43rd Annual Convention - Mobile, Alabama
GOV. IVEY THANKS MEMBERS FOR SERVICE AT ARSEA/APEAL’s CONVENTION
Gov. Kay Ivey took time out of her schedule on Wednesday to travel to Mobile’s Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel and serve as keynote speaker for the business meeting of the 43rd Annual ARSEA/APEAL Convention.
Ivey, a former state employee who worked as a reading clerk in the Alabama House of Representatives and as deputy director of the Alabama Development Office, began her remarks by thanking ARSEA/APEAL members for their years of service in both state and local government.
“During your respective careers of public service whether to the state, county, or city government - or in some cases all three levels - you have each contributed to Alabama’s successful growth,” Ivey said. “As a former state employee, myself, and someone who has dedicated nearly my entire working career to advancing the quality of life in Alabama, I truly appreciate the positive impact of our current and retired government workers.”
Ivey noted that Alabama’s economy - as opposed to the national picture - is enjoying tremendous success with a record low unemployment of just 2.1% for the second straight month, which is the best in the southeast and ranks seventh in the nation.
“During the time I have been in office, Alabama industries have invested $42 billion in new and expanding operations that have provided 78,000 jobs and counting,” Ivey said. “With this winning record, it’s no surprise that Alabama is ranked among the top ten states for doing business, and, once more, according to the National Association of Realtors, Alabama ranks ninth nationally in growth from people from other states like California moving to the Yellowhammer State in 2022.”
She noted that revenues from a gas tax increase passed by the Legislature in 2019 have resulted in new road and bridge projects breaking ground in all 67 counties and more than $170 million being given to city and county governments for local infrastructure improvements.
Ivey also restated her commitment to raise Alabama’s public education ranking to the top 30 in the nation and cited programs like expanding the First-Class Pre-K program to poverty-stricken areas of the state and requiring students to read at grade level by third grade as evidence of those efforts.
The governor concluded her remarks by once again thanking ARSEA/APEAL members for their past service and expressing unwavering optimism about the state’s future, which has become her trademark.
“Folks, I truly believe Alabama is on the right track, and you deserve a share of the credit,” Ivey said. “Your hard work for the people of Alabama has laid the foundation upon which we are building a bright future for our state.”
A video of Ivey’s full remarks to the ARSEA/APEAL convention may be viewed here.
LUNCHEON SPEAKER DISCUSSED THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
James Robeson, Regional Coordinator of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), gave the keynote address at the 43rd Annual ARSEA/APEAL Convention held in Mobile last week, educating attendees about the agency’s efforts to assist seniors on Medicare.
The ARSEA Foundation, which was created to promote and financially support activities and projects dedicated to improving the quality of life for older Alabamians, recently selected SHIP, as its 2023 contribution recipient. Jerry Fielding ARSEA Foundation President presented a contribution to Robeson and the Agency on Aging Director Julie McGee during the luncheon program.
Robeson said that SHIP is a 33-year-old federal program that provides free unbiased Medicare information and counseling to beneficiaries, caregivers, and participants throughout the state. In partnership with the Centers for Medicare, the Alabama Department of Senior Services, and the Area Agencies on Aging, SHIP counselors assist seniors in making informed choices about their Medicare options.
The program’s counselors are committed and trained volunteers, many of whom are seniors facing the same issues and decisions as other Medicare retirees, and they are not affiliated with any insurance companies, nor do they attempt to sell insurance.
Robeson recognized ARSEA Board Member Ella Jones of Mobile for being a longtime SHIP volunteer, and he encouraged others who are interested in becoming counselors to offer their volunteer services.
While Robeson noted that mailboxes are currently being flooded with companies offering health coverage during the open enrollment period, it is important to remember that state retirees should not enroll in any insurance plans because no action is necessary on their part.
Medicare coverage for state retirees is managed by the State Employees’ Insurance Board (SEIB) under a self-insured group plan through United Healthcare. If you have questions regarding your coverage, please call SEIB at 866-836-9737 or 334-263-8341.
Local government retirees (not covered under a group plan) who purchase individual Medicare coverage should review their current plan during this annual enrollment period.
To review and compare your Medicare coverage options, contact the SHIP in your area through your local Area Agency on Aging or by calling 1-800-AGE-LINE (243-5463).
During his remarks, Robeson also discussed recent changes in Medicare coverage passed by the U.S. Congress and outlined the work of SHIP in more detail. A video of excerpts from Robeson’s presentation at the convention luncheon may be viewed at this link.
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