December 2021 NARFE Magazine by NARFE

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

December 2021 VOLUME 97 ★ NUMBER 10

P. 48

Estate Planning Essentials

P. 22 Open Season Report P. 40 T he Current State of the Civil Service

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Contents DECEMBER 2021 COVER STORY PAGE 48

FEATURE PAGE 40

ESTATE PLANNING ESSENTIALS: Learn about the benefits and basics of putting together an estate plan to ensure that your assets and possessions end up in the right hands. NARFE CELEBRATES A CENTURY: THE CURRENT STATE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE As NARFE closes its centennial anniversary, we take a look at the current makeup of the nation’s civil service.

Special Feature

Columns

22 Open Season: Plan Changes,

4 From the President

FEDVIP Premiums and Information, Prescription Drug Guide

Washington Watch

6 OPM Report to Congress

Details Plans to Improve Agency

7 Shutdown Narrowly Avoided With Passage of CR

8 2021 Wraps Up NARFE’s 100th Year of Advocacy

10 New Way to Join the NARFEPAC Sustainer Program

A NARFE PUBLICATION FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES

December 2021 VOLUME 97 ★ NUMBER 10

P. 48

Estate Planning Essentials

20 Benefits Brief 58 Managing Money 60 Alzheimer’s Update

P. 22 Open Season Report P. 40 The Current State of Civil Service

Departments

16 Questions & Answers

ON THE COVER Illustration by TGD

62 For the Record 64 NARFE News 70 Member 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 2021 VOLUME 97 ★ NUMBER 10

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jenn Rafael

REGION I James C. Risner

SENIOR EDITOR Mabel Yu CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Jessica Klement CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Beth Bedard ADDITIONAL GRAPHIC DESIGN TGD EXECUTIVE EDITOR Helen Mosher EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth J. Thomas, Kathryn E. Hensley, Barbara Sido CONTACT US NARFE Magazine 606 North Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Phone: 703-838-7760 Fax: 703-838-7781 Editorial: communications@narfe.org Advertising Sales: Anita Nelson advertising@narfe.org

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

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BARBARA SIDO execdir@narfe.org

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

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

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

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

REGION V Cindy Reneé Blythe

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

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

TO REACH A FEDERAL BENEFITS SPECIALIST:

EMAIL fedbenefits@narfe.org

NARFE HEADQUARTERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NARFE Magazine (ISSN 1948-4453) is published monthly except in February and July by the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices. Members: Annual dues includes subscription. Nonmember subscription rate $48. Postmaster: Send address change to: NARFE Attn: Member Records, 606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314. To ensure prompt delivery, members should also forward changes of address without delay. Because of the volume involved, NARFE cannot acknowledge nor be responsible for unsolicited pictures and manuscripts, although every reasonable precaution is taken. All submissions become the property of NARFE. Copyright © 2021, NARFE. Advertisements in the magazine are not endorsements of products and/or services by NARFE, unless officially stated in the ad. We shall accept advertising on the same basis as other reputable publications: that is, we shall not knowingly permit a dishonest advertisement to appear in NARFE Magazine, but at the same time we will not undertake to guarantee the reliability of our advertisers.

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

Searching for a Reset

s I write this, congressional leaders recently voted to fund federal agencies and suspend the debt

limit until December 3, once again kicking the can down the road while efficiency at federal agencies suffers. Given the posturing and politicking on the infrastructure package and reconciliation bill, it may be easy to forget that the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant rages on. The path forward on legislative priorities is anything but certain. For federal employees and retirees, there is optimism on at least one front. The federal benefits Open Season is progressing as scheduled. The annual Open Season—which, this year, takes place November 8 through December 13—is the time of year federal employees and retirees should reevaluate their needs and change health, dental and vision plans accordingly, if necessary. NARFE has a wealth of information available in our magazine, online at www.narfe.org/open-season and through our webinars, to help you do just that. Don’t overlook these valuable resources. While we all have appreciated the ability to collaborate virtually while continuing to advance

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

NARFE’s mission, I’m sure many of you, like me, miss the camaraderie that comes with in-person events. As federations and chapters plan meetings and milestone events for 2022, there is a new sense of anticipation and eagerness. Personal connection and shared culture are welcome concepts for many of our association’s staff as well. New collaborations and innovations ahead of us are all worth celebrating. Even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect our advocacy efforts, NARFE is emerging stronger than ever. This is due in large part to our dedicated members and headquarters staff, who have adapted to changing circumstances over the past year and a half, demonstrating remarkable resiliency. As we strive for a return to normalcy in 2022, may cautious optimism lead the way. From the staff and officers at NARFE, thank you for your membership, continue to stay safe, and take a moment during the holidays to give thanks for life and the ability to share it with family and friends.

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

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Washington Watch

OPM Report to Congress Details Plans to Improve Agency

n a report sent to Congress in September, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unveiled sweeping plans to improve the struggling agency. The report came in

response to a March 2021 study from the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), which detailed an extensive list of the agency’s problem areas and recommendations for how to fix them.

For nearly all of NAPA’s recommendations, OPM either accepted them outright, or accepted them conditioned on support from Congress via funding or statutory changes. The agency indicated that many of the recommendations it accepted are being incorporated into its strategic plan, though as of press time, OPM had not released or published the plan. In step with NAPA’s recommendations, OPM intends to refocus its efforts on human capital management by improving data collection and research on the federal workforce; this will allow the agency to forecast human capital needs, identify issues, and inform and improve policy, oversight and services. To 6

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

concentrate on these biggerpicture goals, OPM will delegate more human capital management responsibilities to agencies to reduce its administrative burden and enable it to conduct cyclical reviews to ensure compliance

with laws and regulations. Furthermore, the agency will analyze skills gaps across government and develop resources to address them. OPM plans to implement an internal “formal knowledge management approach” to reduce the loss of expertise and knowledge when employees leave the agency. Notably, OPM recognized the need for better customer service, both for agencies and employees, and noted that it wants to change the “widely held perception” that OPM’s mantra is “just say no.” OPM also concurred with NAPA’s recommendation

DECEMBER ACTION ALERT: URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR WEP REFORM BILL NARFE is calling on members of the House of Representatives to cosponsor the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act, H.R. 2337, legislation to reform the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). This long-standing, misguided provision reduces the Social Security benefits of nearly 2 million people nationwide. Use NARFE’s Legislative Action Center, located at www.narfe.org, to personalize a message to your Representative requesting his or her cosponsorship of the bill.

MYTH VS. REALITY MYTH: The federal government is unable to make monthly annuity payments to federal retirees when the government is shut down. REALITY: During a government shutdown, federal retirees under the CSRS and FERS retirement systems still receive their scheduled annuity payments on the first business day of the month. A shutdown does not prevent monthly annuity payments from being made.

that the agency’s information technology (IT) systems need modernization and plans to seek funding from Congress to do so. The IT upgrades would include the development of a “digital employee record,” digitized and improved federal retirement programs and processing, a “modern human capital data and analytics platform,” and a new website with improved user functionality. OPM Director Kiran Ahuja indicated that NAPA’s study “unequivocally affirms the need for a strong, independent

and well-resourced OPM.” She added that she looks forward to working with congressional leaders to “build upon the NAPA study recommendations” and improve the agency’s support for federal employees and agencies in service to the public. Originally published in March 2021, the NAPA study was the result of a year-long effort pursuant to a provision in the fiscal year 2020 defense authorization bill. The legislation also blocked any implementation of the previous administration’s OPM

reorganization proposal—which served as a catalyst for the study—until 180 days after the release of the report. NARFE contributed its views to the development of the report and played the leading role in advancing the legislative language that approved the study. The agency’s response to the NAPA study was prepared over a six-month period by seven working groups of OPM staff and guided by a steering committee of senior agency officials. —BY SETH ICKES, GRASSROOTS ASSISTANT

Shutdown Narrowly Avoided With Passage of CR

n September 30, congressional leaders and the White House came to an agreement on a continuing resolution (CR) that averted a government shutdown. The CR funds the government at fiscal year 2021 (FY 2021) levels through December 3, 2021. The beginning of the fiscal year, October 1, was the hard deadline to fund various federal agencies—a deadline Congress consistently brushes up against. The bill also includes funding for natural disaster relief and resettlement of Afghan refugees. The days leading up to the passage of the CR mere hours before midnight on October 1 were not without drama. In the current Senate where the

parties are evenly split 50-50, funding bills, such as a CR, require bipartisan support due

THE DAYS LEADING UP TO THE PASSAGE OF THE CR MERE HOURS BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 1 WERE NOT WITHOUT DRAMA. to the 60-vote threshold of the filibuster. Original attempts to pass the bill included a measure to suspend the debt ceiling, a limit that Congress sets on

the amount of debt the federal government can incur. A CR bill that included action on the debt ceiling passed the House earlier in the week, but attempts to advance this measure failed in the Senate. As of press time, Congress passed a small increase to the debt limit that should be enough to pay obligations until around December 3, all but ensuring there will be another flurry of congressional activity as the new deadline approaches. The CR was signed into law by President Biden on September 30. At that time, the House had passed all 12 of its appropriations bills, while the Senate had yet to debate any of them.

—BY JOHN ROBERT AYERS, POLICY AND PROGRAMS ASSISTANT 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.

2021 Wraps Up NARFE’s 100th Year of Advocacy

his year marks a century of NARFE defending and advancing the benefits of the federal community and successfully engaging its members in grassroots advocacy. In 2021, despite the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, members engaged in grassroots activities and events throughout the year, showing Congress that nothing will prevent federal employees and retirees from protecting their earned pay and benefits. Advocacy leaders, including congressional district leaders (CDLs) and senatorial leaders (SLs), kicked off 2021 by providing newly elected lawmakers in their districts and states with welcome packets. Each packet contained information about NARFE’s history and mission, issue briefs to bring them up to speed on legislative priorities and fact sheets to familiarize them with their federal constituency. Immediately following this advocacy activity, members mobilized to urge lawmakers to support a resolution, introduced in the House and Senate, recognizing NARFE’s 100th year as the leading voice for federal employees and retirees. The resolution, which unanimously passed the Senate in February, honored the invaluable service civil servants provide to the public each day. NARFE held its biennial legislative training conference, LEGcon21, virtually in June.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

More than 240 members, many of whom were experiencing a virtual conference format for the first time, participated successfully, navigating the conference program, training sessions and sponsor exhibits. On the last day, more than 230 participants formed groups headed by advocacy leaders and executed 248 virtual meetings with lawmakers and staff to discuss NARFE’s legislative priorities. NARFE’s LEGcon is a significant part of its lobbying and grassroots advocacy strategy. It is the only national

IN AUGUST, MEMBERS CONTINUED MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD BY ENGAGING IN GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY MONTH.

event that showcases NARFE as the leading voice for the federal community in Washington, DC, and presents NARFE members as an influential constituency. In August, members continued making their voices heard by engaging in Grassroots Advocacy Month. The campaign is held each year in conjunction with the summer congressional recess, when members of Congress leave Capitol Hill and return

to their states and districts to engage with constituents. This campaign is critical to NARFE advocacy for many reasons, including the fact that it keeps discussions of NARFE priorities fresh in lawmakers’ minds as other organizations also mobilize to champion their issues. During Grassroots Advocacy Month, members held meetings with congressional offices, attended fundraisers and submitted letters to the editors of local papers. Some federations and chapters invited lawmakers to speak at NARFE meetings or annual picnics, while others organized groups to attend town halls. Several letters were published in community newspapers, raising awareness about the unfair Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) and calling on other affected constituents to urge Congress to repeal it. Social media training prepared members to engage in weekly activities on Facebook and Twitter, which engaged 35,000 people. Thank you for your advocacy. Grassroots advocacy only succeeds when members like you are willing to act to protect your earned pay and benefits. To get more involved, contact NARFE’s advocacy team at advocacy@narfe.org. —BY MARSHA PADILLA-GOAD, GRASSROOTS PROGRAM MANAGER

NARFE-PAC:

Goals for 2021-2022 NARFE-PAC, the political arm of NARFE, works to defend your earned pay and benefits by building strong relationships between NARFE and members of Congress. Support the PAC and help fight for the federal community. Below is the latest progress for the 2021-2022 election cycle, as of September 30, 2021.

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Order your copy of NARFE’s Congressional Directory for the 117th Congress (2021-2022) today! Clip and mail to: NARFE Congressional Directory 606 N. Washington Street /Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Name___________________________________________________________________

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NARFE 606 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 1-800-456-8410 Email: advocacy@narfe.org www.narfe.org

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CONGRESSIONAL DIRECTORY 117th Congress 2021-2022

Address _________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________ State ______ ZIP ___________ Member ID# (as it appears on NARFE Magazine label) ________________________________________________________________________

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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.

