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Connect with us on Facebook
Take advantage of CTPF's social media presence to stay informed and up-to-date on important fund information.
Click here to go directly to CTPF's online registration page where you can register for e-mail updates.
CTPF online
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CTPF September E-News
Quick Look
No time to read? Here's a summary of the September E-News
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It's not too late to sign up....learn more about your fund and how you can protect your pension.
Open Enrollment for CTPF Retirees Starts Tomorrow
Enrollment books are in the mail and registration is open for seminars. Open enrollment runs through October 31.
2013 CTPF Board of Trustee Elections
Novem ber 8, 2013, CTPF will hold elections for 2 Teacher, 3 Pensioner, and 1 Administrator Trustee. Find additional information about elections and online voting options.
Download copies of the current retiree and active member Pension News, and read a recap of recent news releases from CTPF.
Ambassador Update  The Ambassador program will celebrate its first anniversary in October and it's already making an impact. Read more about training opportunities and plans for the rest of the year.
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 Your Pension Matters: Join us for the Pension FUNDamentals Online Webinar
Today, September 30, 2013, 4:30 p.m.
This webinar offers an overview of the fund, a review of the current legislative climate, and concrete steps you can take to help protect your pension. The presentation will last approximately 40 minutes followed by a live question and answer session.
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2014 Open Enrollment for CTPF Retirees Starts Tomorrow
CTPF retirees whose final teaching service was with the Chicago Public or Charter Schools, may qualify to enroll in a CTPF health insurance plan. A surviving spouse/child receiving a survivor's pension may also qualify. CTPF offers an Annual Open Enrollment period during October when retirees can:
- Enroll in a health insurance plan for the
first time - Add a dependent to a CTPF plan
- Change a health insurance plan or carrier
The CTPF Open Enrollment Period will be October 1-31, 2013. Changes made during Open Enrollment become effective on
January 1, 2014.
Handbook and More Information....
The 2014 CTPF Health Insurance Handbook and Open Enrollment Guide has been mailed to CTPF retirees. This guide is your primary reference material for 2014 Open Enrollment, so please read and review it carefully. Click here to download a PDF version of the Open Enrollment Guide.
You can also find information about Open Enrollment and health insurance plans on the Open Enrollment Central page.
Click here to go to CTPF's Open Enrollment Central.
2014 Insurance Costs....
CTPF Health Insurance Premium Subsidy
The health insurance premium subsidy for 2014 remains 60%
(certain limitations apply).
2014 Plan Costs
Click here for 2014 rates for members who are eligible for Medicare.
Click here for 2014 rates for members who NOT eligible for Medicare.
2014 Plans
If you are currently enrolled in a CTPF plan which is being offered in 2014 and you want to keep the same coverage, you do not need to take action. Your coverage will continue. The only plan which is not being offered in 2014 is the BCBS HMO Illinois for Medicare Eligible Members.
BCBS HMO ILLINOIS for Medicare Eligible Members
The BCBS HMO Illinois Plan for Medicare-eligible members will not be offered in 2014. After extensive review and evaluation, the plan was eliminated due to its high premium cost to value ratio. If you are enrolled in this plan, you will be transferred to the BCBS Supplement to Medicare plan effective January 1, 2014. You can continue to use your current physician under this plan. You have the option of selecting a different plan during Open Enrollment. Your dependents will be transferred automatically into the BCBS PPO or BCBS Medicare.
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Open Enrollment Assistance
2014 Open Enrollment Seminars: Register Today
Open Enrollment Health Insurance Seminars offer an overview of 2014 health plan choices and changes. Registration is required and space is limited. Call 312.641.4464 TODAY to register.
Tuesday, October 8
Chicago Cultural Center,  4th Floor, Sidney R. Yates Gallery
78 East Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
9:00 a.m. Medicare plans
1:00 p.m. Non-Medicare plans
Click here for Parking and Transit information for these seminars.
