A Valuable Resource for All Members
(This article appeared in the January/February 2013 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine.)
Judy Beard, Director Retirees Department
The APWU Retirees Department has evolved over the years into a place for retirees and active members to gain information on their retirement benefits and how to access the services of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The department provides a wealth of information to help retirees age with grace. We will offer classes at the APWU All-Craft Conference, which will be held in Las Vegas in November 2013, as well as at educational conferences in conjunction with many state conventions.
The department also helps organize new retiree chapters. At the chapter level, retirees are able to disseminate information on legislative issues that impact seniors and organize their members for action. They also provide information on discounts in their area and plan social events.
Dealing with OPM
Once APWU members retire, OPM is the federal agency that manages their annuity payments and other benefits. OPM issues Civil Service Annuity (CSA) numbers, which retirees need to manage their retirement information.
Retirees can contact OPM by calling the Retirement Operations Center at (888) 767-6738 or (724) 794-2005.
Retirees can also get personalized retirement information and make changes online at https://www.servicesonline.opm.gov. The login page will ask for the annuitant’s CSA number and a password. Through online services, OPM annuitants can check the status of pending issues, view their annuity statements, change their withholdings, view or print Form 1099R, and change their mailing address, email address, or direct deposit information.
APWU retirees should be aware that in March 2013, OPM will begin participating in the Go Direct initiative sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Through the program, annuity checks, Social Security checks, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks will be deposited electronically to your bank, credit union, or to a prepaid debit card provided by the OPM.
If you are currently receiving a paper check, you will need to notify the OPM of which method of electronic deposit you prefer by calling or by visiting the online retirement services before March 1. To find out more about this initiative, visit the Go Direct website.
Understanding Medicare
Retired postal workers become eligible to enroll in Medicare three months before they turn age 65. The process is easy — you can set up an appointment to apply by calling the Social Security Administration’s toll free number (800) 772-1213).
Most APWU retirees are eligible for Part A coverage at no cost if either the member or spouse has worked for at least 10 years in a Medicare-covered position. Part A covers inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facilities following a hospital stay, and some hospice or home health care.
Members may also enroll in Medicare Part B, which requires a monthly payment. In 2013, the payment will increase by $5 to $104.90/month, which will be deducted from your Social Security check. Enrollees who do not receive Social Security checks can have their Medicare premiums withheld from their annuity payments from the Office of Personnel Management. OPM must receive a request from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to initiate withholdings. OPM cannot withhold premiums based on a retiree’s direct request or even a request from the Social Security Administration. Part B covers outpatient care and doctor visits, and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospitals.