Seventeen members of the Fayette/Madison County Public Employee Retirees Inc. met at the Commission on Aging for the bi-monthly meeting.

President Sylvia Hildreth called the meeting to order and asked everyone to stand and say the pledge of allegiance. She introduced Cheryl Royster, director of social service, from Fayette County Memorial Hospital. She informed the group about advance directives, including a living will declaration, health care power of attorney and a relatively recent DNR comfort care. She handed out those forms to everyone and encouraged them to be sure to have someone help to fill them out. Ask your doctor for advice on filling out the DNR Comfort Care. Sylvia thanked Royster and introduced Cheryl Stockwell, director of the Commission on Aging.

Stockwell is a volunteer with OSHIIP, Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. She informed the group that despite what we have heard from OPERS, members should check with One Exchange to check their insurance for next year. It could easily go up in price and we need to know which insurance has the best cost for each member.

She also suggested not using the reimbursement fund in case the insurance costs rise and the reimbursement fund could cover it for you.

The president thanked both ladies for all the information and started the business meeting. Jeanne Immell gave the secretary’s report. Connie Watson gave the treasurer’s report.

Sylvia gave the president’s report. She reported that nine members went to the State PERI Annual Meeting. All members should be receiving an enrollment packet from OPERI anytime. Open enrollment for medical and drug coverage begins October 15 until December 7. Members must go through One Exchange to make any changes. Plan F in the medical insurance will not be available in 2020. It will be switched to Plan G, in which you will have to pay a $166 deductible. Kendra from OSHIIP will be at the Commission on Aging on Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. Members who are interested are welcome to come to find out about Medicare and drug options. HRA is available two years after death.

Sylvia asked for a nominating committee to get a president and a secretary. Sharon Irons and Marilee Peterson volunteered.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Nov. 30, 2016 at the COA at 12:30 p.m.