MAR News

–SCAM ALERT–

 
With all of the issues concerning the COVID-19 vaccination signups, scammers are now trying to take advantage, targeting seniors.
 
The scammers are using telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms and door-to-door visits to perpetuate scams. The warning said fraudsters are offering COVID-19 tests, HHS grants and Medicare prescription cards in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information.
 
Please read the article attached below concerning this scam, and please be careful! If you have any questions about the information, please feel free to contact me at MAR.
 
As always, NEVER give out your Social Security Number or Date of Birth!! Should you receive a call from a scammer ask for the person’s employee ID number and a follow-up contact number. In the case of callers asking for personal information as part of contact tracing, Shah recommended that skeptical individuals hang up and call the Maine CDC at 207-287-8016 and ask to speak to the contact tracing department.
 

MAR’s Dental Open Enrollment in Process Now

MAR’s annual dental open enrollment is held now through January 31, 2021 for a February 1, 2021 effective coverage date. During this timeframe you may enroll, make changes such as adding/dropping dependents or cancel coverage. Enrollment/plan changes require you to complete/return to MAR the attached Cigna Dental Enrollment/Change Form. Monthly premium rates did not change for the High Option Plan and rates for the Low Option Plan have been reduced. The monthly dental premium is deducted from your MainePERS pension. For additional information, contact MAR at 207-582-1960.

NOTE: If you currently have Cigna dental coverage with MAR, and do not want to make any changes, please disregard this.

 

Time to Prepare for Tax Season!

Free tax prep by IRS certified volunteers is going to be available through CA$H Maine.    To find specific information and see if you may qualify, visit their website at www.cashmaine.org 

Additionally, AARP has some locations that are scheduling free tax prep appointments through their TaxAide Program.  Check out if you qualify, what is needed to prepare returns, and how things may be handled regarding preparation this year due to COVID-19.  https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/

 

 

Aetna Care Boxes for State Retirees

Aetna Medicare Advantage is shipping boxes of Caring for You kits free to members who were enrolled on or before August 1, 2020.  You will receive these kits by mid-November. These kits contain several items to help support members with simple self-care at home.  Kits include a thermometer, hand sanitizer, face masks among other items.

MAR Business Office

Our normal office hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am through 4:00 pm.  We are closed on all state and federal holidays.

 

­Due to COVID-19, our office is closed to outside persons. Only staff is allowed in the building at this time unless they have made an appointment. 

Members will be allowed to bring in shredding or come into the office to make photocopies by appointment only. Technology assistance can only be provided over the phone or by email.  MAR regrets the inconvenience, but know that we are available by phone to answer your questions and to assist you with any concerns that you may have.

Upcoming Scheduled Office Closings

Monday, September 7, 2020           Labor Day
Monday, October 12, 2020              Columbus Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2020    Veteran’s Day
Thursday, November 26, 2020        Thanksgiving

MainePERS Benefit Payment & Advice of Deposit Mailing Dates

August 28, 2020
September 29, 2020
October 29, 2020
November 25, 2020
December 30, 2020

BECOME A CONTACT TRACER

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently recruiting for a number of positions related to the spectrum of work that is “contact tracing”. Among the positions they are looking to fill are field epidemiologists, informatics epidemiologists, logistics coordinators, managers and supervisors. As we continue to expand the project, other positions may, and likely will, come up. Here is how MAR members can become involved:

  • Send a cover letter and resume to Ed Gott at Atlantic Staffing (ed.gott@atlantic-staffing.com) to be considered for specific positions for which we are recruiting;
  • If members are interested in volunteer work, they are invited to visit this website: https://www.maine.gov/covid19/maine-helps to see the Governor’s message on how Mainers can help. If you scroll down the page, you will find a link to MaineResponds.org, the Maine Emergency Health Volunteer System webpage. If you register at this site as a person willing to provide services during a disaster or emergency situation, this will help the CDC collect some information and will also put you in a group to whom they can push notifications when they are looking for volunteers for specific tasks;
  • Keep an eye on the DHHS webpage (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) and the Maine CDC webpage (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus.shtml ) for announcements regarding recruitment;
  • The Maine CDC will also be using platforms such as LinkedIn, Monster, Maine Craiglist and Maine Joblink (https://joblink.maine.gov/ada/r/ ) to advertise openings and opportunities.