appreciate all that you are doing for NARFE Alzheimer’s research through your support and service.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, please get in touch with the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or call the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900. The grants awarded during our NARFE Alzheimer’s National Committee Annual Training will appear in the March 2024 issue of NARFE Magazine due to our training in November 2023, happening after this issue’s printing schedule. From my house to yours, I wish you all a happy holiday and a prosperous new year! OLIVIA A. WILLIAMS IS CHAIR OF THE NARFE-ALZHEIMER’S NATIONAL COMMITTEE. EMAIL: OEASHF3@GMAIL.COM. THIS COLUMN APPEARS QUARTERLY.

Do you love being a member of NARFE and ready to stop receiving renewal notices? Sign up for Dues Withholding or Auto-Renewal today! Dues Withholding is for retired members and is only $42 annually. See page 69 to complete the form to get this process started right away. It takes about 4-5 months to get members onto dues withholding. Call 800-456-8410 and dial 1 for membership. 1 yr – $48

Not retired yet? Sign up for Auto-Renewal for a 1-year, 2-year or 3-year 2 yr – $92 membership rate (and save). Stay in your chapter and don’t worry about 3 yr – $126 forgetting to renew! Login to our website at https://members.narfe.org/ and click on My Account and then My Settings and click on My AutoPay Account and enable Auto Pay today!

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE News EARN $10 BY HELPING NARFE GROW!

2023 NARFE Scholarship Winners Announced

ARFE is proud to announce the 2023 NARFE Scholarship winners and their NARFE sponsors. Each student will receive a one-time award of $1,000 to put toward the 202324 school year. In 1987, the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) established a scholarship program for children and grandchildren of federal employees. Ten years later, NARFE joined FEEA’s Board of Directors and soon after that authorized creation of a scholarship program open to the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of NARFE members. The program is funded by the NARFE-FEEA Fund, supported by NARFE members and administered by FEEA. To support the program, donations to the NARFE-FEEA Fund can be made online or by check payable to NARFE-FEEA Fund mailed to: NARFE-FEEA Fund c/o FEEA, 1641 Prince St., Alexandria, VA 22314. NARFE thanks the volunteers who served on the Scholarship Selection Committee and to the staff members of FEEA who administer the program.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

NARFE’s 2023 Fall Membership Drive concludes December 31. Log in at www.narfe.org, click on “For Members” on the menu bar and select “Officer Resources” on the drop-down menu. On the Officer Resources page, scroll down to “Membership Officer Resources” to access many helpful recruiting tools. Questions? Email membership@narfe.org!

2023 WINNERS BY REGION This year, a total of $10,000 was awarded to 10 high school seniors. Winners are listed by region of residence.

REGION I

REGION VI

Austin Thorp Mystic CT Sponsor: Barry Thorp

Lauren Poole Winnfield, LA Sponsor: Barbara Poole

REGION II

REGION VII

Anya Noel Mays Landing, NJ Sponsor: Paul Raetsch

Nicholas Morrow Phoenix, AZ Sponsor: Lisa Morrow

REGION III

REGION VIII

Lindsey Johnson Summerville, SC Sponsor: Thomas Greyard III

Leila Zarate Oxnard, CA Sponsor: Michael Lastrico

REGION IV

REGION IX

Liam O’Donnell New Lenox, IL Sponsor: William White

Lizette Ohlund Meridian, ID Sponsor: Paula Bowman

REGION V

REGION X

Olivia Simonson Bismarck, ND Sponsor: Darrell Wetzel

Audrey Nolan Leesburg, VA Sponsor: Raymund Nolan

APPLY FOR THE 2024 NARFE-FEEA SCHOLARSHIPS The 2024 NARFE-FEEA Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors only. Applicants must be children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of NARFE members. For more information and to access the application, visit www.feea.org/our-programs/ scholarships/.

