Do you have an American flag that needs to be retired?  You can bring the flag to the East Northport Public Library and deposit it the American Legion’s Flag Drop Box any time during library hours during the month of April.  Legion members will dispose of the flag in a proper ceremony.

There is a push by Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Senate to eliminate the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) reimbursement for retires that pay more than the basic Medicare premium. The IRRMA reimbursement refers to the money that the District sends you every three months if you are enrolled in Medicare. You receive this money because retirees are charged twice for Medicare, once from the pension and once from Social Security. The money comes from your payment to the pension. 

Every recipient of Medicare pays a base premium for the plan, which this year is $104 per month for individuals with an income of $84,000 or less and for couples with an income of $170,000 or less. Additional premiums are paid by retirees in the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP) who are in a higher income bracket. Some of the newer retirees have considerably higher pensions and, as Medicare premiums are based on total income, a spouse’s income is included. This year the additional premium can be as high as $250 per month.

When you file an IRMMA claim with Northport the district will reimburse the $104 plus any premium. The bill introduced in the State Senate aims to prevent you from getting the additional premium reimbursed. Visit NYSUT Member Action Center to find your State Senator and contact them now.

Bill and Gloria Hall want to thank everyone who attended the R-UTN Annual Picnic on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Museum on September 9. They are active volunteers at the Museum, and Gloria is responsible for the beautiful garden that surround the catering tent. Bill and Gloria suggest that R-UTN members interested in helping in the gardens, becoming docents, greeters or volunteers at the Vanderbilt should contact them and they can facilitate the process  becoming part of the Vanderbilt.

Wishing everyone a safe and fun 4th!