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RPEC Weekly Newsflash, May 5, 2023

RPEC Weekly Newsflash, May 5, 2023

ACTION ALERT: Congress Must Prevent a Default and Protect Crucial Programs

Anti-retiree politicians are threatening to force cuts to crucial programs in exchange for avoiding a national debt default. It’s unacceptable.

Sign on to tell Congress to raise the debt limit without sacrificing Social Security, Medicaid, or other programs Americans count on! Click here! 

Meet the Acting Social Security Commissioner on May 17

RPEC is your voice for retirement security.  One of our chief goals is to work at a federal level to protect your hard-earned Social Security and Medicare benefits.  If you are interested in learning more about the status of Social Security funding and attempts by some lawmakers to reduce benefits, we encourage you to attend a virtual town hall meeting hosted by our valued partner, the Washington Alliance for Retired Americans (WSARA) on May 17th at 10:30 a.m. Register here.

WSARA, in concert with the national Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), will host a Virtual Town Hall meeting with Dr. Kijakazi, the Acting Social Security Commissioner.  In addition to delivering prepared remarks, Dr. Kijakazi will respond to questions from attendees.

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email containing a log-in link.  This link is unique to you and cannot be used by anyone else.  Anyone trying to use your link will be unable to enter the town hall meeting.  Everyone who attends must register and will receive their own unique log-in code to enter the meeting.  

2023 Leadership Training for All Chapter Leaders

With most chapter elections wrapping up, it is time for new leaders, re-elected leaders, and those who may be considering taking a leadership position in the future to come together and participate in our annual Leadership Training. We will be providing the tools, information, and resources for you to be a successful and supported chapter leader.

The training will be held in two parts: Part A on Monday, June 26 for all chapter leaders, and Part B on Friday, June 30 for all chapter leaders involved with chapter finances. Part A will be hosted and led by the Council Office. Part B will be hosted and led by the Auditing Department at AFSCME.

For more information and to register, please visit: https://rpecwa.org/2023-leadership-training/. Registration closes Monday, June 5th.

Health Care Authority’s (HCA) Virtual and In-person Listening Sessions and virtual public forums wrap up this month

All RPEC leaders and members who receive their healthcare benefits from the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) are asked to register to take part in virtual and in-person listening sessions hosted by HCA. All stakeholder engagements will conclude this month. There is still space available in all sessions. Register here.

Retirees and their spouses or partners who are covered under UMP Classic, Kaiser Permanente NW Senior Advantage, Kaiser Permanente WA Medicare plans, Premera Blue Cross Medicare Supplement Plan G, UnitedHealthcare PEBB Balance, or United Healthcare PEBB Complete are eligible to participate. The listening sessions and public forums are your opportunities to share insights with HCA staff about your healthcare plan and the quality of services you receive from HCA. All virtual and in-person listening sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. HCA will follow up with registrants via email and provide the questions, background information, and Zoom login information (for the virtual sessions) and/or the location/directions (for in-person sessions).

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AFSCME Advantage: Pet Health Insurance Through Pets Best

As an RPEC member, you have access to exclusive, member-only benefits through our affiliation with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). AFSCME has partnered up with Pets Best to offer health insurance for pets of members. Pet insurance reimburses you in the event that your cat or dog is injured or becomes sick. It helps you afford the best treatment plan for your pet and protects you against any potential financial setbacks.

Through this benefit, you can get reimbursements of up to 90% on eligible vet bills for dogs and cats. Additionally, you get 10% off any monthly premiums. Pets Best offers flexible coverage options with no annual or lifetime limit. There are no networks, so you can choose any licensed veterinarian or specialist to address your pet’s health care needs. Claims are processed in a timely manner and reimbursements can be made via direct deposit. With Pets Best insurance, you have access to 24/7 help from a veterinary expert via email, text chat, or phone. You can even ask them questions relating to emergency care or advice on how to address behavioral issues. Save money and get the best care for your pet by signing up today with Pets Best:

https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/insurance/pet-insurance?union=AFSCME

Upcoming Events:

Please refer to our calendar page for more information about each event, including links to Zoom meetings, if available.

  • May 5 – Legislative Committee Meeting (10:00 am)
  • May 5 – Monthly Legislative Update Call, changed from weekly (2:00 pm)
  • May 11 – Healthcare Workgroup (3:30 pm)
  • May 15 – Senior Lobby (10:00 am)
  • May 16 – Select Committee on Pension Policy Meeting (10:00 am)
  • May 17 – WSARA Town Hall with Dr. Kijakazi, Acting Social Security Commissioner (10:30 am)
  • May 19 – Monthly Leadership Call (1:00 pm)
  • May 23 – Executive Board Meeting (10:00 am)
  • May 25 – Healthcare Workgroup (3:30 pm)
  • May 29 – Council Office closed for Memorial Day
  • June 2 – Monthly Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)

Health Care Authority Listening Sessions & Public Forums

  • May 9 – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
  • May 10 – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
  • May 16 – HCA In-person Listening Session, Bothell (10:00 am)
  • May 17 – HCA Virtual Public Forum (10:00 am)
  • May 18 – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
  • May 24 – HCA Virtual Public Forum (10:00 am)
  • May 25 – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
  • May 30 – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
  • May 31 – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)

Wish to receive text alerts on important issues?
Text RPEC to 237263 to sign-up 

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