[SIZE=4]What is the status on that health Visa Debit card, that members age 53 and older, were supposed to get, to use any way they needed for health/medical expenses, concurrent with the CBA ? I have not heard of anyone getting it or using it ? I do remember our Union making a point of this during the Road Shows ..................................

 

Don't remember if you have to request it or not, but i've had mine for two years. Head to the benefits site and look for details. I'm sure you can have them send you one.

 

I think the program you speak of was only effective after you retired (chuckle, chuckle). It was intended as a bridge to help a certain select few make it from 60 to 65 when medicare kicked in. Now those select few just get to keep the 25K plus interest as a sort of thank you from the rest of the membership.

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 age 60 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.

 

Like I've said before, that $25K cannot be used until after retirement. And yes, it does accrue interest, which seemed to be about 4% over this past year.

JJ

 

And...since guys aren't retiring til 65 now, they're getting their future health care paid for by the rest of us. Good idea? Sure, if it applied to all pilots on property. But, since I'll likely never see this, the money is just another windfall for the older guys, negotiated for and by the same.

 

It was supposed to be an incentive to retire- so guys wouldn't need to stay just to pay for healthcare until 62 or 65. The thought was in the right place, and the union was very pro-active, knowing the age regulation was going to change.

 

If true there should have been a use it or lose it provision.

 

I totally agree with you.

JJ

 

That is what S.S. said at an MEC meeting anyway.... sounded reasonable then.

Oh well.

 

Where did you get that one? It was intended to cover the medical expenses between 60 and when medicare kicked in. This was pre the age 65 thing and no the Union had no crystal ball when that would happen when the contract was negotiated. Everyone with a brain knew it was coming, but nobody knew when; obviously sooner rather than later. Negotiated by the old for the old. Are you kidding me? How about taking care of one need as well as putting in a clause to cover reducing block hours to avoid furloughs= another need. The whole concept was for everyone to take care of everyone, which many on this forum seem to forget.