Page 23 - November 2015

Thanks for the votes...and some notes
PENSION NEWS UPDATE
First off, let me take a quick moment to thank everyone who took the time to vote, whether for me or one of my challengers. I’m humbled to have been elected again to represent you during these unpredictable political times that have more than 25,000 members wondering if and when their pension benefit will continue as is, or be dimin- ished in the very near future. As I have stated before, I will work tirelessly to preserve what all of us have worked for, or are working for: a secure financial future.
Recently, a few retired members have contacted the Pension Board inquiring about Medicare when they turn 65. Historically, the Pension Fund will send out a reminder notice to members prior to their 65th birthday, usually within 60 days. It’s up to you to contact Medicare to start the process. Our notification instructs you to provide to the Board a signed photo- copy of your Medicare card if you are eligible. A copy of your Medicare card must be on file with the Pension Fund as soon as possible. (Note: We do not keep record of your spouse’s birthday. Once our office is in receipt of a copy of the Medicare card, we will
adjust your monthly premium. We do not set the rates.)
If eligible, Medicare will be your primary insurance and Blue Cross Blue Shield will be your supplemental insurance. If you no
longer wish to participate in the City’s insurance, you must submit a signed letter to the Pension Fund to cancel your coverage one month before your desired cancellation date. If a signed letter is not received, deductions will automatically be withheld. Also, the conclusion of the free insurance period means that you will no longer be eligible for free dental and vision cover- age. If you choose to continue with the dental and vision, you must contact Delta at 1-800-323-1743 and enroll.
The November investment meeting will be held Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. The Board meeting will be held on Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. The December Board meeting will be Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. There will be no investment meeting in December.
Let me close with some thoughts about Pension Trustee elec- tion results. I’m truly pleased that I won, however, I am embar- rassed by the low percentage of the returned ballots: 22.4 percent. I will address this topic in the December issue and look for solu- tions with your input about how collectively we can get officers to cast their ballot in future elections. The trustee position is too important to “give away” to an officer who thinks it’s a “good spot.” This position is part of a business in which million-dollar decisions are made that affect all members, active and retired. Please feel free to contact me at the Pension Office with any sug- gestions or any other pension business at 312-744-3891. d
MICHAEL K. LAPPE PENSION TRUSTEE
Annual Payers (Retirees, Sergeants, etc.)
The Lodge is preparing for its annual mailing to members. Please look at the address label on this magazine; this is the address we will use to mail your 2016 Handbook, Membership Card and Stickers. Please contact the Lodge and make any changes now. Retirees and Annual Dues Payers. you can mail your 2016 dues now.
The Lodge accepts credit card payments, Visa,MasterCard &Diiscoverr
If you have signed up for payroll deduction through the Pension Board, you can disregard this notice.
If you turned 75 in 2015, you DO NOT pay!
Fill out the form below and mail to:
Chicago Lodge 7, 1412 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, Illinois 60607-1821
PHONE:
CITY, STATE, ZIP
CHECK ONE:
ENTER CREDIT CARD AND SECURITY CODE LOCATED ON BACK OF CARD IN SIGNATURE AREA.
NAME:
ADDRESS: BENEFICIARY:
$40 RETIREE ANNUAL DUES
$65 SGT. & ABOVE AND/OR OUTSIDE UNITS
___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ - ___ ___ ___ ___ EXPIRATION DATE _____ / _______
CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ NOVEMBER 2015 23