Livingpower - Amazon S3 · When the temperature climbs above 90°F, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions. So check the outside temperature on summer days. If it’s

LivingpowerFor all who have made a living and now wish to make a life

Association

North Carolina

Retired Governmental Employees’

July-August 2018 Volume 34, Number 4

IN THIS ISSUELegislature Moves Quickly ..................................................................................................................... 2Staying Safe When It’s Hot ......................................................................................................................2Final Expense Insurance ...........................................................................................................................3Lake Case Update .......................................................................................................................................4State Health Plan - Medicare-eligible Information Sessions Under Way ................................4Local Government Federal Credit Union ...........................................................................................5Carolina Cruise & Tour ..............................................................................................................................6Social Engineering Scams ......................................................................................................................7NEW Member Benefit: Medicare Supplemental Insurance ...................................................7-10New Medicare Card, Same Old Scammers ......................................................................................11 Living Power in Large Print ...................................................................................................................12Attention Member Spouses .................................................................................................................12The Power of Prevention .......................................................................................................................132018 Retiree Pay Dates ...........................................................................................................................14Access Perks Discount Program ..........................................................................................................15Office Depot Purchasing Card .............................................................................................................16Weekly Legislative Reports ...................................................................................................................17IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS ............................................................................................................17

Living Power - 2July - August 2018

Legislature Moves Quickly in the 2018 Short Session By the time you receive this issue of Living Power, the General Assembly will be adjourned for the year. The General Assembly acted quickly on passing the budget in less than a month after the session convened and enacted most sub-stantive bills by mid-June. The State Budget was finalized on June 7th with the House and Senate over-riding the Governor’s veto. Senate Bill 99 -The Appropriations Act for 2018 provided a 1% one-time bonus for Teachers and State retirees. The 1% bonus is proposed to be provided in a lump sum in teachers and state retirees’ Sep-tember pension. The budget also maintained the pension plan and the state retiree health plan, both of which are priorities of the NCRGEA and of great importance to our retired teachers and state employees. Local Government COLA Advocacy - We continue to promote a COLA with local governments. In June we mailed to local elected officials and managers a letter and a briefing on how they can advocate for a local COLA. This effort is to educate the local officials of the dire need of a COLA as well as to inform them of their role in making a COLA a reality. We will keep you posted on our prog-ress. H 651 State Pension/Retiree Health Benefit Fund Solvency was enacted and established the unfunded solvency reserve. The bill established a reserve where funds can be allocated and applied to the unfunded liability of the retire-ment system’s health and pension plans. The total unfunded liabilities are esti-mated to be $37 billion dollars. This is a good first step in addressing this very important issue.

Staying Safe When It’s HotWhen the temperature climbs above 90°F, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions. So check the outside temperature on summer days. If it’s above 90°, keep in mind the following tips: STAY OUT OF THE SUN - when possible. If possible, wait to go out until the sun starts to set or until early the next morning. Adjusting when you go out-side could mean a difference of several degrees. AIR CONDITIONING is your friend. Spend as much time as possible in air con-


ditioned spaces. If you don’t have air conditioning, go somewhere that is air-conditioned. Read a book at the library, walk around in indoor malls, watch a new movie at the theater, or meet your friends at the senior center. STAY HYDRATED. Drink plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you (dry you out).DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-colored clothes (dark-colored clothes absorb heat). Top it off with a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat and you are dressing like a pro! These simple changes will help you both stay cool and avoid sunburn.DID SOMEONE SAY SUNBURN? Use broad spectrum sunscreen with sun pro-tection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.COOL DOWN! Take tepid (not too cold or too hot) showers, baths, or sponge baths when you’re feeling warm. Don’t have the time? Then wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck.Source: HealthinAging.org

