This message was sent to ##Email##
|
| December 5, 2017 |
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
This issue of NewsWatch is provided to you as a member of NARFE. Please share this newsletter with your federal colleagues and friends!
|
Advertisement
NARFE
The 2017 Federal Benefits Open Season ends Monday. This is an opportunity for federal employees and retirees to enroll in or make changes in several federal health, dental, vision, and flexible savings account programs. NARFE has compiled a list of resources to help you make your Open Season decision.
NARFE
Retiring from the government doesn’t mean you never have to think about your benefits again. While your annuity hits your bank account each month like clockwork, you can't afford to leave your benefits, savings, and taxes on autopilot. Whether you've been retired for one day or many years, the information you receive from this webinar is guaranteed to save you headaches, heartache, and money down the road.
Join NARFE Federal Benefits Institute Deputy Director James Marshall on December 14 at 2 p.m. ET where he will offer tips and tools for managing your benefits throughout retirement so you don’t get caught off guard.
Register today for this one-hour webinar on December 14 at 2 p.m. ET. Afterwards, stick around for a one-hour online Q&A session. NARFE Federal Benefits Institute webinars are FREE for members! Nonmembers can register for $39.95 and receive a one-year NARFE membership. Learn more and register today!
NARFE
The government is currently operating under a continuing resolution, which expires on December 8, leaving Congress little time to keep the government funded and making federal workers and retirees vulnerable to cuts to their earned pay and benefits. NARFE members must act quickly and tell their legislators not to use federal benefits as an offset for raising sequestration budget caps.
Congress is likely to pass another short-term continuing resolution to give them more time to negotiate a larger budget agreement. NARFE members should contact their legislators to defend their earned pay and benefits. Congress has used federal benefits in past bipartisan budget agreements for offsets, but enough is enough. Simply click here to send a letter urging them to reject any spending agreement that cuts the earned pay and benefits of the federal community.
|
Promoted by
|
|
|
|
 |
NARFE
Any member, chapter, federation, the National Executive Board (NEB) or any special committee designated by the NEB may submit proposed bylaw and standing rule amendments and proposed resolutions. These must be submitted to NARFE National Headquarters by December 15, 2017, either by email at resbylaws@narfe.org or mail addressed to the Secretary/ Treasurer. Only submissions provided on the appropriate forms will be accepted.
Forms can be found online at www.narfe.org/2018Balloting or by request of the Secretary/Treasurer.
 |
|
HearUSA is an EXCLUSIVE affinity partner with NARFE. With over 250 hearing aids to choose from, many members with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield or GEHA insurance can get hearing aids with no money out-of-pocket. All NARFE members are eligible for discounts and free extras! Call 1-855-845-2706 or Click Here.
|
|
|
FEDERAL BENEFITS QUESTION OF THE WEEK
|
NARFE
Question: I’m running out of time to make my Open Season election as I am still reading through some of the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan brochures. As an annuitant, if I decide to change my FEHB plan for 2018, does the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provide me with an option to make this change online?
READ MORE
|
|
Federal News Radio
Active and retired feds in Maryland, California, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey could take a financial hit if Congress passes the tax “reform” bill eliminating state, local and real estate taxes as federal tax deductions. It would raise the tax bills of all residents of high-tax states.
About one-third of Maryland taxpayers would wind up with a higher federal tax bill, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
READ MORE
Advertisement
FEDweek
With working time in the current legislative year dwindling, prospects continue to decrease for Congress taking action on federal employee and retiree benefits, either in the positive or negative direction.
Congress has effectively set aside at least until next year numerous proposals related to requirement that had been proposed in the White House budget and in a House-passed budget outline.
READ MORE
Federal News Radio
With 10 days left until the current continuing resolution expires at the end of the day on Dec. 8, talk of a government shutdown is ramping back up.
Optimists hoping for a deal after a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump and congressional leaders were let down Tuesday, after the president tweeted, “I don’t see a deal!” and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., canceled their meeting at the White House.
READ MORE
|
Promoted by
|
|
|
|
 |
Government Executive
"I don’t know about you, but it seems like this year flew by faster than usual," writes Tammy Flanagan. "We’re already in the midst of the annual health insurance open season (the last day is Monday, Dec. 11), some of you are winding down the final days of your career, those who are staying are waiting for the announcement of the 2018 pay increase, and everybody seems concerned about a possible government shutdown."
READ MORE
 |
|
Great dental coverage at lower rates, starting at $6.01.
The only FEDVIP Dental HMO.Extensive coverage at predictable, pre-determined fees with no annual maximums, deductibles or waiting periods.Visit FederalDentalPlans.com to find out more about our Prevention Rewards Program, new mobile app and discounts on Invisalign and teeth whitening procedures.
|
|
CNBC
Carefully scrutinize that holiday getaway deal before you book. If a travel sale seems too good to be true, chances are it probably is.
Online hotel booking scams are on the rise, warns the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
Last year, the industry group reports, consumers made 55 million bookings through websites they thought belonged to a hotel — but later realized was actually a rogue third-party operator.
READ MORE
|
|
WebMD
Listen to the buzz about foods and dietary supplements, and you'll believe they can do everything from sharpen focus to enhance memory, attention span and brain function.
But do they really work? There's no denying that as we age, our body ages right along with us. The good news is that you can improve your chances of maintaining a healthy brain if you add "smart" foods and drinks to your diet.
READ MORE
 |
|
Struck to honor the 50th anniversary of the Gold Krugerrand, the South African Mint has issued the world’s very first SILVER Krugerrand, struck in a full ounce of 99.9% fine silver. Click here to get yours now in Premium Uncirculated condition!
|
|
PayScale
In work, as in life, timing is everything.
For example, did you know that research has shown that Tuesday afternoon is the best time to have a meeting? Similarly, timing could make a surprising difference when it comes to submitting an online job application, according to recent research from job search startup TalentWorks.
READ MORE
 |
|
Aetna Direct is the health plan that can save you more. It comes with low premiums and a fund of up to $1,800. Learn More.
|
|
U.S. News & World Report
Even if you find great deals while shopping online for the holidays, paying shipping fees on every gift will quickly eat up your savings.
Luckily, shipping costs don't have to be an annoying extra line in your holiday budget. If you start early and take a moment to explore your options, you can evade shipping expenses and route that money toward the many other expenses that come with the holidays.
READ MORE
|
|
|
7701 Las Colinas Ridge, Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063
|
