INSURANCE & BENEFITS REPORT
By Jim Arrowood, Chairman
Retirees age 65 or older are entitled to reimbursement of the Medicare monthly premium. The premium amount in 2008 is $96.40, an increase of $2.90 over 2007.
That reflects an increase of 3.1%. The premiums are determined by the Dept. of Health and Human Services. Our language includes reimbursement of our Medicare part B
premiums in an amount up to $99.50 per month during the term of the Central Agreement. If you or your spouse are enrolled in Medicare part A and B, you must
notify Fidelity at 1-877-749-6724 to be included in the reimbursement.
I have included this information in previous articles. Even so, we still find retired members who are enrolled in Medicare part A and B coverage not receiving the reimbursement for their monthly premiums. These reimbursements are bi-annual.
Each January and July they are paid to our members who are enrolled.
HEALTH
Other than what I reported in the June article, there is not enough specific information to determine the benefits of the HMO. I continue to request the full plan language contained in the proposed HMO offer. To date I have only received the mailers and highlighters being sent to our members. Many of you rely on your Local Union
representatives to inform you regarding such issues. Unfortunately, all I can tell you at this time is we currently have coverage under a signed agreement which includes specific coverage levels. Without being able to make a full side by side evaluation, I do not recommend enrollment in any other plan offered by any health maintenance organization. Until we receive answers to all our requests for specific information, it
would be irresponsible to advise our members on this matter.
In Solidarity,
Jim Arrowood, Chairman
Insurance & Benefits