CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001

STR
CSEA NEWS
ONGER
The Voice of Connecticut’s
Public Service Employees & Retirees
Local 2001
TOGETHER
September, 2012
CSEA SEIU Local 2001
VOL. 45, NO. 09
On August 29th, Members of Council 400 Enjoyed Their Annual Picnic At Holiday Hills.
Pictured above, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (center left) is greeting retirees. Additional Photos Inside
Primary Election Results
HEP Grievance Settlement
Every election represents an opportunity for CSEA members to
advocate for candidates who value and respect the work we do and the
services we provide. Elections, whether they are Primary Elections or
the General Election, give people choices over competing visions for the
type of government we have and the type of society in which we live.
Connecticut’s Primary Election on August 14 was no different.
The Health Enhancement Program (HEP) is presently available ONLY for active
State Employees and their eligible dependents. Active employees may enroll in
the HEP during Open Enrollment next year. State Retirees may not participate
in this Program at this time, unless they retired after October 1st, 2011.
CSEA’s candidate endorsement process is member-led and memberdriven. Candidates seeking the CSEA endorsement first complete a
detailed questionnaire which addresses a candidate’s position on issues
of importance to CSEA members; like maintaining the promise of
Social Security and Medicare, stopping outsourcing and privatization of
public work, and protecting the jobs and benefits of CSEA members.
Candidates then sit down with members of CSEA’s Legislative Action
Committee for an in-depth interview. If the LAC votes to recommend
an endorsement, that recommendation is next considered by and voted
on by CSEA’s Executive Council.
Continued on Page 7
415(b) Federal Pension Cap
A conflict that threatens to reduce the pensions received by some
retired correctional employees in hazardous duty job classifications has
arisen. The IRS places a maximum on the size of pension payments an
individual can receive in a given year. It was discovered that there are
some correctional retirees who have surpassed the maximum after an
audit by the state. The 415(B) Federal Pension cap, which includes an
exception for police and firefighters, places a limit of $195,000 maximum,
indexed by age so that the earlier you retiree the lower the maximum
benefit cap. Retirees who received payments higher than the cap’s
Continued on Page 6
A recent revised Stipulated Agreement between the State Employees
Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) and the State of Connecticut
pertaining to active employees and their eligible dependents enrolled
in the HEP provides for settlement and clarification with regard to
the dental cleanings, vision examination, and physical and occupational
therapies. Continued on Page 3
Visit Our Union’s Website at www.CSEA-CT.com
Postmaster: Please forward address changes to:
CSEA, 760 CAPITOL AVE., HARTFORD, CT 06106
September, 2012
CSEA NEWS
SEPTEMBER
Meetings & Events
COUNCIL 400 DELEGATES: Thursday, Sept 20, 10:00 AM, CSEA/SEIU Local
2001 Union Hall, 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford.
Contact: Retiree Coordinator Hollis Block at (800) 894-9479.
CHAPTER 401 (Hartford area): Thursday, Sept 6, at Noon.
CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol Ave.
Speaker: Julie Evans-Star, Executive Director of the Commission on Aging.
Contact Chairperson Al Marotta at (860) 712-1300 or Tom at (860) 674-8221.
CHAPTER 402 (Danbury area): Wed, Sept 12, 10:00 AM, United Methodist Church,
5 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury.
Speaker: TBD
Contact: President Dawn Gallagher at (203) 748-2018.
CHAPTER 403 (Norwich area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 1:30 PM
Rose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Dr., Norwich.
Speaker: Melanie Buckley, Office of the State Comptroller, Healthcare Policy &
Benefit Services Division Retirement & Benefit Systems Coordinator
Topic: The State Health Plan
Contact: President Carol Burgess at (860) 303-7267.
Page 2
CHAPTER 411 (Rocky Hill area): Thursday, Sept 13, 1:00 PM,
William J. Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield.
Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem Retiree Representative
Contact: President Sebastian Puglisi at (860) 529-8336.
CHAPTER 412 (Putnam area): Tuesday, Sept 18, 1:30 PM,
Putnam Library, 225 Kennedy Drive, Putnam
Speaker: State Rep Danny Rovero
Contact: President Don Gladding at (860) 564-9092.
CHAPTER 414 (Torrington area): Monday, Sept 17, 9:30 AM,
UCONN 855 University Dr., Torrington, Torrington Campus Extension Center,
Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem Retiree Representative
Contact: President Karen Pineman (860) 354-6727.
