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Important Messages
AFGE News for Federal Employees Spring 2008 The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has had legislation introduced to push the federal government to increase the government contribution to the Federal Employees Health BenefitsProgram (FEHBP) so that more feds can afford health insurance.The AFGE-backed bill would FEHBP is the nation's largest employer-sponsored health insurance plan, covering eight million federal employees, retirees, and their dependents. Despite the size and its potential leverage over theinsurance and pharmaceutical industries, the federal government has not used this opportunity to make the program more affordable for federal employees.The government can do better for its workers. Other large employers pay more than 70% and in some cases more than 80%. Even some federal offices pay 85%, such as the Postal Service and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). AFGE will continue to educate lawmakers to garner their support for this important bill and we won't back down until the problem is fixed. But we need your support to make it happen. Join AFGE today to make your voice as strong as it can be. If we get everyone together, we can win! The government's contribution is currently capped at 75%. The average contribution, however, has been 70% in the past few years. As a result, more than 250,000 federal employees are uninsured because they can't afford the FEHBP premiums. increase FEHBP funding by allowing the government to pay up to 83% and increasing the average contribution to 80%. The bill, H.R. 1256, was co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, No Fed Should Be Left Behind American Federation of Government Employees 80 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 * (202)737-8700 * Fax (202)639-6490 * www.afge.org Say Yes to AFGE. Together We Can Make Health Care Affordable! The Federal Employees’ Health Insurance Program is in Critical Condition How high will your costs rise? 1. “Fact Sheet: Costs Facing Average Americans,” the U.S. Office of Personnel Management 2. Kaiser Family Foundation, Employer Health Benefits 2003 Annual Survey Higher health insurance premiums. Federal employee health insurance premiums have increased 49% over the last four years as the government has shifted more costs toworkers and their families. Higher deductibles and co-payments. Out-of-pocket health care costs continue to go up, even though wages for federal workers have stagnated. Higher corporate profits. Insurance companies and HMOs are reaping huge profits at the expense of federal workers HC 09/04 Get the Facts. Get Involved.You Can Make a Difference. American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO www.wemakeamericawork.org An Important Message from AFGE 49% 34% 50% Management refuses to use the power of the federal government to negotiate lower premium prices and better coverage for federal employees. See anything wrong with this picture? UNION MEMBERS HAS ITS BENIFITS BONDREWARDS Earn US savings bonds every time you shop online. CREDIT CARD Low- rate balance transfers, competitive rates, no annual fee, member advocate program. YOUR FICO SCORE Members save 15% when they order their FICO score and valuable credit information. SECURED CREDIT CARD Establish or re-establish credit. No application fee. Graduate to a regular credit card. CREDIT COUNSELING PROGRAM Free credit counseling session, budget management assistance. ONLINE TAX PREPARATION Save up to 50% of similar services. Free for low income members (adj. gross of $52,000). MORTGAGE & REAL ESTATE Buy, sell or refinance a home. Layoff and disability assistance. By phone or in person. First-time homebuyer’s program. MOVING VAN DISCOUNT Great rates on full-service moving vans through Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines. PET SERVICES PROGRAM 10% discount on pet health insurance 40% discount on cost to join Pet Assure 25% discount from 2,900 selected veterinarians COLLEGE FINANCING Provides information about loans, scholarships, how to select a school, prepare for college-entry tests, and much more. Scholarships JNS Scholarship for the National Labor College Union Privilege Scholarship UNION BOOKSTORE Great prices at AFGE’s online bookstore. FLOWER SERVICE Save 20% when you send floral arrangements, wreaths or gift baskets. ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM Get your BA or Master’s online at your own pace at a special discount from Grantham University. ON-LINE TRAINING PROGRAM Over 1,200 courses Increase your job skills and build your resume Study at your own pace MINDSPRINTING Low cost online math and reading tutorial for grades K-9. FEDERAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES Members can access and apply online for federal job opportunities from 25 federal government agencies. HOME COMPUTERS, CAMERAS, HDTVS Discount Dell computers Discount on Apple Computers, iPods Discount Internet Service Provider Computer and more by payroll deduction.No credit check and 0% interest LEGAL SERVICE Free consultation up to 30 minutes 30% discount on legal services No monthly or annual fee HEALTH SAVINGS Reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. High and low options. Discounts on: prescriptions vision care dental care hearing aids diabetic supplies foot and ankle care HEALTH CLUB DISCOUNTS Discounts on new health club memberships atover 1,500 health clubs. CAR RENTALS Savings on daily, weekly and weekend car rentals. Budget National Avis Hertz THEME PARKS DISCOUNTS CONDO RENTAL DEALS RV RENTAL DISCOUNT DEEP SEA CRUISE DISCOUNTS VACATION TOURS Discount travel packages to worldwide destinations. Additional $100 discount. PINNACLE MOTOR CLUB For $1 a week, members get an auto club whose benefits exceed most AAA Plus plans. AUTO BUYING PROGRAM Including RV’s, boats, motorcycles, commercial, agricultural, and more. GOODYEAR TIRE & AUTOMOTIVE Discounts on auto repairs and service, Discounts on tires DISCOUNTS Union-made clothing Union made checks ConsumerReports.org AT&T Wireless ENTERTAINMENT DISCOUNTS Movie Theaters DVD and VHS rentals Broadway shows Sporting events Ski tickets Zoos and more INSURANCE Dental Insurance in most areas Professional Liability Insurance Free Accident insurance Term Life Insurance Universal Life Insurance Auto Insurance COSTCO Get low warehouse prices on thousands of high-end, brand-name products and services. Members receive free products valued at more than $40 when they join. By using one or two of the programs, many members save as much as their annual dues. Programs are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, 80 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 Toll-free Benefits Line: 1-888-844-2343 In DC: 202-639-6941 / Fax: 202-639-6451 No union dues are used to provide these benefits. For up-to-date information, visit www.afge.org AFGE-ORG-08/08
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AFGE LOCAL 2650 