New Way to Join the NARFE-PAC Sustainer Program

ARFE has partnered with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to allow members to contribute monthly to NARFE’s political action committee—NARFEPAC—via their federal annuity. This new way to become a NARFE-PAC sustainer enables members to support this important program without using a credit card. Signing up as a sustainer through annuity withholding is easy. First, NARFE members should go to www.narfe.org/ PAC-sustainer to fill out the NARFE registration form. A detailed set of instructions and a link to OPM’s Services Online website will be provided after the form is submitted. NARFE members will then authorize the annuity withholding through OPM. It’s really that easy. This is the most efficient way to support NARFE-PAC. Annuity withholding enables NARFE-PAC to put more funds toward supporting Fedfriendly lawmakers and fewer funds toward credit card fees. Withholding also cuts down transaction errors stemming from expired credit cards and card number changes. You can bolster NARFE-PAC by signing up for annuity withholding today.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Are you a current sustainer? Consider switching to annuity withholding to strengthen your support. Simply mark that you are a current sustainer on the NARFE registration form and

NARFE-PAC by joining the PAC sustainer program today at www. narfe.org/PAC-sustainer. Your contribution allows the PAC to bring additional attention to NARFE’s most

complete the authorization on OPM’s Services Online website. Once you register, your credit card contributions will automatically end. This simple change goes a long way. NARFE members have expressed interest in annuity withholding for many years, and NARFE-PAC is proud to make this option available now. Support the backbone of

pressing concerns and provides more opportunities for NARFE members and staff to speak with lawmakers, building relationships that will benefit our federal community for years to come. If you have questions or need assistance signing up for annuity withholding, please email rapter@narfe.org. —BY ROSS APTER, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE

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Washington Watch

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. 3076/S. 1720: The Postal Service Reform Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY / Sen. Gary Peters, D-MI Cosponsors: H.R. 3076: 51 (D) 37 (R) S. 1720: 12 (D) 14 (R) 1(I)

POSTAL REFORM

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

H.R. 695/S. 145: USPS Fairness Repeals the U.S. Postal Service’s Act / Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR / prefunding requirement. Sen. Steve Daines, R-MT Cosponsors: H.R. 695: 217 (D) 59 (R) S. 145: 5 (D) 5 (R) H.R. 304: The Equal COLA Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA Cosponsors: H.R. 304: 24 (D) 3 (R) H.R. 4315: The Fair COLA for Seniors Act / Rep. John Garamendi, D-CA FEDERAL ANNUITIES

Cosponsors: H.R. 4315: 41 (D) 1 (R) H.R. 4268: Federal Retirement Fairness Act / Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-WA Cosponsors: H.R. 4268: 11 (D) 8 (R)

DC STATEHOOD

H.R. 51/S. 51 Washington D.C. Admission Act / Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC / Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE

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Cosponsors: H.Res. 131: 14 (D) 4 (R) S.Res. 76: 3 (D) 2 (R)

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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

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

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

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

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

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

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

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

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

NARFE’s Position: 12

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

Provides Federal Employees Retirement Referred to the House System (FERS) retirees with the same Committee on Oversight annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and Reform as Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirees.

Cosponsors: H.R. 51: 216 (D) 0 (R) S. 51: 44 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) H.Res. 131/S.Res. 76: Resolution Celebrating NARFE’s Centennial / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Ben Cardin, D-MD

LATEST ACTION(S)

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

FEDERAL PERSONNEL POLICY

BILL NUMBER / NAME / SPONSOR

WHAT BILL WOULD DO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

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

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means

H.R. 392/S. 561: The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI Cosponsors: H.R. 392: 57 (D) 1 (R) S. 561: 12 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I) FEDERAL COMPENSATION

H.R. 564/S. 1158: Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act / Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY / Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI Cosponsors: H.R. 564: 33 (D) 0 (R) S. 1158: 4 (D) 0 (R) H.R. 82/S. 1302: The Social Security Fairness Act / Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL / Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH Cosponsors: H.R. 82: 177 (D) 56 (R) S. 1302: 29 (D) 4 (R) 2 (I) H.R. 2337: The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act / Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA

GPO/WEP

LATEST ACTION(S)

Cosponsors: H.R. 2337: 180 (D) 0 (R)

NARFE’s Position:

Support

Oppose

No position

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

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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 TSP CONTRIBUTION LIMIT

I plan to retire sometime in 2022. How much am I allowed to contribute to my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?

A tax law limits the dollar amount of contributions to retirement plans and requires the limits to be adjusted annually for costof-living increases. In 2020 and 2021, the elective deferral limit was $19,500, and the catch-up contribution limit (available to those 50 and older) was $6,500. You can find the annual limitations at www.tsp. gov/making-contributions/ contribution-limits/. At press time, the 2022 limits had not been announced. You can determine how much you can contribute each pay period by using the “How Much Can I Contribute” calculator available at www.tsp.gov/calculators/. To use this calculator, you’ll need your most recent leave and earnings statement (LES) or pay slip and the number of salary payments you have left for the year. You can contribute up to the annual limit any time during the year. For example, if you want to retire in June, you can have the annual limitation amount spread out over 13 pay

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

periods. Make sure that your paycheck will be sufficient to deduct the amount that you elect.

OPEN SEASON

Q A

What benefits can be changed during the annual federal health benefits Open Season? This year’s Open Season started on November 8 and runs through December 13, 2021. During Open Season, you may: • Change or add a dental or vision plan under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) at www.benefeds.com. • Choose a 2022 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allotment (employees only). • Change health plans or enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Some agencies have their own system in which you can make an enrollment change online. Retirees should contact the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or use

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THE NARFE OPEN SEASON REPORT ON PAGE 22.

OPM’s online service to make any FEHB changes.

MILITARY DEPOSIT

When should I make a deposit for my military service? I heard I should do it towards the end of my career. What is the benefit of “buying my military time”?

Making a military service credit deposit into the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) will allow credit for military service to go towards your retirement eligibility and computation. While you are eligible to make this deposit at any time during your civilian career, interest will accumulate, so it is advantageous to pay this deposit before your third anniversary of civilian federal service to avoid any interest. The deposit must be completed before you retire. Instructions for completing a deposit can be found at www.dfas.mil/ CivilianEmployees/.

JUDGE ISSUES RULING ON FERS RETIREMENT ANNUITY SUPPLEMENT In 2016, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) changed its policy on the interpretation of court orders resulting from a divorce, determining that the retirement annuity supplement (RAS) for those under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) would receive the same treatment as the FERS annuity. Effectively, the same pro rata share, percentage, fraction or formula would apply to both if the court order was silent on the RAS. Prior to the new interpretation, OPM had not awarded any portion of the RAS to a former spouse unless the court order specifically addressed it. The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) took legal action against OPM over the division of the RAS. The case has been proceeding through the courts for years, and on September 28, a judge ruled in favor of OPM, meaning OPM will continue to apportion the RAS if the court order is silent. You can read the court ruling at https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/ show_public_doc?2019cv0735-47. To avoid having your RAS split in divorce, your court order should state clearly, “OPM is directed not to apportion the retiree annuity supplement.” Or, you can include a specific dollar amount that will avoid the RAS split. Need more information? Watch NARFE’s latest webinar on protecting your federal benefits in a divorce at https:// new.narfe.org/protecting-your-federal-benefits-in-divorce/.

BENEFITS ELIGIBILITY

Q A

What happens to my benefits if I separate from federal service before I am eligible for an immediate retirement? Under the Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) option, you may continue your FEHB plan for up to 18 months. You must enroll within 60 days of your separation, and you’ll pay the full amount for the health plan, plus a 2 percent administrative fee. More information is available at www.opm.gov/healthcareinsurance/healthcare/temporarycontinuation-of-coverage/. Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage is eligible for conversion of all or part of your life insurance coverage with no medical exam required. Your premiums will change because you will no longer receive a government contribution toward your premium and because

you will no longer be part of an insurance pool with other enrollees. Coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) may continue for separated employees entitled to a deferred annuity, even if they are not yet receiving their retirement benefit. There is no option to continue FEDVIP nor the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) or Limited Expenses Health Care Flexible Spending Account (LEX HCFSA). The HCFSA or LEX HCFSA will terminate on the date of separation. Any eligible health care expenses incurred prior to the date of separation will still be reimbursed. Your Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) remaining balance can continue to be used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses until your account balance is depleted or until the end of the calendar year, whichever comes first.

Separated employees are eligible to take a refund of their FERS or CSRS retirement contributions in lieu of waiting for a deferred retirement benefit, or if they are not eligible for a deferred retirement because they have completed less than five years of civilian federal service. The SF 3106 (FERS) or SF 2802 (CSRS) – “Application for a Refund of Retirement Contributions” can be found at www.opm.gov/forms. By taking a refund, you forfeit your entitlement for a deferred retirement benefit. You will receive a lump sum payment for your unused annual leave. Your unused sick leave can be used for your retirement benefit computation only if you are eligible for an immediate annuity. Your unused sick leave will be recredited if you return to federal service in a position eligible for leave. You are eligible to keep your funds in the TSP account, and you’re entitled to your contributions and the government’s matching contributions. You must be vested in TSP (generally after three years for most employees) to be entitled to the agency automatic 1 percent contribution. More details are available at www.tsp.gov/ changes-in-your-career/.

RETIREMENT ANNUITY PAYMENT

Q A

Why am I receiving less money in the retirement check that I received on November 1? Some rates for the FEGLI program increased on October 1 for both employees and retirees. For retirees who elected to continue their Basic FEGLI coverage, the rate depends on your age and post-retirement insurance election. Post-retirement Basic insurance for annuitants (monthly rate per $1,000 of insurance):

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Questions & Answers • 75% reduction: $0.3467 before age 65 and $0.00 after age 65. • 50% reduction: $1.0967 before age 65 and $0.75 after age 65. • No reduction: $2.5967 before age 65 and $2.25 after age 65. Post-retirement Basic insurance for compensationers (withholding every four weeks per $1,000 of insurance): • 75% reduction: $0.32 before age 65 and $0.00 after age 65. • 50% reduction: $1.01 before age 65 and $0.69 after age 65. • No reduction: $2.39 before age 65 and $2.07 after age 65. (For current employees, Basic FEGLI rates increased from $0.15/$1,000 biweekly to $0.16/$1,000 biweekly.) Option A Standard coverage ($10,000) rates decreased slightly for participants ages 35 to 59, while all other rates stayed the same. Option B Additional coverage (up to five multiples of annual basic pay) rates decreased for participants ages 35 to 74 and increased for those age 80 and over. Other rates stayed the same. Option C Family (coverage for spouse and children) rates decreased for participants of all ages up to 69, and increased for those ages 75 and over. Rates for ages 70 to 74 stayed the same. The new rates can be found at www. opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/ life-insurance/.

MEDICARE

My modified adjusted gross income went down significantly in 2020 after my retirement. How can I reduce my Medicare Part B premiums?

Medicare Part B premiums are based on your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from two years ago. If it is above a certain limit, you’ll pay the standard premium amount, plus an additional charge called the Income Related

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). You may call the Social Security Administration at 1-800772-1213 to request a change to your premiums. The number for those who are hearing repaired is 1-800325-0778 TTY. The SSA may request you complete Form SSA-44 – “Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - Life-Changing Event,” which is available at www. ssa.gov/forms/ssa-44-ext.pdf.

COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA)

How is the COLA figured for Social Security? Do they use the gross amount one receives, or do they use the net amount after Medicare Part B is deducted from your total?

The COLA is always calculated on the gross amount of retirement income, such as Social Security (i.e., before any deductions for taxes or Medicare). For your CSRS or FERS retirement benefit, remember that reductions for survivor benefits will reduce the amount of your gross annuity that is subject to taxes and the COLA.

In 2014, I retired from federal service under FERS at age 56. I turn 62 in December 2021. Will I receive the COLA in my January 2022 retirement check?

FERS COLAs do not apply to annuitants who are under age 62 as of December 1, except for the following categories: • Disability annuitants, including military reserve technicians who are medically disqualified for military service or the rank required to hold their positions. However, disability annuitants who are receiving 60 percent of their high-3 average salary do not receive COLAs.

• Military reserve technicians whose separation from technician service resulted from loss of military membership or rank on account of disability after reaching age 50 and completing 25 years of service. • Employees who retired under the special provisions for law enforcement officers, firefighters or air traffic controllers. • Spouse, former spouse and insurable interest survivor annuitants. For FERS annuitants who are not eligible to receive a COLA during their first year (or more) on the annuity roll, the initial COLA they receive (after becoming eligible) is the full COLA without proration. Annuitants who fall in this category are those under age 62 whose annuity commences at least one year prior to reaching age 62 and disability annuitants whose annuity benefits are based on 60 percent of the high-3 average salary.

TSP DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY

I have three biological children and two stepchildren. If I designate my spouse as my primary beneficiary on form TSP-3 – “Thrift Savings Plan Designation of Beneficiary” but do not designate contingent beneficiaries, and my spouse dies at the same time as me, who will my TSP assets go to? Only to my three biological children, or to my biological children and my stepchildren? Will it make a difference if I have a will that says my stepchildren are considered my children?

It might be best for you to use the TSP-3 form to designate your spouse as beneficiary of 100 percent if living, otherwise 20 percent to each of your five children (both biological and stepchildren) to be sure that you aren’t accidentally disinheriting

anyone you don’t intend to. If you do not file form TSP-3, the standard order of precedence provides that your entire account will be distributed according to the following order: 1. To your spouse. 2. If none, to your child or children equally, with the share due any deceased child divided equally among that child’s descendants. 3. If none, to your parents equally or to your surviving parent. 4. If none, to the appointed executor or administrator of your estate. 5. If none, to your next of kin who is entitled to your estate under the laws of the state in which you resided at the time of your death. The “child” as determined in the standard order of precedence means either a biological child or a child adopted by the participant. It does not include a stepchild

unless you have adopted the child. Nor does it include your biological child if that child has been adopted by someone other than your spouse. You can designate one or more individuals, a trust, a corporation, your estate or another legal entity (including a foundation or charity) as the beneficiary(ies) of your account. You can also designate one or more contingent beneficiaries in case the primary beneficiary(ies) dies before you do. However, you cannot designate tertiary beneficiaries (i.e., “third-in-line” beneficiaries) for a TSP account.

NARFE AT YOUR SERVICE At NARFE Headquarters, experts are available to answer questions and assist in helping with a variety of benefit matters.

CALL NARFE AT

800-456-8410, OPTION 2

To obtain an answer to a federal benefits question, NARFE members should call 800456-8410 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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NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Benefits Brief

Federal Benefits Available to Adult Children Incapable of Self-Support

avigating the resources available for adult children incapable of self-support can be a daunting task. Here are some of the basics.

ELIGIBILITY

Your child’s earnings, condition and prognosis will be taken into consideration when determining whether your child is incapable of self-support. The equivalent of the GS 5, step 1 is generally considered an income for someone capable of self-support; however, it isn’t the only factor. Employing offices make the determination for employees and place the documentation in your Official Personnel Folder (or equivalent), while the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) makes the determination for retirees. The determination may be permanent or conditional.