CHAPTER 415 (Manchester area): Monday, Sept 24, 1:00 PM,
Elks Lodge, 33 Bissell St. Manchester. Speaker: Richard Blake, Vitas, Palliative
Care: Does your family know your wishes?
Contact: President Ed Daly at (860) 871-9482.
CHAPTER 416 (New London area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 12:00 PM,
Waterford Public Library, Rope Ferry Rd
Speakers: TBA
CHAPTER 404 (Waterbury area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 10:30 AM,
Donuts/Coffee at 10. Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway
(exit 17 off I-84), Waterbury. Speaker: Hollis Block
Contact: President Ron Chasse at (860) 945-0768.
CHAPTER 417 (Plainville area): Wednesday, Sept 12, 1:00 PM, Church of Our
Savior Episcopal Church, 115 West Main St., Plainville.
Speaker: Bob Rinker, CSEA Executive Director, on CSEA/SEIU Developments
Contact: President John Lessor at (860) 628-0021.
CHAPTER 405 (New Haven area): Wed, Sept 12, 1:00 PM,
Smart Living Center, 297 Boston Post Rd., Orange.
Speaker: Richard Blake, Vitas, Palliative Care: Does your family know your wishes?
Contact: President Andy Gambardella at (203) 214-1828.
CHAPTER 418 (4Cs): Tuesday, Sept 11, 10:00 AM, 4Cs office, 907 Wethersfield
Ave., Hartford. Speaker: Kevin Lembo, CT Comptroller
Contact: President Bill Searle at (860) 745-3692.
CHAPTER 406 (Middletown area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 1:00 PM,
American Legion Post 75, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Dr., Middletown.
Speakers: Hollis Block, Our Union Updates and Chapter Recruiting Campaign
& Jenifer Height of Citizens Bank to discuss Bank Fraud
Contact: President Joe Formica at (860) 347-4532.
CHAPTER 407 (Bridgeport area): Wednesday, Sept 19, 1:00 PM
St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church, 1300 Stratford Rd., Stratford (on
Rt. 113 toward Sikorsky Airport).
Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem Retiree Representative
Contact: President Carol Donofrio at (203) 888-2920.
CHAPTER 408 (Willimantic area): Wednesday, Sept 12, 1:00 PM,
Baptist Church, 945 Storrs Rd, Storrs CT.
Speaker: TBA
Contact: President Donna Linkkila at (860) 455-0883. CHAPTER 425 (Florida): Welcome Back Picnic, Tuesday Sept 11th,
11am-3pm, Philippe Park, Safety Harbor, FL. Hamburgers/Hotdogs soda and salad
will be provided. Please Contact Ursula Bracker at 727-848-0089 for more info.
Chapter 431(Coastal South Carolina Area) Save the Date,October 23rd, 11am
CHAPTER 441 (Cape Cod Area): Wednesday, September 26, 10:00 AM.
Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, 699 Main Street
(Rt. 134 off Ext. 9), South Dennis. Short business meeting followed by a
presentation by Att. Arthur Crooks Jr., who will discuss recent changes in Mass.
Porbate Laws and related issues. Members are reminded that they should park in the
lower parking lot behind the bank or across the street near Ring Bros. Market. Light
refreshments will be served. Contact: President George Levesque at (508) 771-4679
or [email protected]
CHAPTER 410 (Windsor Locks area): Monday, Sept 10, 1:00 PM,
Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St, Suffield.
Speaker: Probate Judge Timothy Kibbe, Issues of Probate in CT
Contact: Amelia Smith at (860) 687-1848
MEDICARE OUTLOOK
By Irv Schwartz, co-chair 400 LAC
The population of seniors increases every year and they depend on
Medicare to pay for healthcare. Of the 50 million people on Medicare,
over a quarter of them receive coverage through private Medicare
Advantage plans subsidized substantially by the Federal government.
Enrollment is up 10 percent, and premiums are down 7 percent.
Republican Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin,Vice Presidential
candidate, Chairman of the U.S. House Budget Committee, suggests a
voucher program to substitute for Medicare, whereby the government
would give you a set amount of money to buy your own health
insurance on the market, or for traditional fee-for-service Medicare.
We have no evidence that either plan would hold down costs. [R. Pear,
Private Medicare Plans, NYT Aug. 28, 2012]
Then, you may ask, what about the quality of care and the result?
