Group disability plan could follow delegate vote

Written by UTU.org Saturday, 06 June 2009 15:55

UTU delegates are voting on a change to the UTU Constitution that would permit voluntary member participation, through an opt-out provision, of any membership benefit opportunities that might arise.

Passage of the change would permit, for example, vendors to provide UTU members with group disability insurance coverage.

Delegates must return ballots by June 26.

The UTU Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve sending the ballot. If approved by a majority of delegates, Article 12 of the UTU Constitution would be changed to read:

“The Board of Trustees shall also be empowered to make agreements with vendors to provide members with disability insurance coverage or other benefits through the International, at the members’ cost, on an opt-out basis.”

Such group disability insurance would be an essential financial backstop for UTU members, many of whom have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions resulting from their railroad employment.

Following a review of such available policies, it was determined that a group disability policy available from Mutual of Omaha, an A+ rated insurance carrier with more than $4 billion in assets, could best serve UTU members.

Under this policy, every UTU member would be eligible – guaranteed coverage during the open enrollment period – regardless of existing health conditions. Especially attractive is that the coverage would allow members with a UTUIA disability plan to keep that plan in addition to the Mutual of Omaha plan without any reduction in plan benefits.

This could be important to those seeking greater coverage than would be offered by the Mutual of Omaha plan.

UTUIA field supervisors support the Mutual of Omaha plan and would assist members with questions during the open enrollment period.

Because of the UTU membership base and collective buying power, premiums would be especially low – less than $30 per month, through payroll deduction.

The coverage would be for accidents or sickness.

A similar policy – even if it could be purchased individually from an insurance company – would cost UTU members up to $100 monthly.

The plan cannot be offered to members, however, without an amendment to the UTU Constitution. If delegates approve the change to Article 12, the Mutual of Omaha plan could be available within 90 days.

“Other still unidentified benefits to members also could be offered down the road if this change to Article 12 is approved by delegates,” said UTU General Secretary & Treasurer Kim Thompson. “I encourage every delegate to vote, without delay, in favor of this proposal.”

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