PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scott Robinson
November’s membership meeting will be our Chapter’s annual meeting. We will elect three directors for the next three years. They will be installed during our December meeting and begin their role in January. I encourage you to attend and vote for Spokane Chapter’s future leadership. Thank you for entrusting me as your President for the past three years.
Open Season for our Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) will be from November 14 to December 12. During this time, federal employees, retirees, and survivors can make changes in their current enrollments of FEHB and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Programs (FEDVIP). You don’t have to do anything if you like the health coverage you presently have. FEHB premiums paid by federal employees and retirees will increase an average of 8.7% in 2023. This compares with our Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) increase of 8.7% for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and 7.7% COLA for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 2023. November’s issue of NARFE Magazine has traditionally featured easy-to-follow charts and a helpful list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to guide you through your decisions. Also, you can go to www.benefeds.com to learn more about FEDVIP.
Please call me at 208-661-7695 or email me at scottsoriole@q.com if you have any questions regarding Spokane Chapter 32.
This Month's Special Program
2023 Health Benefits for Federal Employees
presented by Ann Ozuna, Retirement Advisor Spokane, Washington
Ann Ozuna, long term retirement advisor, will be joining Spokane NARFE on November 14 with the latest and greatest about 2023 FEHB health benefits. Ann will present a synopsis of the smorgasbord of next year’s benefits available to federal employees and retirees.
Ann is a wealth of information, so prepare any questions you may have. Ann’s presentation
provides an opportunity to hear about benefits if you have missed the in-person health fairs throughout the region this year. PDF flyer of program
When: Monday, November 14, at noon
Where: Darcy’s Restaurant
10502 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley
The November meeting will be available via ZOOM: The ZOOM information is:
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 812 8215 2794
Passcode: 996163
ALZHEIMER’S (vacant Chairperson)
Since 1983, NARFE members have played a major role in seeking a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Through its partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, NARFE supports research into the causes, prevention, detection and effective treatment of Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Public education on the need for research – our only tool for conquering the disease – also is an important focus.
NARFE’s total contributions in August, including planned gifts, exceeded $440,000, pushing the Fund’s total past $15 million. “This achievement is especially gratifying because the fund only reached the $14 million milestone in September 2021,” said NARFE President Ken Thomas. NARFE recently announced it will raise another $1 million for the Association's full mission by the end of 2025.
Spokane Chapter is recruiting an Alzheimer’s Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, then please contact any Officer or Director. With no chairperson, a village is needed to share information with our group.
PROGRAM (vacant Chairperson)
The Fall line-up for our guest speakers include Ann Ozuna talking about anticipated health benefits in November. Whitworth professor Candice Correia will talk about taxes in February 2023. Spokane Chapter is also recruiting a Program Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing speakers with our group, then please contact any Officer or Director. With no chairperson, a village is again needed to find guest speakers for our membership meetings.
NARFE – PAC MaryAnn Bosky
You can contribute to NARFE – PAC using the contribution form found in the monthly 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.
LEGISLATION Roger Bosky
GOVERNMENT PENSION OFFSET/WINDFALL ELIMINATION PROVISION (GPO/WEP)
I find it somewhat ironic that the GPO/WEP bill with 305 cosponsors can’t get to the House floor for a vote. Instead, the bill is now lost in the arcane procedures of Congress. We have until the end of the year for a vote, but that does not seem likely. NARFE has worked hard, and this year’s progress is the farthest we have gotten. Keep on pushing!
November 14th begins the open season for health benefits. Remember to make sure that you have access to OPM if you are contemplating any changes.
PAST VICE PRESIDENT Arlene Patton
As of October 23, 2022, NARFE Chapter 32 had a total of 448 members, 243 Chapter members and 205 National only members. Ann Sharley-Hubbard, of Spokane Valley, has recently joined Chapter 32. Hope to see her out to some of our Chapter meetings. The M112 Article Report reported that Robert G. Bachman recently passed away.
Washington State Federation (WSF) held its annual conference October 11-13, 2022. Election of WSF officers resulted in the following: President, Cray Henry, Vice President, Mary Traxler, Secretary, Linda Wallers and Treasurer, Arlene Patton. District Vice Presidents are Mary Binder, District I, Verna Wright, District II and Bea Bull, District III.
MEMBERSHIP (vacant Chairperson)
Over the last 60 days (August 1-September 27th) the M-112 activity report shows the following: Chapter 32 gained one new member: Robert J. Palmquist. Welcome to Chapter 32! We also had five members transfer from Chapter 856, Columbia Basin, which is now closed. Hope those individuals will get involved with Chapter 32.
One member, Robert (Bob) Elmore passed away. Bob will be missed as he was always supportive of the Chapter and the WSFederation.
A special thanks to all Chapter members that renewed their membership. As of September 27th, we had 244 Chapter members, 204 National Only members for a total of 448 members.
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.
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
Chapter 32 sends birthday and anniversary wishes to all who celebrated in November.
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.
If you become aware of good news, illnesses, surgeries, or a death of a member or family member, please contact me.
SERVICE & OUTREACH Kathy Brooks
We are hoping we will be able to provide future retirees with a Pre-Retirement Seminar this coming Spring. Be on the lookout for more information.
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
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