People would prefer not to be re-admitted to the hospital, nor return
many times to the doctor for the same treatment.
The Medicare Trust Fund may be exhausted by 2024. Is there not any
solution to holding down health costs? Perhaps greater use of generic
drugs costing less than brand name products in the pharmaceutical
marketplace might help.
Ryancare is an effort to shift the cost burden to beneficiaries under
Medicare, and to the states under Medicaid. It is not healthcare reform
at all. The Democrats enacted the Affordable Care Act to slow down
the relentless rising of healthcare costs. The Republicans still have no
alternative to the Democratic healthcare reform. The private voucher
idea would lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, forcing more elderly
into nursing homes. The poor and disabled would pay more for care or
forego treatment.
For decades, the Republicans have made clear their antipathy toward
Medicare and Medicaid. Now they are trying to use the public’s legitimate concerns about the deficit to seriously cripple both programs.
This is not real reform. [Editorial, NYT, April 5, 2011]
Turning Medicare into a voucher program defeats the Affordable Care
Act, which changes the way we pay for healthcare to reward performance and high quality.You do not want to replace it with a system
that mirrors the inefficiencies of the private insurance system that we
already know is broken. [J.Podesta, Elderly will pay more, NYT, April 5,
2011]
CSEA NEWS
September, 2012
Page 3
HEP Grievance Settlement
Two (2) Free Dental Cleanings A Year
If you are in the United Healthcare Enhanced dental plan and you
or a participating dependent has had to pay additional billing for
cleanings prior to July 1, 2012 due to the dentist being outof-network, you should notify United Healthcare Dental. United
HealthCare Dental will reimburse you the amount that was paid
for the cleaning when you provide proof of payment. If the bill has
not been paid, you should forward the bill to United and United
will resolve the issue with the dentist. The two free cleaning includes cleanings by a qualified dental
professional, examinations by the dentist at the time of the
cleanings, and one set of bitewing x-rays per year. It does not
include panoramic films or fluoride treatments (regardless of
age) as part of the free cleanings. You will be responsible for the
applicable co-pay for these services. EFFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2012, if you are in the United Enhanced
Dental plan, in order to optimize the two free cleanings a year,
you MUST go to an IN-NETWORK dentist otherwise you can
be balance billed. This means that United HealthCare Dental will
pay the out of network dentist 100% of the ‘usual and customary
amount for that geographical area’ and you will be responsible to
pay any difference.
Vision Examination
The recent Stipulated Agreement also provides that members
enrolled in the HEP are entitled to one (1) vision examination
for $0 co-pay every two (2) years through a vision specialist. If
you go more frequently, you will be responsible for a $15 co-pay. Going to the primary care doctor does NOT meet the screening
requirement of the HEP, even if he or she checks off that a vision
examination was completed. The vision examination must be
completed by a vision specialist as the purpose is to look potential
diseases, such as diabetes which can be spotted through the eye,
and for general eye health. If you have already gone for your vision examination
between October 1, 2011 and September 1, 2012,
your carrier (Anthem or United Oxford) will
reprocess the claim. The provider of those services will be
directed by the carriers to reimburse you and your dependents
for the $15 co-payment. The carrier will send an Explanation of
Benefits to you indicating the claim has been reprocessed. If the
reimbursement from the provider does not occur, the carrier will
provide a toll free number for you to call and resolve the issue. CSEA Flu Shot Clinic
Thursday, October 18th
10am-11:30am
At the CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Union Hall
760 Capitol Ave, Hartford CT, 06106
Bring Your State Employee Health Insurance Card
Please Call CSEA To Reserve Your Spot!
Delegate Convention
Friday, September 21st
At Connecticut Central State
University (CCSU)
All Chapters should get their elected delegate lists into
Mike Nortz, 860-951-6614, [email protected]
Occupational and Physical Therapy Benefits
The Stipulated Agreement re-enforces the administration of the
procedures that were in place prior to October 1, 2011. Either
the physical/occupational therapist provider and/or
the physician must provide justification of medical
necessity prior to commencement of these services. They are subject to review by either the carriers’ third party
administrator, if any, or by the carriers’ in-house personnel and
medical director. In addition, the provider must (re)submit
continuing justification before the last set of sessions
run out. There will be a consultative process if the carrier
believes continuing therapy is not medically necessary before
requests for additional services, if not modified by the provider, can
be approved. As stated in the Revised SEBAC Agreement of 2011,
any medical decisions will be made by you and your physician.