P.O. Box 1035, Roxboro, NC 27573

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Lake Case Update The Lake case, the lawsuit to protect healthcare benefits for retired employ-ees, is in its sixth year. First, a little history is in order. The State first moved to dismiss on the grounds of sovereign immunity. The trial court denied the motion. The State appealed. The appellate courts affirmed and sent the case back to trial court for further proceedings. After exhaustive production of documents and taking of sworn statements, the trial court ruled in favor of plaintiffs on all issues except damages. The trial court determined it needed more evidence to compute damages. The State ap-pealed again. Because of the seriousness of the case, the plaintiffs and the State filed mo-tions in the Supreme Court, asking that Court to take the case before it is heard in the Court of Appeals. The Supreme Court did not rule on the motions. After several months with no ruling from the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals scheduled the appeal for consideration. The State filed its brief in the Court of Appeals on April 23, 2018. Plaintiffs’ brief was filed on June 22, 2018. The Court of Appeals is not required to hear oral arguments but will likely do so and rule on the case by the end of 2018 or early 2019. For additional information about the Lake case please visit the dedicated website: www.lakeclasscase.com.

Understanding Your Medical Plan Options When You Become Medicare-Eligible: State Health Plan Information Sessions Under Way! The State Health Plan is offering in-person information sessions on “Un-derstanding Your Medical Plan Options When You Become Medicare-Eligible.” These popular sessions are free and designed for State Health Plan active em-ployees who will soon be 65, are already 65 or older, and retirees getting ready to turn 65. Each session lasts approximately 2 hours and will explain important infor-mation regarding Medicare, your retirement health benefit options and offer the opportunity to ask questions.


The in-person sessions are held across the state and will run through July. Visit the State Health Plan website at www.shpnc.org and click “Upcoming Events” or click here to register for one of the in-person events. If you’re unable to attend an in-person meeting, the Plan is offering conve-nient online webinars on the same topic now through August. Visit the website at www.shpnc.org and click “Upcoming Events” or click here to register for one of the webinars. If you have questions or do not have access to the internet, please call the State Health Plan 919-814-4400. .

Learn more at lgfcu.org/membership.

Retirees can be members

Join Local Government Federal Credit Union and find out what a difference it makes to work with a financial institution dedicated to the needs of you and your family.

Federally insured by NCUA


Association

North Carolina

Retired Governmental Employees’

August 2-3 - Overnight in Hendersonville, NC Featuring “MAMMA MIA” Hendersonville calls us to get up, seek out and explore new experiences! Enjoy history, great meals and a wonderful evening of entertainment. Departs from Raleigh with pickups in Mebane and Lexington. Call today, seats available! $289 pp (all meals included)

October 14-19 - New England, Maine & Vermont Fall Foliage Tour**Air Included from selected cities. Explore the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the countryside of Vermont and the coast of Maine. You will be awed by the spectacular scenery and brilliant array of colors as you travel through New England during peak foliage time. 5 nights, 12 meals (including a lobster lunch), 2 boat cruises and a ride on the cog railway! Only 13 rooms available! $2298 pp. Call today for a brochure!

October 15-17 - Bible Museum & “Jesus” On this tour, you’ll enjoy great food, fun and entertainment. Be inspired at the brand NEW Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, containing six floors of exhibits and many ancient biblical artifacts. Then travel north to Lancaster to see “JESUS,” a musical stage adventure like you’ve never seen before, about the most famous person to ever walk the earth. Meals included, wonderful property! 3 days, 2 nights. $539 pp.

October 24-26 - Casino & Concert (Reserve your space today! – we had a great group in April) Travel to Dover, Delaware to the beautiful Dover Downs Resort. Receive $80 FREE PLAY and a ticket to “One Night in Memphis” – featuring songs from Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. Depart from Raleigh with pickup in Rocky Mount. $349 pp.

SNEAK PEAK AT 2019!May 6-16 - Iceland, Ireland & ScotlandPlan now to join us on the beautiful Celebrity Reflection for this incredible cruise sailing roundtrip from Dublin, Ireland and visit these amazing ports of call! Belfast, Northern Ireland; Reykjavik, Iceland (overnight); Akureyri, Iceland; Lerwick, Scotland; Dublin, Ireland (overnight). Cruise pricing starts at $1679! We are working on group air once the air schedules become available. Ask for current promo for additional perks and savings!