Thursday, October 10
H  ilton Oak Lawn, Ballroom 9333 South Cicero Ave.
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453
9:00 a.m. Medicare plans
1:00 p.m. Non-Medicare
Free parking onsite for the
Hilton Oak Lawn seminars.
CTPF Open Enrollment Central
CTPF's Open Enrollment web page at www.ctpf.org has links to plan providers, downloadable forms and other enrollment information. Click here.
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2013 Board of Trustees Elections
November 8, 2013, CTPF will hold elections for:
- Two Teacher Trustees to serve from November 2013-2016
- One Administrator Trustee to serve from November 2013-2016
- Three Pensioner Trustees to serve from November 2013-2015
Pensioner and Administrator Trustee elections will be held by mail with votes tabulated on November 8. The Teacher Trustee election will be held in schools and at CTPF on November 8.
We're Making the Leap to Online Voting
Last year the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) pi  loted secure electronic balloting in the Teacher Trustee Election. This year CTPF offered all schools the opportunity to vote online. Learn More about ONLINE Voting
Wednesday, October 16, 4:30 p.m., CTPF will host a Webinar for all active members interested in learning more about online voting in 2013.
Additional Information
Election questions may be directed to the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169.
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CTPF Fall Newsletters Now Available Online
The Fall 2013 CTPF Active and Retiree newsletters will arrive in mailboxes soon, but you can view them now at www.ctpf.org.
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Listeners who tuned in to 91.5 FM WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio, on September 18, had the opportunity to hear a live interview with CTPF Executive Director Kevin B. Huber. The interview discussed the state of the fund and highlighted how CPS underfunding has contributed to our current financial situation. The program aired during "The Afternoon Shift," hosted by Niala Boodhoo.
Click here to listen to the conversation.
CTPF Board of Trustees President  Jay C. Rehak Widely Quoted on Charter School Payments to CTPF CTPF Board of Trustees President Jay C. Rehak conducted several interviews after CTPF issued press releases about charter schools failure to fully fund pensions, and a new law protecting CTPF charter school members. Following are articles that resulted from the interviews and press releases:
September 19, 2013: Catalyst Chicago
"Charters to face steep fines for late teacher pension payments," writes Rebecca Harris, reporter. Click to read the story
September 19, 2013: Progress Illinois
"Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund Calls On UNO To Pay Its Fair Share," writes Progress Illinois, Ellyn Fortino, reporter
Click here to read the story.
September 18, 2013: Crain's Chicago Business
September 16, 2013: Chicago Tribune
"Teachers pension fund attacks largest charter operator," writes
Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, reporter Click here to read the story September 16, 2013: Progress Illinois "UNO fails to report all educators to teachers' pension fund," writes Progress Illinois.
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Your Pension Matters
CTPF Pension Fund Ambassador Update
A lack of State and Employer funding has drained resources from CTPF. Pension Fund Ambassadors are speak up and reaching out to help Illinois legislators understand that pension funding is vital, not optional.
The Pension Fund Ambassador program encourages our members to educate lawmakers and decision makers about the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund and the fund's legislative priorities. Legislators must hear the facts about the fund straight from our members. Ambassadors are already having an impact, but they must continue to share our message with legislators, online through the Legislative Action Center and in person.
Join Today
Nearly 2,000 CTPF members have already signed up for
and you will automatically be enrolled as a CTPF Pension Fund Ambassador.
2013 Ambassador Calendar
Several training sessions will be open to CTPF Members and
Ambassadors this fall.
September 30, 4:30 p.m. -- TODAY
CTPF Webinar: PENSION FUNDamentals
Join the webinar and learn more about CTPF and
your retirement security.
October 30, 9:30-11:30 a.m.CTPF Ambassador Training Session
Hands-on training session designed to help ambassadors learn to use the tools CTPF has available for educating legislators. Open to registered ambassadors. Training will be in the CTPF office. Call Member Services 312.641.4464 to register. November 1-4 In District Outreach Days
Trained Ambassadors will call on legislators in district offices in advance of the November veto session. November 19, 4:30 p.m.