STR
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Local 2001
TOGETHER
CSEA NEWS
The Voice of Connecticut’s
Public Service Employees & Retirees
USPS # 224-100 ISSN # 0273-6055
Published Monthly by
CONNECTICUT STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Local 2001, Service Employees International Union, CTW, CLC
Patrice Peterson.......................................................................... President
Paige Farnham........................................................... Secretary/Treasurer
Robert D. Rinker........................................................ Executive Director
Benjamin Phillips.......................................... Communications Director
Jason P. Webster...................................... Graphic/ Technical Assistance
INSERTION DEADLINE: 1st of prior month.
MAILING ADDRESS: CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106;
PHONES: (860) 951-6614, toll-free in Connecticut: (800) 894-9479, toll-free in Florida: (800) 4375630; FAX: (860) 951-3526; INTERNET: www.csea-ct.com.
Local 2001
TOGETHER
“CSEA NEWS” (USPS 224-100, ISSN 0273-6055) is published monthly for $2.80 per
year members, $5.00 per year non-members, by CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol
Ave., Hartford, CT 06106-1263. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT. Postmaster:
Send address changes to “CSEA NEWS,” 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106-1263.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
September, 2012
CSEA NEWS
Page 4
Election 2012 Coverage
2012 Democratic & Republican Party Platforms
2012 Democratic Party Platform
“The United States continues to move forward towards a future of
strong and sustained growth. Thanks to the leadership of President
Obama and Democrats around the country, we’re fighting back
from the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression by
making investments to create jobs, grow the middle class, and lay the
foundations for an economy that out-educates, out-builds, and outinnovates the rest of the world. Today, America is both stronger and
safer than it was four years ago. Now, we must continue the work
we’ve started so that the United States of America never fails to meet
the tests of our time.”
Unions
• “Because the President and the Democratic Party believe in
the right to organize and in supporting America’s workers
with strong labor laws, the President rolled back harmful
labor policies designed to undermine collective bargaining
rights. The President appointed members of the National
Labor Relations Board and National Mediation Board who
understand the importance of standing up for the rights of
workers.”
• “As new employment relationships evolve away from the
traditional employee-employer model, we need to make
sure our labor laws are modernized and keep pace with
changes in our economy.”
• “Democrats believe that the right to organize and
collectively bargain is a fundamental American value”
• “We will continue to fight for the right of all workers
to organize and join a union. Unions helped build the
greatest middle class the world has ever known.”
• “We will fight for labor laws that provide a fair process for
workers to choose union representation, that facilitate
the collective bargaining process, and that strengthen
remedies for violations of the law.”
• “We will fight for collective bargaining rights for
police officers, nurses, firefighters, emergency medical
technicians, teachers, and other public sector workers “
• “We will continue to vigorously oppose “Right to Work”
and “paycheck protection” efforts, and so-called “Save our
Secret Ballot” measures whenever they are proposed.”
Social Security and Medicare
• “We will find a solution to protect Social Security for
future generations. We will block Republican efforts to
subject Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the
whims of the stock market through privatization. We
reject approaches that insist that cutting benefits is the
only answer. President Obama will also make it easier for
Americans to save on their own for retirement and prepare
for unforeseen expenses by participating in retirement
accounts at work.”
• “Democrats adamantly oppose any efforts to privatize or
voucherize Medicare; unlike our opponents we will not ask
seniors to pay thousands of dollars more every year while
they watch the value of their Medicare benefits evaporate.”
Economics
• “To help spur economic growth, President Obama and the
Democratic Party cut taxes for every working family – providing
$3,600 in tax relief to the typical family over the President’s first
term in office – and we are committed to extending the middle
class tax cuts for the 98 percent of American families who make
less than $250,000 a year, and we will not raise taxes on them.”
• “In order to reduce the deficit while still making the investments
we need in education, research, infrastructure, and clean
energy, the President has asked for the wealthiest taxpayers
to pay their fair share. We have to cut what we don’t need
in order to make room for the things we do need to grow
our economy. We support allowing the Bush tax cuts for the
wealthiest to expire and closing loopholes and deductions for
the largest corporations and the highest-earning taxpayers.