Donate

to NARFE programs

Donate to NARFE

Enclosed is my NARFE Contribution: $ __________________

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE

Name: ___________________________________________________________

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

PLEASE MAIL COUPON AND CHECK TO: NARFE / 606 N. Washington St. / Alexandria, VA 22314 or donate online at www.narfe.org/ donate With NARFE’s thanks, you will receive a NARFE Photo Calendar

Address: _________________________________________________________

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.

Card Number: ____________________________________________________

NARFE contributions are NOT tax-deductible.

City:_____________________________________________________________ State:______________________________ ZIP: _________________________

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

Security Code: ______________

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____ / ___/____ Name: (please print) _______________________________________________

Support Alzheimer’s Research NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $16 Million Fund $15,901,078.24* *Total as of September 30, 2023. 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.

If you have any questions, write to: National Committee Chair Olivia Williams PO Box 2175 Columbia, SC 29202 OR EMAIL: oeashf3@gmail.com MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research (write your chapter number on memo line)

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

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

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

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

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ____ / ___ / ______

Give to the

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

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

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

Security Code: _______________

Name: (please print) _______________________________________________

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

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

NARFE News

New Political Associate Joins NARFE

hamare Garner has joined NARFE as a political associate, managing the daily operations and logistics of the organization’s political action committee, NARFE-PAC. Khamare is a graduate of Florida State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Prior to joining us at NARFE, Khamare served as a campaign manager for a county election, a judicial clerk in the 2nd Circuit Court of Florida, and the volunteer and operations coordinator for a music education nonprofit. His commitment to civic involvement and dedication to advancing advocacy efforts make him an ideal fit for his new role.

Khamare lives in Washington, D.C. with his 2-year-old dog named Berty. Outside of NARFE, Khamare is an avid sports enthusiast. You’ll often find him passionately cheering on his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Florida State Seminoles, and Golden State Warriors. In his leisure time, he enjoys immersing himself in the timeless melodies of Miles Davis and Sarah Vaughan. Additionally, Khamare finds inspiration in the works of authors such as James Baldwin and Maya Angelou. “I wanted to be a part of the team at NARFE for one simple reason, I wanted to do good work, making a positive impact on those around me.” With his diverse background and enthusiasm for making a

difference, we are confident that Khamare will bring fresh perspectives and valuable contributions to our team at NARFE Headquarters. Welcome, Khamare!

NARFE Sending Reminder Emails About Renewals

id you receive an urgent email from NARFE reminding you that your membership will expire soon? Fear not! All you have to do is sign into your account and renew your membership. The membership department at NARFE is keeping pace with providing every individual member a new, personalized reminder that their dues will lapse. NARFE learned some members may have been receiving reminder invoices but were not aware of their membership lapsing. In NARFE’s continuous effort to sustain and improve its member notification system,

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

please let this notice serve as a final reminder to members who need to renew by the end of 2023. Renewing your NARFE

membership is the best way to keep your federal retirement benefits safe and to get the most out of them. NARFE is the only

organization solely dedicated to protecting and preserving the benefits of all federal workers and annuitants. As a NARFE member, you have a dedicated professional legislative team working to protect and preserve your earned benefits on Capitol Hill and with the administration. You also have access to many valuable resources, such as: • NARFE Magazine and NewsLine, our weekly e-newsletter, with the latest news and information about the issues that affect you. • Personalized answers to your federal benefits questions from our experts.

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

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

Who Should Join NARFE?

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

• Access to FEDHub, NARFE’s online community, where members share ideas, information and solutions—it’s the go-to place where active and retired Feds connect • Visit the Legislative Action Center to contact your representatives about bills affecting federal benefits. • Get NARFE Magazine and our weekly e-newsletter, NewsLine—your best sources for the latest news and information on issues impacting federal employees and retirees. • NARFE Perks discounts on insurance, travel, health services and more! • Nearly 800 local chapters unite federal employees, retirees, their spouses and survivors, and provide networking, advocacy and leadership opportunities. 1Q6

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

q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.

