Fraternity-Testvériség, 1968 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1968-03-01 / 3. szám

REFLECTIONS

Reflections of Albert A. Oris, one of our Section Managers who attended the training course at Purdue University.

Painesville, Ohio March 1, 1968

Last November, I was one of the three men from the field force, who attended Purdue University for a Basic Course on Fraternal Life Insurance Marketing.

In the five years that I have worked for the Federation, never before had 1 been so fully convinced that our product, life insurance, is the finest product in the world.

At the institute, it was proven to us that the breadwinner of the family has the moral responsibility of providing for his loved ones if he should suddenly die. If the breadwinner lives to enjoy retirement, his life insurance which has been a compulsory savings will provide for him and his family luxuries he otherwise might not have saved for.

Convinced of these advantages provided by a good insurance program, I came home from Purdue with the assurance that when I am selling life insurance, I am performing a great service to our people.

Some of the basic requirements in selecting a prospect are:

Does he need insurance?

Does he have the ability to pay?

Can lie pass a physical?

If the answer to these questions are in the affirmative, you are not a salesman if you have not closed the sale. Effort will bring results. You must believe in your product.

In closing, I wish to thank those responsible for selecting me to attend the five day course. I sincerely feel that this valuable knowledge on life insurance will benefit me, the Federation, and all of our members.

Albert E. Oris

NOTICE

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA HUMAN RELATIONS ACT AND TITLE VI OF THE FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE BETHLEN HOME OF THE HUNGARIAN REFORMED FEDERATION OF AMERICA WILL ADMIT ALL PERSONS REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR RELIGIOUS CREED.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security Office announced today that Medicare’s general enrollment period has been extended through April 1, 1968.

The extension gives eligible persons another three months to decide whether they want to sign up for the voluntary “doctor bill” part of Medicare. So far—93% of those under Medicare Hospitalization Plan (Part A) have signed up for the voluntary Medical Insurance (Part B).

Most of the persons who failed to enroll at their first opportunity did not fully understand what medical expenses were covered by the program. After learning more about medical insurance from friends and neighbors who had some medical expenses many eligible persons changed their minds and decided they wanted the voluntary medical insurance. They could not sign up until the general enrollment period opened on October 1, 1967. They now have until April, 1968 to decide. There is a second chance also, for those whose medical insurance was ended because of nonpayment of premiums. They have until April 1, 1968 to decide whether they want to reenroll.

Coverage will begin July 1, 1968 for these persons who sign up during this special enrollment period. Premiums will be paid at the rate of $4.00 per month beginning with June 1968. In addition, Spates said persons whose initial enrollment period ended before January 1, 1967 will pay an additional 10% above the base rate because of late enrollment. This announcement is directed to those who failed to enroll during their initial enrollment period.

The local Social Security Office will answer any questions you have about Medicare in general or how it affects your own case.

Major changes in the Social Security Amendments of 1967 are as follows: The minimum monthly payment for regular benefits at age 65 has been increased from $44.00 to $55.00. The top benefit that can be paid in 1968 to an individual is $160.50, while the largest check a family can receive is $322.40.

Uninsured persons age 72 or over who receive special payments, the monthly amount has been increased from $35.00 to $40.00 for an individual and from $52.50 to $60.00 for a couple. You do not have to do anything to get this increase and it will be in your check which you will receive in early March 1968.

A benefit increase of at least 13% for all persons now receiving social security cash benefits. The increase is automatic and will be paid early in March.

The amount of annual earnings subject to the social security tax has been increased from $6600 to $7800 effective January 1, 1968. The tax rate for 1968 remains the same, 4.4% for the worker and the employer.

A change in the retirement test whereby a worker can now earn more and still get a benefit check every month. Beginning in 1968 a worker can earn up to $1680 in a year and receive benefits all year. Earnings over this amount can result in a loss of some benefits unless the worker is age 72 or older.

Dependent children of a woman worker can now qualify for benefits payable in March if the worker was fully or currently insured at time of retirement, disability or death.

Clergymen will now be covered under social security automatically unless they

sign a special statement that they are conscientiously opposed or opposed on religious grounds. This does not apply to members of religious orders who have taken vows of poverty and is effective for taxable years ending after 1967.

Servicemen on active duty will have greater protection starting in 1968. Under the old law only military base pay was counted toward determining benefits. Now, an additional amount of up to $100 a month will be automatically added to base pay to give credit for the value of meals and lodging.

Disabled widows and disabled dependent widowers of workers insured at the time of death may now qualify for reduced benefits as early as age 50.

Workers disabled before age 31 may now qualify for benefits on the basis of a more liberal work test, that is, they will need fewer quarters of work to qualify.

Persons enrolled under the supplemental medical insurance may now be reimbursed for medical bills on the basis of an itemized bill.

The time limitation on filing a claim for medical insurance will expire on March 31, 1968 for medical bills incurred in July- September,1966.

For additional information and leaflets on these and other important changes in the social security act phone or visit your nearest social security office.

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