We are committed to reforming our tax code so that it is fairer
and simpler, creating a tax code that lives up to the Buffett Rule
so no millionaire pays a smaller share of his or her income in
taxes than middle class families do. We are also committed
to reforming the corporate tax code to lower tax rates for
companies in the United States, with additional relief for those
locating manufacturing and research and development on our
shores, while closing loopholes and reducing incentives for
corporations to shift jobs overseas.”
Health Care
• “We believe accessible, affordable, high quality health care is
part of the American promise, that Americans Should have
the security that comes with good health care and that
no one should go broke because they get sick. Over the
determined opposition of Republicans, we enacted landmark
reforms that are already helping millions of Americans”
• “As a result of our efforts, today, young Americans entering
the workforce can stay on their parents’ (health insurance)
plans. Insurers can no longer refuse to cover kids with preexisting medical conditions. Insurance companies will no
longer be able to arbitrarily cap and cancel coverage, or
charge women more simply because of their gender. People
with private insurance are getting preventive services like
cancer screenings, annual well-woman visits, and FDAapproved contraception with no out-of-pocket costs. We’ve
established new Offices of Minority Health, and are helping
state Medicaid programs fund home and community-based
services. Small businesses are receiving tax credits to help
them cover their workers, and businesses and families are
receiving rebates from insurers who overcharged them.”
• “We will continue to invest in our public health
infrastructure.” “The Recovery Act and the health reform
law made historic investments in Community Health
Centers, and Democrats will continue to support these
valuable institutions.”
Campaign Finance Reform
• “Our political system is under assault by those who believe
that special interests should be able to buy whatever
they want in our society, including our government. Our
opponents have applauded the Supreme Court’s decision
in Citizens United and welcomed the new flow of special
interest money with open arms. In stark contrast, we believe
we must take immediate action to curb the influence of
lobbyists and special interests on our political institutions.”
• “We support campaign finance reform, by constitutional
amendment if necessary. We support legislation to close
loopholes and require greater disclosure of campaign
spending.”
• “We support requiring groups trying to influence elections
to reveal their donors so the public will know who’s
funding the political ads it sees. President Obama and the
Democrats are fighting to reduce the influence of money in
politics, and holding Congress to higher conflict-of-interest
standards.”
September, 2012
CSEA NEWS
Page 5
As union members, public employees and as citizens, it is important for us to understand and make informed decisions about where
politicians want to take us as a state and as a nation. As the CSEA news goes to print, Republicans and Democrats from across the United
States have gathered at their respective conventions to nominate Mitt Romney and renominate Barack Obama for President of the United
States. At these conventions Democrats and Republicans also do the business of adopting official party platforms for 2012. At 62 pages
long for the Republicans and 39 pages for the Democrats, these lengthy platform documents offer a glimpse at the different visions the two
parties have for our country, and they are very different. Below, we attempt to compare some key areas of interest for CSEA members
and allow the parties to present their views through direct quotes from their official party platforms.
2012 Republican Party Platform
fiscally sound defined-contribution model [vouchers]. This
is the only way to limit costs and restore consumer choice
for patients and introduce competition.”
“The 2012 Republican Platform is a statement of who we are and
what we believe as a Party and our vision for a stronger and freer
America. The pursuit of opportunity has defined America from
our very beginning. This is a land of opportunity. The American
Economics
Dream is a dream of equal opportunity for all. And the Republican
• “Excessive taxation and regulation impede economic
Party is the party of opportunity”. …“We respectfully submit this
development. Lowering taxes promotes substantial
platform to the American People. It is both a vision of where we
economic growth and reducing regulation encourages
are headed and an invitation to join us in that journey.”
business formation and job creation. Knowing that, a
Unions
Republican President and Congress will jumpstart an
economic renewal that creates opportunity, rewards work
• “The current Administration has turned the National Labor
and saving, and unleashes the productive genius of the
Relations Board into a partisan advocate for Big Labor,
American people.”
using threats and coercion outside the law to attack
businesses and, through “snap elections” and “micro
• “(We) call for a reduction of the corporate rate to keep U.S.
unions,” limit the rights of workers and employers alike.”
corporations competitive internationally, with a permanent
research and development tax credit, and a repeal of
• “We will restore the rule of law to labor law by blocking
the corporate alternative minimum tax. We call for a
“card check,” enacting the Secret Ballot Protection Act”...
