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Message from the Executive Secretary

Janice J. Charlesworth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
   

Due to the economic downturn, many people have had to tighten their belts and watch “their pennies.” We are all feeling the pinch. Most of us have had to review our budget needs and wants. Retirees in Alabama and across the nation are also concerned with health care costs and availability.

 

Recently, I attended a church commit- tee meeting and the facilitator urged everyone in attendance to follow the

 
 

“RAD” policy. This was something that intrigued me as I had never heard of such a policy. “RAD” stands for Reflect Adjust Do. It is relatively easy to reflect or review a situation. However, changing or adjusting can be difficult and the final step of actually doing something different is never easy.

In May, the PEEHIP Board was faced with the “RAD” policy. They reflected and reviewed all aspects of PEEHIP including premiums, co-pays, prescription coverages, and much more. Over the course of two days, board members looked at every possible option and idea from the PEEHIP staff. Ultimately, adjustments to the program were necessary. Of course, the “doing” part of this policy falls on all PEEHIP participants. The resulting increases in costs were necessary to keep the PEEHIP program financially stable now and in the future.

However, there are other things we can do to keep our PEEHIP program strong. First, we can try to live healthy lifestyles; changes in our diets and/or habits will help produce positive results. Next, we can use our insurance wisely by scheduling doctor visits rather than emergency room visits when dealing with a common sickness or chronic illness, medications, etc. whenever possible. These and other modifications will save PEEHIP and its participants hundreds of dollars.

Lately, I have received phone calls and emails from members who are concerned about the rising costs in PEEHIP’s coverage. I tell each member that PEEHIP provides extensive benefits including prescription drug coverage at a very affordable price. The premium on a similar program on the open market would be over $1,000 a month for a plan that is not equal to PEEHIP’s benefits.

If you have attended one of the nine ongoing Annual District Meetings, you have had the opportunity to hear from PEEHIP Board Vice Chair Sarah Swindle and health insurance representatives. They provide valuable information and are always willing to help PEEHIP participants with their concerns. The changes will go into effect October 1 for both actives and retirees.

More challenges are ahead including the upcoming elections in November and the 2011 Legislative Session – stay tuned and stay informed!

Sincerely,

Janice J. Charlesworth

 

 

 

© 2010 Alabama Education Retirees Association, Inc., AERA

828 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, Executive Secretary, Janice Charlesworth

Website Updates by Vicki Rohan

Alabama Education Retirees Association, AERA