October 18-27 - Wonders of ArabiaFeaturing Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Desert. *Air included, 8 nights, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners, camel ride, desert dune buggy ride and evening cruise. Flights on Emirates! A trip of a lifetime – call today for color brochure!

[email protected] www.carolinacruisetours.com


Social Engineering - Don’t Be a Victim Social engineering is a technique used by scam artists to trick people into pro-viding confidential personal information, which is then used to commit fraud, including debit and credit card fraud, and identity theft. Often, victims of social engineering do not realize they have fallen prey to a scam artist until their money or identity has been stolen. Social engineering can be in the form of emails, phone calls, or text messages where the scam artist pretends to be a representative of a legitimate company or financial institution to manipulate the victim into providing his or her per-sonal information, card or account number, PIN, or other confidential infor-mation. As technology advances, the means of social engineering attacks may change (social media and new apps/software). The following tips can assist with avoiding social engineering scams:• Be wary of emails that include links• Do not respond to suspicious emails or text messages• Do not provide information requested by an unsolicited email or text mes-sage without validating the source by reaching out to the company separately • Confirm phone calls by disconnecting the call and calling a phone number verified through an alternate source such as the company’s website State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) will not request members’ ac-count information, PINs, or passwords via email, phone, or text message. If you are unsure about a communication from SECU, please contact us by call-ing the number on the back of your SECU card (member services), or your lo-cal branch. These numbers are located within the ‘Contact Us’ and ‘Locate Us’ links on the website at www.ncsecu.org.Article provided by State Employees’ Credit Union

NEW Member Benefit: Medicare Supplemental Insurance NCRGEA is pleased to announce a valuable new member benefit for our Medicare beneficiaries (those over the age of 65). For years, many members – typically local government retirees and their spouses – have asked for an affordable Medicare Supplemental Plan. Beginning July 1, 2018, NCRGEA mem-bers (and spouses) who need a Medicare supplemental plan can enroll in one


of two highly competitive plans along with nearly all individual Medicare Part D, prescription plans through AmWINS. Coverage will be underwritten through United American Insurance Com-pany; AmWINS, the Medicare insurance administrator, will support all NCRGEA members. AmWINS is a global specialty insurance distributor of retiree health-care plans. Members will have: a choice of two medical plans; no network restrictions; optional spouse coverage; No waiting period when transitioning from another plan. And, if you have a need, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are also available. The AmWINS Retiree Customer Care Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) to answer questions. Details for this new program can be found on page 9 and 10 of this issue. While this program may be suitable for any NCRGEA member (or spouse) over age 65 and enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B, we encourage interested members to consider their current coverage and costs and compare them to the new NCRGEA Medicare member benefits outlined herein and available through AmWINS. EXERCISE CAUTION BEFORE CHANGING PLANS: NCRGEA members (and spouses) who are eligible for or enrolled in employer-subsidized Medicare plans - such as the State Health Plan - should not enroll in these plans unless you determine that the cost and benefits are better than your subsidized plan. Keep in mind that in some instances, if you leave an employer plan, you may not be able to return to that plan in the future or until the next open enrollment period. These AmWINS plans will follow the normal Medicare open enrollment and members can join the plan in 2019 for the same premium rates as in 2018. For more information and consultation, call AmWINS 1-800-349-2178 or visit: www.ncrgea.amwins.com.


REQUEST YOUR FREE INFORMATION KIT! Call 800.349.2178 or visit rhp.amwins.com

Are you enrolled in Medicare Part A & B? If so, you are eligible to enroll in a Retiree Health Program with access to competitively-priced, “A+ Rated” Medicare Supplement plans. Plans are tailored for seniors who will be turning 65 or are over 65 and looking to add to their Medicare insurance plan.

You can receive: A choice of two medical plans No network restrictions Optional spouse coverage No waiting periods when transitioning from another plan Prescription Drug plans (Medicare Part D) are also available

No underwriting! Guaranteed acceptance! This program is sponsored by the National Seniors Coalition and administered by AmWINS Group Benefits, Inc. AmWINS offers more than 25 years of retiree health insurance administration including policy and billing support, member advocacy and more.

