Tag: open enrollment

Home>News>open enrollment

Rail and bus members have until Sept. 28 to start coverage

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (Aug. 15, 2023) — SMART-TD announces an additional opportunity for actively working bus and rail members to enroll in the new Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) and Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) insurance plans.

This will be the last opportunity this year for members to get protected. The last date for enrollment is Sept. 28 for an Oct. 1, 2023, effective date. Coverage highlights are detailed below:

SMART-TD VLTD

  • Protects members’ income if they cannot work due to injury, illness or surgery.
  • Tax-free benefits with no medical exams/questions required to enroll.
  • Up to $5,000 of monthly benefits for up to five years.
  • Benefits start paying after the SMART VSTD stops — 238 days for rail members and 365 days for bus members.

VLIFE

  • Members can elect up to $250,000 with no medical exams/questions required.
  • Benefits double in the event of an accidental death.
  • Enrollees receive 24/7 on- and off-the-job protection.

Members can learn more and enroll about these two plans by visiting www.smart-vltd.com.

Members can explore options such as cancer insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and hospital indemnity insurance via the UTUIA.

The SMART Transportation Division is excited to announce the first open enrollment period has begun for SMART-TD’s Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) and Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) plans for bus and railroad members.

Accessible PDF

For railroad members, the plans are designed to provide financial protection during lengthy RRB occupational disability or FELA case resolutions. For all members, these plans underwritten by Sun Life are available exclusively for full dues-paying members of SMART-TD and offer comprehensive coverage for our members.

Effective from August 1st, 2023, all members are guaranteed VLTD and VLIFE coverage, regardless of their medical condition.

Here are the key features and benefits of each plan for bus and rail members, respectively:

Bus membersRailroad members
Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) benefitsVoluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) benefits
• $5,000 disability coverage enrollment without the need to answer medical questions.
• Up to 5 years of tax-free benefits.
• 24/7 coverage for covered injuries, illnesses, and surgeries.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions after one year of continuous enrollment.
Benefits begin after a 365-day elimination period.		• $5,000 disability coverage enrollment without the need to answer medical questions.
• Up to 5 years of tax-free benefits to support you during extended periods of disability.
• 24/7 coverage for covered injuries, illnesses, and surgeries.
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions after one year of continuous enrollment.
• Benefits begin after a 238-day elimination period.
• No repayment of VLTD benefits for FELA injury settlements.
Voluntary Group Life (VLIFE) featuresVoluntary Group Life (VLIFE) features
• Guaranteed life insurance amounts up to $250,000 for members, $50,000 for spouses, and $10,000 for dependents under 26.
• Equivalent Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage, with the amount doubled for accidental death.		• Guaranteed life insurance amounts up to $250,000 for members, $50,000 for spouses, and $10,000 for dependents under 26.
• Equivalent Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage, with the amount doubled for accidental death.

In addition to the VLTD and VLIFE plans, SMART-TD also offers extra protection options through UTUIA (United Transportation Union Insurance Association), effective from September 1st, 2023. These options include Cancer Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance and Accident and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.

To enroll in the SMART-TD VLTD plan, please visit www.smart-vltd.com. If you require any assistance during the enrollment process, you can reach our dedicated Customer Service Center at (224) 770-5328.

Please note that only members who are not currently participating in the SMART-TD VLTD plan are eligible to enroll at this time. Members who are already enrolled will have an opportunity to enroll at a later date.

It’s important for interested members to review the complete details and terms of the plans to make an informed decision about their coverage. This first open enrollment period ends on July 27, 2023.

