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SAN FRANCISCO, CA

President's Report

September 2012

PRESIDENT; JERRY HALL; 229 De Montfort Ave, SF, CA 94112; 412-0488, fritz1313@hotmail.com

GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CHAPTER MEMBERS WITH BIRTHDAYS AND/OR ANNIVERSARIES IN SEPTEMBER...Thanks to those who attended our meeting with Alex Lazar, representative from Nancy Pelosi's office, on August 15th. The discussion was lively and members seem to believe the event was worthwhile. What struck me most was the willingness of members to pursue their concerns about the incredibly disparate rates for the FEHB medical insurance in Northern California versus the Southern California rates. Members have continued to question why for some plans the difference is more than 200%. Most plans have a difference between their Northern and Southern California plans, but only a few have these extreme differences. Many of our members have Kaiser HMO and they continue to pay a very significantly higher premium for their health care than Federal employees and retirees in Southern California. Appropriately, NARFE members have questioned this disparity. Representing Ms. Pelosi’s office, Alex stated that the disparity seemed excessive and that the congresswoman’s office would look into the issue and would communicate to members the results of her office’s investigation.

The point of my discussion here is not just about the premium disparity, but rather the importance of members speaking up, of communicating to their representatives their concerns.  We do not live in a time where federal retirees and workers are shown the respect they deserve.  We cannot sit back and simply say, “Oh well.” We need to realize that not speaking up means we accept, we don’t care, and we don’t believe we can make a difference.  I believe we can make a difference, we can let those we elect know what we expect and that we deserve their attention.  Passive acceptance of disregard for our service and accomplishments communicates that we are not worthy of respect and dignity.  We must always speak up when we see wrong and disrespect.  We cannot disregard our obligation to take responsibility and to seek what is right.  Your NARFE membership is crucial to NARFE’s ability to speak up, to seek what is fair and worthy of Congress’s attention.  Please understand the importance of your membership and never take it lightly.  We cannot depend on others to be responsible for us.  We need to be vigilant if we expect to retain our earned benefits. Value your NARFE membership and ensure that you remain an active member.

 

     Jerry Hall
    fritz1313@hotmail.com

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