The insurance program is underwritten by United American Insurance Company.

2018-2019 Rate Chart*

AGEGold Plan

Cost Per Person

Platinum Plan

Cost Per Person

65 $80 $140

66-69 $85 $149

70-74 $105 $174

75-79 $137 $209

80+ $153 $226 *“Issue-age” Premiums—You always remain in the age-bracket you originally joined in. **Rates above are locked in until 1/1/2020.***Rates vary for residents of FL, MD, MN, WA

ANNOUNCING MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS EXCLUSIVELY IN YOUR AREA!

Receive access to 24/7 telephone physician consultations, hearing benefits, counseling and more!

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN COMPARISONTHIS CHART COMPARES KEY FEATURES OF THE AVAILABLE MEDICAL PLANS

PLAN FEATURESUnited American

GOLD PLAN AMOUNT YOU PAY

United AmericanPLATINUM PLAN

AMOUNT YOU PAY

ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE $0 for Part A Hospital$183* Part B Deductible

$0 for Part A Hospital$183* Part B Deductible

COINSURANCE AMOUNT 20% for Part B Services Only $0

COINSURANCE MAXIMUM OUT-OF-POCKET AMOUNT (OOP)

$1,000 - Incl. Part B Deductible $183* Part B Deductible

LIFETIME MAXIMUM BENEFIT Unlimited Unlimited

NETWORK REQUIREMENTS Any Medicare Provider Any Medicare Provider

PART A HOSPITAL SERVICES $0 $0

PART B MEDICAL SERVICES 20% up to $1,000 max, then $0 $0

PHYSICIAN OR URGENT CAREOFFICE COPAY $20 $0

EMERGENCY ROOM COPAY $50 (waived if admitted) $0

PREVENTIVE/WELLNESS SERVICES $0 for Medicare Approved Benefits

$0 for Medicare Approved Benefits

*Please note that $183 is the 2018 Medicare Part B Deductible amount. Your plan will automatically adjust each year to the Medicare Part B Deductible Amount. This is only a summary. In case of errors or differences, please reference the official plan documents.


REQUEST YOUR FREE INFORMATION KIT! Call 800.349.2178 or visit rhp.amwins.com

Are you enrolled in Medicare Part A & B? If so, you are eligible to enroll in a Retiree Health Program with access to competitively-priced, “A+ Rated” Medicare Supplement plans. Plans are tailored for seniors who will be turning 65 or are over 65 and looking to add to their Medicare insurance plan.

You can receive: A choice of two medical plans No network restrictions Optional spouse coverage No waiting periods when transitioning from another plan Prescription Drug plans (Medicare Part D) are also available

No underwriting! Guaranteed acceptance! This program is sponsored by the National Seniors Coalition and administered by AmWINS Group Benefits, Inc. AmWINS offers more than 25 years of retiree health insurance administration including policy and billing support, member advocacy and more.

The insurance program is underwritten by United American Insurance Company.

2018-2019 Rate Chart*

AGEGold Plan

Cost Per Person

Platinum Plan

Cost Per Person

65 $80 $140

66-69 $85 $149

70-74 $105 $174

75-79 $137 $209

80+ $153 $226 *“Issue-age” Premiums—You always remain in the age-bracket you originally joined in. **Rates above are locked in until 1/1/2020.***Rates vary for residents of FL, MD, MN, WA

ANNOUNCING MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS EXCLUSIVELY IN YOUR AREA!

Receive access to 24/7 telephone physician consultations, hearing benefits, counseling and more!

