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CTPF September E-NEWS
Quick Look
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Click on the links for more information.
Highlights include:
- Open Enrollment for retirees begins October 1
- President Rehak Speaks to North Side Rotary
- CTPF Return to Work Rules
- Pension Payment Schedule
Open enrollment for 2015 will run October 1 - 31, 2014. Members can now register for October Open Enrollment seminars and webinars.
 An election for 2 Teacher Trustees
will take place on November 7, 2014.
 Pension Rep Information
Today is the last day to register a voting preference and to turn in 2014-2015 credentials forms.
Education and Advocacy Update Find out how you can share support for your CTPF pension by becoming a Pension Fund Ambassador.
Important upcoming dates and events.
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2015 Open Enrollment for Retirees Begins Tomorrow
CTPF offers health insurance benefits to retired members whose final teaching service was CTPF, and their eligible survivors/dependents. 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 is October 1-31, 2014. Changes made during Open Enrollment become effective January 1, 2015.
Once in a Lifetime Rule Waived
Eligible members and their dependents may enroll in a CTPF health plan once in a lifetime, unless they experience a qualifying event. CTPF will make an exception and allow all qualified members and their dependents to enroll in CTPF plans during the 2015 Open Enrollment period, October 1-31, 2014. This exception is being made to accommodate members who may be impacted by changes to CTPF's outside rebate program.
Watch Your Mail for the Handbook....
The 2015 CTPF Health Insurance Handbook and Open Enrollment Guide was mailed to CTPF retirees on September 22. This guide is your primary reference material for 2015 Open Enrollment, so please read and review it carefully.
Click here to download a PDF version of the Open Enrollment Guide.
2015 Plan Changes and Updates
Click here for a summary of changes for Medicare and Non-Medicare plans that become effective on January 1, 2015.
 Need help with open enrollment? CTPF's Open Enrollment seminars and webinars offer an overview of 2015 health plan choices and changes. Seminars and webinars include the same content, and are designed to provide the information you need to make an informed decision about your 2015 health care. Find more information here.
President Rehak Speaks at North Side Rotary
CTPF Board President Jay Rehak spoke to the Rotary Club of Chicago/Far North in late September. He described to the Rotarians attending that CTPF depends on reliable funding from both CPS and the state, and suffers from a lack of it. Rehak also made the point that retirees contribute actively to the North Side's local economy. The Rotarians thanked President Rehak for his insight and wished him success in restoring the plan's financial health.
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Open Enrollment Assistance
 The Open Enrollment Period for 2015 health insurance will be October 1-31, 2014. During Open Enrollment, retirees can enroll for the first time, add a dependent, or change a health insurance plan or carrier.
CTPF's Health Insurance Open Enrollment Seminars and Webinars offer an overview of 2015 health plan choices and changes, and are designed to make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision about your 2015 health care. Webinars will be held October 1 and 2. Seminars will be held on October 7 and 9. Registration is required for all seminars and webinars. Click here to register for a Seminar (Oct. 7 or 9).
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Tuesday, October 7
Chicago Cultural Center,
2nd floor, Claudia Cassidy Theater
78 East Washington Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
9:00 a.m. Medicare plans
1:00 p.m. Non-Medicare plans
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Thursday, October 9
Hilton Oak Lawn
Ballroom
9333 South Cicero Ave.
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453
9:00 a.m. Medicare plans
(session full)
1:00 p.m. Non-Medicare
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Open Enrollment Webinars: October 1 and 2 Members who prefer not to travel can access the same information presented in the seminars during an online webinar. You must have a PC or Mac computer to access the webinar and advance registration is required.Two different webinars will be offered, one for Medicare Eligible members and another for Non-Medicare eligible members. Medicare Eligible Members Webinar This webinar will offer information for members who are Medicare eligible or will become Medicare eligible in 2015. Non-Medicare Eligible Members Webinar This webinar will offer information for members who are not Medicare eligible (generally under age 65).
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Webinars Well Attended
More than 150 Pension Representatives attended one of four online webinars during September. The webinars included general information about the role of Pension Reps and information about conducting the November 7, 2014 election.
"We are very pleased with the online turnout for this program," said Frances Radencic, election coordinator. "It's much more convenient for our members to logon rather than travel downtown on a Saturday."
Members who attended a webinar and conduct the election on November 7, 2014, receive a $100 stipend in December.
