SPOKANE CHAPTER 32 NEWSLETTER
Published Monthly except July and August
21 – 10 Advocates for Current and Former Federal Employees December 2021
DECEMBER CHAPTER MEETING
MONDAY DEC. 13, 2021 - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM Social
Darcy’s Restaurant
10512 E Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scott Robinson
I have had the honor of being Spokane Chapter President for the past two years. Thank you for extending your faith in me for another two years. Other recently elected officers are Kathy Brooks (Vice-President), Arlene Patton (Secretary), and Keith Townsend (Treasurer). Our nine Directors are Gisela Moyle (2022), JoAnne Welsh (2022), Susan Harvey (2022), Bill Beatty (2023), Margie Dennis (2023), Wanda Faulkner (2023), Ken Kaul (2024), Pat Hegerberg (2024), and Roger Bosky (2024). Thank you all for serving Spokane Chapter 32.
I previously shared with you all that FEHB premiums paid by federal employees and retirees will increase an average of 3.8% and our COLA will increase 5.9% in 2022. But wait, there’s more to this story. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) just announced the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2022 will jump a whopping 14.5% from $148.50 to $170.10 per month. This represents the largest dollar increase in premiums since the creation of Medicare Part B. CMS also announced an increase in the annual deductible for all Medicare Part B enrollees from $203 to $233 for 2022. These actions will put an undue financial burden on most seniors.
Tami and I will seek warmer climes during this winter as we transition into Winter Texans. We intend to seek out the Corpus Christie Chapter meetings during our stay.
I encourage you to safely enjoy Christmas and New Year’s this year. Please call me at 208-661-7695 or email me at scottsoriole@q.com if you have any questions regarding Spokane Chapter 32.
LEGISLATION . Roger Bosky
The message in our chapter president’s column describes the financial squeeze that Federal retirees face. The new cost-of-living (COLA) increase raises our benefits only to have them reduced by the increases in our health care premiums. A step toward alleviating this squeeze is the Fair COLA Act (H.R. 4315) . This measure would require the use of the CPI-E rather than the CPI-W to determine the increases for social security and federal retirees. The CPI-E is a much better measure for older recipients since it includes increases in health costs. Why not send a note to our congresspeople to tell them what we think?
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO ) bill ( H.R. 82 ) continues to be on the congressional back burner gaining a few more co-sponsors, but not moving along the legislative process. Another bill ( H.R. 5723 ) has been introduced, but there has been no further action. This bill raises social security benefits. requires the use of the CPI-E) and eliminates the WEP/GPO. A lot of items we want all rolled into one package.
VICE PRESIDENT Arlene Patton
Total National NARFE members at the end of the 3rd quarter was 159,673. National reports that the number of memberships dropped for nonpayment of dues. The Washington State Federation membership as of 11/21/2021 was. Chapter 32 membership was 473, 266-chapter members plus 207 national only members. The Washington State Federation membership totals 4,435.
A special thanks to members that renewed the National and Chapter membership.
ALZHEIMER’S Pat Hegerberg
Curtin University, Western Australia 9/16
Published in PLOS Biology journal
Professor John Mamo and his collaborative group of Australian scientists have identified the probable “blood to brain pathway” that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
“Our research shows that toxic protein deposits that form in the brains of people living with ALZ disease most likely leak into the brain from fat carrying particles in blood, called lipoproteins.
“This blood to brain pathway is significant because if we can manage the levels in blood of lipoprotein-amyloid and prevent their leakage into the brain, this opens up potential new treatments to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and slow memory loss.”
PROGRAM Chris Smith and Joanne Welch
Ann Ozuna, a frequent open season speaker for our chapter, joined the group in November. This year’s highlights included checking that the premium for self plus one wasn’t more expensive than the self plus family, because of increased health costs in that category due to older couples’ needs. Once again, some plans are offering an offset to Medicare B (like Blue Cross Basic), but you may need to request the reimbursement every year via a form on-line or otherwise. Call Ann at (509) 993-2283 for info if needed. Ann indicated United Concordia dental plan is worth a look. Remember you can pick any dental plan to supplement your primary health plan. Kaiser Permanente is dropping their contract with BCBS, but those of us on Medicare may be okay for the most part.
December’s meeting will see John Guilbeault from the Combined Federal Campaign reminding annuitants that they too can use CFC to contribute to a worthy cause. John will cover some organizations that represent the broad spectrum of possibilities, be it hunger or animal welfare. New NARFE chapter officers and directors will be sworn in to serve this upcoming year as well. Arlene will be officiating in Scott’s absence.
Finally, if you any ideas as to topics for future chapter meetings, be sure to write or call Chris and Joanne at redpoll@mac.com or (907) 350-9866. We want to remain responsive to members’ interests.
NARFE is more than just a great magazine. Let them know!
Promote NARFE anytime you can. The more members we have the more power to protect our benefits and retirement!
NARFE = YOUR BEST BET FOR THE FUTURE!
SUNSHINE Susan Harvey
The holiday season has begun. Please treat others with kindness and gentleness; remember the holidays are not always a time of joy for everyone, especially the past two pandemic years. The Chapter is sending birthday and anniversary wishes to all who celebrate in December.
Mabel Morrison has recently passed. Condolences have been sent to the family. Sincere sympathy to all who have lost friends and loved ones.
REMINDER, spouses can be members OR can take over the membership of a deceased member. If you are interested in continuing this very valuable membership, please contact Scott Robinson. He is currently recruiting for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact him.
If you become aware of good news, illnesses, surgeries, or a death of a member or family member, please contact me.
NARFE-PAC MaryAnn Bosky
You can contribute to NARFE-PAC contribution form in the NARFE magazine or by sending a check, made out to NARFE-PAC to our post office box. The address is: NARFE, PO Box 4592, Spokane, WA 99220.
The more members we have the more power to protect our benefits/retirement. We are speaking to all members not just those retired.
SPOKANE SERVICE CENTER Narfe0032@gmail.com 509-624-9465
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
DECEMBER CHAPTER MEETING
MONDAY DEC. 13, 2021 - 11:30 AM
Darcy’s Restaurant
10512 E Sprague Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
ZOOM MEETING:
To Join the Zoom Meeting, you can either call 253-215-8782 and enter:
Meeting ID: 847 6320 6413
Passcode: 044180
Or you can click here: NARFE ZOOM LINK
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83966532738#,,,,*230631# US (Tacoma)
SERVICE & OUTREACH Kathy Brooks
We are holding our plans for the 2022 Pre-Retirement Seminar for a few months. The class will depend on the pandemic schedule. Keep checking in with us, for the schedule.
MEMBERSHIP
The Chapter is looking for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact any of the Officers or Directors. Come be a part of a great group of people fighting for your benefits.
Spokane Washington Chapter 32
PO Box 4592
Spokane, WA 99220
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 32
NARFE on the Web: National: www.narfe.org WSF: www.narfewa.org Spokane: www.narfespokane.org