Outlook Newsletter Fall 05

2005·0.51 MB·English

by  Massachusetts Port Authority

Outlook
Published by the Massachusetts
Port Authority Employees’
Retirement System (MPAERS)
Vol. 6, No. 2
Fall 2005
FOCUSING ON RETIREMENT ISSUES FOR MASSPORT EMPLOYEES PAST AND PRESENT
Retirement is Serious Work: Retired Couple
Aids Poor in the Dominican Republic
Travel journal submitted by Massport retiree Chung-Li Ling
M ost people go to – essentially a shoe bag with and making the room very hot. prescriptions at a feverish
the Caribbean different medicines in each When there was a breeze, it pace while trying to explain,
for vacation pocket). The first clinic was brought relief from the heat above the noise of the crowd,
and fun in the sun. Retiree set up in a seven-room school but also dust which covered the proper usage of each
Chung-Li Ling and his wife house in Altagracia, a village everything. medication. Mothers were
May, a nurse, went there for a about 10 miles outside of town. When rain came on yelling at their children and
different reason this summer. Most of the houses in this the second day the dust babies were crying because
They spent a week in the village have corrugated metal disappeared but the field medicines were being forced
Dominican Republic with 11 roofs and walls made from the became muddy and those into their mouths. In the
nurses from Massachusetts as bark of palm trees. waiting were anxious to midst of the cacophony
part of a Health Development get out of the rain. Crowd Chung-Li thought this
Team sponsored by the Care for the Sick management was essential, must be just like a county
Massachusetts Nurses The team examined over especially on the last day when fair compared to what the
Association (MNA). 600 people in the 2 1/2 days people knew there was no tsunami relief workers had to
The trip was organized by the make-shift clinic was coming back tomorrow. contend with.
Mercy Ships, a global charity set up. With the help of A torrential downpour
which is guided by religious Spanish interpreters, trained Healing Amidst Chaos lasted almost all day Sunday
principles and operates a fleet volunteers taught the visitors As triage slowed down turning streets into rivers and
of hospital ships that bring basic hygiene and sent them to the pharmacy became enforcing a badly needed day
hope and healing to the poor in triage stations to be evaluated more hectic. Nurses filled
— Continued on page 6
developing nations worldwide. by the nurses.
They also organize volunteers Two local doctors who
to staff land-based health were familiar with native
clinics in various parts of the conditions and culture
world. volunteered to work with
the team. Nurses worked
Setting Up Shop alongside the doctors and
The MNA group took a four- wrote down the prescription
hour bus ride from the airport and treatment orders. The
in Santo Domingo to Barahona most common problems were
in the southwest end of the head lice, malnutrition, and
country about 40 miles from skin rashes.
the border of Haiti.
The next morning the Difficult Working Conditions
team divided tasks (sorting The “mobile pharmacy” shoe
items, making sandwiches, and bags hung from the windows, Massport retiree Chung-Li Ling is shown here performing
stocking a “mobile pharmacy” effectively blocking any breeze crowd control duties at the clinic.
Retirees’ Corner
Medicare Part D Update:
Prescription Coverage Remains the Same
I n the last issue of drug coverage through your You may also consider
Outlook we told you about Massport health plan. attending a Medicare Part
the federal government’s D information session such
rollout of Medicare Part D for Low Income Exception as the SHINE sessions listed
prescription drug coverage There is an exception for below. Note that many
and promised to update you in people who have very limited agencies, drug companies,
the fall as to how this affects income and assets (for single health insurers, etc. will be
Massport retirees. people, the limit is $11,500 in offering education on this
Now that we know assets and $14,355 in annual subject and it is important
more we can tell you that income; for married couples to be aware of any bias or
your prescription drug the limit is $23,000 in assets conflict of interest that the
coverage will not have and $19,245 in annual income). presenter or sponsor may
any major changes People who fall into have. If possible it is best to
this year and you don’t this low-income category attend sessions linked to your
have to do anything could possibly benefit from local office on aging or elderly
at all. enrolling in a Medicare commission.