DOCUMENTATION OF DISABILITY MUST INCLUDE:

• Doctor’s signature. • Doctor’s office address. • Adult child’s full name. • Statement that the child is incapable of self-support because of physical or mental disability. • Type of disability. • How long the disability has existed. • The disability’s expected future course and duration (must show disability is expected to continue for more than one year).

CSRS AND FERS CHILDREN’S SURVIVOR BENEFITS Upon the death of a federal employee or retiree covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System 20

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

(FERS), there is a monthly children’s survivor benefit available at no cost to you for unmarried disabled dependent children who are incapable of self-support (if the disability occurred before age 18). Under FERS, the benefit payable to any child of the deceased employee or retiree is reduced (offset) by the total amount of any Social Security survivor benefit payable to all children based on the Social Security earnings of the deceased. In many cases, the FERS benefit is reduced to $0. This benefit is provided by law, and employees/ retirees do not need to elect it. More information: www.opm.gov/ retirement-services/publicationsforms/csrsfers-handbook/c073.pdf.

FEHB PROGRAM

An adult child who is incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental disability that existed before the child reached age 26 may remain covered under the parent’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan. More information: www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance/healthcare/ reference-materials/reference/ family-members/.

FEDVIP PROGRAM

An adult child who is incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental disability that existed before the child reached age 22 may remain covered under the parent’s Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) plan. Your agency or OPM must contact BENEFEDS within 60 days of your child’s enrollment or 22nd birthday (if already enrolled) to confirm eligibility. Additional

information is available at www. benefeds.com/education-support/ eligibility-fed.

FEGLI Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Option C (family coverage) includes coverage for children who are unmarried and incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that existed before the child reached age 22. More information: www. opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/ life-insurance/referencematerials/publications-forms/ feglihandbook.pdf.

FSA

Generally, anyone you claim as a dependent on your tax return would be covered in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). FSAs are only available to employees. More information: www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance/flexiblespending-accounts/referencematerials/fedflex.pdf.

FLTCIP

Children age 18 and older of living employees and retirees may apply for long-term care insurance through the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). They are eligible only if they are able to pass the full medical underwriting requirement. More details are available at www. ltcfeds.com/. —MICHELE BOLLIER IS A RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS SPECIALIST WITH RETIRE FEDERAL.

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PEN SEASON REPORT

2021 OPEN SEASON: NOVEMBER 8 – DECEMBER 13 FEHB PLAN CHANGES

he 2021 federal benefits Open Season for changes to your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program enrollment ends Monday, December 13. There is still time to review health plans and make an informed decision. FEHB participants are able to pick from 275 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 HMO plan, CHAMPVA, Medicaid or as a Peace Corps volunteer. Open Season changes for employees are effective at the 22

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

beginning of the first pay period after January 1, 2022. Open Season changes made by annuitants and survivor annuitants are effective on January 1, 2022, and the

EVEN MORE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT NARFE.ORG/ OPEN-SEASON. premium changes will be reflected in the February 1, 2022, annuity payments.

PLAN BROCHURES

When deciding which plan is best for you, be sure to review your current plan’s 2022 brochure, as well as the brochures for other plans you are considering. The 2022 plan brochures for all FEHB plans can be viewed online and downloaded at www.opm.gov/ healthcare-insurance. Each brochure is formatted the same way, with sections on specific topics, such as “How

Our Plan Has Changed,” “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 average total premium increase in FEHB plans for annuitants and non-Postal employees for 2022 is 2.4 percent. The average premium increase for enrollees is 3.8 percent. These figures are not an acrossthe-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. Federal employees with Self Only coverage will pay, on

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OPEN SEASON REPORT average, $3.17 more per twoweek pay period; those with Self Plus One coverage will pay an average of $7.61 more per pay period, and those with Self and Family coverage will see an average increase of $10.09. Employees in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard option, the most popular enrollment, will see biweekly premiums rise by $4.02 for Self Only

coverage, $8.80 for Self Plus One, and $13.99 for Self and Family. Even if your plan’s premiums are not rising by much, make sure you read the plan brochure— particularly Section 2, “How We Changed for 2022.” This section will reveal which, if any, out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments and coinsurance, will increase in 2022.

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

2022 FEE-FOR-SERVICE PLAN CHANGES

he following are the six fee-for-service (FFS) providers available to all employees and annuitants and the changes in benefits. In addition to these open-to-all carriers, there are four FFS plans open to specific groups of federal employees and annuitants. The rates for these restricted plans are in the November 2021 issue of NARFE Magazine. Please note that our summaries below do not capture all the change details for 2022. Review the brochures, available at https:// new.narfe.org/open-season/fehbplan-information-for-2022/. Many plans will include clarifications of existing benefits that could be beneficial when choosing a plan. Each plan includes information about compliance with the No Surprises Act (NSA), a federal law that provides protections against “surprise billing” and “balance billing” under certain circumstances. 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 2022 to ensure that your doctors, hospitals, etc., will be in the new

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

network. Otherwise, you may wish to change plans during Open Season. Using your plan’s PPOs is a major way to save on out-ofpocket costs. American Postal Workers Union Health Plan (APWU) High Option Changes: Enrollees’ share of the premium will increase for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. Preventive migraine medications no longer need to be obtained through Network Mail Order. Prior authorizations are no longer required for psychological and neuropsychological testing, electroconvulsive therapy and professional services for intensive outpatient treatment. Consumer Driven Health Plan: Enrollees’ share of the premium will stay the same for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. A 52-week virtual weight management program, Real Appeal, is offered. Prior authorization is required for hysterectomy, sinuplasty and functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Learn more: www.apwuhp.com Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Service Benefit Plan Changes: Kidney transplants

now require prior approval. Tubeless insulin delivery systems are now covered as a Tier 2 and 3 pharmacy benefit. Group counseling on prevention and health risks is now covered; previously only individual counseling was covered. Prior approval is no longer needed for surgery to correct accidental injuries to jaws, cheeks, lips, tongue, or roof or floor of the mouth. FEP Blue Focus: The catastrophic out-of-pocket maximum for Self Only contracts is now $8,500, up from $7,500, and $17,000 for Self Plus One and Self and Family contracts, up from $15,000. Tubeless insulin delivery systems are now covered as a Tier 2 pharmacy benefit. EKGs are only covered as a medical benefit; previously one EKG per year was covered as preventive care. Learn more: www.fepblue.org Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) Overall Plan Changes: Premium rates are the same for non-Postal and Postal enrollees. High Option: Enrollees will pay a smaller share of the premium for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. Reimbursement for SEE FEE-FOR-SERVICE ON P. 28

There are great savings options for federal retirees Can you switch and save? If you didn’t change your health plan when you became eligible for Medicare, now could be the time to switch and save. Contact us to learn more about Aetna® plans designed for federal retirees.

Plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program:

Aetna Medicare Advantage • $0 deductibles and copays • Prescriptions for as little as $2 from

our preferred pharmacies • Low premiums • Up to $900 annual reduction in your Medicare Part B premium • SilverSneakers® fitness membership at no extra cost

Aetna Direct • A fund to help pay prescription costs or your Medicare Part B premium • $0 deductibles and copays • $6 generic prescriptions from our preferred pharmacies

Why not connect live with us and learn more about your health plan options? Connect with our team at AetnaFedsLive.com and you can: Chat online

Schedule a one-on-one consultation

Attend live webinars

Or use our retiree portal at AetnaFeds.com/retireeplans to explore at your own pace.

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 HMO, 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. 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. 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. ©2021 Aetna Inc. Y0001_GRP_4009_3488_2021_M 19.12.345.1 A (9/21)

OPEN SEASON REPORT KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

2022 PREMIUMS — FEE FOR SERVICE Plan Option

Code

Total Premium biweekly monthly

APWU HEALTH PLAN High Self 471 351.25 761.04 High Self & Family 472 842.96 1826.41 High Self Plus One 473 737.59 1598.11 CDHP Self 474 278.61 603.66 CDHP Self & Family 475 660.58 1431.26 CDHP Self Plus One 476 605.53 1311.98 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN Standard Self 104 372.33 806.72 Standard Self & Family 105 888.24 1924.52 Standard Self Plus One 106 814.24 1764.19 Basic Self 111 320.74 694.94 Basic Self & Family 112 786.42 1703.91 Basic Self Plus One 113 720.76 1561.65 Blue Focus Self 131 212.58 460.59 Blue Focus Self & Family 132 502.70 1089.18 Blue Focus Self Plus One 133 457.02 990.21 GEHA BENEFIT PLAN High Self 311 349.72 757.73 High Self & Family 312 876.38 1898.82 High Self Plus One 313 769.39 1667.01 Standard Self 314 250.66 543.10 Standard Self & Family 315 659.40 1428.70 Standard Self Plus One 316 538.94 1167.70 HDHP Self 341 252.83 547.80 HDHP Self & Family 342 667.99 1447.31 HDHP Self Plus One 343 543.59 1177.78 GEHA INDEMNITY BENEFIT PLAN Elevate Plus Self 251 316.51 685.77 Elevate Plus Self & Family 252 762.53 1652.15 Elevate Plus Self Plus One 253 707.14 1532.14 Elevate Self 254 194.97 422.44 Elevate Self & Family 255 545.93 1182.85 Elevate Self Plus One 256 448.44 971.62 MHBP Value Self 414 223.87 485.05 Value Self & Family 415 541.02 1172.21 Value Self Plus One 416 530.43 1149.27 Standard Self 454 313.04 678.25 Standard Self & Family 455 727.48 1576.21 Standard Self Plus One 456 720.55 1561.19 HDHP Self 481 305.59 662.11 HDHP Self & Family 482 710.09 1538.53 HDHP Self Plus One 483 676.28 1465.27 NALC High Self 321 343.14 743.47 High Self & Family 322 776.15 1681.66 High Self Plus One 323 758.98 1644.46 CDHP Self 324 218.55 473.53 CDHP Self & Family 325 512.73 1110.92 CDHP Self Plus One 326 482.16 1044.68 Value Self KM1 179.37 388.64 Value Self & Family KM2 420.99 912.15 Value Self Plus One KM3 395.70 857.35 SAMBA High Self 441 403.70 874.68 High Self & Family 442 968.87 2099.22 High Self Plus One 443 888.14 1924.30 Standard Self 444 326.74 707.94 Standard Self & Family 445 745.44 1615.12 Standard Self Plus One 446 703.25 1523.71

Govt Pays biweekly monthly

OPEN SEASON CHANGES for employees are effective at the beginning of the first pay period after January 1, 2022. Changes for retirees and survivor annuitants are effective January 1, 2022, and premium changes will 26

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Enrollee Pays biweekly monthly

Enrollee Increase/Decrease biweekly monthly

244.86 574.13 524.63 208.96 495.44 454.15

530.53 1243.95 1136.70 452.75 1073.45 983.99

106.39 268.83 212.96 69.65 165.14 151.38

230.51 582.46 461.41 150.91 357.81 327.99

2.73 5.91 2.53 5.48 5.45 11.80 0 0 0 0 0 0

244.86 574.13 524.63 240.56 574.13 524.63 159.44 377.03 342.77

530.53 1243.95 1136.70 521.21 1243.95 1136.70 345.44 816.89 742.66

127.47 314.11 289.61 80.18 212.29 196.13 53.14 125.67 114.25

276.19 680.57 627.49 173.73 459.96 424.95 115.15 272.29 247.55

4.02 13.99 8.80 1.58 11.02 6.96 0 0 0

8.701 30.31 19.06 3.42 23.88 15.08 0 0 0

244.86 574.13 524.63 188.00 494.55 404.21 189.62 500.99 407.69

530.53 1243.95 1136.70 407.33 1071.53 875.78 410.85 1085.48 883.34

104.86 302.25 244.76 62.66 164.85 134.73 63.21 167.00 135.90

227.20 654.87 530.31 135.77 357.17 291.92 136.95 361.83 294.44

-3.28 -11.88 -7.17 0 0 0 1.84 7.96 3.96

-7.11 -25.74 -15.54 0 0 0 3.99 17.23 8.57

237.38 571.90 524.63 146.23 409.45 336.33

514.33 1239.11 1136.70 316.83 887.14 728.72

79.13 190.63 182.51 48.74 136.48 112.11

171.44 413.04 395.44 105.61 295.71 242.90

3.77 3.74 6.70 1.42 3.97 3.27

8.16 8.11 14.51 3.08 8.61 7.07

167.90 405.77 397.82 234.78 545.61 524.63 229.19 532.57 507.21

363.79 879.16 861.95 508.69 1182.16 1136.70 496.58 1153.90 1098.95

55.97 135.25 132.61 78.26 181.87 195.92 76.40 177.52 169.07

121.26 293.05 287.32 169.56 394.05 424.49 165.53 384.63 366.32

2.62 6.31 6.20 6.46 15.02 30.66 3.64 8.45 8.05

5.66 13.69 13.43 14 32.54 66.42 7.88 18.31 17.44

244.86 574.13 524.63 163.91 384.55 361.62 134.53 315.74 296.78

530.53 1243.95 1136.70 355.15 833.19 783.51 291.48 684.11 643.01

98.28 202.02 234.35 54.64 128.18 120.54 44.84 105.25 98.92

212.94 437.71 507.76 118.38 277.73 261.17 97.16 228.04 214.34

3.45 3.33 7.71 0 1.27 0 0 1.05 0

7.47 7.22 16.70 0 2.75 0 0 2.26 0

244.86 574.13 524.63 244.86 559.08 524.63

530.53 1243.95 1136.70 530.53 1211.34 1136.70

158.84 394.74 363.51 81.88 186.36 178.62

344.15 855.27 787.60 177.41 403.78 387.01

-3.28 -11.88 -7.17 -0.04 1.85 -0.20

-7.11 -25.74 -15.54 -0.09 4.00 -0.44

be reflected in February 1, 2022, 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.

