Retirement Drawdown Strategies - P. 24
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A NARFE PUBLICATION
FOR FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES AND
RETIREES
JUNE/JULY 2021
VOLUME 97 ★ NUMBER 5
P. 24
Retirement
Drawdown
Strategies
P. 34
Federal Managers:
Wading Through
the Red Tape
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Contents
JUNE/JULY 2021
COVER STORY
PAGE 24 RETIREMENT DRAWDOWN STRATEGIES There are a variety of ways
annuitants can pull from their different retirement income streams.
Learn tips to maximize your savings.
FEATURE
PAGE 34 WADING THROUGH THE RED TAPE While managers in the civil service
can have unique challenges and restrictions, innovative approaches
to leadership and potential reforms can help them succeed.
Washington Watch Columns A NARFE PUBLICATION
FOR FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES AND
RETIREES
6 Report Says OPM 4 From the President
JUNE/JULY 2021
VOLUME 97 ★ NUMBER 5
Reorganization Would Not
Solve Agency Challenges 22 Benefits Brief P. 24
Retirement
Drawdown
8 NARFE Invites Members to 44 Managing Money Strategies
Participate in Grassroots P. 34
Federal Managers:
Advocacy Month 46 Alzheimer’s Update
Wading Through
the Red Tape
9 New WEP Reform Bill Departments
Introduced
16 Questions & Answers ON THE COVER
10 Postal Service Releases Illustration by TGD
10-Year Strategic Plan 48 For the Record
12 Bill Tracker 50 NARFE News
Connect with us!
54 Member Perks Visit us online at
www.narfe.org
56 The Way We Worked Like us on Facebook
NARFE National
Headquarters
Follow us on Twitter
@narfehq
Follow us on LinkedIn
NARFE
NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org 1
JUNE/JULY 2021
VOLUME 97 ★ NUMBER 5
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Jenn Rafael
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
REGION I James C. Risner
SENIOR EDITOR (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
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CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Beth Bedard
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New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
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REGION III Clarence Robinson
Helen Mosher Secretary/Treasurer; (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi,
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2 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
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From the President
NARFE’S MISSION STATEMENT
To support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian
employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal
civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests.
To promote the general welfare of federal civilian employees and annuitants
and potential annuitants, to advise and assist them with respect to their
rights under retirement, health and other employee and retiree benefits
laws and regulations, and to represent their interests before appropriate
authorities.
To cooperate with other organizations and associations in furtherance of
these general objectives.
In Case You Missed It …
A
group of 20 Senate Democrats and completed its report on the Office of Personnel
Republicans have been breaking Management (OPM) and concluded that OPM
does not have a strategic planning office to
bread at lunch for weeks in the facilitate a workforce human capital lifecycle
hopes of sparking bipartisan progress on a perspective in developing policy, regulations and
guidance; providing services; and crafting and
range of hot-button issues. The odds of the sharing promising practices. I’m sure this comes
group producing anything of substance are as no surprise to those reading this column. The
report stated that the OPM director should be
unclear, but it is a start. Keep breaking bread,
the principal adviser to the president on human
and hopefully sooner or later, legislation will capital and should be the lead for federal civilian
get passed in the upper and lower chambers human capital, setting policy and establishing
a framework for agencies and departments to
of Congress. manage their workforces. NARFE supports this
recommendation.
Democrats tout their legislative The basic findings from NAPA conclude that
accomplishments, with the big one being another OPM needs more independence, more authority
COVID-19 relief bill, while Republicans continue over workforce policies covering every civilian
to hammer the Biden administration for slow employee, and more funding to modernize and
school reopenings and the crisis at the border. operate effectively in the 21st century. OPM’s
Democrats in Congress are eying their modernization is critical to building the federal
next agenda goals, including climate change, workforce the United States needs, but the
immigration, infrastructure and jobs via the agency’s rigid and outdated hiring, pay and
budget reconciliation process. In the Senate, performance policies and practices, and systems
skepticism abounds, and there is no sign that are hurting the government’s capacity to respond
there will be smooth sailing on all or even some of to unprecedented challenges. You can read more
these legislative items. about the report on page 6.
Of interest to NARFE members, the National Stay safe.