Most Medicare Part D drug plan. For more For questions about
eligible retirees should not information contact the your current health benefits
sign up for a Medicare Center for Medicare and please contact your insurance
Part D drug plan because Medicaid Services (CMS) provider or call Loren Riley in
you already have at 1-800-MEDICARE or Massport’s human resources
comprehensive prescription 1-800-633-4227. office at [phone].
SHINE Program Sheds Light on Medicare Part D
SHINE Program
Medicare Part D T he SHINE program While most Massport reviews their present coverage to
Information Sessions
(Serving the Health retirees should not enroll in a avoid unnecessary duplication,
Information Needs of Elders) Medicare Part D prescription informs seniors of their rights
October 18th
at the Boston Commission drug plan, some low-income under Medicare and makes
Neighborhood Health Plan
on Affairs of the Elderly is seniors may benefit from referrals when appropriate.
253 Summit Street
hosting Medicare Part D enrolling and should consider Certified SHINE counselors
5th Floor
presentations to provide non- attending a SHINE information provide confidential counseling
Boston
biased information about session or similar educational free of charge.
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
the federal government’s event. These sessions are being
new prescription drug The SHINE program held in Boston. For more
October 27th
plan and help seniors wade ensures that seniors receive information you can call (617)
Forbes Building
through the paperwork and accurate, non-biased information 635-3243. If you don’t live in
545 Centre St.
marketing materials that regarding health care options. Boston, call 1-800-AGE-INFO
Jamaica Plain
many will see in the coming SHINE helps seniors understand to locate a SHINE counselor or
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
months. their health insurance needs, similar program near you.
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For Your Benefit
Staying Warm This Winter
T hese cold New You also might consider
Fuel Assistance Programs
England winters joining an oil co-op. Oil
can seem even co-ops are buying groups
harsher when faced with high formed to help consumers
• The Department of • United Way Boston
heating costs. Oil prices have get fuel at a reduced rate. Housing and Community (limited assistance to
already increased significantly For a list of oil co-ops in Development Boston Area residents)
since last winter and with the Massachusetts contact the toll-free HEATLINE 1-800-231-4377
1-800-632-8175
effects of hurricanes Katrina Division of Energy Resources
• Citizens Energy
and Rita it is expected that (DOER) at 1-800-351-0077 or
• Salvation Army’s Good 1-877-JOE-4OIL
some will have difficulty www.mass.gov/doer.
Neighbor Energy Fund
paying their home heating bills The DOER web site 1-800-334-3047
this winter. also posts the average prices www.magoodneighbor.org
Help is available through for gasoline and oil. For
a variety of fuel assistance year-round energy solutions
programs, some of which are check out MassSave at www.
listed to the right. MassSave.com.
Retirement’s
Additional Funds Needed for Hurricane Relief
Upcoming
Seminars
T his fall we witnessed Relief organizations like organizations, the American
one of the largest natural the American Red Cross and Red Cross and the Salvation October 27
disasters in American history Salvation Army have already Army. Social Security
with the devastation brought raised millions of dollars but Overview
by Hurricane Katrina and they still need millions more American Red Cross Presented by the Social
worsened by Hurricane Rita. to help people recover from ☎ 1-800-HELP-NOW Security Administration
Hundreds of people died this incredible tragedy. : www.redcross.org 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
and hundreds of thousands There are many wonderful ✍ P.O. Box 37243 * Logan Office Center
were displaced from their organizations working Washington, D.C. 20013 Training Room
homes. Providing relief and on hurricane relief efforts
rebuilding the city of New and your donation can be The Salvation Army November 18
Orleans along with other used to provide shelter, ☎ 1-800-SAL-ARMY Holiday Bliss or Blitz
hard-hit locations in Louisiana, food, counseling and other : www.salvationarmyusa.org Learn how to increase
Mississippi, and Texas will assistance for those affected ✍ Hurricane Relief Fund * holiday joy by lowering
require billions of dollars. by these storms. If you would P.O. Box 36627 holiday expenses
like to make a contribution Dallas, Texas 75235 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
If you are a Massport
towards hurricane relief, be Logan Office Center
employee, check with
sure that you are donating to a Training Room
HR about having your
reputable agency as incidences * If you mail a check, write
donation matched
of fraud have been reported. “hurricane relief” in the memo Call Lisa Allen Brown at
in accordance with
For your convenience we section of your check to be sure [phone] for more
Massport’s Charitable
information. You must
are listing contact information your funds are earmarked for that
Contribution Program.
