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How Does Your Retirement Investment Stack Up? (7/18/06) -- NEW
A very important decision you can make as a CTA member is whether to participate in a tax-deferred annuity often referred to as a 403(b) plan. 403(b) plans allow you to put aside funds on a tax deferred basis that can supplement your CalSTRS or CalPERS retirement. And, the earlier you invest the faster your investment dollars will grow. On November 30, 2004, the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) launched a website that will allow you to compare approximately 100 different vendors and 300 different 403(b) retirement investment products. Called 403bCompare, this website is a free retirement planning tool for all CTA members and school employees. The new website, www.403bCompare.com, will assist you in selecting retirement savings investment options. You can go online free of charge to search 403(b) products, and compare product features, including fund descriptions, fees and returns.
The CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department has prepared a newsletter entitled "How Does Your Retirement Investment Stack Up?" which features a general overview of 403(b) plans. The newsletter is available for download here.
If you have any questions, call the CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department at (650) 552-5200.
ATTENTION NEW EDUCATORS: Act Now, Before Time Runs Out! (6/15/06) -- NEW
Don't miss this special opportunity for guaranteed acceptance in the CTA Voluntary Group Life or Disability Insurance Plan.
If you are a new educator, and you enroll for coverage during the first 120 days of your full-time employment, your application will be automatically accepted for disability insurance and/or up to $200,000 of life insurance, no health evidence required.
The CTA Voluntary Group Life and Disability Insurance Plans provide you with the following valuable protection:
- Disability benefits for when you can't work due to a covered serious illness or injury
- Up to 75% of your regular daily contract salary if you become totally disabled; benefits are reduced by other income
- 75% of income lost from qualified extra duty pay such as summer school or coaching pay
- Life coverage options ranging from $25,000 to $400,000
- Optional life coverage for your spouse or domestic partner and children (health evidence required for spouse/domestic partner coverage)
This is a brief overview of benefits. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including CTA membership. Policies have limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable.
Of course, CTA members can apply for coverage at any time, but applications will be subject to health evidence underwriting and insurance company approval.
For more information or to apply for the CTA Voluntary Group Life or Disability Insurance Plan, please call UnumProvident at (800) 282-4049.
An important note for Educational Support Professionals - CTA has a separate disability program for you, which pays up to 66 2/3% of your regular daily contract salary (reduced by other income). You are also eligible for the life insurance described above. You have 120 days from the date of your full-time employment to enroll and be guaranteed acceptance in your disability plan and up to $200,000 of life insurance.
This is an important reminder from CTA's Risk Management and Member Benefits Department. You can reach CTA's Risk Management and Member Benefits Department by calling (650) 552-5200.
CTA Credit Card Program: More Choices, More Rewards, and No Annual Fee! (5/16/06)
If you want a credit card with the purchasing power that you deserve, check out the CTA Credit Card Program. Choosing the right credit card is not easy; that's why CTA's endorsed credit card provider, MBNA America Bank, is pleased to offer credit card features exclusive to CTA Members, at no additional cost. Your every-day purchases with MBNA's card earn you extraordinary rewards for cash, travel, and merchandise.
MBNA has also partnered with American Express to provide you with an American Express card that offers monthly payments; you don't have to pay the entire balance due each month! You have a choice between three cards, Platinum PlusŪ VISA, Preferred VISA, or American Express. Regardless of which card you choose, you are provided a low introductory APR, no annual fee, 24-hour customer service, and fraud protection.
For additional information regarding rates, fees, and the additional benefits associated with the use of your card, access this information on our website at www.cta.org/MemberBenefits/CreditCard.htm. Also, to apply for this exceptional credit card offer please contact MBNA at (866) 438-6262.
TSA Provides Summer Savings for CTA Members! (4/11/06)
To assist you with your summer plans, CTA's continued partnership with TSA Special Member & Insurance Services, Inc. (TSA) provides you with an array of discount products and services, saving CTA Members time and money. TSA is a subsidiary of First Financial Credit Union, CTA's endorsed provider of financial services, and is just one example of how CTA Members realize the true value of CTA Membership!
As an example, TSA's entertainment program offers discounted tickets to virtually all amusement /theme parks and movie theatres in California. In addition, seasonal discounts are available for the water parks, ski resorts, sporting events, theatre and Entertainment books, and TSA also provides CTA Members with savings on tours, cruises, vacation packages, car, and hotel reservations. The top four summer amusement park destinations for CTA members are:
- Disneyland: A family of four saves $21.00 for admission for one day!
- Universal Studios: A family of four saves $62.00 on general admission for one day!
- Legoland: A family of four saves a minimum of $34.00 on general admission for one day!
- San Diego Zoo: A family of four saves $17.00 for admission for one day
Check out these and other services at TSA's website, www.tsaspecialservices.com, or call TSA directly at (800) 537-8491 for all your ticket and travel needs.
Bon Voyage! Enjoy your summer!
GOOD NEWS! (3/23/06)
Concerning your A+ Auto & Home Insurance Policy (Managed by California Casualty): California Casualty was ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the 2005 survey from the Department of Insurance, with ZERO justified complaints for the 2005 study year. California Casualty is proud to be rated number one in customer satisfaction among the top 50 auto insurance companies in the state.
