Improvements in life and disability benefits

Regeneration of sick leave

(See the contract language, page 5)
The tentative agreement goes a step further to protect members on permanent layoff or sick leave when they return to work. The requirements to work 12 weeks before regeneration has been removed. Our members will now receive full benefit eligibility upon return to work.

(See the contract language, page 180-186)
New rules that expand the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act will go into effect Jan. 1, 2012. This legislation enhances members’ negotiated benefi ts and broadens coverage to our members in need of mental health care and substance abuse treatment. This comprehensive program removes the danger of restrictions on appropriate care.

All limitations in mental health or substance abuse less than the Hospital, Surgical or Medical Benefit are now equal. With this new program, inpatient mental health/substance abuse care is expanded from 45 days to 365 days and renewable after 60 days of nontreatment.

Outpatient mental health and substance abuse visits with a panel provider are covered at 100 percent for visits 1 through 20, 75 percent for visits 21 through 35 and a maximum $25 co-pay for visits 36 and over.

Disability

(See the contract language, page 15)
Under the IMO program mileage reimbursement from home to the physician’s office has decreased from 40 miles to 30 miles one way. Members will now be reimbursed mileage after traveling 30 miles or more.

Optional and dependent life improved

(See the contract language, pages 53-55)
Optional and Dependent life insurance rates have been reduced, Optional by 8 percent and Dependent by 20 percent. A four-month premium holiday will be granted for current participants in 2012. Also, an open enrollment will increase by one level with no proof of insurability.

Benefit plans administration gains

The union and company historically have worked together to identify and solve benefit administration problems. At implementation of the proposed agreement, the parties agree to provide e-mail access and voicemail, or an answering machine, for benefit representatives.

The company also agreed to benefit conferences in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, to keep benefit representatives informed on the latest benefit administration changes.

Improving participation and performance in the Personal Savings Plan (PSP)

The Personal Savings Plan (PSP) has provided the means for many of our members to save for their retirement. These savings have been an important addition to the monthly benefits our retirees receive. The bargaining committee negotiated significant improvements to the PSP.