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

______________________________________________

Full Name

______________________________________________

Street Address

q VISA

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

City

State

ZIP

______________________________________________

Phone

______________________________________________

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

q Active Federal Employee Spouse

q Annuitant Spouse

q Survivor Annuitant

q Please enroll my spouse _________________________________________

Spouse’s Full Name

_________________________________________

Spouse’s Email

q Discover

q AMEX

___________________________________________ Card No. Expiration Date _____ /________ mm

Apt./Unit

q Annuitant

PAYMENT OPTIONS

yyyy

___________________________________________ Name on Card ___________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date

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

LOOKING TO MEET OTHERS in the federal community and participate in NARFE at a local level? Call 800-456-8410 to learn about a NARFE chapter in your area. Would you like to receive a FREE one-year chapter membership? Choose one: q Chapter closest to home OR q Chapter #____________

THANK YOUR RECRUITER Did someone introduce

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

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

you to NARFE? Please provide their Name and Member ID. ___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Name ___________________________________________ Recruiter’s Membership ID NARFE respects the privacy of our members. Personal information is used to provide content and relevant communications to our members. Some NARFE member benefits are provided by third parties (NARFE Perks), and not NARFE. (03/23)

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE News

• NARFE Perks discounts on travel, legal and security services, and much more! Renewing your membership is easy! Renew online at https://members.narfe.org/Membership/ Join-NARFE. Go to “My Account” and click on “My Invoices.” If you do not know your username and/or password, please follow the directions to have your login information sent to you by email— or request help at loginhelp@narfe.org. Renew by phone by calling 800-456-8410 and selecting option 1, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Tell them your member number, found on the address label on this magazine’s cover. Please don’t delay! Your NARFE benefits are at risk.

Renew today to keep receiving your issues of NARFE Magazine, guidance when benefits change, access to federal benefits specialists who can help you with your specific questions, and much more. Thank you for your continued support! Want to avoid receiving these messages each year and save money? Sign up for auto-renewal by logging into your account today and take advantage of multi-year discounts. If you’re retired and want to save $6 on your annual membership, login today to access the form for dues withholding or send in the form on the next page! —BY NORA MACDONALD, DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

NARFE Magazine Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: NARFE 2. Publication Number: 4632-60 3. Filing Date: October 11, 2023 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Issues Published Annually: 10 6. Annual Subscription Price: $48 7. Address of Known Office of Publication: 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 8. General Business Office of the Publisher: 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Editor: Jennifer Rafael, Director of Communications and Marketing, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Managing Editor: Matt Sanderson, Content Manager, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 10. Owner: National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

13. Publication Title: NARFE 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2023 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months A. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) 141,403 B. Paid Circulation 1. Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 137,081 2. Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 N/A 3. Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS 229 4. Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS 300 C. Total Paid Distribution 137,610 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 35410 625 2. Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 N/A 3. Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS 1,610 4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail N/A E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 2,235 F. Total Distribution 139,845 G. Copies Not Distributed 804 H. TOTAL 140,649 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 98.40% 16. If total circulation includes electronic copies, report that circulation on lines below: A. Paid Electronic Copies 1,061 B. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15C) + Paid Electronic Copies 138,671 C. Total Print Distribution (Line 15F) + Paid Electronic Copies 140,906 D. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) 98.00% 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: December 2023 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Jennifer Rafael, NARFE Director of Communications and Marketing /October 11, 2023

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Closest to Filing Date 138,737 132,443 N/A 230 300 132,973 612 N/A 1,222 N/A 1,834 134,807 1,360 136,167 98.64% 1,181 134,154 135,988 98.00%

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

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

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

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

Social Security Number (9-digit number)

–

C S

–

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

o Mr. o Mrs. o Miss o Ms.

NARFE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Full Name ____________________________________

NARFE Membership ID _______________________________

Street Address ________________________________

NARFE Chapter Number ______________________________

Apt./Unit _____________________________________

o YES. I also authorize my (NARFE member) spouse’s dues to

City ________________________________________

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.)