Beginning March 1st 2006, and effective at your policy renewal date, the following new policy enhancements are available to you:
- ZERO comprehensive deductible on your auto policy if your car is vandalized within 500 feet of your school property
- Loan/lease gap coverage is an available option
- New Multi-policy discounts for both auto and home policies
- Rental Car coverage automatically included with your auto policy
If you haven't taken advantage of CTA's endorsement of A +'s Auto and Home Insurance (Managed by California Casualty) and would like to obtain your free personalized quotation, please call A +'s service center toll free at (800) 800-9410. For additional information concerning these endorsed services please visit CTA's website.
CTA Guide to Death Benefits (2/15/06)
As a CTA leader or member, you may be called upon to assist the family of a colleague who is deceased. To help you with this, the CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department has prepared a newsletter entitled " CTA Guide to Death Benefits" which features a general overview of death benefits that CTA members may be entitled to receive. This newsletter should be printed and kept with your important documents for future reference. The newsletter is available for download.
If you have any questions, call the CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department at (650) 552-5200.
The Importance of Maintaining CTA Membership While on Leave (2/15/06)
Are you considering an unpaid leave of absence due to maternity, illness or other personal reasons? If so, keep in mind the importance of maintaining your CTA membership while you are on leave. CTA dues are automatically deducted from your paycheck; however, while you are on an unpaid leave, this deduction will end. Therefore, when taking an unpaid leave, remember to contact your local association and the CTA Membership Department. Be sure to inquire about your eligibility for a reduced dues category.
Maintaining your CTA membership while you are on an unpaid leave ensures your eligibility to participate in the following member benefit programs:
- CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan: The CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan provides a life insurance benefit that increases with each year of continuous CTA membership, until the maximum benefit is reached after ten (10) years.
- CTA Group Legal Services Program: CTA membership must be in effect when the incident occurs and maintained throughout the entire time assistance is being provided.
- CTA Well-Baby Program: If you are on maternity leave and wish to continue participation in the Well-Baby program, CTA membership must be current.
- CTA Voluntary Life and Disability Insurance Plans: You may jeopardize your voluntary life and disability coverage underwritten by UnumProvident if membership ceases.
- CTA Auto and Home Insurance: You must maintain your CTA membership to receive preferential premium rates. Policies offered by A+ Auto and Home Insurance Plus (managed by California Casualty) will increase at renewal if your CTA membership is not current. As a member who participates in the insurance program(s), you receive a 22% base rate differential for the auto insurance program, 20% base rate differential for the home insurance program and, in addition, you receive a 10% discount off your home insurance premium if you participate in both the auto and home insurance programs. Rate differentials are price differences between a non-member and a CTA member.
If you have any questions regarding your membership, please contact the CTA Membership Accounting Department at (650) 552-5278 or e-mail membership@cta.org. If you have questions regarding your benefits, please contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at (650) 552-5200 or e-mail member_benefits@cta.org.
Important Changes to Your Workers' Compensation Benefits (9/30/05)
New legislative changes to the California workers' compensation system may limit your right to see your own doctor! To protect and inform CTA Members, the CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department is pleased to announce the release of the new CTA Member Benefits Update - "Important Changes to Your Workers' Compensation Benefits" - September 2005. The newsletter features a general overview of the current California Workers' Compensation system along with an updated Workers' Compensation Primary Treating Physician Form for your use.
If you have any questions, call CTA's Risk Management and Member Benefits Department at (650) 552-5200.
CTA Personal Loan - New Teacher Loan (8/17/05)
(available to Northern California members only)
Are you a new or returning educator seeking assistance while you wait for your first paycheck? Or, do you need help in building or re-establishing your credit? If so, the CTA Personal Loan - New Teacher Loan can be just what you are looking for. Educators typically do not receive their first paycheck until the end of September and this may be financially troubling - especially for CTA members just out of college. And, for those new educators with little or no credit history, this loan is a great way to help establish or build your credit history.
Provident Credit Union (PCU) is offering an unsecured 8.99% APR fixed personal loan up to $3,000 for CTA members with little or NO credit (one year school contract or recent pay stub, and PCU checking account with direct deposit and automatic payment required). Payment plans may extend up to 36 months with NO pre-payment penalty, NO balloon payment, NO fees and NO co-signer required!
To enroll, call PCU, CTA's endorsed provider, at (650) 508-0300 or if outside the 650 area, call (800) 632-4600, and ask for the CTA Personal Loan - New Teacher Loan. If you have any questions, call CTA's Risk Management and Member Benefits Department at (650) 552-5200.
New Health Information and Well-Baby Program Vendor (6/6/05)
The CTA Economic Benefits Trust proudly introduces the new and enhanced Health Information and Well-Baby Program. Effective June 1, 2005, the provider for the CTA Health Information and Well-Baby Program changed from CareWise to Mayo Clinic Health Information.
