Why am I talking about all this? – Because, making life changes is not easy for any of us, but at some point we need to decide to get healthier for the sake of ourselves, our family, and especially for our loved ones.  Each year we have members with Cancer and I am always excited to see them when they return to work with a clean bill of health and in remission.  I know health and death are not things people like to talk about, but I hope you are all aware of the following:

All CTA Members qualify for death benefits though CTA Members Benefits.  Go to the website, www.cta.org to update your beneficiary.  Also, you can pay for additional insurance for both Disability and Life Insurance from the CTA sponsor program; The Standard.  You can enroll at any time, but you will have to submit health records and could be denied based on your current health status.  ESTA will have open enrollment for the Standard, where you do not have to submit a doctor’s records.  This is happening at this time next year and we are only eligible for open enrollment every 4-5 years.  I have signed us up for November 2009 which is the earliest we can take part in this valuable opportunity.

All NEA Members qualify for a death benefit called the; NEA Dues Tab.  You can also pay for additional life insurance through this program as well.

School districts typically issue salary paychecks for certificated employees monthly.  Although regular pay for an employee stops at the time of death, the spouse or estate of the deceased may be entitled to collect a special paycheck for the elapsed work days of the last month.

Check out the STRS website too, www.calstrs.ca.gov for details concerning member deaths. Many variations exist in plans for STRS benefits paid for survivors - Most of these depend upon choices made by the STRS member prior to his/her death.  You can also obtain a form to update your beneficiary information in the event you were recently married or divorced.

What I have learned by all this, is that it is so important to keep your records updated and that it is never too late to change your health program.  Our new provider, Ceridian Lifeworks, gives counseling for a variety of things that can assist you to living a healthier life.  Give them a call at 1-877-510-0556, to learn more about their programs.  Check out the ESTA website under EAP (Employee Assists Program) for more information.

                 So, as we all give thanks this Thanksgiving, I want you all to look around the table and appreciate the family and friends that are with you.  Encourage them to make life changes that will keep them around the table next year and many more years to come.

This year has been an emotional one for all of us.  I definitely want to say thank you to my Executive Board members who have given numerous hours to our membership this year in promoting healthier lives and brighter futures.