OPEN SEASON REPORT FEE-FOR-SERVICE FROM P.24

Medicare Part B premiums will increase from $600 to $800 per calendar year. Standard Option: The PPO member copayment for hightech diagnostic imaging will be $100 for the professional charge and $150 for the facility charge; previously the member paid 15 percent coinsurance after deductible. Elevate and Elevate Plus: Enrollees’ share of the premium will increase for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. There is no longer a $100 outof-network penalty for hightech radiology imaging without preauthorization. Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services are each subject to a 36-visit limit. Learn more: www.geha.com Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP) Plan Changes: Premium rates are the same for non-

Postal and Postal enrollees. Enrollees’ share of the premium will increase for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. There is no longer an obesity prerequisite for dietary and nutritional counseling. Learn more: www.mhbp.com National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Program-wide changes: Annual chest X-rays and echocardiograms are no longer covered as preventive screenings. In- and out-ofnetwork telehealth visits are now covered. Colorectal cancer screenings are now covered for adults age 45 to 85. One pair of diabetic shoes are covered per calendar year. High Option: Enrollees’ share of the premium will increase for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. Up to 21 days of care at a skilled nursing facility will be covered after a qualified hospital stay.

CDHP and Value options: Enrollees’ share of the premium will stay the same for Self Only and Self Plus One and increase for Self and Family. Learn more: www.nalc.org Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association (SAMBA) Overall Plan Changes: Premium rates are the same for non-Postal and Postal enrollees. Phone consultations and online medical evaluation and management services (telehealth) provided by PPO and non-PPO providers will be covered; normal PPO and non-PPO copayment, coinsurance and deductible amounts will apply. High Option: Enrollees’ share of the premium will decrease for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. Standard Option: Enrollees’ share of the premium will decrease for Self Only and Self Plus One and increase for Self and Family. Learn more: www.samba.org

2022 FSAFEDS

Eligible federal employees can enroll in FSAFEDS, the federal government’s flexible spending program, each year during the Federal Benefits Open Season. Under the program, employees contribute money from their salary into a FSAFEDS account before taxes are withheld and use it to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses. The federal government offers three types of FSAFEDS accounts: • Health care flexible spending account (HCFSA), used to pay for qualified medical costs and health care expenses that are not paid by an employee’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program plan or any other insurance. • Limited expense health care flexible spending account (LEX HCFSA), only available to employees who enroll in an FEHB high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA), and limited to dental and vision care services/products. • Dependent care (day care) flexible spending account (DCFSA), used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses such as child care.

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Open Season FSAFEDS enrollments are effective January 1, 2022. Current enrollees must enroll each year to continue participating in FSAFEDS. Federal retirees are not eligible for FSAFEDS. For participants enrolled in a health care or limited expense health care account: •T he minimum election for all accounts is $100. •T he ability to carry over funds has been adopted for HCFSAs and LEX HCFSAs. If employees are enrolled in one of these FSAs, they will be able to bring all remaining unspent funds from 2021 into 2022. These funds can be used to reimburse eligible expenses incurred in 2022. Employees must re-enroll for the 2022 benefit period to be eligible for the carry-over. (This carry-over ability does not apply to dependent care FSAs.)

Promoted to full-time daredevil

With great benefits. Retirement offers the chance to dedicate your time to pursuing your passions. Federal retirees can rest easier knowing that UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan offers:

No out-of-pocket costs for covered medical services

Part B premium subsidy

Incentives like free gym memberships and hearing aid benefits

Nationwide network with access to any willing provider

It’s time to take advantage. Learn more at 1-866-482-1174, TTY 711 or uhcfeds.com/retirees Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Administration services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Not for distribution to retirees or beneficiaries. B2B EI21965305.1 10/21 © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved. 21-965307

OPEN SEASON REPORT

2022 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; out-of-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.

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 36 for nationwide 30

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

plan premiums. To find out your rating area, visit new.narfe.org/ open-season and scroll down to “FEDVIP Dental and Vision Coverage.”

NATIONWIDE DENTAL PLANS

Aetna Dental Two plan options • No deductible for High option; Standard option includes a deductible for Class B and C services: $50-100 in-network, $100-200 out-of-network, depending on whether you enroll as Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family. • Annual benefit maximum, High option: unlimited in-network, $2,000 out-ofnetwork; Standard option: $1,500 in-network, $1,000 out-of-network. • Orthodontia (including Invisalign and SmileDirectClub) for children and adults is covered at 50 percent with a $2,000 per person lifetime maximum; 12-month waiting period under the Standard option. • Find dentists and understand costs with their online tools. Delta Dental Two plan options • No deductible for in-network providers. • Annual benefit maximum, High option: unlimited in-network, $3,000 out-ofnetwork; 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. Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Two plan options • No deductible for in-network services. • Annual benefit maximum, High option: unlimited in-network, $3,000 out-ofnetwork; 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. GEHA Connection Dental Federal Two plan options • No deductible for in-network services for both options. • Annual benefit maximum: Unlimited for High option; $2,500 for Standard option in-network, $2,000 out-of-network. • Orthodontia covered at 70 percent of network-allowed cost; no waiting period under High option, 12-month waiting period for Standard option. High option lifetime maximum: $3,500; Standard option: $2,000.

• Benefits are the same for in-network and out-of-network providers (within the plan allowance). MetLife Federal Dental Plan Two plan options • No deductible in-network for both options. Out-of-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-of-network for Standard option.

• Orthodontia: High option coverage at 70 percent of plan allowance; Standard option at 50 percent. Lifetime benefit maximum High option: $5,000 child/$3,000 adult; Standard option: $2,000/ person. • No waiting period for benefits. United Concordia Dental Two plan options • No annual deductible. • Unlimited annual maximum in the High option for class A, B and C services (excluding implant services); $1,500 annual maximum in the

Standard option (excluding orthodontics). • Orthodontia covered at 50 percent of plan allowance; lifetime maximum: $3,000 per covered person under High option, all ages; $2,000 for Standard option, children only, after 12-month waiting period. • Smile for Health Wellness program offers additional benefits for registered members with certain medical conditions. UnitedHealthcare Dental Two plan options • No deductible for in-network providers in both options.

SEE WELL. BE WELL.®

ENROLL NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2021 (MIDNIGHT EST).

NEW FOR 2022 High Option plan at Premier Program locations now includes:

$250

featured frame brand allowance

$0 COPAY for your eye exam

and much, much more

Visit choosevsp.com to learn more about vision benefits available through VSP® Vision Care. Classification: Public ©2021 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. VSP and “See Well. Be Well.” are registered trademarks of Vision Service Plan. All other brands or marks are the property of their respective owners. 97401 VCCM

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

OPEN SEASON REPORT

• Annual benefit maximum: unlimited under High option; $1,500 for Standard option in-network, $1,000 out-of-network. • Orthodontia covered at 50 percent of plan allowance with no waiting period. Lifetime maximum benefit is $4,000 per person under the High option, $2,000 for the Standard option. • Critical illness coverage for head, neck and oral cancer—a $2,000 financial benefit.

REGIONAL DENTAL PLANS

Dominion National Two dental exclusive provider organization (EPO) options Service area: Mid-Atlantic Region, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, most of Pennsylvania, and parts of Virginia and New Jersey. • No maximum dollar limits, waiting periods or deductibles. • No out-of-network benefits available, except for emergency services when an EPO in-network provider is not available. • $10 office copays plus additional fixed copays (rather than percentage based) for major and minor restorative services as well as orthodontia. EmblemHealth Dental Two plan options Service area: All of New York state and some counties in New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. • 100 percent coverage for in-network dental services. • Deductible: $0 in-network; $50/person ($150/family) for Class B and C services out-of-network. • No annual benefit maximum for Class A, B and C services. 32

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

• Orthodontia has no waiting period or deductible. Lifetime maximum of $4,000 under High option, $3,000 under Standard option. HealthPartners Dental Two plan options Service area: Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota, and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. • No deductible for in-network providers. • Annual benefit maximum for nonorthodontic services: unlimited for High option in-network, $3,000 out-ofnetwork; $2,000 for Standard option in-network, $1,000 out-of-network. • Orthodontic lifetime maximum benefit under the High option is $3,500 in-network, $2,000 out-ofnetwork; under the Standard option, $2,000 in-network, $1,000 out-of-network. • No waiting periods for any services. 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 outof-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: $5,000 under High option; unlimited under Standard option. • 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. Triple-S Salud Service area: Puerto Rico • No deductible and no annual maximum for Class A, B and C services. • No out-of-network benefits available except for orthodontia. • Orthodontia benefits require a 12-month waiting period. It is covered at 50 percent of the plan allowance, with a $2,000 lifetime maximum benefit.

VISION PLANS

There are five vision carriers. See the chart on page 34 for premiums. Aetna Vision Preferred Two plan options • No deductible and $0 eye exams. In-network prescription glasses or contacts are covered after copays once each calendar year. • Frame allowance: $300 for High option, $150 for Standard option; 20 percent discount on remaining balance. • Out-of-network benefits available as reimbursements according to fee schedule allowances. • Extra discounts at participating providers on balances over the allowance,

Your golden years are your best years — we’ll make sure of it Retirement should be filled with joy, not uncertainty. That’s why GEHA offers federal employees, like you, a variety of plans that work with Medicare Parts A and B to ensure maximized protection, from in- and out-of-network provider coverage to non-preferred prescription drug support. Your next chapter is an exciting one — and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

MEDICAL BENEFITS for Federal Employees /gehahealth

/company/gehahealth

Explore which plan works best for you at geha.com/Medicare

OPEN SEASON REPORT

LASIK laser surgery, retinal imaging, and second pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses. Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision Two plan options • No copays for covered eye examinations as well as standard eyeglass lenses or “Collection” frames (up $195). Copayments for optional lens types and treatments. • Annual eye exams. Frames/ lenses or contacts once every calendar year for both plan options. • Frame allowance: $200 for High option, $140 for Standard option; 20 percent discount on remaining balance. • No out-of-network benefits under Standard option. High option out-of-network benefits available as reimbursements according to fee schedule allowances. • Low-vision service coverage available with preauthorization.

Metlife Federal Vision Plan Two plan options • Annual eye exams with no copays. Frames/lenses or contacts once every calendar year for both plan options. • Some out-of-network benefits available as reimbursements according to fee schedule allowances. • Frame allowance: $150 under High option; $120 under Standard option. • SunCare for UV eye protection with nonprescription sunglasses. • Discounts at participating providers on balances over the allowance, laser vision surgery, lens treatments and additional glasses. UnitedHealthcare Vision Plan Two plan options • Annual eye exam. Frames/ lenses or contacts are covered once every year for both plan options. • Frame allowance: $200 for both options. • Some out-of-network reimbursements available

according to fee schedule allowances. • Low-vision and vision therapy services offered. • One-time reimbursement for prosthetic eye. VSP Vision Care Two plan options • In-network annual eye exam with $10 copay. Frames/ lenses or contacts covered once every year for both plan options. • Frame allowance: $250 under High option; $200 under the Standard option; 20 percent discount on amount over allowance. • Some out-of-network reimbursements available according to fee schedule allowances. • Discounts on lens enhancements, laser vision correction and additional glasses. • Low-vision service benefits with preauthorization. • Retinal screening fully covered for members with diabetes who do not have diabetic eye disease.

2022 PREMIUMS - NATIONWIDE VISION PLANS PLAN NAME AETNA VISION PREFERRED High

SELF PLUS ONE biweekly monthly

SELF AND FAMILY biweekly monthly

Standard

$5.67 $3.15

$12.29 $6.83

$11.32 $24.53 $6.30 $13.65

$16.99 $36.81 $9.45 $20.48

Standard

$5.55 $12.03 $3.56 $7.71

$11.09 $24.03 $7.11 $15.41

$16.64 $36.05 $10.67 $23.12

Standard

$5.62 $12.18 $3.37 $7.30

$11.23 $6.73

$24.33 $14.58

$16.85 $36.51 $10.10 $21.88

Standard

$5.06 $10.96 $3.40 $7.37

$9.88 $21.41 $6.62 $14.34

$14.70 $31.85 $9.86 $21.36

Standard

$6.71 $14.54 $3.57 $7.74

$13.44 $29.12 $7.13 $15.45

$20.17 $43.70 $10.71 $23.21

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

SELF ONLY biweekly monthly

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS. We proudly stand with The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) in supporting federal employees. We’re committed to providing reliable benefits, helpful online tools and incentives to help keep active and retired federal employees healthy. Learn more at fepblue.org

