NCRGEA Lunch and Learn Webinar: DECEMBER

December 6 @ 11:30 am 12:30 pm

**TIME HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM 12:30p.m. TO 11:30a.m.**

Free virtual webinar Lunch & Learn Series: “Social Security Changes in 2024.” 

This session will not be recorded at the request of Social Security Administration.

Hear directly from Lisa Wallace, a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration.

    Registration by Friday | December 1 is required for this FREE event. Click the Register Now button at the top. Space is limited so please register soon. INVITE A FRIEND! You will receive the Zoom link by email on Monday, December 4 and you don’t need a computer to participate! Join the session using either the Zoom link, or the Zoom long distance phone number provided. If you have any questions, please email info@NCRGEA.com or phone 919.834.4652 or 1 800 356 1190.

    Previous NCRGEA 2023 Lunch and Learn Series recordings can be found on our YouTube channel.

    (919) 834-4652

    View Organizer Website

    FREE

    UNC Healthcare and ECU Health Weaken Pension

    November 8, 2023
    by Tim O’Connell

    dollar bills

    The decision to no longer extend State pension and health plan benefits to new employees of UNC Healthcare and ECU Health is detrimental to all North Carolinians.

    NCRGEA will continue to work with elected officials to move to a more fiscally sound solution to protect the pension and health plans so as not to increase the risk of retirement insecurity among healthcare workers and their retirees, especially its lowest-paid.

    President Eisenhower, A Dental Emergency, and the (Potential) Alien Cover-Up

    Early in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower departed from the cold of the Washington, D.C. winter for a golf vacation in Palm Springs, California.

    On the night of the 20th, Ike chipped the porcelain cap of his “upper left central incisor” while eating a chicken wing at dinner. He boarded Air Force One and took an overnight trip to see his dentist to have it repaired. The next morning, Ike was back in Los Angeles, and seen attending a church service.

    At least, that’s the official story. There are some conspiracy theorists who believe the dentist story is a ruse to cover something far stranger and weirder.

    The Truth Is Out There

    In this version of the story, President Eisenhower made a secret nocturnal trip to a nearby Air Force base to meet two extraterrestrial aliens.

    In the Ike-met-with-ETs theory, Eisenhower went to Edwards Air Force Base, where he met with two aliens – nicknamed “Nordics” because of their resemblance to Scandinavian humans with their white hair, pale blue eyes and colorless lips. The reason the “Nordics” traveled to Edwards from another solar system and engaged in telepathic communication with Eisenhower was to make a request: If Ike would agree to eliminate America’s nuclear weapons, the “Nordics” would share their superior technology and their spiritual wisdom.

    Ike declined the deal because he did not want to give up the nukes. However, later that same year, Ike purportedly reached a deal with a different alien race. Ike would allow the extra-terrestrials to capture earthling cattle and humans for medical experiments if they returned the humans safely home. Since then, these conspiracy theorists claim, “millions” of humans have been kidnapped, and many were never returned.

    Did Eisenhower Meet With Aliens?

    So, which one is it? Did Ike really meet with ETs 50 years ago? According to an archivist at the Eisenhower Library. “There’s nothing in the archives that indicates that.” He cites James Mixson, the dental historian and professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Mixson’s article “A History of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Oral Health” is the definitive work on Ike’s teeth. Mixson cites, “the President had well-documented difficulties with this crown” and details how the crown was first installed in July 1952, was chipped and repaired in December 1952, and again in July 1954, when the president’s dentist replaced it with a “thin cast gold/platinum thimble crown.”

    Though Ike never made a public statement on the matter, his son provided a terse response to a recent email inquiry if his father had ever met with aliens.

    “No.”

    He declined to comment further.

    Whatever the truth is about the Ike and the aliens conspiracy theory, it’s a well-documented fact that you need a comprehensive Dental Plan. NCRGEA and AMBA can help you keep your mouth healthy and smile attractive! That’s why our Dental Plan provides coverage for twice annual cleanings, access for any dentist you want with bigger savings by staying in-network, and – best of all – NO WAITING PERIOD. Visit AMBAdentalvision.com/NCRGEA or call 800-956-1228 to enroll today.

    Source: https://www.nextgov.com/digital-government/2012/02/president-eisenhower-had-three-secret-meetings-with-aliens-former-pentagon-consultant-claims/50657/

    NCRGEA Lunch and Learn Webinar: November

    November 8 @ 12:30 pm 1:30 pm

    Free virtual webinar Lunch & Learn Series: “Estate Planning.” 

    Our speakers will be Katie Kerns and Blake Agnew, District Managers from the Financial Advisory Services group of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU). This webinar will discuss general estate planning topics, including:

    • Wills
    • Trusts
    • Powers of attorney
    • Advance health care directives
    • Estate planning and trust services offered to members by SECU through Members Trust Company

    Trust Services offered through Members Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Trust products are not credit union deposits, are not insured by the NCUA or any other federal government agency, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union, Members Trust Company or any affiliated entity, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principal.

    Registration by Friday | November 3 is required for this FREE event. Click the Register Now button at the top. Space is limited so please register soon. INVITE A FRIEND! You will receive the Zoom link by email on Monday, November 6 and you don’t need a computer to participate! Join the session using either the Zoom link, or the Zoom long distance phone number provided. If you have any questions, please email Deryl@NCRGEA.com or phone 919.834.4652 or 1 800 356 1190.

    *This session will not be recorded at the request of our presenters with SECU*

    Previous NCRGEA 2023 Lunch and Learn Series recordings can be found on the NCRGEA YouTube channel.

    (919) 834-4652

    View Organizer Website

    FREE

    The inaugural Digital Holiday Dessert Cookbook is here, presented by your peers!

    It’s the holidays and time for good food and lots of desserts!

    NCRGEA members are spreading a little joy and comfort during this holiday season by sharing some of their best dessert recipes with you. Just click this link for the flipbook or download a copy. Then, heat up the oven and click on the music!

    Thank you to all who submitted your amazing recipes to help jumpstart the holidays and bring a little warmth into the season!!

    Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

    Deryl Davis Fulmer, PhD.
    NCRGEA Community Liaison

    The Department of State Treasurer Continues to Work FOR YOU

    September/October 2023 LivingPower Newsletter

    By Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA

    As keeper of the public purse, I have a duty and loyalty of care to preserve and protect benefits for retirees like you, as well as those who currently teach, protect, and otherwise serve. You have dedicated your working time to the citizens of North Carolina, and it is important to remember the Department of State Treasurer (DST) continues to work FOR YOU even after you retire. This includes delivering on-time monthly benefit payments to over 350,000 retirees and providing the best customer service, resources, and access to high-quality, low-cost benefit options.

    I am pleased to announce that State Health Plan premiums are frozen for the sixth year in a row. Open Enrollment for the 2024 benefit year will be held Oct. 9-27, 2023. Non-Medicare retirees will continue to have the same health plan options as they do today. The Base PPO Plan (70/30) remains premium-free for eligible retirees. Members will need to take action during Open Enrollment if they would like to make any changes regarding their dependents or to enroll in the Enhanced PPO Plan (80/20). If no action is taken, the member will be moved to the 70/30 Plan.

    Retirees who are Medicare-eligible and on the Humana Medicare Advantage Base Plan will continue to enjoy premium-free benefits, pay only $4 per month for a spouse or per dependent, all with ZERO cost to taxpayers.

    Those who are satisfied with the plan in which they are currently enrolled will REMAIN on that plan for 2024 and do not need to take action during Open Enrollment. This includes the Humana Medicare Advantage Base or Enhanced Plan (90/10) or the Base PPO Plan (70/30). The good news continues as 87% of retirees over the age of 65 are taking advantage of these plans, saving $47 million for taxpayers.

    If you would like to change plans or make changes to your dependents, you will need to take action during Open Enrollment! I encourage you to participate in State Health Plan outreach events prior to and during Open Enrollment. These include in-person events, webinars, and a telephone town hall. For more information and to register, visit www.shpnc.org.

    Fall is a busy time of year, and you may be inundated with messages from insurance carriers and organizations by mail or phone and on television. I want to share some helpful tips to make sure you don’t do anything to NEGATIVELY IMPACT your State Health Plan coverage.

    • Insurance agents or brokers may call you and encourage you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement. They ARE NOT calling from your State Health Plan, and the plans they’re selling are DIFFERENT from what the State Health Plan offers.
    • Please know that you cannot be enrolled in two different Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans at the same time.
    • Therefore, if you enroll in something other than the State Health Plan’s Humana Group Medicare Advantage Plans (90/10), you will most likely be bumped out of your current Humana Group Medicare Advantage Plan (90/10) and enrolled into the 70/30 PPO Plan, which may cost more.
    • Be wary of commercials featuring famous actors or athletes. Plans featured on television ARE NOT the same as your State Health Plan coverage. Calling to enroll in a plan that you saw on television may NEGATIVELY impact your State Health Plan coverage.

    During Open Enrollment, the State Health Plan’s Eligibility and Enrollment Support Center (855-859-9066) offers extended hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be on the lookout for your Open Enrollment Decision Guide arriving by mail prior to Open Enrollment!

    Supplemental Insurance (Dental, Vision, and Identity Theft Protection)
    DST consistently works towards cost-effective options for our retirees. Negotiations over the past four years have resulted in substantial premium savings and better coverage for supplemental insurance offered through Pierce Insurance. If you choose to participate, payments for coverage can be deducted directly from your monthly retirement benefit, direct billed, or by bank draft.

    Open Enrollment for dental, vision, and identity theft protection takes place Sept. 15-Oct. 31.
    If you are currently enrolled, no action is needed. For more information and to enroll in benefits that will be effective Jan. 1, 2024, visit www.ncretiree.com or call 855-627-3847.

    Thank you for your service to the citizens of North Carolina and for being a valuable member of the North Carolina Retirement Systems.

    From Box Office to Basketball, AMBA Discounts Is a Slam Dunk of Savings

    Have you discovered the amazing discounts waiting for you through AMBA Discounts? From movie tickets to sporting events and more, you can take advantage of incredible savings on your favorite entertainment every day.

    This fall sees many long-awaited blockbusters hitting the theaters. From the latest installment of your favorite action and adventure franchises to Oscar-bound dramas and romances, there are plenty of reasons to get to your local cinema. Additionally, you have an even better reason to reserve your tickets: AMBA Discounts offers up to 40% savings on tickets at nationwide theaters like AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Entertainment Group!

    AMBA Discounts is your MVP to get you the best prices to cheer on your favorite team in the stands! Through special deals with the website Tickets at Work, we give you access to get to the game for your favorite teams and enjoy every play – including NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, MLB Baseball, Major League Soccer. We even have huge discounts for Golf, Tennis, and NASCAR events! With AMBA Discounts, you’ve already placed a winning bet with up to 40% off at many of these events!

    Want to play as well as watch? AMBA Discounts can save you on your next round of golf with waived reservation fees through GolfNow. And of course, we’ve got you covered for your clothes and accessories with big savings on big names like Adidas, Ray-Ban, Garmin, GoPro, and Thule!

    And that’s just the start! Certainly, there’s a whole world of additional savings for you to enjoy, including, dining, hotels, car rentals, electronics and more! Ready to explore the perks of joining my AMBA Passport?

    Start Saving Today!

    These are just some of the amazing offers currently available. There are so many more savings to explore, like luxury travel, shopping, and car rentals. Best of all, as a member of NCRGEA, your Passport Savings account is absolutely FREE! Contact our office for your AMBA Discounts secret activation code now by calling 800-356-1190. Already have an account? Start browsing by visiting www.passportcorporate.com.

    FAS Forward with Us!

    September/October 2023 LivingPower Newsletter

    By State Employees’ Credit Union

    couple in meeting

    Did you know that State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) has local advisors who are fully
    devoted to helping members with comprehensive financial planning services? From insurance and investments to managing retirement risks to estate planning and trust services, members have access to the services they need to help achieve and maintain their financial goals. Dedicated specialists can help members plan their financial future at any SECU branch location.
    The advisors, titled Financial Advisory Services (FAS) specialists, are salaried employees who
    are committed to acting in our members’ best interests. This unique business model allows us to focus on our mission—providing personalized services to help members meet their financial needs and objectives— while remaining committed to the long-established SECU philosophy of People Helping People® and member-focused service.
    Everyone can benefit from discussing financial needs and goals with a professional. Our Financial Advisory Services specialists can help members get started by working together to identify financial objectives and prioritize the next steps. They can help implement strategies designed to meet short and long-term goals. Additionally, they can objectively review an existing plan to confirm strengths and areas for improvement or important consideration. Finally, our advisors can help members monitor and adapt their plans over time to increase the likelihood of being prepared for both expected and unexpected life events.
    SECU is invested in our members’ success and well-being! Our goal is for our members to leave a meeting with our advisors, knowing they have an advocate and coach who will be by their side on their financial journey. Contact your local branch and ask to speak to a FAS specialist today! Not yet an SECU member? Join today to access these and our many other financial services.

    Life insurance is offered through SECU Life Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary
    of State Employees’ Credit Union. Investment advisory services are offered through Credit Union Investment Services. Securities are offered through SECU Brokerage Services: member FINRA, SIPC. Trust Services are offered through Members Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Securities, Trust, and Insurance products are not Credit Union deposits, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the Credit Union or Members Trust Company, and are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency. Securities and Trust products involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Insurance products are subject to underwriting. Investment, Trust, and Insurance representatives are Credit Union employees who may accept deposits. Investment and Insurance representatives are licensed in North Carolina only.