October marks the beginning of Medicare’s open enrollment period for the 2022 coverage year. If you already have Railroad Medicare and want to make a change to your Part D coverage or plan, you can do so between October 15 and December 7, 2021. Any changes you make during open enrollment will take effect January 1, 2022.
This period is the time to reflect on any changes that may have occurred this year, as well as the time to do a little research. You can do this on your own online, but also with a friend you didn’t know you had.
The most common change people face each year is a change to their prescription medicines, either the medicines themselves or the dosages. Be sure to check your plan’s drug formulary, which you should receive in the mail prior to October 15. You can compare available Part D drug plans using the “Find a Medicare plan” online tool at https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare.
Other changes can be in the types of services that you need. Some may not be covered or covered by Medicare at the same rate as in 2021. You can research this when you receive your Medicare & You Handbook (by mail for some, online for those who have chosen to go paperless). Read the handbook carefully. There is a section called “What’s new & important” that will tell you the most critical things you need to know. The book also explains the different parts of Medicare, including what each part covers. Railroad Medicare is Part B (Medical Insurance) for persons covered under the railroad retirement system.
If you would like to see the Medicare & You Handbook now, you can do so by following this web address: https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10050-Medicare-and-You.pdf.
As for the “friend you didn’t know you had” … sometimes it’s hard to know what type of coverage you need or where to go to look and see what options you have. If this is you, then look no further than your state’s health insurance program. Every state has one, and they are manned by volunteers who have no affiliation with any health insurance programs (including Medicare). Visit the State Health Insurance Assistance Program website at https://www.shiphelp.org/ to find the phone number and website for your local SHIP.
As for the 2022 Medicare annual deductible and premium information, it is not available at the time of this publication.
In closing, if you have questions about SHIP or your Part B Railroad Medicare coverage, you can call Palmetto GBA’s toll-free Beneficiary Customer Service Line at 800-833-4455, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. For the hearing impaired, call TTY/TDD at 877-566-3572. This line is for the hearing impaired with the appropriate dial-up service and is available during the same hours customer service representatives are available.
We encourage you to visit Palmetto’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/myrrmedicare. Palmetto GBA also invites you to join their email updates list. Just select the ‘Email Update’ link at the top of their main webpage at www.PalmettoGBA.com/RR/Me.

Palmetto GBA is the Railroad Specialty Medicare Administrative Contractor (RRB SMAC) and processes Part B claims for Railroad Retirement beneficiaries nationwide. Palmetto GBA is contracted by the independent federal agency Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), which administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for railroad workers and their families under the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts.

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 advantage of this benefit.
You can enroll by talking to a Benefit Specialist by calling 224-770-5328 or self-enroll by visiting www.smart-vltd.com.
Below are a few highlights of the new plan:

  • The new plan is replacing the old MetLife Long-Term Disability Plan that was canceled in April.
  • The new plan differs from the old MetLife plan because it does not offset with other benefits such as the RRB or the VSTD. This plan stacks on top of and pays in addition to other benefits.
  • Unlike the old plan, the new VDP is an individual policy that is guaranteed renewable. Your coverage can’t be canceled. (It remains in force up to age 72 as long as premiums are paid).
  • Premiums are locked in when you enroll. Your premiums do not increase as you get older.
  • Previous MetLife participants are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000.

Open enrollment has been extended to Jan. 15, 2020.
For more information or to enroll, contact your local field supervisor, visit www.smart-vltd.com, or call the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.

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 can apply for coverage. Members can enroll online by visiting www.smart-vltd.com, contacting their local field supervisor or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.
Since May 2019, SMART TD members have had a new disability benefit available to them. Enrollment for the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) ends November 30, 2019. Members can apply for coverage if they are a dues-paying member of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week.
Previously, SMART TD members had long-term disability insurance available to them through MetLife, but the MetLife plan ended April 1, 2019. The new plan is underwritten by Amalgamated Life Insurance Company. Members who were enrolled in the previous MetLife plan are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000 per month (2 or 5 years’ duration).
“Applying for the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is easy, because Amalgamated Life Insurance Company uses simplified medical underwriting,” stated Carl Galdine, the VDP enrollment director. “With simplified underwriting, there is no medical exam, only a few medical questions on the application.”
Enrollment packets including a letter, a summary of benefits, and information on how to enroll were mailed to SMART TD members in May and June. Members can enroll online by visiting www.smart-vltd.com contacting their local field supervisor or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328 and speaking with a benefit specialist.
Below are highlights of the new Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP):