Constitutional amendment requiring a super-majority for
“passing the Raise Act to allow all workers to receive
any tax increase, with exceptions for only war and national
well-earned raises without the approval of their union
emergencies, and imposing a cap limiting spending to
representative”... “We support the right of States to enact
the historical average percentage of GDP so that future
Right-to-Work laws and encourage them to do so to
Congresses cannot balance the budget by raising taxes.”
promote greater economic liberty. Ultimately, we support
the enactment of a National Right-to-Work law to promote
worker freedom and to promote greater economic liberty.”
Healthcare
• “We salute the Republican Governors and State legislators
• “Congressional Republicans are committed to its repeal
who have saved their States from fiscal disaster by
[The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act –
reforming their laws governing public employee unions.
Obamacare]; and a Republican President, on the first day
We urge elected officials across the country to follow their
in office, will use his legitimate waiver authority under
lead in order to avoid State and local defaults on their
that law to halt its progress and then will sign its repeal.
obligations and the collapse of services to the public.
Then the American people, through the free market, can
To safeguard the free choice of public employees, no
advance affordable and responsible healthcare reform that
government at any level should act as the dues collector
meets the needs and concerns of patients and providers.”
for unions. A Republican President will protect the rights of
conscience of public employees by proposing legislation to
• “We believe that taking care of one’s health is an individual
bar mandatory dues for political purposes.” Editor’s Note:
responsibility. Chronic diseases, many of them related to
Union dues cannot be used for political purposes under current law.
lifestyle, drive healthcare costs, accounting for more than
75 percent of the nation’s medical spending. To reduce
demand, and thereby lower costs, we must foster personal
Social Security and Medicare
responsibility while increasing preventive services to
promote healthy lifestyles.”
• “Three programs-Medicare, Medicaid, and Social
Security- account for over 40 percent of total spending.
• “To achieve a free market in healthcare and ensure
While these levels of spending and debt are already
competition, we will promote price transparency so that
harming job creation and growth, projections of future
consumers will know the actual cost of treatments before
spending growth are nothing short of catastrophic, both
they undergo them. When patients are aware of costs,
economically and socially. And those dire projections do
they are less likely to over-utilize services.”
not include the fiscal nightmare of Obamacare, with over
$1 trillion in new taxes, multiple mandates, and a crushing
• “We support legislation to cap non-economic damages in
price tag.”
medical malpractice lawsuits, thereby relieving conscientious
providers of burdens that are not rightly theirs and
• “While no changes (to social security) should adversely
addressing a serious cause of escalating medical bills.” affect any current or near-retiree, comprehensive reform
should address our society’s remarkable medical advances
in longevity and allow younger workers the option of
Campaign Finance Reform
creating their own personal investment accounts as
supplements to the system. Younger Americans have
• “The rights of citizenship do not stop at the ballot box.
lost all faith in the Social Security system, which is
They include the free speech right to devote one’s
understandable when they read the non- partisan actuary’s
resources to whatever cause or candidate one supports.
reports about its future funding status.”
We oppose any restrictions or conditions that would
discourage Americans from exercising their constitutional
• “We must restructure the twentieth century entitlement
right to enter the political fray or limit their commitment to
state so the missions of important programs can succeed
their ideals. As a result, we support repeal of the remaining
in the twenty-first century. Medicare, in particular, is the
sections of McCain- Feingold, support either raising or
largest driver of future debt.” repealing contribution limits, and oppose passage of the
• “Despite the enormous differences between Medicare and
DISCLOSE Act or any similar legislation designed to vitiate
Medicaid, the two programs share the same fiscal outlook:
the Supreme Court’s recent decisions protecting political
their current courses cannot be sustained.”…. “The first
speech in Wisconsin Right to Life v. Federal Election
step is to move the two programs away from their current
Commission and Citizens United v. Federal Election
unsustainable defined-benefit entitlement model to a
Commission.” September, 2012
CSEA NEWS
SilverScripts Update
Page 6
Council 400 Summer Picnic
State of Connecticut Generic Drug
Dispensing Provision
In response to numerous calls CSEA has been receiving from members
with regard to the popular medication, Lipitor (for the control of high
cholesterol) which now has a generic bioequivalent, we are restating
the following information on the State “mandatory generic override”
policy that has been in effect for many years.
“Mandatory generic override” means that if there is a generic
medication available that is the bioequivalent to a brand name
medication, the generic medication can be dispensed instead of the
brand name, unless the doctor determines that the brand name is
medically necessary.
