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BENEFITS |
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BENEFITS How do I know what is available? We have our scholarship program through WASCOE but did you know that there are many federal educational programs available to students. Another website, http://www.studentjobs.gov/e-scholar.htm, linked from OPM’s USAJOBS website, contains hundreds of federal government-funded educational scholarships, fellowships, grants, internships and cooperative programs. New programs are posted daily. OPM predicts a shortage of knowledge within the next few years and the federal government is encouraging students to consider federal careers. What new or improved benefits do we want? NASCOE continues to work toward the federal government picking up a greater share of our health insurance premium so that we compare more favorably to the private sector. Our efforts will also address the inequity of sick leave not counting towards years of service for FERS employees. Another item that affects many FEHB participants is that college age dependents are ineligible for coverage when they reach 22 years of age. This termination of coverage is by law and it would take congressional action to change the age limit or to make any exceptions for students. Please also visit the USDA Employee Service and Recreation Association site, for more benefits available to all USDA Employees. SUMMARY OF BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO NASCOE MEMBERS NASCOE offers the following benefits to its members. It is the member’s responsibility to carefully consider their individual needs and to compare as many sources as they deem necessary before making any financial commitment. CANCER INSURANCE: Central States of Omaha (CSO), American Heritage Life, and AFLAC through J. M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). The new CSO Cancer policy offers many new benefits not offered by any other company and the cost is one of the best available in years. The new $100 wellness benefit is just one of many excellent benefits with the CSO policy. SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH/ HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE: Intensive Care - offered by CONSECO, Central States of Omaha, American Heritage Life, or AFLAC through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). Provides daily benefits paid directly to the policyholder for any stay in intensive care. HOSPITAL INDEMNITY: through American Heritage through J.M. Marketing, offsets co-pay charges required by other insurance coverage, pays directly to insured, intensive care available. LONG TERM CARE POLICY: Mutual of Omaha through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). This new policy is designed for long-term nursing and home care income. A special 20% discount to NASCOE members is provided. DISABILITY INSURANCE: Offers short term disability and pays up to 40% of your salary beginning after the seventh day off work and pays up to two years. The 40% is to insure the payment will not create a problem with other payments for disability. LIFE INSURANCE: Guaranteed Issue-American Heritage through J.M. Marketing(1-800-330-6223) is available for spouse and children only if the NASCOE member first options the coverage. Offered on open enrollments at various times. FINAL EXPENSE POLICY: This $10,000 whole life policy is an easy issue final expense policy. DRUG CARD: Prescription Offers an excellent discount on prescription and mail orders. ACCIDENT/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT: Accident-American Heritage through J.M. Marketing(1-800-330-6223). It pays in addition to other coverage, hospitalization, covers dislocations and fractures, disability income for primary insured, accidental death and dismemberment benefits. PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL: ***NEW*** Roadside Assistance Package offered through JM Marketing. Nation Safe Drivers, rated #1 by JD Powers & Assoc. in towing and emergency roadside assistance. Tire, battery, and lockout service plus many others. Insures the driver. An outstanding new benefit at exceptional rates offered exclusively to NASCOE members. ***NEW***PrePaid Legal Services Inc. - JM Marketing is now authorized to process applications for PPL Services, Inc. Various legal work including legal document review, will preparation and management, and trial defense services are just a few of the services that a network of over 100,000 lawyers nationwide may be able to help you with. Basic average cost in most states is less than $16.00 per month. Vision-Specs: through J.M. Marketing (1-800-330-6223). Savings on all eye care purchases and eye exams at over 1,600 participating optical outlets. Professional Liability: Wright & Company (1-800-424-9801). Specifically designed for Federal employees to assist with legal costs, damages against you, suits by other employees or the public. Legal Counsel: NASCOE has secured legal counsel which will be available to its membership at the direction of NASCOE to advise and consult with individual employees or their counsel concerning specific employment problems. This period of consultation is limited to one hour of time. To receive this benefit, a NASCOE member must be referred by the STATE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT through the respective Executive Committeeperson to the NASCOE President or his designee. Under special circumstances, such as a conflict of interest, NASCOE Vice President, may be contacted directly. DISCOUNTS FOR THEME PARKS - Six Flags Park discount cards, and Busch Gardens/Sea World Park discount cards should be requested through the State Benefits Chair. State Benefit Chairs will pass on these request via e-mail to their respective Area Benefit Chair. Area Chairs have the discount coupons on hand for those amusement parks located in their respective area. Area Chairs will coordinate with each other to get discount coupons to a member outside of their area. NASCOE has discount cards available for just about any major theme or amusement park you might be visiting in the United States. These should be requested several weeks in advance of your scheduled trip. Long Term Health Care The following are important points to consider when making Long Term Care Choices:
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