PROUD CIRCLE SPONSOR OF

THANK YOU FOR A CENTURY OF

SERVICE

OPEN SEASON REPORT 2022 PREMIUMS - NATIONWIDE DENTAL PLANS PLAN NAME AETNA DENTAL High

RATING REGION

Standard

SELF ONLY biweekly monthly

$16.07 $17.69 $18.83 $20.77 $22.56

2 3 4 5

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

$34.82 $38.33 $40.80 $45.00 $48.88

$104.52 $115.07 $122.44 $135.09 $146.68

$8.98 $19.46 $9.87 $21.39 $10.50 $22.75 $11.57 $25.07 $12.54 $27.17

$17.95 $38.89 $19.75 $42.79 $21.00 $45.50 $23.13 $50.12 $25.09 $54.36

$26.94 $29.61 $31.49 $34.69 $37.63

$58.37 $64.16 $68.23 $75.16 $81.53

$18.05 $39.11 $20.22 $43.81 $22.01 $47.69 $23.84 $51.65 $26.68 $57.81

$36.11 $78.24 $40.44 $87.62 $44.03 $95.40 $47.68 $103.31 $53.35 $115.59

$54.16 $117.35 $60.66 $131.43 $66.04 $143.09 $71.52 $154.96 $80.03 $173.40

$18.44 $20.21 $22.95 $24.76 $27.37

$39.95 $43.79 $49.73 $53.65 $59.30

$27.67 $30.31 $34.40 $37.12 $41.05

$59.95 $65.67 $74.53 $80.43 $88.94

$35.35 $38.76 $42.52 $45.25 $52.73

$76.59 $83.98 $92.13 $98.04 $114.25

$53.02 $58.13 $63.79 $67.88 $79.10

$114.88 $125.95 $138.21 $147.07 $171.38

$19.93 $21.71 $23.42 $24.70 $28.28

$18.40 $20.05 $21.61 $22.80 $26.10

$39.87 $43.44 $46.82 $49.40 $56.55

$27.61 $59.82 $30.07 $65.15 $32.42 $70.24 $34.19 $74.08 $39.16 $84.85

$17.28 $37.44 $19.43 $42.10 $21.24 $46.02 $23.73 $51.42 $25.72 $55.73

$34.56 $38.85 $42.48 $47.46 $51.45

$74.88 $84.18 $92.04 $102.83 $111.48

$51.85 $58.28 $63.72 $71.19 $77.17

$112.34 $126.27 $138.06 $154.25 $167.20

Standard

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

$9.56 $20.71 $10.72 $23.23 $11.74 $25.44 $13.10 $28.38 $14.18 $30.72

$19.13 $41.45 $21.43 $46.43 $23.43 $50.77 $26.16 $56.68 $28.36 $61.45

$28.68 $32.15 $35.15 $39.25 $42.53

$62.14 $69.66 $76.16 $85.04 $92.15

$40.78 $43.01 $47.75 $51.96 $57.85

$37.63 $81.53 $39.70 $86.02 $44.09 $95.53 $47.96 $103.91 $53.39 $115.68

$56.45 $122.31 $59.55 $129.03 $66.13 $143.28 $71.94 $155.87 $80.09 $173.53

Standard

2 3 4 5

$10.25 $22.21 $10.90 $23.62 $12.15 $26.33 $13.40 $29.03 $14.18 $30.72

$20.51 $44.44 $21.79 $47.21 $24.30 $52.65 $26.81 $58.09 $28.37 $61.47

$30.76 $66.65 $32.69 $70.83 $36.45 $78.98 $40.21 $87.12 $42.55 $92.19

$9.20 $10.02 $10.81 $11.40 $13.05

$18.82 $19.85 $22.04 $23.98 $26.70

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

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

$32.15 $35.41 $37.68 $41.56 $45.13

SELF AND FAMILY biweekly monthly $48.24 $53.11 $56.51 $62.35 $67.70

$9.22 $19.98 1 2 $10.10 $21.88 3 $11.48 $24.87 4 $12.39 $26.85 5 $13.68 $29.64 DELTA DENTAL’S FEDERAL EMPLOYEES DENTAL PROGRAM $17.67 $38.29 High 1 2 $19.38 $41.99 3 $21.26 $46.06 4 $22.63 $49.03 5 $26.37 $57.14

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

SELF PLUS ONE biweekly monthly $69.66 $76.72 $81.64 $90.05 $97.78

Standard

KEY: Employees pay biweekly Annuitants pay monthly

PLAN NAME

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

$15.80 $17.72 $19.68 $21.61 $23.55

$34.23 $38.39 $42.64 $46.82 $51.03

$31.60 $68.47 $35.45 $76.81 $39.34 $85.24 $43.23 $93.67 $47.10 $102.05

$47.38 $53.17 $59.03 $64.84 $70.62

$102.66 $115.20 $127.90 $140.49 $153.01

$10.38 $11.65 $12.91 $14.16 $15.42

$22.49 $25.24 $27.97 $30.68 $33.41

$20.75 $23.29 $25.81 $28.33 $30.83

$44.96 $50.46 $55.92 $61.38 $66.80

$31.13 $67.45 $34.92 $75.66 $38.71 $83.87 $42.49 $92.06 $46.24 $100.19

$19.47 $20.87 $23.81 $25.89 $29.05

$42.19 $45.22 $51.59 $56.10 $62.94

$38.93 $41.74 $47.61 $51.78 $58.09

$84.35 $90.44 $103.16 $112.19 $125.86

$58.38 $62.60 $71.42 $77.67 $87.15

$10.15 $21.99 $10.88 $23.57 $12.39 $26.85 $13.46 $29.16 $15.09 $32.70

$20.30 $21.76 $24.78 $26.93 $30.16

$43.98 $47.15 $53.69 $58.35 $65.35

$30.45 $65.98 $32.64 $70.72 $37.17 $80.54 $40.39 $87.51 $45.25 $98.04

$126.49 $135.63 $154.74 $168.29 $188.83

Can Medicare-eligible retirees get enhanced coverage through MHBP? Sure thing. Introducing the new Aetna MedicareSM Plan (PPO) with Extended Service Area (ESA) for MHBP in 2022. Now, MHBP has a plan for every stage of your life. Like all MHBP plans, our new Aetna Medicare Advantage plan delivers highly competitive rates and features to help you get and stay well, including: • Prescription coverage • $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 Plans offered by First Health Life & Health Insurance Company. This is a brief description of the features of this Aetna plan. Before making a final decision, please read the Plan’s Federal brochure(s). All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure. A single annual $42 associate membership fee makes all MHBP plans available to you. For more information about MHBP plans, refer to MHBP.com Aetna Medicare is a HMO, 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_4113_2022_M 19.22.000.1-DEC

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NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

OPEN SEASON REPORT

2022 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. 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

YOUR C O STS: PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

PLAN

RETAIL PHARMACY / NETWORK

APWU - High

Generic: $10 Brand name: Preferred 25% / Nonpreferred: 45% Specialty drugs: Generic: 25% / Brand name: Preferred: 25% / Nonpreferred: 45%

Blue Cross Blue Shield - Standard

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

GEHA - Standard

Generic: Lesser of $10 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost Brand name: Preferred: 50% for up to a maximum of $200 for a 30-day supply / Nonpreferred: 50% for up to a maximum of $300 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

NALC - High

Generic: 20% of cost; 10% for hypertension, diabetes and asthma Brand name: Formulary: 30% of cost / Nonformulary: 50% of cost (If enrolled in Medicare: NALC Senior Antibiotic Generic: $0; Generic: 10% of cost but 5% for hypertension, diabetes and asthma; Formulary brand: 20% of cost; Nonformulary brand: 40% of cost)

SAMBA - Standard

Generic: $12 Brand name: Preferred: 35% of plan allowance with a $150 maximum / Nonpreferred: 50% of plan allowance with a $300 maximum

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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. 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

SELECTED PLANS RETAIL PHARMACY / NON-NETWORK

MAIL ORDER (90-DAY SUPPLY)

50% of cost

Generic: $20 Brand name: Preferred brand name: 25% / Nonpreferred brand name: 45% Specialty drugs: Generic: 25% / Brand name: Preferred: 25% / Nonpreferred: 45%

45% of plan allowance

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

Generic: Lesser of $10 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost Brand name: Preferred: 50% for up to a maximum of $200 for a 30-day supply/ Nonpreferred: 50% for up to a maximum of $300 for a 30-day supply

Generic: Lesser of $20 or the cost of the drug Brand name: Preferred: 50% for up to a maximum of $500 for a 90-day supply/ Nonpreferred: 50% for up to a maximum of $600 for a 90-day supply

You pay all charges

Generic: Lesser of $20 or the cost of the drug Brand name: Preferred: Lesser of $200 or the cost of the drug / Nonpreferred: 50% of plan allowance

50% of plan allowance and the difference, if any, between plan allowance and billed amount

Generic: NALCSelect: $5 / NALC Preferred: $7.99 / generic: $15 Brand name: Formulary $90 / Nonformulary $125 (For 60-day supply: Generic: $10 / Formulary brand: $60 / Nonformulary brand: $84) Specialty drugs: $400 (60-day supply: $300; 30-day supply: $200)

Same as network, plus the difference in cost from using a network pharmacy

Generic: $20 Brand name: Preferred: 35% of plan allowance ($300 maximum) / Nonpreferred: 50% of plan allowance ($400 maximum)

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

NARFE Celebrates a Century: The Current State of the Civil Service BY DAVID TOBENKIN

he federal civil service is a massive human resource ship that has weathered many storms and still managed to perform its mission for the inhabitants of this country. We started this year of NARFE’s centennial anniversary by taking a look, in the January/ February issue of NARFE Magazine, at Feds in the early 20th century. As a fitting end to the celebration, we cast our gaze on where the civil service stands now, and what the future may bring. Who and Where They Are The federal civil service is the nation’s largest employer. There were 2.19 million non-Postal civil service members as of June 2021, according to Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Fedscope data, and approximately 579,000 Postal workers. Despite allegations of federal government sprawl, this workforce size has remained relatively constant since the 1960s and has decreased in relation to the size of the overall United States population.

2.19 million Non-Postal civil service members

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

579,000 Postal workers

44.3%

55.7%

women

men

30.7%

veterans

Men make up 55.7 percent of all permanent federal civil service employees and women represent 44.3 percent, according to a Biden White House budget document, Analytical Perspectives: Strengthening the Federal Workforce, released in 2021. Veterans comprise 30.7 percent of the federal workforce but only about 6 percent of the private-sector nonagricultural workforce.

A common misconception is that most federal employees are based in Washington, DC. In fact, the nation’s capital, with 144,082 federal employees, only holds about 6.5 percent of the nation’s non-Postal civilian employees, according to the Fedscope June 2021 data. That’s less than California, which counted 149,274 federal civilian employees at the time. Other leading states include Virginia (140,012), Maryland (135,227), Texas, (122,262), Florida (86,352) Georgia (76,710) and New York (52,257).

Only 6.5%

52,257 New York

of federal employees are based in Washington, D.C.

144,082

135,227 140,012 Maryland

Washington, D.C.

149,274

Virginia

California

122,262 Texas

76,710 Georgia

86,352 Florida

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

The Analytical Perspectives document notes that the federal civil service has often led the way in providing job opportunities for qualified Americans who were denied positions elsewhere because of their race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or other characteristics. However, it also acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, as “the current makeup of the federal workforce does not reflect the overall civilian population in many career fields and management ranks.” June 2021 data from OPM denotes that the federal civilian workforce self-identified as 61.3 percent white, 18.2 percent Black, 9.5 percent Hispanic of all races, 6.4 percent Asian/Pacific Islander, 1.6 percent Native American/Alaskan Native and 2. percent more than one race.

1.6% Native American

2.0% more than one

6.4% Asian

9.5%

Hispanic

61.3% 18.2%

white

Black

The federal workforce continues to become older, on average. Almost 30 percent (635,397) of employees are older than 55, while only 8.1 percent (176,805) of employees are younger than 30. Today, every agency has fewer employees younger than 30 than they had in 2010.

30% over 55 42

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

8.1% under 30

70%

work at one of four federal agencies

Most non-Postal civilian employees (nearly 70 percent) work at one of four federal agencies: the Department of Defense (759,782), Department of Veterans Affairs (426,014), Department of Homeland Security (211,336) or Department of Justice (117,390).

Civil Service Protections In 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Act to end a spoils system in which elected officials would simply appoint their cronies as federal civil servants. The Pendleton Act created a classified civil service based upon capacity and fitness for the job and open competitive examinations of candidates. Later presidential dictates and U.S. Supreme Court decisions extended civil service protections to removals, including requiring that there be cause for removal, written charges, notice of the charges, and an opportunity for the affected employee to defend him- or herself. The federal Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 codified the procedures most agencies still use today to remove or discipline federal employees, with certain agencies excepted by law. A recent attempt to reduce such protections for many federal employees through the creation of a new Schedule F designation was put forth by the Trump administration in 2020 but not implemented. Still, there has been some erosion of civil service protections in recent years. Legislation adopted by Congress in 2017, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, reduced Veterans Affairs (VA) employee civil service discipline protections; however, in August of this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued two decisions, Conor v. DVA and Rodriguez v. DVA, that will raise the bar for disciplining federal employees under the law.

Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!

or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet high, it was truly a sleeping giant. Until May 18, 1980, when the beast awoke with violent force and revealed its greatest secret. Mount St. Helens erupted, sending up a 80,000-foot column of ash and smoke. From that chaos, something beautiful emerged… our spectacular Helenite Necklace.

EXCLUSIVE

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Helenite Earrings -a $129 valuewith purchase of Helenite Necklace

Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6½-carat stunner for only $149! Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pear-cut set in .925 sterling silver finished in luxurious gold. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18” luxurious gold-finished sterling silver chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire.

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Bring home the Helenite Necklace and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the rare beauty of this exceptional stone, simply return the necklace within 30 days for a full refund of your purchase price. JEWELRY SPECS: - 6 ½ ctw Helenite in gold-finished sterling silver setting - 18” gold-finished sterling silver chain

Limited to the first 2200 orders from this ad only

Helenite Necklace (6 ½ ctw) ................Only $149 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) ..................... $129 +S&P

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Federal Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a variety of benefits. Employees who began work prior to 1984 were placed in the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). That retirement plan features an annuity but no Social Security benefits. And while CSRS plan participants can contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement savings fund, they do not receive an agency match. Federal employees commencing work in 1984 or later, as well as CSRS-covered employees who chose to switch systems during a window of conversion eligibility, participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). This system features a three-legged stool of federal benefits that include a smaller (compared to the CSRS) annuity payment, participation in the TSP with an up to 5 percent pay match by their federal agencies, and Social Security benefits. Federal employees who joined in 2013 or later contribute more of their pay to receive the same FERS annuity. The TSP is a well-regarded, low-cost fund that is considered a model for other defined contribution retirement plans. It features five main funds invested in stocks, bonds and government securities, as well as a variety of target date funds that adjust the level of investment portfolio risk downwards as retirement approaches. Legislation was passed to facilitate retirement savings by defaulting newly hired employees into contributing a portion of their salaries into the TSP—particularly important given that compounding interest and stock and equity gains can be a powerful tool over time. In 2019, the TSP’s governing body, the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, addressed one criticism of the TSP program—that it provided only a few relatively rigid withdrawal options, by increasing withdrawal flexibilities. Federal employees and annuitants also receive strong health benefits. The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program offers a wide range of health plan options to federal employees, 44

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

30%

have a master’s degree or above

promoting choice and price competition, and the program is heavily subsidized by the federal government for both eligible employees and retirees. Unlike most health plans in the private sector, eligible federal employees are allowed to remain in the FEHB program after they separate.