  • Members can choose between a 2- or 5-year option
  • Members can enroll in a monthly benefit ranging from $300 to $5,000 ($100 benefit increments) (monthly benefit may not exceed 60% of gross earnings)
  • Previous MetLife participants are guaranteed approved for a monthly benefit of up to $1,000
  • Benefit does not offset and pays in addition to all other benefits
  • Benefit starts paying after 180 days (6 months)
  • Pre-existing conditions are covered after 12 months on the plan
  • Benefit covers members on and off the job (24-hour coverage)
  • Benefit is not subject to repayment upon receipt of a FELA or personal injury settlement
  • Members can retain coverage even if they are furloughed or suspended (portable)

“This new plan was designed to work well with the benefits that SMART TD members already have available to them,” Galdine said. “It stacks on top of all other benefits including the Voluntary Short-Term Disability Plan and RRB benefits. Also, this plan starts after a 6-month waiting period when RRB Sickness Benefits typically end.”
Open enrollment ends Nov. 30, 2019.
For more information or to enroll, contact your local field supervisor, visit www.smart-vltd.com or call the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.

Open enrollment has begun for SMART Transportation Division bus and rail members in the union’s new Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP). The plan, now underwritten by Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, is available for long-term protection against a sudden loss of income due to an illness or injury. Although Open Enrollment will run through Nov. 30, 2019, members may sign up at any time during the enrollment period. Coverage will commence upon successful completion of the enrollment process.
This plan has been established to provide yet another level of financial security to members in the event that a long-term recovery from an illness or injury leaves them unable to work. Members can customize their 24-7 coverage by selecting the benefit option best suiting their individual needs and then pay for coverage through payroll deductions. VDP benefits are payable after a 180-day elimination period and are paid in addition to any other benefits such as the TD Voluntary Short-Term Disability (VSTD) plan, worker’s comp, Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) sickness benefit or others.
The new VDP has two- and five-year options with monthly benefits starting at $300 up to $5,000 available in $100 increments that can cover up to 60% of an enrollee’s earnings. Approval of benefits from Amalgamated is subject to participation requirements and/or simplified medical underwriting.
This VDP coverage is portable for all members, and it won’t be lost if an enrollee is furloughed or suspended. Benefits remain payable in addition to other disability benefits, exceed those of standard long-term disability plans and will give financial security in a time of need.
This plan is optional and voluntary. If a member does not enroll, he or she will not be covered.
Information concerning benefit options and rates for all SMART TD members is available at www.smart-vltd.com, by emailing info@smart-vltd.com or by calling the SMART TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.

UnitedHealthcare has announced that enrollment is open under Group Policy GA-23111.
From November through December 2018, any individual who is eligible for coverage under one of the GA-23111 plans can enroll and will be accepted for coverage without any medical underwriting or requirement of good health. This includes family members who may not already be covered by the policy.
There are no limitations for pre-existing conditions, and coverage will be effective Jan. 1, 2019.
Only applicants whose completed enrollment forms are postmarked in November or December 2018 will be considered for enrollment.
This enrollment is for former railroad employees (and their dependents) who:

  • Were previously covered under any railroad health plan and were represented by a railway labor organization, or
  • Were members in accordance with the constitution or bylaws of one of the participating railway labor organizations when coverage under their applicable group health plan ended.

Open enrollment under Plan F is available for railroad employees’ parents or parents-in-law who are eligible under Medicare.
For persons eligible for Medicare, call 800-809-0453 for more information.
For persons not eligible for Medicare, call 800-842-5252 for more information.
To get an enrollment form, visit www.yourtracktohealth.com and follow the “Plan Your Retirement” link at the top of the home page, then visit “Essential Forms” and then “Group Policy GA-23111 Enrollment Form.”
A PDF with more information about GA-23111 is available for download.
An open enrollment period for GA-23111 Plan E also is underway in November and Decemeber.
GA-23111 Plan E is made available by rail labor organizations and pays 70 percent on eligible expenses of the 20 percent not covered under GA-46000, which is the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit plan (ERMA). Combined, GA-46000 and Plan E cover 94 percent of your eligible expenses.