pre-register to attend.
here for two major relief purpose.
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Web Watch
For those of you who have access to the Internet, there is a wealth of information to be found there. In this
section we highlight web sites that we have found helpful, informative, interesting or just plain fun.
A Measure of Good Health
Your body mass index (BMI) is a measurement
of your body fat based on your height and
weight. Calculating your BMI can help you
determine if you are at a healthy weight or
at risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood
pressure and other weight-related health
problems. The National Institutes of Health
Body Mass Index calculator at www.
nhlbisupport.com/bmi allows you
to compute your BMI and get information
on controlling your weight including how
to select a weight loss program, a guide to
physical activity, help with portions, as well as
Transitions
recipes and a menu planner.
❦
Condolences
Would You Be Ready to Evacuate? We regret to inform you
With the recent storms in the Gulf Coast that the following retirees
many of us have thought that we should have passed away:
be better prepared in the event of an ❦ Daniel Callahan
emergency, but it’s hard to figure out ❦ Louis King Jr.
where to start. How much bottled water
do we really need? What other items are We also offer our
important to keep close at hand? What condolences to the family
if I am separated from my loved ones? and friends of Matthew
Get answers to these questions and more at www.ready.gov, the U.S. Department of Lane and Hassan Battah,
Homeland Security’s disaster preparedness web site. two Massport employees
who passed away
recently. Please keep
One-Stop-Shop for Government Benefits them in your thoughts.
Retirees can get connected with government
programs that provide various types of financial
★
assistance by completing the applicable surveys Congratulations
found on the National Council on the Aging The following people
web site called BenefitsCheckUp at www. retired recently and we
benefitscheckup.org. One survey deals wish them all the best for a
specifically with Medicare Prescription Drug successful future:
Coverage and another survey can help you find ★ Walter Buhler
programs that assist with rent, property taxes, ★ Thelma Kealey
heating bills, meals and other needs. You may ★ Norman MacDonald
qualify for benefits and not even know it. ★ Mallory Maloney
★ Chuck Monahan
★ Yvonne Pierce
* Legal note: The Retirement System is not responsible for the content of these web sites or for the accuracy and
completeness of the information contained in them.
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Book Corner
Hit the Books This Fall
The retirement library at Logan Office Center houses a wide variety of books on personal finance topics including
retirement planning, saving, budgeting, investing, estate planning, homebuying, and basic money management themes.
Stop by and check them out. Here are a few examples:
The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom Suze Orman’s Financial Guidebook
by Suze Orman Put the 9 Steps to Work: Overcome Your Fears,
This classic best-seller discusses money Plan For Your Future and Be Financially Free
management but also talks about the emotional Suze Orman’s guidebook offers a hands-on
side of personal finance and how to overcome approach to the previously mentioned The 9 Steps
barriers to financial freedom. Instead of to Financial Freedom. In this workbook the 9 steps
chapters, the book is divided into nine steps are divided into exercises to help you deal with
including “Step 1: Seeing How Your Past Holds your fears and take
the Key to Your Financial Future” and “Step 3: control of your financial
Being Honest with Yourself.” Orman covers a future. Some examples
lot of ground with practical advice and a great from the guidebook
amount of insight. include: examining
your money memories,
actions to rid yourself
of debt forever, and
a cheapskate quiz,
among other things.
