A300_Driver,

This is what I am talking about. Straight from the CBA. A pilot who turn age 59 gets a check for $25,000 in his HRA fund and can continue to fly until age 65 (where is completely covered by the company). He can then still have his HRA account when he retires, while being covered by Medicare. THIS WAS NOT THE PURPOSE OF VEBA AND IS A HUGE LOOPHOLE THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF. Section 27.H.7

b. For each eligible active pilot (i) having a seniority list number on August 25, 2006, (ii) who has attained at least age 53 before January 1, 2007, (iii) who is expected to meet the age and service requirements for coverage under the Retiree Group Health Plan as of his attainment of age60 or older, and (iv) who retires on or after August 26, 2006, the Company will make a one-time cash payment of restricted signing bonus to the VEBA equal to $25,000. Such contributions shall be made no later than January 28, 2007 (90 days after October 30, 2006). The contribution and interest attributable thereto shall be transferred to the HRA established with respect to that pilot upon the date that the pilot attains age 59, or if earlier, as soon as practicable after the pilot dies. If a pilot attains age 59 or dies prior to the date that the Company funds the VEBA pursuant to this Section 27.H.7.b., the contribution and interest attributable to such pilot shall be transferred to the HRA as soon as possible after the date on which the Company funds the VEBA.
c. HRA contributions will not be reduced for a pilot who continues as an active employee past age 60. There is no requirement that a pilot participate in a Company-sponsored Pre-Medicare health care plan when he retires in order to use his HRA or to receive an HRA contribution
d. There is no requirement that a Pilot participate in a Company sponsored Pre-Medicare Health care plan when he retires to use his HRA or to receive an HRA contribution.
e. A pilot’s HRA may be used for reimbursement of any qualified medical expenses while retired, including participant premium contributions, whether before or after Medicare eligibility. Any unused amounts in the HRA at the time of the pilot’s death (whether before or after retirement)may be used for reimbursement of any qualified medical expenses of the eligible surviving spouse and any other eligible surviving dependents. Any unused amounts in the HRA at the last to die of the pilot, eligible surviving spouse and eligible surviving dependents will be forfeited to the VEBA.

Am I wrong?