CWA Local 4250 - Chicago

The CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter (RMC) welcomes you to our webpage. Can any of us truly feel financially secure when we retire? Will we continue to get health care benefits from our employers? Will our pensions continue to be safe? Will our Social Security and Medicare be protected or cut back and privatized? AT$T and corporations worldwide are greedily grabbing back benefits which the CWA and other unions have attained over many years of hard won contracts. We need your help to build a strong CWA Local 4250 Retired Members’ Chapter. By joining you can help us fight back against unprecedented corporate greed and their lobbyists, gluttonous politicians, the top 1%... and their lackeys in the main stream news media! Nationwide, local RMC members serve as guardians of the benefits that CWA and other unions worked hard to achieve in negotiations with our employers at the bargaining table and through legislation in Congress. Together, we must take on those who view retirees as expendable liabilities or people on an “entitlement program” that should be eliminated or privatized. We may be retired, but our activism as CWA members has not ended. You can be part of the growing army of tens of thousands of CWA retirees who are working with the Lifetime CWA Retired Members’ Council, through their Local RMC, to protect benefits and programs that are critical to our retirement – retiree health care, pensions, Social Security, Medicare and more. We also work to elect local, state and federal candidates who will pledge to protect middle-class Americans, not sell us out to corporations and the top 1%. CWA retirees are joining their Local RMCs for the same reasons that we organized with CWA as active workers. Many of the hard-fought benefits that we enjoy today, as both active and retired members, are never totally secure. By banding together we can sustain the collective strength of CWA to fight back against unprecedented corporate greed, lobbyists, flip-flopping politicians, and their news media servants. Working together through our Local RMC, we can strengthen CWA’s bargaining power with our employers and reinforce our influence in Congress as we preserve the bottom 99% of America!

Download copy of CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter Application Form in PDF format. CWA 4250 RMC dues are $10/year. Qualifications for membership shall be that the individual is a lifetime member of the CWA Retired Members' Council. (NOTE)CWA Local 4250 will pay the $25 fee for a Lifetime Membership to the CWA International Lifetime RMC Membership Council for all CWA Local 4250 RMC dues paying members.

Social Security OnLine	http://www.socialsecurity.gov/
Alliance for Retired Americans - A Strong New Voice for Workers and their Families!	http://www.retiredamericans.org
AT$T Retirees' Website	http://resources.hewitt.com/att.com
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)	http://www.pbgc.gov

Download copy of CWA Local 4250 RMC #210 Mission Statement in PDF format.

CWA Local 4250 RMC #210 Charter issued on January 23, 2003. Download copy in PDF format.

"Congratulations and welcome to the Alliance for Retired Americans. You are now an official chapter of one of the largest organizations in the United States. We look forward to working with you and your chapter to improve life for all older Americans." Download letter from Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance for Retired Americans and a copy of our Official Charter of Affiliation as an official chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans and the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans, in PDF format.

We're part of a growing army of thousands of CWA retirees who are working with our union to protect benefits and programs that are critical to our retirement - retiree health care, pensions, Social Security, Medicare and more. As Council members, we may be retired but we remain active in the life of our union. Because of the steady erosion in the retirement security of most Americans, we believe it's essential that we actively participate in the struggle to protect our benefits. Link to Website Below:

The Union Veterans Council will hold government officials, candidates and elected officials accountable to the needs of military veterans and their families. The UVC will make our positions on veterans' issues known to candidates for public office and support the appointment of labor-friendly veterans to government agencies at all levels. The UVC will also encourage union veterans to take leadership roles in other veterans' organizations and will strive to form coalitions and alliances with other veteran groups around union veterans' issues.

The Hanson McClain Retirement Network is pleased to announce that the Network has recognized CWA Local 6171 as bargaining representative for over 130 financial advisors who are affiliated with the Network. The Hanson McClain Retirement Network and its affiliated advisors specialize in retirement planning for employees of telecommunications companies. Use this resource of calculators and tables to find out answers to common financial questions, such as, "Retirement Planning", "Should I refinance my home mortgage?", "How can I save in a tax deferred IRA?", and "How long will it take to pay off my credit card?" Link to external website.

"Where To Go For More Info" is a one-stop reference guide for frequently called numbers, Website addresses and other important AT$T benefits contact information for ALL active and retired employees of ALL AT$T companies.

The AT&T Wireless discount available for retired legacy SBC, AT&T and BellSouth employees is 19% off the monthly recurring charge on the primary line of the AT&T Wireless consumer plan of your choice. Also, check the availability of AT&T U-verse in your neighborhood at www.uverse.att.com/availability. To order U-verse service and receive great discounted employee rates, click on this link to get started: http://uverseemployee.att.com/.Downloada PDF copy of the AT$T Retiree Employee Discount Policy

You're a boomer. The milestone of your 65th birthday may be here or just over the horizon. But you know zip about Medicare. Do you need it? What does it cover? When should you sign up? Lots of questions — but don't panic. You can get your head around Medicare with this guide to what you most need to know. Download Guide in PDF format.(NOTE: Large file, RIGHT CLICK and SAVE to Desktop to view/print.)