Academy of Public Administration (NAPA)
KENNETH J. THOMAS
NARFE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
natpres@narfe.org
4 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
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Washington Watch
Report Says OPM Reorganization
Would Not Solve Agency Challenges
T
he National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) late 2020 and have not been
published a report that concludes the previous revitalized.
Rather than deconstruct
administration’s proposal to reorganize the Office OPM, NAPA’s report proposes
of Personnel Management (OPM) and move its functions to alternative solutions to properly
address persistent agency
various other federal agencies would have been ineffective in problems and to elevate strategic
addressing OPM’s challenges. The report offers an alternative human capital management and
performance governmentwide.
set of comprehensive recommendations to advance OPM’s
The report argues that the OPM
mission fulfillment and fix long-standing issues that have director needs a seat at the table
constrained the agency for nearly two decades. as “the principal adviser to the
president on human capital” to
reaffirm the agency’s status as
NAPA conducted the year- supported congressional efforts the federal government’s leader
long study pursuant to a to scrutinize and block it from on the subject. Additionally, the
provision in the fiscal year 2020 moving forward. Efforts to report contends that sustained
defense authorization bill that implement the reorganization leadership is necessary to
directed OPM to contract with proposal were dropped in properly realign OPM’s priorities
NAPA to study the agency’s
challenges and opportunities.
The legislation also blocked any
implementation of the previous JUNE/JULY ACTION ALERT:
administration’s reorganization URGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COSPONSOR WEP
proposal until 180 days after the REFORM BILL. NARFE is calling on members of the House of
release of the report. Representatives to cosponsor the Public Servants Protection
NARFE played the leading and Fairness Act, H.R. 2337, legislation to reform the Windfall
role in advancing the legislative Elimination Provision (WEP). This long-standing, misguided
language that approved the study, provision reduces the Social Security benefits of nearly 2
and the association contributed
million people nationwide. Use NARFE’s Legislative Action
its views to the development of
Center, located at www.narfe.org, to personalize a message to
the report. NARFE expressed
serious concerns with the your Representative requesting cosponsorship of the bill.
reorganization plan and
6 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021
MYTH VS. REALITY
MYTH: Federal employees are guaranteed annual pay raises that track with the average increase
in the private sector due to the Federal Employees Pay Comparability Act of 1990 (FEPCA).
REALITY: While FEPCA sets the baseline for federal pay rates, Congress may appropriate specific
annual pay increases or freezes. Absent congressional action, the president may propose an
alternative pay plan for federal employees. In the past decade, federal pay has been impacted by a
mix of federal pay freezes, below-market raises and congressionally appropriated increases.
Changes in federal pay are different from annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for federal
annuities. Federal annuities are adjusted under an automatic plan using a formula calculated by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics with the goal of helping retirees’ annuities keep pace with inflation.
and overcome management systems supporting the federal unit and Retirement Services
challenges. In the past five years, retirement programs, enable a unit. Unsurprisingly, the report
the agency has worked under six modern human capital data and highlights the widespread
directors or acting directors. analytics platform, and transform recognition that OPM’s retirement
Even as the report its website to be both user-centric processing needs updating, with
recommends an elevated and user-friendly.” a focus on automation and a move
role for OPM, it also suggests While discussing IT away from reliance on paper
significant reforms to the modernization, NAPA’s report processes. NAPA notes that OPM’s
agency itself, recommending also mentions OPM’s funding Office of the Chief Information
that OPM redefine its mission woes, a concern further Officer is working with OPM’s
statement and structure complicated by the moving of Retirement Services to update
to better focus on human the revenue-generating National its current tools, such as the
capital management and shift Background Investigations retirement calculator and the call
the agency’s emphasis from Bureau to the Department of center system. This is a welcome
compliance to “setting policy, Defense. OPM’s funding comes change to those navigating the
establishing a framework from multiple revenue streams paper-based process.
for agencies to manage their with rigid allocations, leaving NAPA also states that
workforces, facilitating the agency with little room “benefits programs represent key
innovation and the sharing to manage its resources and elements of the human capital
of best practices and lessons priorities, says NAPA. This in lifecycle and should be managed
learned, and both collecting and turn has exacerbated OPM’s by the central human capital
using data and data analytics.” complicated IT modernization. management agency,” an explicit
OPM’s staff, the report posits, To support IT modernization, recognition of the importance
will also need to be reoriented to NAPA suggests that OPM of benefits in strategic human
move the agency’s internal culture establish an IT working capital management and the need
away from a compliance-oriented capital fund. The agency has for OPM to facilitate the federal
model to a “more customer- the authority to establish the benefits program.
