Bulletin Board Entries

This year's dates for the FEHBP Open Season will be 11/8/10 through 12/13/10.

OPM will be mailing notices and for those who have provided email addresses, email notices regarding the Open Season.  These notices will be sent in time for enrollees to request information and review available plan brochures.

 

David snell, Director Retirement Benefits.

AS we have in years past, there are some left over NARFE PRS manuals left over from 2009. While they do not include the up-dates on retirement law that were enacted 10/28/09, they are still useful guides for Service Officers. If you want ONE sent to you for a reference, contact me at dsnell@narfe.org. and make sure you include your address.

David Snell, Director Retirement Benefits Services

The NY Times-Health Section dated Tueday, March 30th discussed details about the new Health Care Law.  On page 5, Yvette Roubideaux, MD, Director, Indian Health Service states:  "It allows tribes and tribal organizations to buy coverage for their employees from the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.  It will enable us to expand behavioral health programs for Indians."

Can anyone verify this statement?

OPM and Federal Long Term Care Insurance PArtners has announced that do to this month's weather conditions many enrollees need more time to make their option decisions. So despite the February 15th deadline date many enrollees were told they will be given through March 15 to mail or fax their decision to FLTC Partners.

David Snell, Retirement Benefits Department

NARFE

 

the irs instructions for form 1040 provides information about taking the $250 tax credit. Filers must attach a schedule M - 'Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credits'.

Evidently the IRS did not include this information in the their Publication 721 this year.

 

Dave Snell, Director Retirement Benefits Service Dept.

There is an error in the 2010 version of the Medicare and You publication on page 100. It talks about Federal Long Term Care Insurance and refers the reader to OPM's Retirement Information number 1-888-767-6738. The correct contact is Federal Long Term Care Partners at 1-800-582-3337.

As you know, CSRS retiree who were not eligible for the $250 stimulus check, will be able to take advantage of a $250 tax credit when they go to file their Federal tax returns for 2009. While instructions for the form 1040 are not yet published, those who file estimated taxes can find the tax credit mentioned in IRS Pub 505, page 3.

There are many banks that have failed this year and retirees whose annuity is direct deposited may be affected. You can go to www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed to see a list of banks. Those that were not bought out by other banks and were closed should have sent a letter to their depositors instructing them they need to change to another bank.

Dave Snell, Retirement Benefits Service Department

OPM has announced that John Hancock Life and Health Insurance company will be the benefits provider for the next 7 years of the contract. Previously the providers were both John Hancock and Metropolitan Life. OPM stated there will be new benefit options, increased home health care reimbursements, new benefits periods, higher daily benefit amounts. Premiums will increase 5% to 25% for current enrollees with the automatic compound inflation (ACI) protection.There will be no premium increase for enrollees with Future Purchase Option.  Hancock will provide a decision period for current enrollees before any premium increase takes effect.

Dave Snell, Retirement Benefits Services

Social Security has made it easy to apply for benefits. No need to visit the local SSA office or wait for an appointment.  Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov