UPDATED: New round of TD Connect workshops announced for 2019

Because of great demand, a new round of three workshops has been added to help local treasurers learn how to use TD Connect, the new eBilling system that also manages member records. A series of five prior workshops scheduled for late 2018 filled to capacity, so this second round was added. Follow the links below…


November 2nd 2018
NTSB identifies causes of 2017 ethanol train derailment in Iowa

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Oct. 30 ruled that flaws in Union Pacific’s approach to inspecting, maintaining and repairing defects on the Estherville Subdivision helped to cause a March 2017 derailment that resulted in multiple tank cars spilling undenatured ethanol in Graettinger, Iowa. A rail near a transition onto a bridge broke, causing…


Resources for those impacted by Hurricane Michael

The following health and wellness resources are available to those impacted by Hurricane Michael. Behavioral Health: United Behavioral Health/Optum: 1-866-342-6892 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  An emotional support hotline is available, free of charge, regardless of behavioral health plan membership. It provides access to specially-trained mental health specialists. Prescription Drugs: Accredo…


RRB releases Medicare Part B premiums for 2019

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $135.50 in 2019, a slight increase from $134.00 in 2018. However, some Medicare beneficiaries will pay slightly less than this amount. By law, Part B premiums for current enrollees cannot increase by more than the amount of…


November 1st 2018
FTA increases random drug testing rate for 2019

As mandated by its drug and alcohol regulation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will increase the minimum rate of random drug testing from 25 percent to 50 percent of covered employees for employers subject to FTA’s drug and alcohol regulation, effective January 1, 2019. This change is due to an increase in the industry’s ‘‘positive rate’’…


October 30th 2018