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

yyyy

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

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

Signature of Annuitant or Survivor-Annuitant

______________________________

Date

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

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

memberrecords@narfe.org

Do not send money with this form

(DW-2 01/21)

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

SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE AT

www.NARFE.org/memberperks

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

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

LegalShield | 410-419-7130 | Shieldbenefits.com/narfe

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

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

(Previously Office Depot/Office Max)

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

Purchasing Power | www.PurchasingPower.com/NARFE

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

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: FALLFITNESS

NEW!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW! NARFE Members Save 10% with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Do you have old furniture, appliances, electronics, construction debris, yard waste or other junk you need to make disappear? 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can take away almost any material we can fit in our trucks, without you ever lifting a finger—all you have to do is point! Use code NARFE10 when you book. To get started, give us a call or book online.

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

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

Wheaton World Wide Moving | 800-248-7960 | narfe@wvlcorp.com

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

TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ENTERTAINMENT............................................................................ Choice Hotels International | 800-258-2847 | www.choicehotels.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMBA

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

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

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

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

The Way We Worked

Tabulating the U.S. Census This photograph shows the segregated population and housing editors of the Bureau of the Census who were responsible for collecting and tabulating data from the 1940 census. For the 1940 census, the bureau used advanced statistical techniques for the first time, including probability sampling. It was also the first census to collect information on both the nation’s population and housing conditions, introducing new questions about the need for public housing programs. While the 1940 census was innovative in numerous ways, the federal employees behind the census worked in segregated conditions. That changed in 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order integrating all federal agencies. PHOTO from the Records of the Bureau of the Census, National Archives, in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2023

DID YOU KNOW? It took the Census Bureau until 2013 to drop a derogatory term used to categorize AfricanAmericans from its forms after some described it as offensive. Visit www.census.gov/ newsroom/blogs

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Members, Pay $0 out-of-pocket!

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan members may be eligible for two fully covered hearing aids with zero out-of-pocket cost on many models when applying your hearing aid benefit*. Call 1-855-252-0025 to discover more or visit www.blue365deals.com/fep. EXPERIENCE - HearUSA has been changing lives through better hearing since 1987. Our experienced Hearing Care Professionals will recommend solutions that fit your lifestyle and unique needs. CHOICE - All major hearing aid brands and styles available, including completely-in-the-canal, the smallest custom hearing aids on the market. TECHNOLOGY - Smart technology helps you hear more clearly and eliminates annoying feedback “whistling.” RECHARGABLE - Most models have rechargeable options; no need to ever replace batteries! Plus, many models connect with your cell phone! TELEHEALTH - Take advantage of HearUSA Telehealth Services where you obtain quality care at home.

Book a Complimentary Hearing Evaluation Today. 855-252-0025

WHY HearUSA?

We’ve been offering custom-fit hearing aid devices for over 35 years. Here’s what makes us unique:

Experience the Sound.

Try on hearing aids during your appointment and begin the journey of reconnecting with friends, family, and the world around you.

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We accept most insurance plans and our licensed hearing care professionals will help you make the most of your valuable insurance benefits at every step.

Hear Better Today

Our Test, Advise, Fit and Go service means in one visit you can leave with new hearing aids.**

HearUSA.com

©2023 HearUSA. All Rights Reserved. *The Service Benefit Plan will pay a hearing aid benefit for Standard and Basic Option up to $2,500 total every 5 calendar years for adults age 22 and over, and up to $2,500 total per calendar year for members up to age 22. FEP Blue Focus does not have a hearing aid benefit. Do not rely on this communication piece alone for complete benefit information. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan brochure. Blue365® offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services that members may purchase from independent vendors, which are not covered benefits under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental and/or Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision. These products and services will be offered to you through the entire benefit year. During the year, the independent vendors may offer additional discounts on these products and services. To find out what is covered under your policy, contact the customer service number on your member ID card. Any disputes regarding your health insurance products and services may be subject to your plan’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from vendors providing products and services on or accessible through the Site. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific vendor, product or service available under or through the Blue365 Program or Site. **Depending on the level of hearing loss, many individuals can be fit with their hearing aids on the first appointment and leave with them that same day.