focused, strategic and forward- fund under the Modernizing NARFE intends to use the
looking mindset.” Government Technology Act findings from NAPA’s report and
Notably, the report identifies and has reportedly requested other studies to highlight areas in
OPM’s outdated information authority to do so for the fiscal need of improvement within OPM.
technology (IT) environment year 2022 budget. The association will work with
as a critical area that must be Of particular importance to Congress and the administration
addressed to move the agency NARFE members, NAPA engaged to fix long-standing issues that
forward. NAPA recommends that stakeholders on OPM’s benefits have affected the agency’s ability
OPM seek funding from Congress programs, gaining feedback on to serve the American people and
to facilitate IT modernization the service programs offered by the federal community.
that will “upgrade technology OPM’s Healthcare and Insurance —BY ROSS APTER, POLITICAL ASSOCIATE
NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org 7
Washington Watch
NARFE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY
LEARN MORE about how you can take action to protect
your earned pay and benefits by reviewing NARFE
Grassroots materials at www.narfe.org/advocacy.
NARFE Invites Members to Participate in
Grassroots Advocacy Month
N
ARFE’s Grassroots messages, phone calls and community has in every state
Advocacy Month is more. NARFE-organized and district across the country,
fast approaching, and groups have participated in and improve advocacy outcomes.
the advocacy team is busy town hall meetings, county We challenge each of you to
developing a robust campaign fairs, coffee hours and other lend your voice to this year’s
to successfully engage members community events. In 2020, Grassroots Advocacy Month
and lawmakers in discussions on even with COVID-19 pandemic campaign.
NARFE’s legislative priorities. restrictions limiting in-person Your voice is the most
The campaign is held annually advocacy activities, members powerful tool you can use.
in conjunction with the summer met with lawmakers virtually Your legislators are interested
recess when members of and engaged on social media in knowing how you, their
Congress return to their districts platforms. These and other constituent, voter and member
and states seeking ample grassroots activities during of the federal community,
opportunities to engage with their are affected by policies. For
constituents. example, if you are affected
The House is scheduled by the Windfall Elimination
for recess from August 2 to Provision, which significantly
WE CHALLENGE EACH
September 16, with some reduces your earned benefits
of those weeks allocated to OF YOU TO LEND because you held jobs in both
committee activity (but no YOUR VOICE TO THIS the public and private sectors,
floor votes), while the Senate YEAR’S GRASSROOTS the financial impact it has on
is in recess from August 9 to you is what resonates with the
ADVOCACY MONTH
September 10. The August lawmaker. When lawmakers
recess marks a critical time for CAMPAIGN. are undecided, they will recall
lawmakers in what is essentially your communication, and the
a constituent contact marathon thousands they’ve received
typically lasting at least four from other constituents, and
weeks, giving them time to the August recess keep federal hopefully act accordingly.
assess public opinion on the community issues and concerns Visit the Grassroots Advocacy
work they are doing in Congress. alive and on lawmakers’ minds Month webpage at www.narfe.
Since the inception of when they return to Capitol Hill org/gam21 for resources to
Grassroots Advocacy Month, in September. successfully guide you through
NARFE members’ advocacy The results we’ve achieved this year’s campaign.
has raised public awareness of over the years with just a NARFE thanks you in
NARFE legislative priorities, fraction of NARFE members advance for your support of
such as the Windfall Elimination participating have been Grassroots Advocacy Month. If
Provision (WEP), through encouraging. An increase in you have any questions or need
published letters to the editors member participation would additional information, contact
of community newspapers, undoubtedly amplify NARFE’s us at advocacy@narfe.org.
thousands of direct meetings voice, demonstrate the size —BY MARSHA PADILLA-GOAD, GRASSROOTS
with lawmakers, email and influence the federal PROGRAM MANAGER
8 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021New WEP Reform Bill Introduced
I
n April, House Committee on beneficiaries turning age 62 federal retirees who began
Ways and Means Chairman before 2023 with a $150 monthly their employment prior to 1983
Richard Neal, D-MA, rebate, offsetting some of the and are covered by CSRS. The
introduced the Public Servants WEP penalty, which in 2021 can WEP does not apply to federal
Protection and Fairness Act, be as high as $498 per month. employees covered by the
H.R. 2337, which would reform For those turning 62 in 2023 Federal Employees Retirement
the Windfall Elimination or later, a new, fairer formula System (FERS).