Part-timers,
Did You Know?. . .
If you are a part-time
worker at Massport your
The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need retirement creditable
by Andrew Tobias service is pro-rated based
If you want to learn about the basics of on the actual hours you
investing or just want to brush up on a few work. However, under
things, this popular author walks you through the law, if you work
the world of investing in language that’s easy part-time for your entire
to understand with a little humor thrown in career in public service
for good measure. Chapters include: “A Penny you are entitled to full-
Saved is Two Pennies Earned,” “Meanwhile time creditable service
Down at the Track,” and “What to Do If for retirement purposes.
You Inherit a Million Dollars; What to Do For more information
Otherwise.” contact the retirement
office at [phone].
5
Calendar
Retiree Chung-Li Ling’s
wife May is shown here OCTOB E R
dispensing medicine from
26 Retirement checks mailed
the “mobile pharmacy.”
26 Retirement Board Meeting:
Logan Office Center
Board Room, 9:00 a.m.
DOMINICAN-continued from page 1
of rest, although there was no 30 Daylight Savings Time Ends
water for showers. Usually, at – Set clocks back one hour
the end of each day the team,
all sweaty and sticky, piled on 31 Halloween – Trick or Treat!
the bus to return to the hotel,
NOVEMBER
hoping the water was turned
on so they could take a much were clothed but some were a totally strange environment
3 (Eid) al Fitr
needed shower, even if it was naked. Again, more than 600 doing things they had never
just a cold one. people were examined in two done before. It was a great
8 Election Day – Vote!
days. The team had to set up a experience.
Another Day, Another Clinic “satellite station” on the front
11 Veterans’ Day: Massport
Monday was business as porch of a neighboring house Editor’s Note:
offices closed
usual. The team set up shop to accommodate the crowd. We are amazed by the energy and
in a community health clinic The week went by selflessness of this retired couple!
18 Retirement Board Meeting:
in Villa Estella not far from quickly and when it was Not everyone can travel the world
Logan Office Center
the hotel. Even though the time to leave on Wednesday providing relief to the poor, but
Board Room, 12:00 p.m.
clinic was located in a more there was a lot of hugging we know many other Massport
urban area, it was practically and vowing to keep in retirees are doing interesting
24 Thanksgiving Day:
bare and lacked tables, chairs touch. It was amazing that a things as well. Please share your
Massport offices closed
and adequate lighting. People group of people who hardly stories with us! Call Lisa Allen
were lined up on both sides knew one another worked Brown at [phone] or e-mail 25 Retirement checks mailed
of the street. Most of them together so harmoniously in [email protected].
DECEMBER
Retirement Board & Staff
7 Pearl Harbor
Remembrance Day
Outlook is published quarterly by the Massachusetts Port Authority Employees’ Retirement System (MPAERS)
One Harborside Drive, Suite 200S, Boston, MA 02128, [phone]
21 Retirement Board Meeting:
E-mail Outlook: [email protected]
Logan Office Center
Board Room, 9:00 a.m.
Managing Editor Retirement Board
Lisa Allen Brown James P. Costello, Chairman
25 Christmas Day, Hanukkah
[email protected] David W. Davis, Elected Member ([email protected])
Michael A. Grieco, Appointed Member begins at sundown
Design Leslie A. Kirwan, Treasurer-Custodian (ex officio)
Colvin/Williams, Inc. Philip H. Mallett, Elected Member ([email protected]) 26 Kwanzaa begins

Contributors Retirement Office Staff
27 Retirement checks mailed
Chung-Li Ling Irene E. Moran, Director of Retirement ([email protected])
Sheila Lehane, Boston Elderly Nancy Bournival, Financial Analyst ([email protected])
* Meeting schedules are
Commission Lisa Allen Brown, Retirement Communication Specialist
subject to change.
([email protected])
Laura S. Barbosa, Retirement Coordinator ([email protected])
6