PAX Centurion - March / April 2015

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • March/April 2015 • Page 9 Treasury Notes: Robert P. Colburn, BPPA Treasurer Spring construction details coming up soon This is year two-post bombing and we are currently in the middle of the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in U.S. District Court. We all pray that the jury gets it right. Our hearts continue to go out to the victims as well as our BPPA members, other Police, Fire and EMS agencies and all of the doctors and nurses and others who rallied us through those terrible days. We won’t forget. F inally! Spring has arrived! And with it we welcome the return of the Construction details opening up, Red Sox returning to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark and of course, our own beloved Boston Marathon. This is year two-post bombing and we are currently in the middle of the trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in U.S. District Court. We all pray that the jury gets it right. Our hearts continue to go out to the victims as well as our BPPA members, other Police, Fire and EMS agencies and all of the doctors and nurses and others who rallied us through those terrible days. We won’t forget. At the same time, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the trial might trigger many different emotions for some of our mem- bers. I implore you to seek help should you need it. Take the first step and reach out! There are many avenues for you to take including our own Peer Support Unit, 617- 343-5175. The days of hiding our emotions and suffering in silence are over. There is no shame, no guilt, and no embarrassment for seeking out help during difficult times. That’s what smart, intel- ligent folks do so they can ensure their own happiness and continue to provide, most importantly, for themselves and FAMILY So don’t hesitate. …Just pick up the phone. Remember, Peer Support is Strictly Confidential! Springtime is also “Open Enrollment Time” T he City of Boston Open Enrollment period commences April 13 th and concludes May 1 st , 2015. Now is the time to exam- ine what plan you have and ask if it is working for you. Have your circumstances changed? Did you get married, get divorced have children or even adopt? Now is the time to care of those needs by reviewing your health plan and making sure you are getting the best value for your dollar. Dental Open Enrollment –April 1 st throughApril 30 th , 2015.This plan is administered through the BPPA. The costs are as follows: DMS Individual Plan – $5.43/weekly, DMS Family $12.44/weekly, BCBS Individual $11.15/weekly, BCBS Family $28.56/weekly. IMPORTANT! Now is the only time you may add dependents so review your policy, determine what best suits your needs and come in and make any changes needed. Remember to bring the social security numbers of the dependents you are adding. A Note to All BCBS Anthem Subscribers A nthem Inc. has announced two years of FREE credit report monitoring and identity theft protection for any member af- fected or concerned by the recent cyber attack against Anthem. We know of at least 16 members whose information MAY be compro- mised. Anthem will not provide the names to us so it is up to you, when contacted byAnthem to file for this crucial monitoring. Again this monitoring is available to any affected or concerned member. Let us know if you have ANY issue withAnthem. The website is www. anthemfacts.com . Tax Tip of the Season S ign up for the Flex Spending Plan. Especially if you have a young family with frequent pediatrician appointments!! The program allows you to deduct, TAX FREE, from your check any amount up to an annual maximum of $2,500.You could deduct $50 a week and use the money to pay the copays on Dental visits, Doctor’s visits, prescriptions, eyeglasses, etc. There are many items listed on the web page so check it out. But remember, whatever money you set aside must be used or you lose it. So do your due diligence. But as I said, there are many uses you wouldn’t think would be covered. Ben Franklin said it best; the only certainties are death and taxes! So pay less tax!!! Increase your De- ferred Comp and Smart Plan.You will save tax dollars while padding your future retirement. This is especially important as the wave of public sentiment calls for Pension Reform.Your Deferred Comp Plan is a hedge against those who don’t like the thought of us receiving a pension!!! Quotes of Note “R emember…. The fastest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it in your pocket!!!” “Intaxication: The euphoria at getting a tax refund from the IRS, which lasts only until you realize…it was your money in the first place!!!” Save the date P at Rogers Memorial Tribute – Friday, May 8 th , 2015 at Florian Hall, proceeds to benefit Peer Support Unit Suicide Prevention andAwareness Program. Thank you T hank you to P.O. Mark Bruno of AreaA-7 for “standing tall” on casket watch for Honorary BPPA member Justin Quinn. A selfless and dignified act by Mark representing all that’s best about him as a person and as a member of the BPPA.Well done! Attention To all members of the Boston Police Relief Association – Active Duty or Retired If you need to change your beneficiary or you are not sure of who your beneficiary is you can contact the relief office at 617-364-9565. If you leave amessage your callwill be returnedand if necessary thepaperworkwill be sent out to you. Thank you. William F. Carroll, Clerk, Boston Police Relief Association