Provision (WEP) and provide would be implemented, one that NARFE also supports
much-needed relief to the nearly calculates benefits based on the legislation, H.R. 82, that
2 million people affected by it. proportion of earnings covered would fully repeal the WEP
The WEP reduces the Social by Social Security to total and the Government Pension
Security benefits of retirees who earnings. These future retirees Offset (GPO). Why does
also worked in the public sector would receive the calculation NARFE support both full
and did not contribute to Social that results in the lowest repeal and the reform bill?
Security during that time, such as penalty, either as a result of the Both bills represent solutions
Civil Service Retirement System new formula or the old one. that would bring significant
(CSRS) retirees. Join NARFE’s The WEP affects government relief to retirees penalized by
call-to-action campaign to retirees who collect both an these provisions for decades.
garner support for and increase annuity from their government Repeal legislation remains
cosponsors of the bill by visiting jobs (during which they did not the ideal solution. However,
NARFE’s Legislative Action contribute to Social Security) political and fiscal realities have
Center at www.narfe.org. and Social Security benefits prevented it from advancing
The legislation would from employment in the through the legislative process
provide current Social Security private sector. This includes in the past. Therefore, we also
SEE WEP ON P. 10
NARFE-PAC:
New Goals for 2021-2022
NARFE-PAC, the political arm of NARFE, works to defend your earned pay
and benefits by building strong relationships between NARFE and members
of Congress. Support the PAC, especially during NARFE-PAC month in March,
and help fight for the federal community. Below are the new goals for the
2021-2022 election cycle.
Send NARFE
Raise Disburse members to
$1.85 $1.35 million 120
in political
million contributions
local fundraisers
NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org 9Washington Watch
LEGISLATIVE RESOURCES
NARFE NewsLine – A weekly newsletter that goes
out to NARFE members on Tuesdays and includes
weekly recaps of legislative news, compiled by NARFE’s
advocacy and communications teams.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER – A one-stop site to
send a letter to Congress, and more, at www.narfe.org.
Postal Service Releases 10-Year Strategic Plan
D
elivering for America, presented draft postal reform for employee growth and
the U.S. Postal Service’s legislation in March that looks to unspecified “improved retention
(USPS) new strategic plan, accomplish these goals. As of press strategies” would drive the
aims to slow mail delivery and time, however, the legislation had effort. The agency will continue
raise prices to reduce costs and yet to be officially introduced and moving noncareer employees to
increase profits for the struggling is subject to change. career positions, having already
agency. Initially released in April, Expansion of package converted more than 10,000 since
the far-reaching initiative looks revenue, which reached $28.5 January 2021.
to achieve a positive net income billion in fiscal year 2020, is As of press time, the plan
by 2023 and plans to break even also a major focus of the plan. To had been submitted to Congress
over the next decade, striving to facilitate growth, the agency will for review. Some provisions in
convert a 10-year projected $160 add 45 annex facilities mostly the plan can be implemented
billion loss into a $200 million dedicated to package processing. by USPS directly, but most
net profit. Additionally, current processing major recommendations require
A key aspect of the plan will centers will replace underutilized legislation from Congress,
increase postal rates above flat mail sorting equipment with approval from the PRC and/
inflation to generate $24 billion package processing machines. or new labor agreements with
in additional revenue over The agency will also roll out a new postal unions.
the next 10 years. The price program called “USPS Connect,” —BY SETH ICKES, GRASSROOTS ASSISTANT
increases will apply to most which will implement local drop
mail services, including first- points that facilitate one- to two-
WEP FROM P. 9
class mail, marketing mail, day deliveries from retail stores,
periodicals and more. The Postal similar to those of companies like support reform efforts, as they
Regulatory Commission (PRC) UPS and Amazon. Additionally, represent an improvement over
gave the postmaster general USPS will close and consolidate the current situation and are
the authority to implement the underutilized mail processing more likely to gain traction in
increases in a 2020 order. To cut centers that were originally set to Congress. Any relief for those
costs, the agency plans to slow be closed in 2015. affected by the WEP and GPO is
first-class mail delivery from a USPS plans to allocate $40 welcome.
one- to three-day timeframe to a billion in capital investments The reform bill’s chance of
one- to five-day window, a move toward infrastructure advancing is aided by the fact
that requires approval from the modernization efforts, such that Neal, its sponsor, chairs the
PRC. Additionally, the agency as introducing a new fleet of committee with jurisdiction over
will cut overall work hours, energy efficient delivery vehicles, the issue. His leadership role
decrease overtime, reduce extra improving technology and could also improve the chances
transportation trips and more. cybersecurity, and upgrading of WEP reform being included in
The plan anticipates saving retail locations. The funds will a larger bill. Additionally, House
another $58 billion through also be used to improve employee rules stipulate that any bill with
legislative action, including training and development, human 290 cosponsors will receive a
Medicare integration and ending resources, energy efficiency and vote on the House floor, so your
the requirement that the agency environmental sustainability. continued effort is important
fully prefund the future health Furthermore, the project seeks to to moving the bill through the
insurance benefits of its retirees. cut noncareer employee turnover legislative process.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, by half. Improved opportunities —BY SETH ICKES, GRASSROOTS ASSISTANT
10 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021HEX: 447834
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NARFE’S 2021 LEGISLATIVE
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TRAINING CONFERENCE
JUNE LEARN ENGAGE
Register 21-23
today FROM TOP WITH YOUR
2021 EXPERTS LEGISLATORS
Join NARFE members across the country at a virtual
training event that will help you:
• Learn how to make the most of virtual meetings
with your legislators
Celebrate With Us
• Hear from grassroots experts and learn bold ideas June 21, 2021
to improve your advocacy skills A special virtual evening
• Learn how to become a more influential advocate event celebrating NARFE
and the civil service.
by building and sustaining relationships
Visit
LEGcon21 is going to be a full-scale virtual event with www.narfe.org/centennial
specialized trainings for expert and novice advocates alike. for updates.
Dedicated general sessions and breakouts will prepare you to
Eargo and GEHA are
be a strong advocate and advance NARFE’s legislative priorities. proud sponsors of
Visit www.narfe.org/LEGcon21 for the full lineup and to register. NARFE’s Centennial.Washington Watch
NARFE BILL TRACKER
THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING.
CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.
BILL NUMBER / NAME /
ISSUE WHAT BILL WOULD DO LATEST ACTION(S)
SPONSOR
H.Res. 131/S.Res. 76: Resolu- Congratulates NARFE on the Referred to the House
tion Celebrating NARFE’s Centen- celebration of its 100th anniversary on Committee on Oversight
nial / Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA / February 19, 2021 and recognizes the and Reform (H.Res. 131) /
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-MD vital contributions its members have Agreed to in the Senate by
NARFE made to the United States over the unanimous consent on
CENTENNIAL Cosponsors: past 100 years. February 25, 2021
H.Res. 131: 4 (D) 1 (R) (S.Res. 76)
S.Res. 76: 3 (D) 2 (R)
H.R. 695/S. 145: USPS Fairness Repeals the U.S. Postal Service’s Referred to the House
Act / Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR / prefunding requirement. Committee on Oversight
Sen. Steve Daines, R-MT and Reform (H.R. 695)
/ Referred to the Senate
POSTAL REFORM Cosponsors: Committee on Homeland
H.R. 695: 214 (D) 50 (R) Security and Governmental
S. 145: 5 (D) 5 (R) Affairs (S. 145)
H.R. 82/S. 1302: The Social Repeals both the Government Pension Referred to the House
Security Fairness Act / Rep. Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Committee on Ways and
Rodney Davis, R-IL / Sen. Provision (WEP). Means / Referred to Senate
Sherrod Brown, D-OH Committee on Finance
Cosponsors:
H.R. 82: 97 (D) 36 (R)
S. 1302: 19 (D) 4 (R) 1 (I)
GPO/WEP
H.R. 2337: The Public Servants Reforms the Windfall Elimination Referred to the House
Protection and Fairness Act / Provision (WEP) by providing a monthly Committee on Ways and
Rep. Richard Neal, D-MA rebate of $150 to current beneficiaries Means
(age 62 or older before 2023) and cre-
Cosponsors: ating a new formula to calculate benefits
H.R. 2337: 142 (D) for future WEP-affected individuals
(turning 62 in or after 2023).
