Musings from Mary Ellen

“If winter has the courage to turn into spring, who says I can’t bloom just the same?”
s.r.w (sian wilmot)

Aloha to all, no matter where you are living! I have just returned from Hawaii and can still feel the sun and the mild breeze, as well as see the beautiful colors of the flowers. When spring comes here in the northeast, we somehow forget the recent snow and cold, as the Snowbells, Crocuses and Violets start to emerge on our lawns. Rejuvenation is part of nature. Our bodies and minds can rejuvenate as well. Our theme for the spring luncheon is “Living Well.” Our speaker will focus on how to live our best lives through healthy eating and gentle movement. Attendees will have the opportunity to do a few activities at their tables. All we need is the courage to bloom again! Details about the April luncheon and June Memorial luncheon are on page 2.

Another important topic for all retired teachers is health insurance premiums. Presently, two pro-posed state bills concern the amount of money retired teachers, the state and TRB pay towards the Medicare Supplement Plan . The bills would not change the amount paid towards the Medi-care Advantage Plan or change our ability to choose between the two plans. Instead the bills pro-pose a change in how much retired teachers, the state, and TRB would pay for the Medicare Sup-plement plan. Below are the salient points:

• The TRS Medicare Supplement plan costs $278/month and the TRS Advantage plan costs $36/month. Yet the same dollar amount is given as the state subsidy ($36/month) for both plans.

• To appropriately meet the healthcare needs of all retired teachers as they age, it is vital that both an “affordable” Advantage plan and an “affordable" Medicare Supplement plan are always offered through the Teachers’ Retirement System.

• Fairness and equity can be achieved by providing a one-third state subsidy with respect to the proportional dollar cost of each health plan. A one-third state subsidy toward the cost of each TRS Medicare-based health insurance plan is the solution.

I hope to see all of you at the April and June luncheons. Let’s all spring into action by becoming involved in each other, as we also rejuvenate ourselves.

Best,

Mary Ellen