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN COMPARISONTHIS CHART COMPARES KEY FEATURES OF THE AVAILABLE MEDICAL PLANS

PLAN FEATURESUnited American

GOLD PLAN AMOUNT YOU PAY

United AmericanPLATINUM PLAN

AMOUNT YOU PAY

ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE $0 for Part A Hospital$183* Part B Deductible

$0 for Part A Hospital$183* Part B Deductible

COINSURANCE AMOUNT 20% for Part B Services Only $0

COINSURANCE MAXIMUM OUT-OF-POCKET AMOUNT (OOP)

$1,000 - Incl. Part B Deductible $183* Part B Deductible

LIFETIME MAXIMUM BENEFIT Unlimited Unlimited

NETWORK REQUIREMENTS Any Medicare Provider Any Medicare Provider

PART A HOSPITAL SERVICES $0 $0

PART B MEDICAL SERVICES 20% up to $1,000 max, then $0 $0

PHYSICIAN OR URGENT CAREOFFICE COPAY $20 $0

EMERGENCY ROOM COPAY $50 (waived if admitted) $0

PREVENTIVE/WELLNESS SERVICES $0 for Medicare Approved Benefits

$0 for Medicare Approved Benefits

*Please note that $183 is the 2018 Medicare Part B Deductible amount. Your plan will automatically adjust each year to the Medicare Part B Deductible Amount. This is only a summary. In case of errors or differences, please reference the official plan documents.


New Medicare Card, Same Old Scammers Medicare is mailing new, more secure Medicare cards with a Medicare Num-ber that’s unique to every person with Medicare. Medicare is getting rid of the old card because the old Medicare Number was based on a person’s Social Security Number. Scammers sometimes use Social Security Numbers to try to steal someone’s identity, open new credit cards or even take out loans in someone else’s name. Your benefits won’t change with the New Medicare card, and it’ll be mailed to you for free—you don’t need to take any action to get it. This summer, more than 1.2 million North Carolinians enrolled in Medicare will start to receive their new card in the mail. CMS began mailing the new cards in April, and the mailings will occur in waves throughout the year, ending in April 2019. Scammers are hoping the Medicare beneficiaries won’t be informed about the change in Medicare cards and they may try to use the opportunity to get your personal information. Fight back by following these tips:• Don’t pay for your new Medicare card. It’s free. If anyone calls and says you need to pay for it, that’s a scam. Never give your Social Security Number, bank account number or send cash to anyone who says they need it for you to get your new Medicare card.• Don’t give your Medicare Number to people you don’t know or haven’t con-tacted first. Some scammers call pretending to be from Medicare, but Medi-care—or someone representing Medicare—will never ask for your personal information for you to get your new Medicare card. Only share your Medicare Number with doctors or trusted people in the community who work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Say “no thank you” to anybody you don’t know who offers to help you complete appli-cations or forms that require you to fill out personal information like your So-cial Security Number.• Don’t give your bank account information to people you don’t know. If some-one offers to deposit a rebate or bonus into your bank account because you got a new Medicare card, that’s a scam.• Don’t let anyone trick you into believing your Medicare benefits will be can-celed unless you give them your Medicare Number. If someone threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your Medicare Number, hang up! If you get a suspicious call, contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY:


1-877-486-2048) or visit the Senior Medicare Patrol at smpresource.org. • Destroy your old Medicare card. Once you get your new Medicare card, de-stroy your old Medicare card and start using your new one right away. Don’t just throw the old card away—shred it or cut it into small pieces. Visit the CMSHHSgov channel on YouTube to watch our “Destroy your old Medicare card” video. Mailing new Medicare cards to millions of Americans takes time. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s. Find out when new cards start mailing to your area by visiting Medicare.gov/NewCard, and signing up for email alerts from Medicare. To learn more on how you can help fight Medicare fraud, visit Medicare.gov/fraud.

Living Power In Large Print To receive a large print version by email, send an email to [email protected] and request to be added to the Large Print List Serv. Be sure to include your name, mailing address and email address. Our large print version is also posted on our NCRGEA website www.ncrgea.com. We also provide a copy to Friends of the Blind for audio recording: www.friendsoftheblind.org.

Attention Member Spouses: Be an Associate Member! The spouse of any dues-paid active member can join NCRGEA as an “Associ-ate Member” for only $25 a year. Associate Members can access all full mem-ber benefits of our Association and also be covered by our $10,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefit. You can download an Associate Membership application from our website www.ncrgea.com or call our office to have one mailed 1-800-356-1190.