There may be times when you can not take a generic medication and
a brand medication is required. This should be discussed with your
doctor. If he or she prescribes a generic equivalent, the doctor has
determined, based on your medical condition(s), a generic is safe for
you to use. If he or she determines that it is medically necessary for
you to be prescribed the brand name, then he or she must complete
a “Coverage Exception” form and submit it to either CVS Caremark
(for those not on Medicare) or SilverScript (for those on Medicare).
On this form is identifying information and a place where your doctor
explains why it would be medically necessary for you to take the
brand name instead of the generic medication. He or she may be
required to provide additional information. If the doctor does not
complete and submit this form, or does not indicate medical necessity,
and you insist on the brand name, you will be responsible for the
difference in cost between the generic medication and brand name
medication plus your applicable co-pay.
The “Coverage Exception” form is on the Comptroller’s website
(www.osc..ct.gov)
http://www.osc.ct.gov/empret/healthin/MandMailexception.pdf
or members can call Hollis at 800-894-9479; 860-951-6614 or through
e-mail at hblock@csea760 and she can assist you.
CSEA McCusker
Scholarship Fund:
READY FOR BUTTERBRAIDS?
The McCusker Trustees will be selling Butterbraids again this fall for
delivery in time the week of Thanksgiving. It’s too early to order
now but the order form will be in the next newsletter. WATCH
FOR IT!!!
By buying Butterbraids, you not only help raise funds for the
McCusker Scholarship , but you also get quality, delicious pastry to
bake and enjoy yourself, or freeze and have on hand for use at a later
time. You can’t lose!
To date, members have raised $2,906.58 in scholarship funds
buy participating in the Butterbraid sales. That’s just about three
scholarships that lucky recipients would not have received.
Thank you again to all councils, chapters, and individuals who
contributed to the McCusker Scholarship Fund. We were able to
award 60 scholarships this year! Unfortunately, that is two less
scholarships than last year. Please remember that McCusker is a
worthy cause that our member’s children and grandchildren benefit
from. It is never too late or too early to make a donation.
If you or someone in your family has benefited from an award,
please try to give back and make a donation or participate in our
Butterbraid Fundraiser coming up soon in time for Thanksgiving
delivery!
415(b) Federal Pension Cap
Continued from page 1
maximum are under threat of having their annual pension rate reduced
and to repay the State for payments over above the 415(b) Federal
Pension Cap, if a favorable outcome can not be resolved.
Our union is seeking to apply the police and fire exemption to all
correctional supervisors, to the maximum extent allowed by federal
law. In addition we are exploring other exemptions for employees who
started work before the 415(b) cap was in place.
The Retirement Commission has retained the services of Ice Miller,
a knowledgeable law firm from Indianapolis, Indiana, to look at issues
surrounding the IRS 415(B) Federal Pension cap. The Retirement
Commission is postponing any implementation of the 415B limit on
retirement benefits pending an IRS review.
CSEA NEWS
September, 2012
Page 7
Primary Election Results
Continued from page 1
CSEA members have a well-deserved reputation for turning out
voters in elections, and that is part of what makes our endorsement
so important to candidates. The results of the 2012 Primary Election
reflect CSEA’s ability to make a difference in races.
Full List of CSEA 2012 Primary Election
Endorsement Results:
• US Senate -- Chris Murphy -- Won
• US House, 5th Congressional District -- Chris Donovan -- Lost
• State Senate, 19th District -- Cathy Osten -- Won
• State Senate, 23rd District -- Ed Gomes -- Lost
• State Senate, 33rd District -- James Crawford -- Won
• State House, 5th District -- Leo Canty – Won
• State House, 6th District -- Ed Vargas -- Won
• State House, 116th District -- Lou Esposito – Won
CSEA’s endorsed candidates did not win every contest, but our
support made the difference in some key match-ups. Thanks to
the hard work and dedication of CSEA members, candidates who
appreciate and understand the work done by our members will be
on the ballot for the November General Election.
Members interested in getting involved in the Legislative Action
Committee should contact CSEA’s Political Director, Danny
Medress, by email at [email protected] or phone at
860.951.6614 ext. 111.
Visit Our Web Site
Find all the essential information
about the products and services
we have to offer. You can even
print a loan application online!