H.R. 304: The Equal COLA Act / Provides Federal Employees Retirement Referred to the House
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA System (FERS) retirees with the same Committee on Oversight
annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and Reform
FEDERAL Cosponsors: as Civil Service Retirement System
ANNUITIES H.R. 304: 14 (D) 1 (R) (CSRS) retirees.
H.R. 51/S. 51 Washington D.C. Provides for the admission of the State Passed the House 4/22/21
Admission Act / Del. Eleanor of Washington, DC, into the Union. by a vote of 216-208 /
Holmes Norton. D-DC / Sen. Referred to the Senate
Thomas Carper, D-DE Committee on Homeland
Security and Governmental
DC STATEHOOD Cosponsors: Affairs (S. 51)
H.R. 51: 216 (D) 0 (R)
S. 51: 43 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)
NARFE’s Position: Support Oppose No position
12 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021NARFE BILL TRACKER
THE NARFE BILL TRACKER IS YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LEGISLATION NARFE IS FOLLOWING.
CHECK BACK EACH ISSUE FOR UPDATES.
BILL NUMBER / NAME /
ISSUE WHAT BILL WOULD DO LATEST ACTION(S)
SPONSOR
H.R. 302: Preventing a Patronage Requires presidential administrations to Referred to the House
System Act / Rep. Gerry obtain the agreement of Congress to Committee on Oversight
Connolly, D-VA reclassify competitive service positions and Reform
FEDERAL outside of merit system principles.
PERSONNEL Cosponsors:
POLICY H.R. 302: 9 (D) 1 (R)
H.R. 392/S. 561: The Federal Provides federal employees with a Referred to the House
Adjustment of Income Rates 3.2 percent average pay raise in 2022. Committee on Oversight
(FAIR) Act / Rep. Gerry and Reform (H.R. 392)
Connolly, D-VA / Sen. Brian / Referred to the Senate
FEDERAL Schatz, D-HI Committee on Homeland
COMPENSATION Security and Government
Cosponsors: Affairs (S. 561)
H.R. 392: 41 (D) 1 (R)
S. 561: 9 (D) 0 (R) 1 (I)
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Contribution totals are cumulative for the submit the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individ-
2021-2022 election cycle uals whose contributions exceed $200 each calendar year. NARFE-PAC is for the
benefit of political candidates and activities on a national level. NARFE members
n No pin for me. I’d like 100 percent of have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal, and NARFE will neither
favor nor disadvantage anyone based on the amount of a contribution or failure to
my contribution to go to NARFE-PAC. make a voluntary contribution. The suggested amounts are only suggestions and
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2021-22_PAC_Coupon(0121).indd 1 1/19/21 10:44 AM
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All content ©2020 TruHearing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TruHearing® is a registered trademark of TruHearing, Inc. All other trademarks, product names, and company names are
the property of their respective owners. Listed benefit amount may differ from customer's actual benefit. Actual customer payment will vary. Three follow-up visits must be
used within one year after the date of initial purchase. Hearing aid repairs, and replacements subject to provider and manufacturer fees. For questions regarding fees, contact
TruHearing customer service. FEP_NARFE_AD_0120
TruHearing is an independent company that provides discounts on hearing aids.Questions & Answers
Q&A THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS were compiled by
NARFE’s Federal Benefits Institute
experts. NARFE does not provide
legal, financial planning or tax advice
EMPLOYMENT or assistance.
SURVIVING SPOUSE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS (FEHB) COVERAGE
Q
I have a friend who died of COVID-19 while • Coverage under Self Plus One
actively employed in federal service. His or Self and Family enrollment.
• A marriage that lasted at least
widow told me that she has been waiting for
nine months or included the
an official death certificate to submit to the Office of birth of the first child, if less
Personnel Management (OPM). She said that his health than nine months. Benefits are
also payable if the marriage
insurance, which she was covered under, was suspended lasted less than nine months
upon his death. Months later, she is still in limbo and if the death was determined to
be accidental.
without health insurance as she is still waiting on her • Entitlement to the FERS Basic
survivor benefit case to be processed. Shouldn’t there Employee Death Benefit and/
be some contingency plan for these situations? It seems or survivor annuity.
