Dear VTA Members,

Attached are some scenarios and estimates for 2014 heath care costs. Please remember, these are only estimates. Actual costs cannot be determined until after the open enrollment period is closed on October 11, then calculations can be made based on our members’ choices. We have provided this information so you can compare costs. You will of course also need to base your decision on personal health needs and preferences. This decision can be complicated, as there many options. Each individual and family situation is unique. This is a personal choice each member must make for him/herself.

You will see there is now a cost estimate for dental/vision coverage. The decision was made by Rep Council to calculate dental/vision and medical coverage costs separately, based on the percentage of the cap they represent.

Some important things to consider:

• All members should complete a Section 125 plan form through an Aflac rep in order to have premiums deducted pre-tax. Even members taking dental/vision only will need to do this for 2014. Aflac reps will be at sites throughout the next few weeks and also can schedule appointments at the ESC. Contact HR for more details.

• Members can switch to “in lieu of” for medical at any time with proof of other medical coverage. Members can also complete a form with HR to opt out of dental/vision coverage. However, there is no “in lieu of” for dental/vision.
• Members can pull dependents from their plans at any time.
• You can call/contact providers to check on availability of and shop for more affordable plans for dependents. You can also visit the www.coveredca.com website to see what is available and what you might qualify for through the Health Exchange.

Sincerely,

Moira McSweeney

Scenarios

Exec Board Agenda Oct.8

Bargaining update #9

Rep Council Meeting Minutes 9-24-13

Good morning, just a reminder that the deadline for VPEF Grants and for the Kimme Challenge is this Monday, September 30. Please see information below regarding both VPEF fundraisers.

The Vacaville Public Education Foundation is now accepting applications for Classroom Enrichment Grants.  These grants can be up to $500 a teacher, and are designed to help you bring some fun and enrichment into your classroom.  Grants can be spent on purchasing classroom materials, technology, services, or transportation.

Grants in the past have been used to purchase document cameras, lab specimens, books, and computer accessories.  VPEF grants have given students educational experiences like trips to the zoo, science and art venues. Many teachers have taken their classes to college campuses to get their students thinking about a college education.  Other teachers have used the Enrichment Grants to pay for artists and demonstrations in their classrooms. If you are in charge of a club, an Enrichment Grant could help you. If you have an idea for enriching your students’ education, we will consider it.

Two caveats:  grants must directly enrich student experiences, and the grants are limited to $500 per teacher.  However, several teachers may work together to apply for larger grants at $500 a teacher (2 teachers may apply for $1000, etc). Any questions can be sent to enrichmentgrants@vpef.org.

The Kimme Challenge 2013! 

Help us raise $20,000 or more for students and teachers in the Vacaville Unified School District!

Starting September 2013 Board Member and local columnist Ernest Kimme Challenges you to donate to VPEF and become a member! Ernest will match each and every donation up to $10,000 in September, it is that easy!

Any donation helps and is tax-deductible ($20 – $1,000). Please donate today and help us help teachers and students in Vacaville!

You can donate easily and securely online via PayPal here or you can mail a check with your contact information to: