POWERGRAMS

36 ENERGIZERS benefit plans and outline the best options. One of those was the Medicare Part D prescription plan, which Hilsmier and Freeman introduced at the Energizers state board of directors meeting in fall 2015. Like Garlington, many retirees have been impacted by dramatically increasing prescription drug costs. Alvin Teel, Chilton County Energizers president, was among those who called on Hilsmier and Freeman to help him get enrolled in supplemental coverages. They smoothed the way for retirees by unraveling issues that occurred as a result of combining the Medicare program with the CVS Caremark prescription plan. "Brad and Cindy do a fantastic job," said Teel, adding the copay for his wife's medication increased to $700 in 2015. "Because the drug was so expensive, we maxed out on our insurance. Brad and Cindy helped us straighten out problems we were having. If they hadn't spearheaded this thing and goen us some relief, I don't know where we would be." Freeman said she and Hilsmier receive requests from retirees at least twice a week, especially during the annual benefits enrollment period. One of those retirees is Becky York, who said Freeman helped when York became concerned, thinking that turning 65 meant she was no longer covered by the company's medical benefits plan. "Cindy helped me understand that I would still have coverage through the company as supplemental insurance to Medicare. I was thrilled that I did not have to go insurance shopping," said York, Western Division Energizers president. "Cindy is always willing to help and is readily accessible. You just give her the information and she spots the real issue without you having to go into a lot of detail." Tom Walthall, a Southern Division retiree, commended Hilsmier for working with CVS Caremark to resolve an issue involving the continuation of his mail-order prescription service. Caremark refused to fill Walthall's prescription because it received an order that didn't include his Southern Company account number. Walthall said Hilsmier helped him understand the reason for a sudden change in his insurance premium aer his wife turned 65. "Brad is always willing to stop whatever he's doing to help me and other retirees," said Walthall. Energizers State President Bob O'Daniel presented the Booker Award to Hilsmier and Freeman at the organization's board of directors meeting at Lay Dam on Oct. 27, 2016. "Brad and Cindy have gone way beyond the call of duty when we have HR problems," O'Daniel said. "They are always there through phone and email. The thing about Brad and Cindy: If we've got a problem, they've got a problem, and they stay on it until they have it solved." Retirees Charles and Sharon Allen review medical coverage with Freeman. 2016 Booker Award

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