◦ At the time of his death, she
like a terrible way to treat the spouse of a long-time, would be entitled to the FERS
loyal employee. Basic Employee Death Benefit
if he had been employed for at
A
First, we are very sorry this difficult time. According to least 18 months.
to hear about the loss OPM, at the enrollee’s death, the ◦ In 2021, the FERS Basic
of your friend and send employing office will tentatively Employee Death Benefit is
our sympathy to his widow. The determine the survivors’ equal to 50 percent of the
death of a spouse is undoubtedly eligibility for continued health employee’s final salary or
a stressful and heartbreaking benefits enrollment. The high-3 average salary, if
event. One suggestion would retirement system will make the higher, plus $34,991.07.
be for his widow to contact the final determination of eligibility ◦ She would also receive a
human resource office of the after it reviews all the retirement monthly survivor annuity
agency where he was employed. and health benefits records. if he had at least 10 years of
Hopefully, the office has already Survivors generally do not need creditable service.
been in contact with her to help to take any action to continue There are many situations
navigate the “business of death” enrollment if they meet all of the in addition to the death of an
that has to be attended to during following requirements: employee where there can be
16 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021a delay in processing a change certificate from the local registrar FEHB COVERAGE
Q
in health insurance. Here are a for a small fee. After that, My spouse is a federal
few examples: additional copies can only be employee but has been
• When an employee retires ordered through Vital Records. covered on my federal
at the end of the year and Signed copies of death certificates health insurance for many years.
makes an Open Season are needed for just about any If I do not elect a survivor benefit,
change. In that case, the account that the decedent owned. can he continue FEHB coverage if
change isn’t processed by Examples include bank accounts I die first?
the agency, and there can and investment accounts,
A
be a delay when waiting for government agencies (OPM, TSP, If your husband qualifies
OPM to become aware of and SSA, VA, etc.), mortgage lenders for an immediate FERS or
process the change. and creditors, and life insurance CSRS retirement benefit
• For a postponed MRA + claims. If you think you ordered and has been covered by FEHB
10 retirement, the former enough copies, order a few more. (either through your enrollment
employee may not have or his own) for the last five years
coverage immediately if of his federal career, then he
there is a delay in processing RETIREMENT would be entitled to enroll in Self
the retirement claim when Only coverage with the premiums
requesting reinstatement of RETIREMENT PAPERWORK deducted from his retirement
Q
insurance. I considered retiring a benefit if you predecease him.
• When a couple divorces couple of years ago; my This change can be made 31 days
and the former spouse loses spouse signed the consent before or up to 60 days after the
entitlement under the family form and it was notarized, but I did loss of coverage regardless of
plan and needs to apply for not retire at that time. For how long is whether the loss of coverage was
temporary continuation of the notarized form good? caused by death, cancellation, or
coverage or coverage under the change of enrollment to Self Only
A
spouse equity provisions. The notarization of a or Self Plus One.
It is very important to report document never expires Remember that the election
the life event (death, marriage, as long as the seal used of a full or partial survivor
divorce, birth or adoption) as during the notarization process benefit at retirement is critical
soon as possible as there are is still valid, states the National if your spouse is not entitled
time limits for making changes, Notary Association. However, to FEHB in his or her own
and any delay in reporting will to avoid any unnecessary right and you die first. The only
further delay the processing delays, you should complete a survivor eligible to continue the
of the request. At the time the new form and have it notarized health benefits enrollment is
claim is finalized, OPM will closer to your retirement date. the designated family member
offer retroactive coverage back The survivor election on the covered under FEHB on the
to the date that the life event spousal consent must match date of death as long as that
commenced. Medical expenses the annuitant’s election on the individual is entitled to a
incurred during this period can retirement application in Section survivor annuity. No other family
be filed retroactively for payment. F of the SF 2801 for those under members are entitled to continue
Note: How long it takes to the Civil Servants Retirement the enrollment even though they
receive death certificates varies System (CSRS) or Section D of may be entitled to a survivor
by state and by the type of death. the SF 3107 for those under the annuity.
