To the Editor:
As council leader of PEF Division 320 at University Hospital in Syracuse, I am asking PEF members throughout the state to help two of our members. Both of these nurses are coming to the end of their sick leave entitlement because of unforeseen medical events and they need donations of leave.
Anne Klaczo had cancer previously and it was thought to be in remission. Unfortunately it has returned and she is at present receiving treatment. We are hoping and praying that she will be able to return to us after her treatment.
Janet Hummel required a surgical procedure and is at home recovering and receiving physical therapy.
If you are willing to donate some of your vacation accruals to them, please contact Linda Mazzone in our human resources office at 315 464-4943.
PETER BANKS
Syracuse
Pension COLAs have been leaving him flat
To the Editor:
Page 13 of the November Communicator states, “NY state retirees who qualify for a COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) to their pensions are now receiving a bit more in their pension checks.”
My wife and I both retired from state service in 2002, more than six years ago, and have not seen a penny of a COLA.
Can you please explain this statement? Thank you.
WILLIAM LLOYD
Newport
Editor’s Note: In most cases, to receive a COLA to your state pension, PS&T members must be age 62 or older and have been retired for five or more years. You also could qualify if you were receiving a disability pension from the state Retirement System for five or more years, regardless of your age.
The Retirement System will notify you when you have met the requirements for receiving a COLA. Once the adjustments start, the benefit will continue automatically and be adjusted every September.
Wants news about change at Empire Plan for 2009
To the Editor:
The recent issue of The Communicator reported on changes in Empire Plan benefits for 2009. It has come to my attention that Value Options will no longer manage mental health benefits for Empire enrollees.
In 2009, mental health benefits will be administered by OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions/United Behavioral Health. When does PEF intend on notifying members of this change? What will this change mean in terms of benefits for enrollees currently receiving mental health care and enrollees seeking care in the future?
ROBERT DEUTSCH
Wingdale
Editor’s Note: The pending change in the administrator of the Empire Plan mental health and substance abuse (MHSA) benefit is reported on page 10 of this issue. Changes in the MHSA benefit for 2009 were reported in the chart on page 14 of the November Communicator. News about your health benefits is also posted here.
The Communicator Letters policy
We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste.
Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification.
Send letters to thecommunicator@pef.org:
The Communicator
Public Employees Federation
P.O. Box 12414
Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414
Email to Sherry Halbrook, Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief
