Category: Healthcare
Enrollment period has been extended for new SMART VDP
The open-enrollment period for the new SMART TD Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP)<strong? has been extended until Jan. 15, 2020. The high call volume that occurred as last week’s deadline approach allowed the negotiation of a longer period for members to take [...]
ERMA lifetime maximum benefit to increase in 2020
The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $166,400 to $171,100 beginning Jan. 1, 2020. At the end of 2001, labor and management had agreed on various procedures to adminis [...]
Daughter of retired member talks about why unions matter in essay
“My daughter and her friend work for Grub Hub and live off tips,” said Donna, “and they live with me because there is no way that they can afford to live on their own.” Donna’s story hit me hard and here is why. My dad made a choice at 18 that if he was going […]
SMART-TD serves Section 6 notice on carriers
On November 20, SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) General Chairpersons served on railroads represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) the SMART-TD’s intended amendments to agreements affecting rates of pay, rules and working conditions. Such noti [...]
Reminder: Open enrollment underway for SMART TD long-term voluntary disability plan
Open enrollment for the new SMART Transportation Division Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is underway. Enrollment started in May and runs through Nov. 30, 2019. All dues-paying members of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week ca [...]Railroad unemployment and sickness benefits reduced again due to sequestration
Starting October 1, 2019, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 5.9%, down from the current 6.2% reduction, as required by law. The adjusted reduction is based on revised projections of benefit claims and [...]
Rail members: Online open enrollment in national health plans begins Oct. 1
Railroad employees covered under the National Railway Carriers/UTU Health and Welfare Plan or the Railroad Employees’ National Health and Welfare Plan are being mailed a notification of the online open enrollment period that begins Oct. 1, 2019, and ends Oct. 31, 2019, at mid [...]
Palmetto: Medicare ready to serve during disasters
When a severe weather event happens (such as a hurricane, typhoon, earthquake or wildfire), the last thing you or your healthcare provider are thinking about is Medicare. Concerns are about staying alive and what kind of home and property damage you will have. Your situation [...]