The pace of the process depends Federal Employees Retirement If your own personnel records
on the completion of the death System (FERS). Keep in mind do not show that you have FEHB
certificate by the doctor. If there’s that the original form must be coverage during the five years
a medical examiner involved, it turned in with ink signatures, and of service immediately prior to
can take longer depending on the date the spouse signs must retirement, then you may need to
tests needed and reports to be match the date the notary signs. provide documentation to show
filed. For a period of time after Also be aware that on many of the coverage under your spouse’s plan
the date of death, the funeral retirement forms, OPM will not (or he under yours). Your agency’s
home is generally able to obtain accept corrections. New forms retirement specialist will assist
additional copies of the death must be completed. in providing this documentation
NARFE MAGAZINE www.NARFE.org 17Questions & Answers
to OPM. Documentation of the five years immediately ◦ Basic insurance will
the employee’s FEHB status prior to retirement (or for all reduce by 1 percent of the
and eligibility to continue opportunities to be enrolled), preretirement amount each
coverage into retirement must you are entitled to carry the month at the beginning
be included in the retirement enrollment into retirement. of the second month after
application package along with The amount of your Basic your 65th birthday or at
a memorandum noting any and optional FEGLI coverage retirement, whichever is
circumstances that would help maintains its value based on your later. Your Basic insurance
OPM determine the eligibility to salary at the time you separated will continue to reduce
continue coverage. for retirement. If you retire before until 50 percent of the
reaching age 65, this amount preretirement amount
FERS ANNUITY continues until you are 65. Once remains. When you turn 65,
Q
If my FERS annuity will be you are retired and over age 65, your “regular” premium for
$2,500 per month and the election made at the time of Basic insurance stops, but
I choose the maximum retirement on form SF 2818 - you continue to pay an extra
50 percent survivor benefit for my “Continuation of Life Insurance premium for this choice.
spouse, my monthly annuity will be Coverage,” will determine how • No Reduction ($2.4550/$1,000
$2,250/month. Is that correct? much coverage will remain and monthly until age 65, then
the cost of continuing coverage. $2.13/$1,000 monthly)
A
Yes, that is correct. The Once retired, you will no longer ◦ Basic insurance will not
reduction to your FERS have accidental death and reduce. When you turn 65,
retirement benefit to dismemberment coverage. your “regular” premium for
provide your spouse with a For Basic insurance, you must Basic insurance stops, but
survivor annuity worth 50 percent choose 75 Percent Reduction, you continue to pay an extra
of your unreduced FERS benefit 50 Percent Reduction, or No premium for this choice.
will reduce your FERS benefit by Reduction. You can change to the Option A ($10,000) has a
10 percent. This reduction also 75 Percent Reduction at any time; monthly premium of $13.00
reduces your taxable retirement your coverage will be as if you per month from age 60 until
income, so the actual “cost” of this had originally elected 75 Percent retirement (less expensive at
election is less than it appears. Reduction, and your “extra younger ages). Once retired,
In addition, if your marriage premium” will stop. You will not Option A is free after age 65 and
should end in divorce or your receive a refund of premiums. the coverage reduces to $2,500 at
spouse predeceases you, then • 75 Percent Reduction the rate of 2 percent per month.
your annuity can be restored ($0.325/$1,000 monthly until Option B (multiples of your
to the unreduced amount. It is age 65 and then free) final salary rate) and Option C
important to report the death of ◦ Basic insurance will (family coverage) may continue in
a retiree or survivor annuitant reduce by 2 percent of the retirement at no reduction (with
promptly to OPM’s Retirement preretirement amount each continued escalating premiums)
Services office. You can report a month at the beginning or full reduction with premiums
death online (https://rsreporting. of the second month after ending at retirement or age 65
opm.gov/AnnuitantDeath) or you your 65th birthday or at (the later of the two) and coverage
can call 888-767-6738. retirement, whichever is reducing by 2 percent per month
later. Your Basic insurance until it reaches $0 value.
FEGLI will continue to reduce According to the FEGLI
Q
How much life insurance until 25 percent of the Handbook, shortly before you
are we entitled to at age preretirement amount reach age 65, your retirement
65 or older if retired? remains. If you choose 75 system (or the Office of Workers’
What form is used to continue this Percent Reduction, you Compensation Programs for
benefit and what is the cost? cannot later change your compensationers) will send you
election. a letter reminding you of your
A
If you were enrolled in • 50 Percent Reduction initial election and ask if you
the Federal Employees’ ($1.035/$1,000 monthly until want to make any changes. At
Group Life Insurance age 65, then $0.71/$1,000 that time, you can choose to
(FEGLI) Program for at least monthly) change your initial election and
18 NARFE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2021Meet the Beauty
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F or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet
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Your satisfaction is
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see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away
by the rare beauty of this exceptional stone, simply
return the necklace within 30 days for a full refund of
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