The Power of Prevention North Carolina’s aging adults stay on their feet and in their homes through the power of prevention. Benjamin Franklin’s famous words, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” first appeared in an article he wrote for the Pennsylvania Gazette. Franklin was deeply concerned with fire prevention in Philadelphia. His commentary is credited with establishing the Union Fire Company in 1736. Franklin’s clever adage lies in its understatement – with 16 ounces in a pound, an ounce of prevention yields a hefty 16-fold or 1,600% re-turn on investment. But even that return pales when considering the valuable years of independence that a little bit of prevention adds to an aging person’s life. Smoke Alarm Installation Trainings: Having a working smoke detector is the single most important way to prevent fire fatalities in the home. Through partnership with the NC Office of State Fire Marshal, NCBAM provides churches and other organizations with free, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms. Click to view upcoming smoke alarm installation trainings. Fall & Fire Prevention Workshops: NCBAM’s trained staff members con-duct 60-minute presentations including evidence-based prevention strategies: eight fall- and eight fire-prevention tips designed specifically for aging adults. Becoming aware of these strategies and practicing them can make the differ-ence between independence or dependence – and life or death. To schedule a Fall & Fire Prevention workshop, call 877. 506.2226 Grab Bars: Having grab bars in bathrooms help prevent injuries. A simple grab bar can make the future of an aging adult more secure. A 16-fold return on a $25 grab bar is only $400 – an amount that might cover one trip to the ER. Preventing falls by using grab bars helps prevent head trauma, hip fractures, and by extension – the pneumonia and other complications that may result from a fall. Red Bags: One of the greatest risks to the health of aging adults is from the improper use of medications. Factors that contribute to medication misman-agement include poor communication between patient and healthcare provid-ers, the use of several prescriptions, the use of internet pharmacies, and an inability to take medications as prescribed. Red Bags make managing prescription medicines easy and convenient and increase the likelihood that medicines are taken correctly. Red Bags also help emergency responders provide quick and appropriate treatments. Fire Chiefs,


Fire Marshals and Fire and Life Safety Directors throughout North Carolina are aware of Red Bags and train emergency responders to look for them when en-tering the homes of aging adults. As part of its Priority #1: Prevention initiative, NCBAM is putting life-saving Red Bags into the homes of as many aging adults as possible. Distributing Red Bags can be a valuable ministry opportunity for North Carolina Baptists to im-pact the lives of the aging 65+ in their churches and communities. Red Bags are available for $3 each in quantities of 50 or more. To order Red Bags online: https://bchfamily.webconnex.com/NCBAMredbags Rampin’ Up!: This biennial event is produced in partnership with NC Bap-tists on Mission. Rampin’ up! raises awareness of the need for wheelchair ramps and has resulted in the construction of more than 2,000 ramps. Learn more about Rampin’ Up! or click to register.

2018 Retiree Pay Dates(Dates that pension checks are direct deposited or date checks are mailed.)

July 25, 2018 October 25 2018August 24, 2018 November 21, 2018

September 25, 2018 December 20, 2018 Be sure to keep the NC Retirement System informed of your correct mail-ing address. Call 1-877-627-3287 for all questions about your retirement check or deductions.


$18 per year to participate in Access Perks

EnjoyCompany Discounts of up to 50% OFF

at restaurants, retailers, hotels, grocery stores and more – nationwide!

Association

North Carolina

Retired Governmental Employees’ FOR NCRGEA MEMBERS

PLACES LIKE:

Access Perks is an online-only discount program. You must have a computer and/or smart phone and an email address. Enroll online, www.ncrgea.com, or enroll using the form below.

Prefer to mail payment:(Please print)

Name _________________________________________________________________________

Mailing address ________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________ Phone _________________________

Mail check for $18.00 payable to NCRGEA to PO Box 10561, Raleigh, NC 27605

Enrollment questions, please contact NCRGEA at 800-356-1190

Step 1: Enroll in Access Perks using our website: www.ncrgea.com. Under the Member Benefits heading, select Access Perks Discount Program, click on enroll or renew. Complete enrollment, press enter, and you will be taken to the payment screen. If you prefer to pay by check, complete the form below and return with payment as noted.