As a CTA member and new participant in the CTA endorsed voluntary life or disability plan, you are eligible to receive at no additional cost the Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care. This easy-to-understand guide features instant access to facts and practical information on more than 150 of today's most common health problems. The Mayo Clinic Guide to Self-Care will be mailed directly to new participants' homes following their insurance coverage effective date.
CTA Well-Baby Program
The CTA Well-Baby Program is available at no additional cost to CTA members participating in the CTA endorsed voluntary life or disability plan. In order to obtain the full benefit potential of this program, members are encouraged to enroll within their first trimester. However, enrollment will be accepted through the 20th week of pregnancy.
The CTA Well-Baby Program offers valuable tools to help guide moms-to-be throughout their pregnancy and three months postpartum:
- Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Advisor program - a telephone-based program providing one-to-one contact with a registered nurse who will provide support and education to expectant moms
- Ask Mayo Clinic 24-hour nurse line - registered nurses are available day or night to answer your health-related questions
- Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy - a comprehensive 600-page reference book to provide education and information for a healthy pregnancy
- Growth Chart and Pregnancy Calculator - tools to help get your pregnancy off to a healthy start
- Hospital to Home VHS or DVD - information to help moms-to-be take care of themselves and their baby after delivery
It's Easy to Enroll: Just call the Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Advisor nurse line: 800-906-1064 and follow the prompts.
For more information call the CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department at 650-552-5200 or member_benefits@cta.org.
CTA First Time Homebuyer Program (3/21/05)
Recognizing the special needs of first time homebuyers, First Financial Credit Union (FFCU), CTA's endorsed credit union, is pleased to offer a first time homebuyer program with valuable savings for CTA members. With virtually no money down, first time homebuyers (limited to those who have not owned a home within the last 3 years), can purchase a home with FFCU's special home loan rates. Additionally, FFCU also has a first time homebuyer program for CTA members teaching at high-priority schools. With lower rates and flexible loan terms, FFCU's first time homebuyer loan programs can make it easy for you to buy your first home.
For more information, or to apply for the CTA First Time Homebuyer Program, please call First Financial Credit Union at (800) 537-8491.
NO-COST AUTOMATIC INSURANCE PROTECTION (3/21/05)
As a CTA/NEA member you are automatically eligible for two valuable insurance programs at no additional cost, the CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan and the NEA DUES-TAB. These plans are a no-cost insurance protection exclusively for CTA/NEA members. The CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan and the NEA DUES-TAB automatically cover you on September 1, following the date you become an eligible member, but even if you have just one year of credited membership, you will be eligible to receive a benefit.
You may name anyone as your designated beneficiary. Simply complete one beneficiary registration form for CTA and one for NEA. By doing so, you will not only ensure that your designated beneficiary is registered, you will have personal security that comes with your CTA membership.
The CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan is designed to provide a life insurance benefit that increases with each year of continuous CTA membership, until the maximum benefit is reached after ten (10) years. The NEA DUES-TAB maximum benefit is reached after five (5) years.
|
CTA |
NEA |
| Death Benefit |
up to $2,000 |
up to $1,000 |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit |
up to $10,000 |
up to $5,000 |
| Occupation/Association Leader Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
| Unlawful Homicide while on the Job |
NA |
$150,000 |
This is only a brief summary and not a complete description of the Plans. For a complete description of the CTA Death and Dismemberment Plan, please refer to the booklet entitled "CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan and Summary Plan Description," a copy of which is provided to all CTA members. To register a beneficiary, please call the CTA Risk Management and Member Benefits Department at (650) 552-5200 or e-mail: member_benefits@cta.org. For a complete description of the NEA DUES-TAB or to register a beneficiary, please call the NEA Member Benefits Department at (800) 637-4636.
180-Day Enhancement to the CTA Death and Dismemberment Plan (11/15/04)
Often times when a Member becomes ill and takes an unpaid leave of absence, they are unaware that they must continue their CTA Membership to be eligible for the CTA Death & Dismemberment Plan. The CTA Risk Management/Member Benefits Department has enhanced the plan to make an exception for Members that have gone on a leave of absence, and die or become accidentally dismembered shortly after their leave.
Effective, May 1, 2004, if a person's Membership ceases while on an unpaid leave of absence for his or her own serious health condition, and he or she dies or suffers a dismemberment before 180 days after such leave began, such person will be deemed to be a Member and will be deemed not to have incurred an interruption in Membership as of the date of death or dismemberment.
This special exception is for only those members that die or become accidentally dismembered after such a leave. This does NOT make an exception for lost years of continuous years of membership due to previous lapse in membership due to a leave of absence. Remember to keep your years of membership continuous. If you ever go on a leave of absence or have a break in teaching, please contact the CTA Membership Department at (650) 552-5278 to keep your membership continuous and prevent lose of previous years of continuous membership due to a lapse.
This is not a complete description of the Plan. For a complete description, please refer to the booklet entitled "CTA Death & Dismemberment Summary Plan Description" a copy of which is provided to all eligible CTA members. You can also obtain a copy by contacting the CTA Risk Management/Member Benefits Department.
This benefit is provided by the CTA Economic Benefits Trust, which was established by the CTA Board of Directors to fund the program.
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