Video explains Medicare and Your AT$T Benefits

Video explains your AT$T Medical Plan

Q: Will the new health care law raise Medicare’s basic monthly premium to $247 in 2014, as a viral e-mail message claims? A: No, Medicare officials project the basic premium will be less than half that. But the law will eventually cause 14 percent of seniors with incomes over $85,000 a year ($170,000 for couples) to pay higher "income-related" premiums, up from 5 percent currently. Download more information below:

You can learn more about how to take medicines safely by reading this guide. It answers common questions about getting and taking medicines and has handy forms that will help you keep track of information. Keep this guide with your medicines in case you have any questions, concerns, or worries. Use the Wallet Card at the end. This guide was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE). Select MORE below to download the PDF print version.

have long argued that the impact of the Affordable Care Act is not nearly as big of a deal as opponents would have you believe. At the end of the day, the law is - in the main - little more than a successful effort to put an end to some of the more egregious health insurer abuses while creating an environment that should bring more Americans into programs that will give them at least some of the health care coverage they need. There is, however, one notable exception - and it's one that should have a long lasting and powerful impact on the future of health care in our country. That would be the provision of the law, called the medical loss ratio, that requires health insurance companies to spend 80% of the consumers' premium dollars they collect - 85% for large group insurers - on actual medical care rather than overhead, marketing expenses and profit. Failure on the part of insurers to meet this requirement will result in the insurers having to send their customers a rebate check representing the amount in which they underspend on actual medical care. This is the true ‘bomb' contained in Obamacare and the one item that will have more impact on the future of how medical care is paid for in this country than anything we've seen in quite some time. Indeed, it is this aspect of the law that represents the true ‘death panel' found in Obamacare - but not one that is going to lead to the death of American consumers. Rather, the medical loss ratio will, ultimately, lead to the death of large parts of the private, for-profit health insurance industry.

Included below are the new maximum taxable earnings, earnings limits for Social Security recipients, and SSI data. Click MORE below to access the OASDI and SSI Program Rates for 2012 released on October 24, 2011:

New evidence that the elderly have very different consumption patterns than the general population comes from the federal Interagency Technical Working Group that just reported on a new Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), a new methodology for determining the extent of poverty in the United States. The study group confirmed that medical out-of-pocket expenses for the elderly are a disproportionate part of their consumption. When the study group measured poverty based on the actual spending of Americans over the age of 65, they discovered that the poverty rate jumped from 9 percent to 15.9 percent.

Sandy Hausman looks at a new study on state trends for employer-sponsored insurance premiums and deductibles that found a 50 percent increase in premiums between 2003 and 2010, and a 63 percent increase in the employee share of the premium for a family plan. Also discussed are Affordable Care Act provisions that should help lower premiums. Download Podcast below:

Social Security belongs to the workers and their families who have worked hard, paid taxes in, and earned its benefits. Social Security did not cause the federal deficit, and its benefits should not be cut to reduce the deficit. The federal government found the money to bail out Wall Street; it must find the money to pay what it owes to Social Security. Today’s and tomorrow’s beneficiaries – children, people with disabilities, widows, widowers, and retired workers – deserve no less. Download Seven (7) principles of Social Security and Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security below:

Let's talk turkey - specifically about those turkeys who want to cut Social Security benefits. Specifically—The members of the Supercommittee, who are once again looking to cut Social Security’s mechanism to keep up with inflation—the COLA—as it looks for a way to reduce the deficit by $1.5 trillion. But why are they looking there? Social Security sure as heck doesn’t cause the deficit. Social Security's trust fund has a $2.6 trillion surplus right now. The program has enough income to pay everyone's benefits in full for another 25 years. If anyone tells you Social Security is going broke, they're blowing more smoke than a chimney. And cutting Social Security’s COLA would have a real impact on today’s retirees (as well as people with disabilities and other beneficiaries. Download MORE below to view video:

Affordable Care Act helps keep Medicare affordable The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Medicare Part B premiums in 2012 will be lower than previously projected and the Part B deductible will decrease by $22. While the Medicare Trustees predicted monthly premiums would be $106.60, premiums will instead be $99.90. Earlier this year, HHS announced that average Medicare Advantage premiums would decrease by four percent and premiums paid for Medicare’s prescription drug plans would remain virtually unchanged. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, people with Medicare also receive free preventive services and a 50 percent discount on covered prescription drugs when they enter the prescription drug “donut hole.” This year, 1.8 million people with Medicare have received cheaper prescription drugs, while nearly 20.5 million Medicare beneficiaries have received a free Annual Wellness Visit or other free preventive services like cancer screenings. “The Affordable Care Act is helping to keep Medicare strong and affordable,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “People with Medicare are seeing higher quality benefits, better health care choices, and lower costs. Health reform is also strengthening the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund and cracking down on Medicare fraud.” Download entire News Release below:

An increase in Medicare premiums will likely completely or partially offset the 3.6 percent Social Security benefit increase. Furthermore, the news is tempered by reports that the congressional “Super Committee” is considering changes to Social Security that will severely hinder retirees’ ability to keep pace with the rising cost of living. The panel may recommend a new statistical formula for future cost-of-living-adjustments, one that would grossly understate the growing financial pressures on retirees. What the proponents of the change clinically call a 'Chained-CPI,' is what millions of seniors would call ‘food, shelter, clothing.’ A recent study showed that, if this change took effect, a worker retiring this year, at age 65, would lose $6,000 in benefits by the time they turned 80. Social Security did not create our budget deficit – it is fully-funded by worker and employer payroll taxes. It is inexcusable for politicians who never met a tax break they didn’t like to try to balance the budget on the backs of current and future retirees. Click below for 2 ways you can take action to protect Social Security

2012 Annual Enrollment Is Coming. • Enrollment kits will be mailed to your last known home address • You can enroll On-line: http://resources.hewitt.com/att OR • Call a Service Rep at 1-877-722-0020 • You will need your User ID & Password (call if you don’t know it) Download flyer for more information below:

Effective January 1, 2012, approximately 3400 Midwest Legacy SBC & 3200 National Legacy ATT MEDICARE Primary Retirees will see a change in their Prescription coverage when CVS Caremark will begin to "electronically" co-ordinate benefits with Medicare PART B for SOME prescriptions drugs or supplies Details regarding this change are expected to be mailed out to impacted retirees mid Dec 2011.(without requiring a paper claim). Download entire notice below:

Brother Retiree Bob Tarqueno's sister, Barb Henley, suffered a brain aneurism and stroke on August 2, 2011. This has left Barb paralyzed on her left side. Insurance is not covering all the specialized home care and physical therapy she now needs and there are many mounting expenses to be taken care of. Please help by attending with Barb's family and friends at this fundraiser to help defray the cost of her care. Download flyer below for date,time, location and other information. All contributions will be greatly appreciated, no small amount is too small.

Will the new health care law raise Medicare’s basic monthly premium to $247 in 2014, as a viral message claims? It claims that "those of you who are on Medicare" can thank "Obamacare" for increases in the per-person monthly Medicare premium — "to a wonderful $247.00 in 2014." This is also false. The basic premium for Medicare Part B (which covers physician services) was indeed $96.40 in 2009. But the other numbers are all wrong. It was $110.50 last year, for example, and not $104.20 as claimed. And it is $115.40 this year, not $120.20 as claimed. Download the entire fact sheet regarding these lies below:

Download below for more information.

Download copy of the CWA Retired Members' Council Report to the 73rd CWA Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada July 11-13, 2011.

The chained CPI is a back door way of trying to balance the budget on the backs of America's seniors! It also hits TODAY's Social Security beneficiaries. Today's seniors need a HIGHER COLA, not a lower one. There has been NO COLA in the past two years. Download an Alliance for Retired Americans' FACT SHEET below: SHARE this FACT sheet with ALL your family, friends and fellow seniors.

CWA Convention Resolution: 73A-11-2 Adopted: July 12, 2011 Resolved: CWA will stand with seniors to protect Social Security and Medicare and will oppose all attempts to cut these important social insurance programs. Resolved: CWA will join together with our progressive allies in a campaign to oppose the Republican House plan to cut the federal Medicare program. As part of the campaign, CWA will work through our LPAT structure to get a strong CWA presence at congressional home district town hall meetings during the upcoming August 2011 congressional recess to drive home our united opposition to any plan that would reduce federal Medicare support. Download entire resolution below:

A 54-year-old today will have to save an additional $182,000 in their IRA or 401(k) before he or she retires to pay for the House Republican plan to dismantle Medicare, an analysis released Thursday by U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) found. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) estimated that individuals born in 1957 would need $182,000 by the time they retire at 65 to pay the additional costs imposed by the Republican plan if they live to 84. Download letter to Rep. Miller by clicking MORE below:

As you may be aware, in February 2011, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation changing the requirements of the Senior Ride Free Program. Download notice containing the upcoming changes to the Senior Ride Free Program and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the changes in PDF format.

Some of our RMC Chapters have taken the position that getting involved in politics is not kosher. That keeping up with member illness, talking about benefits or planning charity events is the only function of the chapter. HOLY SMOKES, ARE YOU WATCHING THE NEWS? Download CWA D4 RMC Newsletter #15 by clicking MORE.

"Terrified by bogus Republican claims of draconian Democratic cuts to Medicare, elderly voters propelled the GOP to an overwhelming victory last November. Voters 65 and over, the only age group to support John McCain in 2008, boosted their share of the turnout to 21% from 16% two years earlier. Nationwide, Republicans won seniors by a staggering 59% to 38%. But now safely in power, Republicans are betraying the same elderly Americans who put them there. In the House, GOP leaders are putting Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block. And in the Senate, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is threatening to shut down the government if they are not. And that's just the beginning of the GOP's "gut and privatize" betrayal of the elderly. Call it the Great Republican Double-Cross. On Friday, Minority Leader McConnell issued just the latest Republican threat to shut down the federal government if GOP demands aren't met. As the AP reported, McConnell's price for raising the debt ceiling (which his party did seven times under President Bush) is taking the axe to Medicare and Social Security now: Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell warned on Friday that GOP senators will not vote to increase the government's borrowing limit unless President Barack Obama agrees to rein in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, laying down a high-stakes marker just weeks before the debt ceiling is reached." Download entire article by clicking MORE below:

Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America. For more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org [1] or call 1-800-333-7212. I believe there are two issues retirees should pay attention to in 2011. Download entire article below:

Download The Alliance For Retired Americans - Friday Alert

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced that three million Medicare beneficiaries nationwide have received prescription drug cost relief through the Affordable Care Act. To date, three million eligible beneficiaries who fell into the drug coverage gap known as the donut hole during 2010 have been mailed a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check. The closing of the donut hole is just one of the ways seniors benefit from the Affordable Care Act. In addition to savings on prescription drugs, the law provides new benefits to Medicare beneficiaries when they visit their doctor starting this year: Download Press Release below:

At a time when many policymakers are debating different ways to reduce Social Security benefits, it is worth pointing out that these benefits are already modest and the portion of workers’ income that Social Security replaces is falling. In 2010, the average Social Security benefit was $14,052, less than the minimum wage for a full-time worker. The chart shows Social Security income replacement rates in 2002, compared with projected replacement rates in the year 2030. The income replacement rate, which was 41% in 2002, is projected to fall to 36% by 2030. Download entire article below:

House Republicans are wasting no time trying to repeal health care reform. The new Congress convened on Wednesday, and the House Rules Committee met on Thursday to report a rule to repeal the health care law. The full House voted today 236-181, largely along party lines, to move ahead to next week's final vote, which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12. The plan to repeal the health care reform law would increase the deficit by $230 billion by 2021, according to a preliminary analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. Because of the law, many important, positive changes to Medicare - such as free preventive screenings - went into effect on January 1. Those benefits, as well as a 50% discount for brand name drugs and 7% off generics for beneficiaries in the Part D doughnut hole, would disappear if the repeal were to become law. The doughnut hole is set to close entirely by 2020, but a repeal would change that. In addition, subsidies for early retiree health care would disappear. The 2010 law also extends the solvency of Medicare by 12 years. To see the Alliance fact sheet on 2011 Medicare changes and the complete Friday Alert, click MORE below:

The clock is ticking for health care reform. As Republicans take control of the House, defunding and eventually repealing one of President Obama’s signature legislative accomplishments are top GOP priorities. In addition, legal challenges against the individual mandate to purchase health insurance, due to take effect in 2014, are heading toward the US Supreme Court. At the same time, other pieces of the Affordable Care Act are phasing in, as scheduled. Beginning Jan. 1, the following provisions take effect: Download the entire article in PDF format.

1. I am about to turn 62 and plan to file for Social Security. How do I get started? You should apply three months before you want to start collecting. Sign up online or call 1-800-772-1213. Here are some documents you may have to produce: your Social Security card or a record of the number; your birth certificate; proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status; military discharge papers if you served before 1968; and last year's W-2 tax form or tax return if you're self-employed. Download all 25 questions in PDF format

The President’s Fiscal Commission suffered a defeat Friday morning, as 11 of 18 panel members voted to support their far-reaching deficit-cutting plan. However, 14 of the 18 members of the Commission needed to vote for it to make it an official recommendation, and Commission Co-chairs Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson acknowledged that Congress will not consider their work at least until next year. “Retirees temporarily dodged a bullet today when Commission members rejected their Co-chairs’ proposal to balance the budget on the backs of retirees,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance. Download entire Friday Alert, in PDF format.

The following statement was issued today by Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, in response to Alan Simpson, co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, calling today's seniors, "the greediest generation." "Alan Simpson's recent comments that the 'greediest generation' of seniors oppose his calls for reducing Social Security benefits and raising the retirement age are the latest in a long line of anti-senior slurs that sharply call into question his ability to objectively carry out the Commission's agenda. Moreover, his comments deeply insult all that this generation did for our nation, both at home and overseas. "The Alliance for Retired Americans calls upon other Commission members to denounce these remarks, and for Mr. Simpson to recuse himself from the panel's final voting, which may occur this week. Dwnload entire Press Release below:

The Fiscal Commission Co-Chairs’ Social Security proposals are an equal opportunity disaster. So soon after an angry electorate has expressed its frustration with a Washington political class that does not appear to be listening, it totally ignores the will of the people. Poll after poll has shown that Democrats, Republicans, and Independents reject the punitive cuts in America’s economic security that the co-chairs have proposed. Read more to find out the top ten problems with their proposals. Read More below:

Retirees received Annual Enrollment materials with incorrect enrollment dates. Please see the attached Labor Notice from the Company clarifying those dates. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. I can be reached by phone at (202) 434-1291, or via email at mflagge@cwa-union.org. In Unity, Martha Flagge CWA Representative

I want to share this statement from the White House about the Social Security Administration not providing a cost of living increase this year. You will see that President Obama is renewing his call for a $250 Economic Recovery Payment. If you agree with the payment program, let your member of Congress know ASAP! Download PDF file from Local 4250 RMC President Steve Tisza for more information and a link to WRITE your Representative

The bulk of our Retirees will probably fall into the FLEXIBLE RETIREE category and have enrollment dates of Nov 15 - Dec 31, 2010. Flexible retirees are those who retired prior to April 4, 2009 and have the same medical choices available to them. These retirees should also be notified by mail of their enrollment time frames (later in the year) and will probably only receive what is called a Confirmation of Coverage (COC). What this document is telling you is that if you do nothing; this is confirmation of the coverage that you will have beginning 1/1/11. READ THE COC CAREFULLY. Understand what it is you have so that you are not caught off guard after the first of the year. Download entire notice from CWA D4 Representative, Kristie Darling, in PDF format.

Effective January 1, 2011, United Health Care Insurance was dropped as one of ATT's traditional medical plan insurance carriers for most retirees. BC/BS of Illinois will become the only Medical Plan Administrator for the Legacy SBC/Midwest companies (except those w/Medical Expense Plan).Download entire Newsletter in PDF format.