Best of all, it’s accessible from
your personal computer 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
Social Activities
UPCOMING TRIPS and ACTIVITIES
SUPREME REFLECTIONS
www.CSECreditUnion.com
Dividend Rates - Second Quarter 2012
Dividend Rate
REGULAR SHARES
SHARE DRAFTS (Checking)
CLUB ACCOUNTS
Annual
Percentage Yield
0.75%
0.35%
0.50%
0.75%
0.35%
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Minimum opening balance $25.00. The annual percentage yield is accurate
as of the last dividend declaration date. Rate may change after the account
is opened. Fees or other conditions may reduce the earnings on the account.
7 Full Service Offices To Serve You
NORWICH
Uncas on Thames
401 West Thames St.
Norwich, CT 06306
(860) 889-7378
HARTFORD
84 Wadsworth St.
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 522-5388 (Savings)
(860) 522-7147 (Loans)
November 12, 2012
At the Aqua Turf Club.
Supreme Reflections is a loving tribute to the most famous female
singing group of all time. This sparkling trip down Motown’s
memory lane is filled with all their hits we know so well. Delicious
lunch at the elegant Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, ct Family Style
Menu. $65 per person. Drive On Your Own. Deadline October 1st.
New Haven
1666 Litchfield Turnpike
Woodbridge, CT 06525
(203) 397-2949
MIDDLETOWN
Newington
STORRS
SOUTHBURY
P.O. Box 2485
O’Neil Plaza
1244 Storrs Rd. Southbury Training School
2434 Berlin Turnpike
Middletown, CT 06457 Storrs, CT 06268
P.O. Box 644
(860) 347-0479
(860) 429-9306
Southbury, CT 06488 Newington, CT 06111
(860) 667-7668
(203) 267-7610
Hours: Main Office: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
Branches: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4pm
am
Drive-Up Teller (Hartford Only): Mon-Fri, 9 -4pm; Paydays Open Until 5pm
Trips sponsored by CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Social Activities Committee (SAC). For more information call the Local hall in Hartford toll-free
at (800) 894-9479, send email to [email protected], or visit the “Incentives” section at our website for access to flyers you can download
and print .
Make checks payable to “Social Activities Committee” and mail with
reservation form below to the committee at:
760 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106.
Please call for availability after deadline. No refunds on cancellations
on or after deadline. Travel insurance (cancellation waivers) available
on some trips (see flyer) due with initial reservation. Reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Page 8
CSEA NEWS
September, 2012
DEATHS
REPORTED
We regret to learn of the deaths
of the following retired CSEA/SEIU
Local 2001 members, as reported
by the State Comptroller’s Office
Retirement Division:
Dorothy Bolton
of Chapter 415, July 18,
Norma Buhler 408, July 20,
Joseph Bulba 410, July 15,
Edward Charland 412, July 26,
Margaret Clossick 405, June 18,
Margaret Dellamonica 407, Aug. 1,
Owen Devereux 408, June 30,
Martin Devine 420, July 18,
Ann DiSalvatore 420, Aug. 7,
Jules Duclos 410, July 23,
Lorraine Fox 404, Aug. 6,
Marie Gammo 401, Aug. 16,
Rene Gauvin, Sr. 403, July 22,
Enzo Gronda 415, July 17,
Elizabeth Hall 410, July 17,
Cecile Hattem 401, Aug. 17,
Carolyn Howie 420, July 5,
Roy Jenkins 410, July 19,
Paul Klemens 408, July 26,
Rodolphe Laliberte 404, Aug. 2,
Sebastian Lisitano 406, July 13,
William Mason 401, July 13,
Harry McGowan 427, July 15,
Michael Mennone Jr. 420, July 28,
Vera Moore 405, July 28,
Paul Moriarty Jr. 411, July 18,
Raymond Pavlak 414, July 25,
Margaret Perry 408, July 30,
Lillian Pinckney 403, July 12,
Irene Pisch 415, July 24,
Katherine Purnell 408, July 30,
Raymond Quinn 406, Aug. 4,
Dorothy Quirk 401, Aug. 14,
William Rauscher 404, July 30,
Council 400 Summer Picnic Continued
Oswald Richards 410, July 31,
Bernice Rivers 412, July 18,
Olimpia Ryglinski 405, Aug. 2,
David Samson Jr. 405, Aug. 10,
Jerry Sirianni 407, June 10,
Ruth Small 401, July 22,
Mildred Specht 405, Aug. 3,
Theodore Stamos 401, Aug. 6,
Dianne Sullivan 403, Aug. 10,
Ilene Tobey 401, July 11,
Marion Warren 415, July 3,
Great Food!
US Representative
Chris Murphy