What They Do and How They Are Compensated What federal employees do has changed over time. Generally, over the past 70 years, the percentage of federal employees engaged in clerical and lower-level employment has decreased. The percentage involved in white-collar work that requires college or advanced degrees and/or exercising specialized knowledge, judgment or interpretations of federal policies has increased. Federal civil service employees are far more educated than their private-sector counterparts, with more than 30 percent having a master’s degree or above, compared to less than 15 percent in the private sector. The structure of the federal civil service is a complex one. Atop the civil service hierarchy are Senior Executive Service (SES) employees, a corps of senior executives who are designed to move from agency to agency and receive a portion of their compensation based upon bonuses. The pay system has evolved into a variety of systems that include the General Schedule (GS) for white-collar employees, Federal Wage System (FWS) for blue-collar employees, SES for executive-level employees, Foreign Service Schedule (FS) for members of the Foreign Service, and more than 12 alternate pay systems. Some systems, such as the GS system, feature grades and, within grades, steps, with regular progression along steps based largely upon time in service. The alternate pay systems in some instances include pay-for-performance structures that more closely tie compensation and ability to progress to higher pay, and positions with higher responsibilities to performance assessments.

Finally . . . a better mobility solution than Scooters or Power Chairs. The Zoomer’s versatile design and 1-touch joystick operation brings mobility and independence to those who need it most.

Joystick Control (adaptable left or right)

Comfortable Seating

If you have mobility issues, or know someone who does, then you’ve experienced the difficulties faced by millions of Americans. Simple tasks like getting from the bedroom to the kitchen can become a time-consuming and potentially dangerous ordeal. You may have tried to solve the problem with a power chair or a scooter but neither is ideal. Power chairs are bulky and look like a medical device. Scooters are either unstable or hard to maneuver. Now, there’s a better alternative . . . the Zoomer.

Swivel Away Footrest

My Zoomer is a delight to ride! It has increased my mobility in my apartment, my opportunities to enjoy theout-of-doors, and enabled me to visit the homes of my children for longer periods of time. The various speeds of it match my need for safety, it is easy to turn, and I am most pleased with the freedom of movement it gives me. Sincerely, A. Macon, Williamsburg, VA

Powerful Battery/ Dual Motors

to transfer to a chair. Its 12” sturdy yet lightweight Folds to 12” in seconds aluminum frame makes it durable and comfortable. Its dual motors power it at up to 3.7 miles per hour and its automatic electromagnetic brakes stop on a dime. The rechargeable battery powers it for up to 8 miles on a single charge. Plus, it’s exclusive foldable design enables you to transport it easily and even store it in a closet or under a bed when it’s not in use.

After just one trip around your home in the Zoomer, you’ll marvel at how easy it is to navigate. It is designed to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways, between furniture, and around corners. It can go over thresholds and works great on any kind of floor or carpet. It’s not bulky or cumbersome, so it can roll right up to a table or desk – there’s no need Zoomer conveniently rolls beneath table or desk

Sturdy & Lightweight Frame

Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your lifestyle? Call now and find out how you can have your very own Zoomer.

Now

Easy to use joystick control

available with sporty two-arm lever steering (Zinger Chair)

Ready to get your own Zoomer? We’d love to talk to you. Call now toll free and order one today!

1-888-379-1320

The Zoomer Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zoomer is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2021 Journey Health and Lifestyle

85032

Please mention code 115877 when ordering.

Federal Employment Strengths and Weaknesses

How well is the civil service doing overall? Assessments vary. In 2017 and 2018, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) released reports on the future of public service, concluding that “the federal government’s people systems had fallen far behind what government needs to serve citizens in the 21st century.” It recommended a variety of steps to improve the civil service, such as developing plans to assess and obtain human capital needs and allowing agencies more flexibility in achieving their missions. “The civil service is not working as a construct for delivering human capital to achieve agency missions,” says Jason Briefel, director of policy and outreach at the Senior Executives Association. “Agencies literally do not know what skills their employees have right now, nor what skills they might need in the future, nor do they have the human capital infrastructure to bridge that divide.” Some workforce-related areas are perennially identified as federal agency weaknesses. Despite a variety of reform efforts, many still contend that general hiring authorities for most agencies are painfully slow and that compensation is often inadequate, deterring potential recruits— particularly those with strong data and analytical skills in competitive fields like computer programming and cybersecurity. Federal employees themselves generally believe agencies are achieving their missions. An overwhelming majority of respondents to the 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) reported a high level of ability to meet customers’ needs, as well as agencies’ sustained performance and quality of work. “I think, for the most part, the civil service has protected federal employees from arbitrary actions and partisan politics and, by doing that, has protected the American people from having 2 million people who would otherwise do anything a politician tells him or her to do,” says Jeffrey Neal, a former Department of Homeland Security chief human capital officer and now a principal at ChiefHRO LLC. Neal gives the existing system a “C+.” “It works and is acceptable, but it’s certainly not as effective as it could be and not reflective of the labor market we have today.” 46

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

While tackling these issues will not be easy, the last century of civil servants’ stalwart dedication and achievements demonstrate that they will always be up to the task.

“Despite COVID and everything else, air traffic controllers still brought airplanes in, and VA hospitals still serve veterans,” says another federal HR expert, Ronald Sanders, a former executive at several federal agencies, a consultant on civil service reform, and staff director of the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. “And, oh, by the way, behind the scenes, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services were busy working on vaccines and were able to roll them out. These are all accomplishments of civil servants that I think our country takes for granted.”

Looking Toward the Future There are few doubts that the federal civil service will have a critical role in addressing some of the largest emerging challenges for the country in coming decades. Those challenges will include leading federal and national efforts to prepare for and recover from natural disasters as well as addressing issues of cybersecurity and physical security. Sanders notes that the federal government will also need to facilitate a major shift to online services, led by COVID-19, that will affect agencies, how civil servants perform their work, and how they deliver services to the public. In addition, the government will need to adjust to fewer employees spending their entire careers as Feds. While tackling these issues will not be easy, the last century of civil servants’ stalwart dedication and achievements demonstrate that they will always be up to the task—and NARFE, which has spent the last 100 years combating misinformation, protecting earned benefits and fighting for equity, will always be there with them. —DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, DC AREA.

OPEN SEASON 2021 NOV 8TH - DEC 13TH

Enroll in the APWU Health Plan Medicare Advantage for High Option members Call: 855-383-8793 Visit: https://uhcvirtualretiree.com/apwuhp

HIGH OPTION MONTHLY PREMIUMS Self Only 471 $230.51

SELF PLUS ONE 473 $461.41

Self and Family 472 $582.46

A Medicare Advantage plan designed for FEHBP. Take advantage of it.

FROM AN APWUHP MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEMBER

APWU Health Plan offers a Medicare Advantage plan for High Option members covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. The UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage (PPO) for APWU Health Plan reduces or eliminates cost-sharing for services. Plus, it includes a $50 Medicare Part B monthly reimbursement.

Choose a plan that offers benefits at no extra cost.

There’s so much to take advantage of:

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ESTATE

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

PLANNING ESSENTIALS BY EVERETT A. CHASEN

“When I retired, that made me start to think—what am I going to do here,” says Louise Van Diepen, who left the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2012. Her husband, Vann Van Diepen, also a federal retiree, left the State Department in 2016. “Our estate planning documents were old and outdated by more than 20 years. They didn’t consider our current circumstances. “Because we had no children, we figured our plan was pretty simple: We could take care of each other. We hadn’t considered what might happen if we both died at the same time, say, in a car wreck.”

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Creating an Estate Plan When we pass on, what happens to our possessions? We may want them to go to loved ones or someone else who needs them. If we’re leaving money behind, we’d like as much as possible to go to our designees and as little as possible to go to tax collectors. The best way to carry this out is through estate planning: the process of ensuring that your wishes are honored, to the greatest extent possible, after you die. The Van Diepens saw an estate planning attorney suggested by a friend. “He asked us a lot of questions about what our values were and who we wanted our heirs to be,” Vann says. “He even asked what if those people die. Then he asked us about our charitable inclinations.” To protect their assets and avoid probate court (a procedure in which a court oversees the distribution of the property of a deceased individual), the 50

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

attorney suggested they establish a living trust—a legal document that states who they want to manage and distribute their assets if they are unable to do so, and who will receive them after they pass away. They agreed. After their meeting, the attorney developed a general plan for the Van Diepens’ estate. While everyone’s estate plan is different and may change over time, there are some basic elements to any plan. One main element is a will, a legal document giving the individual who creates it the opportunity to control how his or her property is distributed at death, avoiding the laws every state has on how property is to be distributed if no will exists. Wills also include the naming of executors, who represent the wishes of the individual as expressed in the will. Most estate plans also include “powers of attorney,” which bestow a chosen person with the ability to act in your name as though he or she were you in

certain defined circumstances; “medical powers of attorney,” which give someone else the ability to make medical decisions in your name if you are unable to make those decisions for yourself; and “living wills,” which express your wishes about the sustainment of your life in specific circumstances. Other documents may be included in estate plans, depending on individual needs and wishes. Once the Van Diepens had a general plan, “we had a lot of homework,” Louise Van Diepen explains. “We had to make sure our assets were properly titled. We had to recover and update all the documents we signed when we first came into federal service and update our beneficiaries. And we needed to do the same thing with all our investments and banking accounts. “Now we have a binder about three or four inches thick with all the standard estate planning documents and health care directives, so if something

happens to one or both of us, our executor knows exactly where that binder is and knows exactly what to do, because inside are instructions telling them.” These instructions are particularly important in today’s digital age, because there are an increasing number of situations in which people pass away and no one knows how to get electronic access to the deceased’s accounts. “It’s not just the digital part of accessing your conventional assets,” says Vann Van Diepen, “but even things like your Facebook passwords. If you die, and your heirs want to take down your Facebook page, Facebook’s not just going to take it down. And if no one has the legal authority to tell them to do so, your page will stay online forever whether you want it to or not. “There are also common items like utility bills. Many people now have online accounts

with passwords, and your survivors need to be able to access those in order to continue or discontinue services in a timely fashion. You should have a list of all your passwords somewhere your executor can find them.”

Suggestions From Federal Benefits Experts

Louise and Vann’s concern about updating their federal service documents is echoed by James Marshall, owner of Federal Retirement Planning LLC and a consultant with NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute. Marshall notes that there are several important beneficiary forms that “cover certain benefits that are to be paid out in the form of a lumpsum payment in the event of the death of the person, regardless of his or her current retirement status.”

In today’s digital age, there are an increasing number of situations in which people pass away and no one knows how to get electronic access to the deceased’s accounts.

ORGANIZING YOUR AFFAIRS An important NARFE publication, “Be Prepared for Life’s Events: What Your Survivors Should Know,” is available on the association’s website (www. narfe.org/f-100). It’s designed to help NARFE members organize their personal and financial information in one location so that their survivors will have the information they need to handle members’ affairs when the members pass. The 24-page publication, which can be downloaded and filled out, tells survivors where to look for wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, safe deposit boxes and other information. It provides them with information on the retiree’s federal, military, veterans and Social Security benefits, Thrift Savings Plan accounts and IRAs, and other financial information.

NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

There are several important beneficiary forms that “cover certain benefits that are to be paid out in the form of a lump sum payment in the event of the death of the person, regardless of his or her current retirement status.

They include: • OPM Standard Form 1152 – “Designation of Beneficiary: Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee,” which designates beneficiaries for any unpaid compensation owed a federal employee who dies on the job (retirees need not be concerned with this one). • OPM Standard Form 2823 – “Designation of Beneficiary: Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program,” which designates beneficiaries for FEGLI. • TSP-3 – “Designation of Beneficiary,” which designates beneficiaries for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts. • OPM Standard Form 3102 – “Designation of Beneficiary: Federal Employees Retirement System” for employees and retirees covered FERS, or Standard Form 2808 – “Designation of Beneficiary: Civil Service Retirement System” for CSRS retirees. These forms designate beneficiaries for any lumpsum benefits under those plans that may be payable after the pensioner’s death. 52

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

Lump-sum payments involve contributions to CSRS or FERS that have not been paid out as annuities by the date of the annuitant’s death. Generally, CSRS retirees exhaust their interest-free contributions within about three years of retirement; because FERS contributions collect interest after retirement, their balances last somewhat longer. Each of these forms is available online and must be submitted by mail to OPM or to the TSP, according to the instructions on the form. Marshall notes that both OPM and the TSP have orders of precedence (found in the instructions accompanying each form) to denote who receives funds if no beneficiary designation has been made. However, in many cases, the orders of precedence may result in money going to someone other than whom the deceased person would have preferred. For example, the order of precedence does not include stepchildren, who are not considered “your child or children” (the second level of

preference after your widow or widower) under the law. It also provides no requirement for the government to uncover next of kin who may be entitled to a payment if your spouse, children, parents, and the executor or administrator of your estate are unavailable. You can check your current designees by writing to OPM, but Marshall suggests downloading the form, filling it out now and turning it in. “It doesn’t matter who was on the form for 30 years. The form you turn in tomorrow takes precedence. And be sure you get a certification that the changes you want have been made.” Mark Keen, a certified financial planner (CFP) who writes the “Managing Money” column for NARFE Magazine, notes that there are times when people might be better off having no named beneficiary. Per stirpes is a legal term stipulating that should a beneficiary predecease the person who has made the beneficiary’s designation, the beneficiary’s share of the inheritance goes to that beneficiary’s descendants.