  • Plan E has a $100 calendar year deductible per individual.
  • Plan E adds an additional lifetime maximum amount of $500,000 for you and each enrolled dependent, which is much higher than for GA-46000 alone
  • Plan E has some benefits for routine and/or preventive benefits. For example, covered expenses for pap smears and mammograms are payable in full at 100 percent and not subject to the calendar year deductible. However, the charge for the office visit in connection with the preventive service is not payable under Plan E.

A PDF with more information about Plan E also is available.

Beginning Oct. 15 and running through Dec. 7, 2017, the open enrollment period allows Medicare-eligible patients the option of changing their coverage for 2018. Your 2018 Medicare & You Handbook should have arrived via the postal mail, and it’s important that you read this guide as you are making your decision. Every year, open enrollment is the chance to decide if you want to keep your current plan, or change to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or other health plans. If you were eligible for but not enrolled in Medicare Part B last year, you can sign up for coverage with Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Open enrollment is also the time to sign up for or change your prescription drug coverage, if you need to.
While the Part B premium and deductible have not yet been published, Part B (which includes Railroad Medicare) works as the following:

  • You pay a Part B premium each month (most people will pay a standard amount).
  • You may pay more if your adjusted gross income on your income tax return from two years ago is above a certain level.
  • For most services, you have a 20 percent copay.

If you need help determining the best plan for you, we encourage you to contact your State Health Insurance Program, also called ‘SHIP’. SHIP is available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. It may be called something slightly different in your state (California’s SHIP is called the ‘California Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program’ (HICAP)). However, they function the same way. You can find the contact information for the SHIP in your state by visiting Palmetto GBA’s website at www.PalmettoGBA.com/RR/Me/SHIP.
If you have questions about SHIP, you can call Palmetto’s toll-free Beneficiary Customer Service Line at 800-833-4455, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. For the hearing impaired, call TTY/TDD at 877-566-3572. This line is for the hearing impaired with the appropriate dial-up service and is available during the same hours customer service representatives are available.
Palmetto GBA invites you to join their listserv/email updates. Just select the ‘listservs’ link at the top of their main webpage at www.PalmettoGBA.com/RR/Me.

disability-insurance_imageSMART Transportation Division has partnered with MetLife to bring our Rail and Bus members the most comprehensive and cost-effective Voluntary Long-Term Disability plans.
VLTD insurance helps you protect your income if you suddenly have to stop working due to an accident or illness. VLTD helps ensure that you can continue paying your bills and provide for your family if you are unable to work due to an accident or illness.
Open enrollment for the Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) Plan will be available for active dues-paying SMART Transportation Division Rail and Bus members beginning August 1, 2016, through October 31, 2016, with no medical history information required.

Rail Members:

60% Option – Allows rail members to purchase coverage after a 238-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 60 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $7,000). Cost for Part “B”: $73.88 per month.
50% Option – Allows rail members to purchase coverage after a 238-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 50 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $7,000). Cost for Part “A”: $51.63 per month.

Bus Members:

60% Option – Allows bus members to purchase coverage after a 365-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 60 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $6,000). Cost for Part “B”: $47.98 per month.
50% Option – Allows bus members to purchase coverage after a 365-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 50 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $6,000). Cost for Part “A”: $31.50 per month.

Need help deciding how much is right for you?

A good rule of thumb is to buy enough VLTD to cover your essential monthly expenses (e.g., mortgage, food, utilities and car payments). For most people, that is 60-80 percent of their income. To determine your specific needs, use the calculator tool.

Enroll Today

In the month of July active members will receive an enrollment package from MetLife, containing plan FAQ’s and an enrollment form.
If for some reason you do not receive an enrollment packet in the mail, call your regional field supervisor or click on the enrollment form below.

It is easy to enroll! Simply print and complete the enrollment form, and mail it to SMART Transportation Division (VLTD), 24950 Country Club Blvd., Ste. 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070.

For plan related questions or inquiries,
please contact
MetLife Customer Service at

1-800-300-4296

Do not wait to enroll!
Your opportunity only lasts until October 31, 2016.