Step 2: Once enrollment and payment have processed, you will receive an email confirming your enrollment from NCRGEA, and asubsequent email from Access Perks with your account information. Allow 3 business days forprocessing.

Step 3: Get started. From our website, www.ncrgea.com, select Member Benefits from the top of the screen. On the next screen scroll down and select Access Perks. When the Access Perks screen comes up, click on the blue box in

the center of the screen “View our perks click here”. In the upper right corner of the screen, click “sign in”, and enter your email address when prompted. If your name appears, you are active and can now download coupons.

Step 4: If you would like the Access Perks mobile app, first Download and then open the “Access Perks” app from the Apple Store or GooglePlay. Enter your email address, complete the registration page and set up your password. Note: this will be the same password you’ll use to access the “Shopping Cart” feature on the website.

Step 5: That is it! Start saving at thousands of participating providers.

Once enrolled and you need help getting started, call 877-408-2603


SPC Account # 8012 256 0607

Thanks to the partnership between OfficeDepot® and NC Retired Gov. Employees'Assoc., you can now enjoy the benefits of ourStore Purchasing Card Program.

• Over 1,100 retail store locations across the US.

• Find the supplies you need the same day, in store.

• Get discount services from our Copy & Print Depot™ .Black & white copies ........... $0.025 each.Color copies ........................ $0.29 each.Binding, folding, cutting ...... 40% off the retail price.

• Choose from thousands of environmentally consciousproducts that help meet your agency's green goals.

• Use your Store Purchasing Card throughout the life ofyour contract.

• Visit stores.officedepot.com to finda location near you.

Learn about more ways to savewith Office Depot® .

Contact your Office Depot® Account Managerfor more information.

Sonya Reid(919) [email protected]

The Store Purchasing Card is not a credit card. Office Depot coupons valid at retail stores and used with the card will provide a discount off the retail store price only.The cardholder will receive either its custom discounted pricing or the retail store price after discounts, whichever is lower. Please visit business.officedepot.com/tcspc for full terms and conditions.The Office Depot name and logo are the registered trademarks of The Office Club, Inc. © 2014 Office Depot, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

NCRGEA ...............................................................................................1-800-356-1190 In Raleigh Area .................................................................................. 919-834-4652

MetLife Dental ...................................................................................1-800-942-0854

Superior Vision ..................................................................................1-800-507-3800

NC Retirement Systems ..................................................................1-877-627-3287

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program ...................1-855-408-1212 In Raleigh Area ...................................................................................919-807-6900

NC State Health Plan .......................................................................1-919-814-4400

Blue Cross/Blue Shield ....................................................................1-888-234-2416

Amplifon Hearing Health Program ............................................1-877-806-7054

United Healthcare ...........................................................................1-866-747-1014

Social Security Administration ................................................... 1-800-772-1213

State Employees’ Credit Union ....................................................1-888-732-8562

Local Government Federal Credit Union ................................1-800-344-4846

NC Total Retirement Plans 401K/457 Plans .............................1-866-627-5267

Carolina Cruise and Tours ..................................................................919-889-4900

Weekly Legislative Updates

NCRGEA members can get a weekly update on the status or progress of legislation that impacts retirees when the legislature is in session. You can sign up to receive NCRGEA Legislative updates by email!

• Go to www.ncrgea.com.

• Click on: Sign-up to Receive NCRGEA Communications Electronically!


Living Power is published to provide current information for NCRGEA’s membership. Newsletters are printed bimonthly and mailed to all members of NCRGEA. Your comments are welcome.

EditorRichard E. Rogers, Jr.

Managing EditorDonna K. Riggs

For address changes, suggestions or comments, please contact:NCRGEAPost Office Box 10561Raleigh, NC 27605-0561

919.834.46521.800.356.1190www.ncrgea.com

To receive Living Power newsletter electronically, please send an email to [email protected] and include your full name and the city where you live.

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Livingpower - Amazon S3 · When the temperature climbs above 90°F, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions. So check the outside temperature on summer days. If it’s