10/18/10 Annual Enrollment BEGINS For RETIREES. Enrollment Worksheets will be mailed to home. * Download below for IMPORTANT Information

You are Invited to a: HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE CALL FOR SENIORS WITH VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN Date: Thursday, September 23, 2010 Time: 11:30 AM Eastern, 12:30 PM Central, 1:30 PM Mountain, 2:30 PM Pacific Dial in information: 888-455-9735 You are invited to join Vice President Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for a conference call and other senior administration officials to discuss the how the Affordable Care Act helps seniors on Medicare by lowering the cost of prescription drugs and free preventative benefits in Medicare as of January 1st 2011. We will also discuss the new Patient's Bill of Rights provisions which put an end to some of the worst insurance abuses and puts consumers, not insurance companies, in control of their health care. These provisions will kick in on September 23rd, six months after President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Please forward this invitation to your neighbors, leaders, members and partners. We encourage you to host a groups of seniors at your house, your senior center or other community setting to call- in to this important call. Note: this call is for background information only, and not intended for press. You do not need to RSVP for this call. In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza President CWA Local 4250 RMC DOWNLOAD*PRINT*COPY*FORWARD*POST TO ALL RETIREES

The Medicare and Social Security trust fund report that came out in August found that the health care reform law has strengthened Medicare's financial condition, with the program expected to remain solvent for an additional 12 years. Specifically, the new report says that Medicare will be able to fully pay its bills until 2029, compared with the last year's forecast of 2017. Also due to the impact of health reform, beneficiaries' Medicare premiums and cost sharing will be reduced. In additions, trustees say that Medicare's shortfall over the next 75 years - a time frame that the trustees are required by law to consider - has decreased substantially, from the nearly 4 percent of taxable payroll in last year's report to 1%. "The new health care law includes a groundbreaking number of reforms that will modernize the Medicare delivery system, making the program a smarter purchaser of healthcare that rewards value over volume," said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance for Retired Americans. Trustees reported that Social Security will remain solvent through 2037, the same year as was forecasted in 2009. Download complete letter in PDF format.

Download in PDF format

July 30 is the 45th anniversary of Medicare, a milestone for a true American success story that has helped reduce senior poverty by two-thirds. This year is an especially happy birthday for Medicare because the new health reform law makes it easier for seniors to afford to see a doctor, fill a prescription, and receive free preventive screenings and tests for serious diseases. But as the President of the Alliance for Retired Americans, I am concerned that too many retirees remain skeptical and unaware of these new benefits. This is the shameful legacy of sustained scare tactics and falsehoods aimed at older Americans during the health care debate. So forget about Sarah Palin and the 'death panels' she warned you about. Here are a few facts about the new health law: Download entire article by: Barbara J. Easterling, President Alliance For Retired Americans in PDF format.

Attached is an AT&T Labor Notice. Please read it carefully so you can respond to questions from affected Retirees. To summarize: Retirees with retirement dates between 3/1/90 and 12/31/07 were inadvertently not enrolled in an HRA in January but will now have HRA accounts established for them with SHPS, AT&T's HRA administrative vendor. The welcome letters will notify participants that their accounts have been established. They will also contain vital information for participants, such as how to access their account, determine account balances, file claims and how to determine what healthcare expenses are eligible for reimbursement. A claim form and contact information for questions or additional information is also included. Eligible expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2010 will be reimbursable. The Welcome Letter and Claim Form are attached to the Labor Notice. If you have any additional questions, you can contact me by phone at (202) 434-1291, or via e-mail at mflagge@cwa-union.org. In Unity, Martha Flagge CWA Representative

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony and Presidential Visit - President Barack Obama will deliver the Memorial Day address at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery's 11th Annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 31, 2010. A prelude to the official ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. The official ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. All Memorial Day activities will be held at the main flag pole within the cemetery. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Because of the uniqueness of this year's ceremony, all visitors need to be aware of the following changes: Download PDF flyer for important information

Below you will find some facts regarding the Healthcare legislation provided by the CWA Research Department. In addition, a separate document providing additional information is attached.

Last Tuesday, the Alliance marked Older Americans Month by releasing its latest voting record, a new report detailing the 2009 votes of every U.S. Senator and Representative on key issues affecting current and future retirees. The document is available at: MORE Below:

CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter (RMC) members were asked recently to contact their U.S. Senators regarding the ongoing Senate debate about financial regulation. The following letter was sent to CWA Local 4250 RMC Secretary/Treasurer Gina Gabe. In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 RMC PS: Thank You Gina for taking immediate action and sharing Senator Bayh's response with us. Download Letter from Indiana US Senator Evan Bayh in PDF format

Download complete Newsletter in PDF format

This notice is to remind you to mark your calendar and make plans to attend our next CWA Local 4250 RMC meeting on: Thursday April 22, 2010 11am (changed from 10am) at CWA Local 4250 Union Office 3055 Glenwood-Dyer Road Lynwood, Illinois This is a member's only meeting, so please make sure your dues have been paid for 2010! Download meeting NOTICE in PDF format

I would like you to take a moment and call your Member of Congress (202-224-3121) with the message: "Retirees are struggling to get by and cannot afford to wait any longer. It is time to pass health care reform." Congress has a chance to make smart investments in preventive care that will keep us healthier and spending less money. Health insurance reform will be good for both our physical health and our fiscal health. Call your Congressperson TODAY!

CWA District 4 RMC Newsletter and IMPORTANT Information regarding Non-Payment of Monthly Healthcare Premiums. Download copy in PDF format

CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter (RMC) extends our best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2010. We hope you had a wonderful Holiday season with your family and friends. As we enter the New Year, we are again asking for your support. Corporations worldwide have been very successful in greedily grabbing back benefits which Unions have attained over many years of hard won contracts. We need your help to build a strong Retired Members' Chapter to fight back against this unprecedented corporate greed. Please complete the enclosed membership application and return it to the Local Union office with your $10.00 annual dues. Make check payable to CWA Local 4250 RMC, The deadline for your 2010 membership is February 15th. Dues will now be effective January thru December. (If you have already sent in your dues, thank you and disregard this notice)Download letter for Time and location of Local 4250 RMC Membership Meeting, in PDF format.