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OPM, however, does not allow per stirpes distributions, and while you can name contingent beneficiaries on the OPM forms, you cannot name contingent beneficiaries to those contingent beneficiaries—so if your spouse is your original TSP beneficiary, and he or she dies, and you have designated three children as beneficiaries if that occurs, and one of them also dies, that person’s children (your grandchildren) will not receive a share of the inheritance. Instead, it will be divided evenly between your two surviving children. By allowing OPM’s orders of precedence to take effect instead, that problem might be avoided. Keen adds that it’s important to understand the TSP beneficiary payout options. When federal employees die, the TSP automatically creates a beneficiary participant TSP account for a surviving spouse who is entitled to receive all or part of the deceased employee’s TSP funds. Those spouses have the option to maintain this beneficiary participant account with the ability to take full or partial withdrawals, including the option to transfer part or all 54

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

of it to an inherited individual retirement account (IRA). Only the surviving spouse of a deceased TSP participant can receive and maintain a beneficiary participant TSP account, which can be managed like any other TSP account. If someone other than a spouse is named as the employee’s beneficiary, the TSP will not allow them to maintain a beneficiary participant account. Instead, the individual has the option to take a lump-sum distribution or transfer his or her share to an inherited IRA. When the surviving spouse maintaining a beneficiary participant account dies, the only option his or her beneficiary has is to take a lump-sum distribution, which, Keen notes, “is fully taxable if it’s a traditional TSP. People get hammered.” TSP will also not allow those beneficiaries to put the funds they inherit into an IRA until after the taxes have been paid on this inheritance. Beginning in 2022, nonspouse beneficiaries will have 10 years to take this lump-sum distribution, which will be fully taxable in the year it is distributed.

Therefore, Keen recommends that surviving spouses avoid the problem for their heirs by transferring the funds from their beneficiary participant account into an IRA of their own, which their beneficiaries will be able to inherit without the lumpsum distribution requirement. A nonspouse beneficiary will have the option to transfer his or her share to an inherited IRA, while a spouse as beneficiary (assuming the surviving spouse remarries) will have the option to transfer the IRA to an IRA of his or her own.

The Role of Financial Planners and Attorneys Marshall, who regularly teaches courses helping current federal employees plan their retirements, advises groups “to consult a certified financial planner.” Michael S. Miles, a CFP based in Northern Virginia who specializes in financial planning for federal employees and retirees, explains how he and his colleagues can help. “Estate planning is one of the areas of expertise you’re expected to have as a CFP,” he says. “But that

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My job is to become intimately familiar with my clients values, goals and objectives and to make sure the documents they need for that to happen are in place. – Michael S. Miles

can be a little bit misleading, because I’m not allowed [by law] to provide legal advice.” “For my clients,” he continues, “I want them to have an attorney involved, but I encourage them to tell me what their attorneys are telling them [to do]. And then I’ll give feedback. ” Miles’ involvement tends not to be in the legal aspects of estate planning, “things like the control of assets after you’re gone or how to avoid estate taxes,” but in financial aspects such as whether his clients have a target amount of financial assets they’d like to leave behind. “I have clients who have special needs children,” he says. “I can figure out what kind of an asset base they will need to support not only their own income for the rest of their lives,

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

but also how much they will need to support those children for the rest of theirs.” Keen offers a similar definition of a financial planner’s mission. “My job,” he says, “is to become intimately familiar with my clients’ values, goals and objectives; to understand what they want to happen given certain circumstances or events; and to make sure the documents they need for that to happen are in place. And my job is also to understand the current rules and changes to the rules, and to work with clients to make sure their plans remain relevant.” Miles closes with the admonition that “you need to talk to a good estate planning attorney before you do anything.”

Vann Van Diepen agrees that “people should always meet with an attorney. With Legal Zoom and other programs, in theory you could do estate planning yourself—but given the consequences of getting things wrong, and given all the different things you should consider, it’s good to talk to someone who has had experience and has run into the various problems that can come up, and [he or she] can bounce solutions off you and prepare you for them.” He concludes, “It’s penny wise and pound foolish not to do so.” —EVERETT A. (EV) CHASEN IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN THE WASHINGTON, DC, AREA. HE IS RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.

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Managing Money

Congress Has Backdoor Roth Strategies in Its Crosshairs: Act Now

t’s not unusual for Congress to change the rules in the middle of the game, and it’s looking to do so now with proposals that would eliminate the so-called “backdoor” Roth strategy.

While there are several ways a federal employee can execute a backdoor Roth strategy, all involve converting after-tax money from a tax-deferred retirement plan to a Roth IRA.

The most common method a federal employee may take advantage of, which I’ll refer to as the traditional backdoor Roth strategy, is utilized when an individual’s income is too high to make an annual Roth IRA contribution directly (for 2021, individuals with income greater than $140,000 and couples with income over $208,000 are prohibited from making a Roth IRA contribution). Rather than contributing directly to a Roth IRA, the traditional backdoor Roth strategy involves first making a nondeductible traditional IRA contribution (there are no income limits for this type of contribution) and subsequently converting that nondeductible contribution to a Roth IRA. The money ends up in a Roth IRA but via a conversion rather than a direct contribution. Once the money has been converted to the Roth IRA, the future earnings on the backdoor Roth contribution may be distributed tax-free with a qualified withdrawal. In addition to the traditional backdoor Roth strategy, certain federal employees have a couple of opportunities to

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

fund what’s now referred to as mega-backdoor Roth strategies. One method involves using the Voluntary Contribution

WHILE THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE CAN EXECUTE A BACKDOOR ROTH STRATEGY, ALL INVOLVE CONVERTING AFTERTAX MONEY FROM A TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLAN TO A ROTH IRA.

Program (VCP), which is funded with nondeductible (after-tax) contributions that may be converted to a Roth IRA. The VCP is only available to Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) participants, who may contribute up to 10 percent of their federal lifetime earnings,

providing an opportunity to funnel hundreds of thousands of dollars into a Roth IRA. The other mega-backdoor Roth strategy involves making after-tax contributions to a 401(k)-type retirement plan. Not to be confused with Roth contributions (which are also made with after-tax dollars), after-tax contributions are held in the traditional balance, so any earnings associated with after-tax contributions accumulate tax-deferred and are taxed when distributed. Not all 401(k) plans permit after-tax contributions, but when they do, the after-tax contributions may either be converted to the Roth 401(k) account—assuming the 401(k) offers a Roth account and permits in-plan conversions—or converted to a Roth IRA when the participant is eligible to take withdrawals. After-tax contributions to a 401(k)-type plan are in addition to the normal salary deferral contributions made to the traditional and Roth 401(k) balances, which for 2021 are limited to $19,500 ($26,000 for those over age 50). On top of the salary deferral limit, the IRS has an overall contribution limit relating to 401(k)-type plans, which applies to all sources of contributions— salary deferral, employer contributions and after-tax contributions. For 2021, this limit is $58,000 ($64,500

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

including the $6,500 age 50 and older catch-up contribution). The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) does not permit after-tax contributions, but there are a few federal agencies that, in addition to the TSP, offer a 401(k) plan that does permit after-tax contributions. Congress has the backdoor Roth strategies in its crosshairs, and the traditional backdoor Roth strategy very likely will be eliminated. So will the mega-backdoor strategy involving in-plan conversions of after-tax contributions to the Roth account within a 401(k)-type plan. It’s not certain, however, if the new rules will prohibit the conversion of after-tax contributions in an employer-based retirement plan to a Roth

IRA after separating from service. If this is still allowed, CSRS participants utilizing the VCP to fund a mega-Roth may be safe. Federal employees making after-tax contributions to a 401(k) would also still be able to eventually get those contributions to a Roth IRA. It’s probable that the new rules applying to backdoor Roth strategies will take effect after December 31, 2021. With the deadline fast approaching, it’s imperative you act now. MARK A. KEEN, CFP®, IS PARTNER, KEEN & POCOCK, AND AN INVESTMENT ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE AND REGISTERED PRINCIPAL OF THE STRATEGIC FINANCIAL ALLIANCE, INC. (SFA). SECURITIES AND ADVISORY SERVICES ARE OFFERED THROUGH SFA.

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NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Alzheimer’s Update

Grants Awarded for Alzheimer’s Research

ach year, the NARFE-Alzheimer’s National Committee determines which research projects will be awarded grants from the NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research Fund.

NARFE has awarded a total of 85 research grants since the program began in 1985. In 2021, NARFE members donated $278,127 to the fund. Therefore, at its virtual September meeting, the committee awarded two new grants totaling $278,127. This year’s grants were awarded to: Pablo Martinez Contreras, Ph.D., Indiana University, (Bloomington, IN), $175,000; fully funded over three years for his research on “The Role of Bassoon in Tau Pathophysiology and Propagation.” This study will look at the way a brain cell’s nutrient and energy transport system is organized in parallel strands like railroad tracks and how these tracts allow nutrients to travel across the cell, delivering key materials that keep it healthy. The tau protein helps keep these tracks straight. However, in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia and more than 20 other brain diseases known collectively as “tauopathies,” the shape of tau protein becomes abnormally modified. This could contribute to the formation of tau “tangles,” which are characteristic brain changes of these diseases and of subsequent nerve cell damage. In prior research, Dr. Martinez Contreras and his colleagues found that the abnormal tau 60

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

may interact with other proteins, particularly one called bassoon, that could help transport it across different brain regions. By using genetically engineered Alzheimer’s-like mice, the researchers found that bassoon may be associated with the accumulation and transportation of abnormal tau in mouse brains. The researchers also found that when they reduced the activity of bassoon in the Alzheimer’s-like mice, the accumulation of tau in their brains decreased, potentially affecting nerve cell function. Dr. Martinez Contreras and his colleagues will leverage their preliminary findings to further study how bassoon may be associated with the accumulation of abnormal tau and test whether genetic variations in the bassoon gene may increase accumulation and movement of abnormal tau in the brains of Alzheimer’s-like mice. The researchers will then compare their findings with that from Alzheimer’s-like mice that do not have genetic variations in the bassoon gene. The results of this study may help researchers better understand the biological mechanisms by which abnormal tau accumulates and is transported in the brains of those who have Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. The findings could reveal a potentially new

therapeutic target for abnormal tau-related brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Yi-Chen Hsieh, Ph.D., Brigham and Women’s Hospital, (Boston, MA), $103,127 out of $174,497 (partial funding over three years) for her research on “The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in the Degradation of Tau in Alzheimer’s Disease Neurons.” This study will investigate how the clearance of nerve cell waste may be associated with brain changes observed in those with Alzheimer’s. The abnormal accumulation of the proteins beta-amyloid and tau to form “plaques” and “tangles,” respectively, are the two main hallmark brain changes observed in people who have Alzheimer’s. This may occur, in part, when the nerve cell’s structure, which acts like a garbage disposal and removes unwanted proteins, does not function properly. In preliminary studies, Dr. Hsieh and her colleagues used data from the Religious Order Study and the Memory Aging Project (ROSMAP), an extensive study of aging and Alzheimer’s, to then look into a specialized type of stem cell, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), collected from adult human tissue. These iPSCs can be programmed to grow into any type of cell in the body, including brain nerve cells. Using these cells, the team studied brain changes in the initial stages of Alzheimer’s. They found that proteasomes may not function

properly in some nerve cells, even before the cells have tau tangles. The researchers also used a specific measure to analyze small changes in genes to study a person’s risk of developing a disease. Dr. Hsieh’s team found that the levels of proteasomes in the nerve cells may be associated with this measure. Based on these findings, the researchers believe that proteasomes may become impaired in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and this could be associated with brain changes, including levels of plaques and tangles in the brain, in later stages of the disease. Using advanced microscopic and statistical techniques, Dr. Hsieh and her colleagues will investigate proteasome function in nerve cells from iPSCs from various individuals with

Alzheimer’s and from cognitively unimpaired individuals in the ROSMAP project. They also aim to identify genetic factors that regulate the proteasomes in the brain and study the potential association between the activity of proteasomes and the levels of tangles over time. Results from this study may provide a better understanding of how the clearance of cellular waste may be associated with brain changes observed in people with Alzheimer’s, and the findings may point to potential therapeutic strategies that could improve proteasome activity. OLIVIA A. WILLIAMS IS CHAIR OF THE NARFE-ALZHEIMER’S NATIONAL COMMITTEE. EMAIL: OEASHF3@GMAIL.COM. THIS COLUMN APPEARS QUARTERLY.

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For the Record

EQUITIES RALLY DESPITE COVID-RELATED ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN FUND RETURNS

2021

OCTOBER

G FUND

F FUND

C FUND

S FUND

I FUND

0.13%

-0.04%

7.00%

5.43%

2.46%

SEPTEMBER

O.11%

-0.86%

-4.65%

-4.00%

-2.81%

AUGUST

0.11%

-0.18%

3.03%

2.00%

1.76%

YTD

1.12%

-1.44%

24.02%

17.73%

11.23%

1 YEAR

1.26%

-0.33%

42.88%

49.31%

34.48%

3 YEAR*

1.61%

5.67%

21.42%

21.82%

11.89%

5 YEAR*

1.98%

3.21%

18.89%

18.55%

10.16%

10 YEAR*

1.94%

3.23%

16.24%

15.52%

7.86%

ANALYST, THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN RETURNS are net of the effect of accrued administrative expenses and investment expenses/costs. Source: TSP

L INCOME

L 2025

L 2030

L 2035

L 2040

OCTOBER

1.28%

2.33%

3.14%

3.43%

3.72%

SEPTEMBER

-0.87%

-1.78%

-2.37%

-2.61%

-2.85%

AUGUST

0.63%

1.16%

1.50%

1.63%

1.77%

YTD

4.85%

8.89%

11.31%

12.31%

13.33%

1 YEAR

9.15%

18.66%

23.68%

26.08%

28.52%

3 YEAR*

5.58%

N/A

11.94%

N/A

13.89%

5 YEAR*

5.11%

N/A

10.66%

N/A

12.26%

10 YEAR*

4.55%

N/A

9.51%

N/A

10.76%

L 2045

L 2050

L 2055

L 2060

L 2065

OCTOBER

3.97%

4.22%

5.12%

5.11%

SEPTEMBER

-3.05%

-3.25%

-3.87%

1.88%

1.99%

2.42%

2.41%

YTD

14.19%

15.08%

18.41%

1 YEAR

30.66%

32.84%

40.68%

3 YEAR*

N/A

15.54%

N/A

5 YEAR*

N/A

13.66%

N/A

10 YEAR*

N/A

11.85%

N/A

AUGUST

*ANNUALIZED.

2021

2020

Claims Received

73 77 74 74 85 77 69 71 70 78 91 93 94

69 77 76 75 78 78 76 75 74 75 76 78 79

FOR THE NUMBER of new retirement cases the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) receives each month by agency and the percent with errors that it returns to those agencies, go to www.opm.gov/retirement-services/. l Source: OPM NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

5.9% AND 4.9% COLAS IN 2022 The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for CSRS annuities and Social Security benefits will be 5.9 percent in 2022; it will be 4.9 percent for FERS annuities. The COLA was determined by comparing the change in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from year to year, based on the average of the third quarter of 2021, 268.421, compared to the average CPI-W for the third quarter of 2020, 253.412. The CPI represents purchases of food and beverages, housing, apparel, transportation, medical care, recreation, education and communication, and other goods and services.

MONTH

Inventory Monthly FYTD (Steady State Average Processing Average Processing is 13,000) Time in Days Time in Days

SEPTEMBER 6,244 18,274 OCTOBER 8,323 19.605 NOVEMBER 5,876 20,022 DECEMBER 5,135 19,687 JANUARY 13,850 26,968 FEBRUARY 7,495 26,460 MARCH 9.664 27,638 APRIL 9,414 25,386 MAY 7,684 24,619 JUNE 7,264 24,999 JULY 8,922 27,001 AUGUST 8,976 28,565 SEPTEMBER 7,589 28,810

G Fund: Government securities (specially issued to the TSP) F Fund: Government, corporate and mortgage-backed bonds C Fund: Stocks of large- and medium-size U.S. companies S Fund: Stocks of small- to medium-size U.S. companies (not included in the C Fund) I Fund: International stocks of 21 developed countries L Fund: (Lifecycle) Invested in the G, F, C, S and I Funds (The proportion of L Fund balance invested in each of the individual TSP funds depends on the L Fund chosen.)

For FECA COLA updates, visit narfe.org and search for FECA.

OPM RETIREMENT CLAIMS PROCESSING STATUS

Lackluster employment growth and supply chain bottlenecks continued to demonstrate the economic headwinds generated by the coronavirus pandemic. Inflationary pressures sparked debate over the appropriate level of fiscal and monetary stimulus. Nevertheless, betterthan-expected corporate earnings fueled a robust rally in equities, particularly those of the largest companies. The C and S Funds rose sharply. The I Fund also rose, helped in part by a slightly weaker U.S. dollar. Some interest rates increased, contributing to a loss for the F Fund. All the L Funds posted gains. —BY MICHAEL JERUE, FINANCIAL

CPI-W

Monthly % Change

% Change from 253.412

OCTOBER 2020

254.076

0.03

0.26

NOVEMBER

253.826

-0.10

0.16

DECEMBER

254.081

0.10

0.26

JANUARY 2021

255.296

0.48

0.74

FEBRUARY

256.843

0.61

1.35

MARCH

258.935

0.81

2.20

APRIL

261.237

0.89

3.08

MAY

263.612

0.91

4.03

JUNE

266.412

1.06

5.13

JULY

267.789

0.52

5.67

AUGUST

268.387

0.22

5.91

SEPTEMBER

269.086

0.26

6.19

Donate

to NARFE Programs

Support Alzheimer’s Research NARFE members contributed for Alzheimer’s research: $14 Million Fund

$14,082,862.41*

Enclosed is my NARFE-Alzheimer’s contribution: $ _________ Every cent that is contributed is used for research. q Mr.

q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.

*Total as of September 30, 2021. 100 percent of all Name: ______________________________________________ contributed funds go to Alzheimer’s research.

Address: ____________________________________________

If you have any questions, write to: NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIR

Olivia Williams 22 Garden Springs Road Columbia, SC 29209 EMAIL: oeashf3@gmail.com WRITE YOUR CHAPTER NUMBER ON CHECK; MAKE IT PAYABLE TO:

City: ________________________________________________ State: _______________________________________________ ZIP: ________________________________________________ Chapter Number: _____________________________________ Credit Card Information:

NARFE-Alzheimer’s Research AND MAIL TO:

Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60601-7633 YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION IS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW.

q MasterCard

q VISA

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Card Number: ________________________________________ Expiration Date: __ (mm)/__ (yy) 3-Digit Security Code: ___ Signature: __________________________ Date: __ / __ / __ Name: (please print)___________________________________

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.

q YES!

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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 NARFE’S PHOTO CONTEST

NARFE Partners With Keen & Pocock to Help With Your Financial Planning Needs

Enter the 2022 NARFE Photo Contest. Now through February 28, 2022, submit an image that conveys your interpretation of the phrase “America in Focus.” Learn more at www.narfe.org/ photocontest.

ARFE offers many resources that give federal employees and retirees a broad understanding of the complexities of their federal benefits. For

members needing help with their personal finances, Keen & Pocock is a resource for your financial planning needs. NARFE members are likely familiar with Mark Keen, CFP. He is a frequent presenter of NARFE Federal Benefits Institute webinars and the author of the “Managing Money” column in the NARFE Magazine.

Through our partnership with Keen & Pocock, NARFE members receive a free 30-minute Insight Session to discuss your financial goals and help you determine if the company’s services are compatible with them. NARFE members will save $250 off the regular fee for Keen & Pocock’s financial planning program, which includes six hours of in-depth, custom, one-on-one sessions to help you achieve your financial goals. Financial decisions can be complicated and stressful, particularly for federal employees and retirees who have unique benefits. A clearly defined financial plan can help you map the path to your future. The professionals at Keen & Pocock currently serve federal employees

and retirees in all 50 states. They are familiar with the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the intricacies of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and your federal benefits. They offer services customized for federal employees and retirees in several key areas, including: • Retirement planning • Investment analysis and planning • Financial planning • Protection planning Learn more about what Keen & Pocock offers NARFE

FINANCIAL DECISIONS CAN BE COMPLICATED AND STRESSFUL, PARTICULARLY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES WHO HAVE UNIQUE BENEFITS. A CLEARLY DEFINED FINANCIAL PLAN CAN HELP YOU MAP THE PATH TO YOUR FUTURE. members at www.keenpocock. com. When you connect with them, let them know you’re a NARFE member looking to explore their services and take advantage of the available discount. Please have your NARFE member ID number handy. —BY DAVE BOWMAN, SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Advisory services offered through Strategic Blueprint, LLC. Securities offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA), member FINRA/SIPC. Strategic Blueprint and SFA are affiliated through common ownership but otherwise unaffiliated with Keen & Pocock.

Looking for NARFE-FEEA Scholarship recipients? See Page 70 of the November issue of NARFE Magazine or visit www.narfe.org/scholarships. 64

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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

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

Who Should Join NARFE?

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

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

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

q Mr. q Mrs. q Miss q Ms.

q MasterCard

______________________________________________

Full Name

______________________________________________

Street Address Apt./Unit

______________________________________________

City

State

ZIP

______________________________________________

Phone

______________________________________________

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

q Active Federal Employee Spouse

q Annuitant Spouse

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___________________________________________ Card No. Expiration Date _____ /________ mm

______________________________________________

q Annuitant

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

yyyy

___________________________________________ Name on Card ___________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Date

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

q Survivor Annuitant

q Please enroll my spouse _________________________________________

Spouse’s Full Name

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

_________________________________________

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

THREE EASY WAYS TO JOIN

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

Spouse’s Email

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

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

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

NARFE News

NARFE Magazine is providing a look back at milestones for the organization and its work on behalf of federal civilian employees, retirees and their survivors. NARFE-PAC, chartered in 1982, protects NARFE members’ pay and benefits by raising and spending money to elect members of Congress who support the federal community. The PAC also helps build strong relationships with lawmakers. NARFE-PAC is financed through NARFE members’ direct, voluntary contributions to a separate fund. During NARFE’s Centennial Gala in June, former legislative director Judy Park recalled NARFE-PAC’s early impact: “I am particularly proud of working for NARFE as it established its political arm with

NARFE-PAC in 1982—and that it rapidly became one of the leading federal employee PACs in Washington.” Today, as NARFE-PAC gets ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2022, it has three goals for the 2021-22 election cycle: raise $1.85 million, send NARFE members to 120 local fundraisers and disburse $1.35 million in political contributions. To find out more and contribute, log in at https:// members.narfe.org, scroll to Advocacy Resources and click on NARFE-PAC. Visit narfe.org/centennial for more about NARFE’s century of service. Eargo and GEHA are proud sponsors of NARFE’s Centennial.

NARFE Magazine Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

1. Publication Title: NARFE 2. Publication Number: 4632-60 3. Filing Date: September 21, 2021 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of 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: Helen Mosher, Staff Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Membership, 606 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1914 Managing Editor: Jennifer Rafael, Director of Communications and Marketing, 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 2021

13. Publication Title: NARFE 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: October 2020 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months A. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run) 170,868 B. Paid Circulation 1. Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 164,904 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 222 4. Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS 240 C. Total Paid Distribution 165,366 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 1. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 35410 1,190 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 2,662 4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail N/A E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 3,852 F. Total Distribution 169,218 G. Copies Not Distributed 1,650 H. TOTAL 170,868 I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 97.7% 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: December 2021 17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Jennifer Rafael, Director of Communications and Marketing /September 21, 2021

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date 162,611 157,864 N/A 211 300 158,375 350 N/A 1,758 N/A 2,108 160,483 2,128 162,611 98.7%

NARFE’S PREMIER NATIONAL CONFERENCE Get ready for thought-provoking speakers, engaging leadership training, comprehensive education on federal benefits and financial planning, and opportunities to connect with fellow NARFE members and federal colleagues.

SAVETE! A THE D

Registration will open in January.

AUGUST 21-23, 2022 Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

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

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

ShopNARFE

Centennial Lapel Pin Tote Bags

Face Masks

License Plate Frames

And More!

NARFE.org/shopnarfe NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org

Thank

to all of the members to the Centennial

NARFE is a key element of support to the federal employee community. —R. Nolan, Pauma Valley, CA In appreciation of a century of protecting earned benefits of federal employees! —H. Somers, Ann Arbor, MI In my 30 years of federal law enforcement service and now 21 years of federal retirement, only NARFE looks out for us! —D. Turnbaugh, Palm Harbor, FL Please join NARFE. Always remember, they are the only organization in the country to fight for the rights and benefits of current and retired federal employees. —R. Matchette, Bethlehem, PA Visit www.narfe.org/donatenow Help NARFE celebrate 100 years of fighting for the earned pay and benefits of federal employees and retirees. With your donation of $100 or more, you will receive a commemorative NARFE centennial key ring and recognition on narfe.org.

You

who have donated Fundraising Campaign. America cannot be strong without a strong federal workforce. Thanks for the work you do. —P. Carver, Arlington, VA On behalf of all active and retired federal employees nationwide, this is a collective THANK YOU to our NARFE legislative advocates and educators for your continuing and tireless efforts to keep our community well-informed and for lobbying on our behalf. You are valued and trusted partners! —M. Dull, Highland, MD Public workers, including federal, state and local workers, form the foundation in our free America and deserve the utmost respect, recognition and appreciation! —H. Duncan, Versailles, KY to join the Century Club today. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will be recognized on narfe.org. Visit www.narfe.org/ donatenow to securely donate to our cause. Donations to NARFE are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whether it’s big, small or somewhere in between, you have affordable legal help when you need it. Members receive the discounted rate of $16.95 for individuals and $18.95 for families of 10 (two adults and up to 8 children).

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

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

Purchasing Power | www.PurchasingPower.com/NARFE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE AT

www.NARFE.ORG/memberperks

The Way We Worked

Protecting Wildlife in the Water U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Rob Elliot of the Green Bay Fish Resource Office, right, examines an adult lake sturgeon with Tom Meronek of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, center, and Greg Banker of the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Community Conservation Office. The Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office implements the Fish and Wildlife Service’s fisheries programs in the Lake Michigan and Great Lakes basins to conserve, protect, manage, and restore native fish and wildlife resources. Its activities include: native fish restoration; fish population assessment and survey design; fisheries management; marking of trout and salmon stocked into the Great Lakes basin; aquatic habitat evaluation and restoration; and monitoring and responding to the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. PHOTO from the records of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives, courtesy of the National Archives History Office, in collaboration with the Society for History in the Federal Government (SHFG), bringing together government professionals, academics, consultants, students and citizens interested in understanding federal history work and the historical development of the federal government. To join, visit www.shfg.org. 72

NARFE MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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

The Way We Worked celebrates the past 100 years of public service through archival images. Eargo and GEHA are proud sponsors of NARFE’s Centennial.

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

Oticon More with Brain HearingTM technology

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

Connectivity made easy

Never change a battery again

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

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

The hearing aid with built-in intelligence

Take advantage of your $2500 benefit

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

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

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

877-696-5335

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

1 2 3

Members,

Pay $0

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

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

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

December 2021 NARFE Magazine

Articles inside

The Way We Worked

OPM Report to Congress Details Plans to Improve Agency

New Way to Join the NARFE PAC Sustainer Program

Shutdown Narrowly Avoided With Passage of CR

Questions & Answers

Alzheimer’s Update

Managing Money

Benefits Brief

Member Perks