CTPF Webinar: State of the Fund
An update on the Fund following the fall legislative session.
Open to all Members. December 19, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
CTPF Ambassador Training Session
Hands-on training session designed to help ambassadors learn to use the tools CTPF has available for educating legislators. Open to registered ambassadors. Training will be in the CTPF office. Call Member Services 312.641.4464 to register. More Information Visit our education and advocacy page to download additional information about the program and CTPF's legislative priorities.
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Legislative Update
 The 98th General Assembly adjourned on May 31, 2013, without taking action on pension "reform." Governor Quinn established a 10-member committee charged with developing a comprehensive pension reform bill for the State of Illinois pension funds. (CTPF is not a State of Illinois fund). State Pension Funds CTPF is carefully monitoring events in Springfield. Any agreement reached could be used as a model for our fund and others. CTPF will update members as issues or legislation develops. CTPF's Role The Illinois legislature determines the laws and rules that govern our fund. The CTPF Board of Trustees administers the law and protects the Fund's finances to ensure retirement security for all members. Current Legislative Priorities Review a list of CTPF's current legislative priorities on the Education and Advocacy page. Click here.
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Find it First on Facebook
The first place we post breaking news is on Facebook.
"LIKE US" on Facebook.....Click the Facebook icon
Then "Like" Us
and follow our posts, share them with others...
Your pension matters, share the message.
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Share Your News
Has your letter to the editor been published?
Have you been asked to comment in a story about your pension that has appeared in a local paper?
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CALENDAR
Trustee meetings, held in the CTPF office, are open to the public.
Please confirm meeting times/dates at www.ctpf.org.
September
30 4:30 p.m. CTPF Pension FUNDamentals webinar, click here to registerOctober
1 5:00 p.m., election nomination petitions due to CTPF 8 CTPF Open Enrollment Seminars
10 CTPF Open Enrollment Seminars
14 Columbus Day, office closed 24 9:30 a.m., trustee meeting (NOTE DATE CHANGE) 30 9:30 a.m. Ambassador training. Hands-on training session designed to help ambassadors learn to use the tools CTPF has available for educating legislators. Open to registered ambassadors. Training will be in the CTPF office. Call Member Services 312.641.4464 to register. November
8 2013 Principal/Administrator and Retiree Trustee elections conducted by mail ballot. Teacher Trustee Election conducted in schools and at other designated polling places 11 Veterans Day, office closed 19 4:30 CTPF webinar: State of the Fund, click here to register
21 9:30 a.m., trustee meeting 28-29 Thanksgiving holiday, office closed December
12 9:30 a.m., trustee meeting (tentative) 19 9:30 a.m., Ambassador training. Hands-on training session designed to help ambassadors learn to use the tools CTPF has available for educating legislators. Open to registered ambassadors. Training will be in the CTPF office. Call Member Services 312.641.4464 to register. 25 Christmas, office closed
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CTPF MISSION STATEMENT
To provide, protect, and enhance the present and future economic well being of members, pensioners and beneficiaries through efficient and effective management of benefit programs, investment practices and customer service, and to commit to earning and keeping the respect and trust of the participants through quality service and by protecting retirement benefits, in compliance with applicable laws and standards.
CTPF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lois W. Ashford, vice president
Tina Padilla, financial secretary
Raymond Wohl, recording secretary
Carlos M. Azcoitia
Jeffery Blackwell
Bernie Eshoo
Walter E. Pilditch
Mary Sharon Reilly
Jerry Travlos
James F. Ward
Andrea L. Zopp
Kevin B. Huber, executive director
Office/Mailing Information
Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund
203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1231
312.641.4464 p.
312.641.7185 f.
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official 2013-2014 school year by hosting a breakfast to honor and educate CTPF's Pension Representatives. This year, sixty-two schools were represented by a Pension Representative at the breakfast. Three online webinars served an additional 150 members. 