Enclosed please find the AT$T Labor Notice given to us today announcing another Company mistake. The mistake was that Comparison Charts mailed to Medicare Retirees claimed annual physicals were 100% covered under BC/BS Non PPO and according to the Company they are not covered at all. The Company offers those Medicare Retirees impacted the opportunity to change plans (if they so desire) prior to December 31, 2009 by calling Hewitt (1-877-722-0020) and making the change. JUST REMEMBER: The ALTERNATIVE PLAN has higher deductibles, higher co-pays and higher out of pocket amounts. Download IMPORTANT information in PDF format.

1-877-722-0020 is the enrollment number. If the retiree does NOT KNOW THEIR PIN/PASSWORD - call and say I don't know it when the recording prompts you. Wait for a service rep and s/he will help you. You will need to know name, address, date of bith, date of retirement (month and year) and SSN to gain access to the rep. Download clarifications regarding MISTAKES in Retiree Annual inrollment packages in PDF format

Enclosed for your convenience is the 2010 (Legacy SBC/Core Contract) Retiree Rx Deductibles, Co-pays and Out of pocket Maximums. Reminder: Capped Retiree applies to those who retired on or after 1/1/93 but before 4/4/04. Those references to recently retired are those who retired on or after 4/4/04 and are now also considered capped retirees. The two co-pays listed under Capped 2009 reflect the difference amounts for capped (post 93 retirees) and "recent 04" retirees. Medicare eligible retirees and those who choose the new Alternative Medical Plan have separate deductibles & copays and are listed separately. (Everyone else is listed under Uncapped Bargained) It is also my understanding that even though there is no scheduled cola increase for Social Security payments this year; most retirees will not see a Part B premium increase. + For those of you have enrolled in Care Plus; there is no increase in that premium either. It is still $1/Single and $2/Family. + The working spouse contribution of $40/month is also eliminated effective 1/1/10. KD:mc opeiu2/afl-cio

Annual Enrollment BEGINS For AT$T Midwest RETIREES on November 4, 2009. Enrollment is Paperless - CALL REP or go ONLINE TO ENROLL. Download below for more information.

Your Legal Rights Might Be Affected If You Fall Into One of the Following Three Categories: 1. Retirees of an SBC Company (including, but not limited to Ameritech, Pacific Telesis, Southern New England Telephone, and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and any predecessor) who were eligible to receive a Telephone Concession after they retired while residing outside the SBC Service Area anytime from January 31, 2003, to October 1, 2005; or 2. Current or former employees of any SBC Participating Company with more than five years of service with an SBC Participating Company as of June 1, 2005, who were eligible or may become eligible to receive an Out-of-Service Telephone Concession after they retired (if he/she could meet the age and service requirements to receive Telephone Concession as a retiree, through additional service with an SBC Company); or 3. Members of the immediate family of any person in Group 1 or Group 2, including surviving spouses and the retiree dependents (and including Registered Domestic Partners of Pacific Telesis employees and retirees) during the time that SBC had a policy to provide employees of such SBC Participating Companies with a Telephone Concession after retirement. A Federal Court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer. You have not been sued. Download NOTICE OF PENDENCY OF CLASS ACTION in PDF format.

Bargaining having just been completed; this fall actively employed members and some retirees should expect to see changes in their open enrollment materials with regard to their Medical Plan. Changes will be effective 1/1/10, but can be reviewed in the enrollment package beginning this fall. Download CWA District 4 Retired Members' Chapter Newsletter for September 2009 in PDF format.

The CWA/AT$T Midwest Contract was recently ratified by CWA District 4 members and contains important modifications to current retiree healthcare benefits effective January 1, 2010. Although AT$T Legacy T (C&T) negotiations are ongoing, AT$T will be notifying retirees by letter of unilateral changes to current Legacy T retiree benefits effective January 1, 2010. As a result of these AT$T retiree healthcare changes, there will be a meeting of the CWA Local 4250 RMC to explain these changes and available options. DATE: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 TIME: 11:00 AM Location: CWA Local 4250 Union Office 3055 Glenwood-Dyer Road Lynwood, Illinois In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250

IMPORTANT HEALTHCARE CHANGES FOR CURRENT LEGACY T RETIREES: AT&T will be notifying retirees, both grandfathered and non-grandfathered, by letter. The letter contains a commitment that these will be the plan benefits for the years 2010-2012 unless changes in the law dictate change. CWA is also getting a written commitment. Grandfathered retirees will not be impacted by any of the changes. Grandfathered retirees are those that retired before 3/1/1990. Attached is a chart that specifies the benefit options for your current retirees and a question and answer document. These will be the plan designs that are offered to CURRENT retirees. These plan designs will not change since AT&T will not negotiate over the provisions. AT&T will bargain over FUTURE retirees. In the Midwest and West agreements the CWA committee did bargain the creation and funding of Health Care Reimbursement accounts for current retirees. The accounts will receive funding dollars in year one and year two of the contract. The total amount over two years equals $1000 for singles and $2000 for families. Health Care Reimbursement Accounts are non-taxable, gain interest and the dollars can roll over between calendar years. Your bargaining team will also have the option of negotiating offsets for the current retirees. Download current C&T retiree change information in PDF format.