Today is Last Day to Register for Online Voting
CTPF encourages Pension Reps to "go green" and register to vote online in the 2014 CTPF Teacher Trustee Election. Today is the last day to register for online voting. If you have not already done so, please click the link below to register your voting preference. You must be a credentialed Pension Representative to register.
Last Day to Turn in Your Credentials Form
If you have not already done so, please turn in your credentials form for 2014-2015. If you have already submitted this form, thank you.
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Teacher Trustee Election
Friday, November 7, 2014
2014 Teacher Trustee Election
Friday, November 7, 2014, CTPF will hold an election for two Teacher Trustees to serve from November 2014-2017.
Candidate Eligibility
A candidate for Teacher Trustee must be a current contributor employed in the CPS system for a minimum of 10 years, and hold an Illinois State Teaching Certificate.
Nomination Packets
Nomination packets are now available. Members interested in running for office should contact the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169 to request a packet. Candidate eligibility will be verified before the packet can be issued. Completed nomination packets must be returned by
5:00 p.m., tomorrow, October 1, 2014.
Voting Options
The Teacher Trustee Election will be conducted in schools and at other designated polling places on Friday, November 7, 2014. Schools will have the option of voting online or with traditional paper ballots. Pension representatives will poll their staff and register their school's voting preference by September 30, 2014.
Additional Information
Election questions may be directed to the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169.
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 Education and Advocacy Update....
Fall Seminar Registration Open
CTPF will offer an Ambassador training session on Thursday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. in the CTPF office. Attend this session if you have registered as an ambassador but have not attended a training session previously.
This hands on training session is designed to help ambassadors learn to use the tools CTPF has available for educating legislators. CTPF will send a confirmation e-mail with parking and transit information. Please note, this session will repeat information from previous sessions and is intended for members who have not previously attended an Ambassador training session.
What Can You Do Now?
Ready to make an impact? Many members have asked what they can do right now to help preserve their benefits and advocate for CTPF pensions. You can visit, call, fax, or e-mail local elected officials to share your opinions about pensions. Here are some ideas:
1. Join the Pension Fund Ambassador Program
Ambassadors reach out to elected officials to share their stories and help legislators understand that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past.
2. "Like US" on Facebook
Legislation or events that may impact your pension can happen quickly. Oftentimes the first place we post information is on Facebook. Make sure you "like" us on Facebook to stay informed and up-to-date. 
Our publication, Mistakes of the Past, gives a history of funding for CTPF and illustrates the damage that pension "holidays" have caused. Share this with a legislator.
Do you know who represents your interests in Springfield? If the answer to that question is "no" you can logon to our Legislative Action Center. The Legislative Action Center is a one-stop shop where you can find information about your elected representatives, track legislation, and e-mail legislators.
Your Pension Matters: Tell Your Legislators
CTPF's education and advocacy webpage at www.ctpf.org has other tips and documents that you can bring to a meeting, including our Economic Impact Statement and individual information sheets for each Illinois legislator. Share information and make an impact.
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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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CALENDAR
Trustee meetings, held in the CTPF office, are open to the public.
Please confirm meeting times/dates at www.ctpf.org.
5:00 p.m., Trustee Election nomination petitions due to CTPF
2015 Open enrollment begins.
10:00 a.m. Open Enrollment Webinar, Medicare eligible Members. Register at goo.gl/Tcbfyc 2 10:00 a.m. Open Enrollment Webinar, Non-Medicare eligible Members. Register at goo.gl/PVB6v9 7 2015 Open Enrollment Seminar, Chicago Cultural Center, 2nd Floor, Claudia Cassidy Theater, 782 East Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. 9:00 a.m. Medicare Plans 1:00 p.m. Non-Medicare Plans 9 2015 Open Enrollment Seminar, Hilton Oak Lawn, Ballroom, 9333 South Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois, 60453. 9:00 a.m. Medicare Plans (session full) 1:00 p.m. Non-Medicare Plans 13 Columbus Day, office closed 16
23 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting 31 2015 Open Enrollment ends.
Teacher Trustee Election in schools.
11 Veterans Day, office closed
20 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
27-28 Thanksgiving holiday, office closed December 25 Christmas holiday, office closed
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CTPF retirees who return to work must follow rules established by the Board of Trustees to comply with Illinois law.