8/17/09- Please read cover letter from Kristie Darling, CWA D4 representative. The following documents pertain to AT$T MIDWEST RETIREE BENEFITS effective January 1, 2010. I hope you find them helpful in determining the best choices for you. In the event you need assistance you may contact the current CWA Local 4250 Vice President, Liz VanDerWoude. You may leave a message for her at the union office (708) 757-4065 and she will get back to you as soon as possible. There are NO CHANGES in retiree benefits if you retired BEFORE 01/01/1993. In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250

Here are the 2009 Retiree Prescription Drug Co-Pays and Out of Pocket Maximums. Remember that Rx co-pays apply to all Retirees regardless of when they retired; however the amount is different if they retired on or after 4/4/04 which is the section entitled Active and Recently Retired. All other retirees come under the first section entitled Retired Capped and Uncapped. From: Kristie Darling, CWA Representative. Download PDF file below.

October 18, 2008 The C&T office received the following Labor Notice from AT&T a few moments ago. The error detailed by the notice impacts only Medicare-eligible Retirees. Other Covered Charges (OCC) coverage for Durable Medical Goods goes into effect when the Plan Participant and/or their Dependent, becomes Medicare-eligible. Basic coverage is provided at no cost to the Participant. However, if the Participant elected an increased level of coverage, a small monthly Premium is deducted. Two problems have been identified. (1) The Company has deducted premiums for base coverage in error, and (2) the Company has deducted premiums for increased coverage from Retirees who are no longer in the Traditional Indemnity Plan. As you will read, 174 Retirees have been impacted by the errors. The Company mailed letters out today, October 17, 2008, and more will be mailed on Monday, October 20, 2008 indicating when refunds will be paid. A copy of the letters is attached to the Labor Notice. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know via e-mail at mflagge@cwa-union.org, or by phone at (202) 434-1291. Rose M. Banks Secretary II Communications Workers of America 202-434-1292 (office) 202-434-1308 e-mail: rbanks@cwa-union.org

Joseph W. Korotenko, retired former Secretary-Treasurer CWA Local 4250, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2008. I do not have any information on funeral arrangements as yet, however, a memorial service is planned in the near future at the Darrel D. Bonner VFW Post 11014 in Meadview, Arizona where Joe was recently elected as Judge Advocate. He was also the webmaster for the VFW website. Download PDF for more information

This is the first issue of CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter (RMC) #210's Newsletter, a Newsletter by and for CWA retirees. The purpose is to provide news and information in support of CWA RMC member's issues and concerns and to recruit new members to our chapter. Download copy of complete newsletter in PDF format.

Illinois lawmakers approved and Governor Rod Blagojevich has signed into law, through an amendatory veto process, free rides on fixed routes for seniors aged 65 and older living in the RTA's service region. Who is eligible? · Senior citizens aged 65 or over living in the RTA service region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) are eligible for free transit on fixed routes operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace. · To take advantage of the free transit, seniors must have the senior reduced fare card to get a free ride. Download PDF file below for more information

We got a great response to our membership drive, thanks to all of you who joined. We now have a core group of retirees with union values. Let's stay connected and help each other in our retirement! We are a resource unto ourselves and our union. For those who misplaced or haven't taken the time to return their application, I'm attaching another one. Please take a moment now, to join our RMC. Also, please send me the e-mail or street address of any other retirees who may be interested in joining, as our membership drive is ongoing. The next RMC meeting is scheduled for April 10, at local 4250's union office in Lynwood starting at 12:00. Download directions and copy of membership application. Thanks Everyone, Gene Condren President RMC4250

Nick Mangiaracina was a charter member of the CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter (RMC). After his valiant seven year battle against a debilitating and terminal disease, Nick passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2008. Download PDF file for more information.

The financial well-being of average Americans is under assault. Rising economic inequality and increasing economic pressure on the middle class from globalization, the decline in unionization, and bad public policies are threatening the financial security of average Americans in ways we haven't seen in more than 60 years. Download entire article in PDF format.

You are cordially invited to attend a meeting of the CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter #210 on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at Twelve Noon. The meeting will be in the Local 4250 Union Office at 3055 Glenwood-Dyer Road, Lynwood, Illinois. If you have any agenda items please e-mail Gene Condren, President CWA Local 4250 RMC, prior to the meeting date. (GeneCondren@yahoo.com)Refreshments will be served following the meeting. Download map for directions to the Local 4250 union office below.

Download copy of CWA District 4 RMC November 2007 Newsletter in PDF format.

There will be Local 4250 Retired Members' Chapter meeting on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at the Local 4250 union office. Download NOTICE for more information and a map to our new Local 4250 union office location in Lynwood, Illinois.

In order to be eligible for the pension increase, the retiree MUST have retired prior to 1996, and be receiving monthly pension payments of $1,200 or less. All Legacy Companies are included. Enclosed is the Retiree Appeals Process Flow Chart [Special Retiree Pension Increase].Download letter from CWA District 4 Benefits Representative for more information.

Intended for at$t/SBC/Midwest Retirees ONLY. "This letter is to notify you of an upcoming change in the way "split family" retiree populations will make medical plan elections during 2008 Annual Enrollment. The term "split family" refers to a family where at least one person is Medicare-eligible and other covered family members are not. Historically, a retiree would make one medical plan election for himself/herself and it would determine the enrollment for his/her dependents. Beginning with Annual Enrollment for 2008, "split family" retirees will make two separate medical plan enrollment elections:" Downletter letter to Kristie Darling, CWA District 4 Benefits Representative, in PDF format.

Attached is a copy of the "AT&T Pension Plan Important Update on Employee Pension Benefit Plans and Programs" SMM, which may be accessed from home on http://access.att.com beginning Monday evening, August 27, 2007. Also attached is the cover letter regarding an Ad-Hoc Pension increase for certain retirees.

"For the first time in its 72-year history, the United Automobile Workers union is entering national contract talks with more retirees than active workers in its ranks. "Moreover, the union, not the companies, would be in charge of administering the huge fund, and would have to face tough choices if health care costs climb precipitously." These retired workers are unable to vote on the next union contract, but they can cast ballots in elections for local union officials, who will be charged with the task of selling whatever deal the union comes up with to workers still on the job." Download entire article in PDF format.

Download recent letter written by Karen Gatto, retired CWA Local 13550 President from Pittsburgh, regarding AT$T's refusal to bargain an increase for current retirees pensions. The last pension increase was in 1998.

This BCD issue became a dispute when our 2004 Retiree Agreement said employees who retired on or after 1/1/93 would have higher co-pays than that of those who retired prior. The good news is that we were able to prevail; get the BCD reset to its appropriate date effective October 2005 and [co-pay] refunds are being issued as we speak to 320 retirees equaling approximately $10,000. Download copy of notice in PDF format.

Download AT$T Corp active and retired employee Medical and Dental Benefits, efective January 1, 2007, from the December 2005 Contract, in PDF format.

A statement was mailed from SHPS to those Retirees who pay Life Insurance premiums via payroll deduction. The statement advised Retirees that they need to forward the amount of their January premium to SHPS to avoid discontinuation of coverage. Retirees who receive this billing statement should forward their January payment to SHPS as soon as possible. Future Life Insurance premiums will be deducted from your pension checks. Download memo for CWA C&T office in PDF format.

SBC Retiree annual benefit enrollment began on October 27, 2005. Retirees will only get an enrollment kit if they are REQUIRED to enroll or a benefit they had is no longer offered [i.e.: HMO]. If an enrollment kit is received; the Retiree MUST enroll during the above time frame. Download notice for more information and on-line link to enroll now.

Medicare will begin offering prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2006. If you are covered by Medicare, you can expect to begin receiving information from insurance companies and health plans that want to sell you Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you already have a prescription drug plan through your former employer, you will also be receiving information about that plan from them. You may have to take action depending on what your former employer says. Download flyer, in PDF format, for more information.

"Individual situations vary, so it's important that you take the time to learn about each program to ensure you are well-informed before deciding whether to enroll in the Medicare prescription program at this time. Download an At-A-Glance comparison chart, in PDF format.

"Because you already have retiree prescription drug coverage from a former employer or union, you may not need or want to join a Medicare drug plan, especially if it would affect your retiree prescription coverage. Download this informative PDF document to help you decide if you should do anything other than keep your current retiree prescription drug coverage and the new Medicare prescription drug coverage, and tells you what information you should consider.

CWA is fast attempting to get some education in terms of what our Retiree’s should expect with the Medicare Part B/Prescription law going into effect the first of the year. Download PDF file for more information.

Download a copy of the SPRING 2005 edition of "Journeys", the official publication of the CWA Retired Members' Council (CWA/RMC), in PDF format.

download important information regarding SBC retiree telephone concession services in PDF format.

As most Americans began the Labor Day holiday weekend, federal health officials held a late-afternoon breifing to announce that the 42 million disabled and elderly Medicare beneficiaries will be hit with the largest premium increase in 15 years. Download complete article in PDF format.

Letter from CWA District 4 Retired Members Council in PDF format.

As a result of the recent round of negotiations with AT$T, the Company has agreed to establish a variable workforce comprised of Communications Technicians who retireed/VTP'd from AT$T and who would be willing to work full-time or part-time for a union contrcator, Tucker Technologies. Download complete letter in PDF format.

It's time for collection of our yearly dues. Please make checks, $10.00/year, payable to: CWA Local 4250 Retired Members' Club. Membership cards have been mailed to all dues paying members. Download letter from RMC President Jerry Duplesys in PDF format.

The attached 2004 SBC Important Benefits Information Guide contains useful information for all retired employees of SBC Midwest who participate in the Ameritech Medical Expense Plan (MEP). Download this useful tool to get answers you may need. File is in PDF format.

NRLA President asks, "With friends like AARP, who needs enemies?" Download Press Release in PDF format.

October 2003 GAO Report includes testimony before the Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate. Download complete report in PDF format.

Washington- Congressional negotiators on the Treasury-Transportation Appropriations bill reportedly reached a deal last night to prevent President Bush from implementing his proposed "cash balance" pension regulations that would have led to deep cuts in the monthly pension checks of millions of older employees. External link to Congressman George Miller (D-CA) Press Release on Thursday, November 13, 2003.

"To begin, those of us in a leadership position in the CWA retiree movement have an enormous task ahead of us. Not only are we in a difficult negotiating position on future pension increases for retirees there is also an overwhelming likelihood that employers, whomever we worked for, will be making a major effort to shift medical cost to the retirees as well as undermine our existing medical coverage in the future." Download entire letter from Ed Creegan, National Chair CWA/Retired Members' Council regarding Belltel Retirees' Organization recruiting drive.

The Annual CWA Retired Members' Council General Membership Meeting will be in the Hyatt Regency Hotel - Regency Ballroom A on Sunday, August 24, 2003 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. All members of the Local 4250 RMC are urged to attend. Please download/print a registration form, fill in the blanks and fax to Helen Gibson by August 5, 2003. For detailed convention information, download a copy of the "CWA CONVENTION TIMES" which is on the "Home Page" directly under the picture of the Local Union Office. Both files are in PDF format.