Totally agree. The HRA didn't change much from last year. We definitely need to get something in the contract. DPMP is a joke.

Keep us informed Buzz, we'll add to your prayers.

Will do FTB. Thanks so much.

I think middle managers have our health care minus some pilot related stuff. And a 3% match on the 401k.

But as to improving it, that'd be great. I'm making monthly payments on my daughters ER visit for 12 months- thankfully interest free... for 12 months.

Beats my in laws neighbor, racked up $300,000 in bills and is going back in for different stuff. Doesn't intend to pay for any of it. "I have no money, bye." So you and I pay for what the hospital doesn't eat. A professor no less, and 40 years older than the supposed entitlement generation.

Best of luck to you & your family Buzz. Thanks for sharing a story that shows compassion from the company & fellow coworkers. Prayers for your wife's Mom.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Buzz. Please, let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

Healthcare premiums actually went up less this year on a percentage basis than they have the last 4 years. On average they have climbed 8% Since 2002 and this year mine for the Gold HRA went up 6%. So Barry Care didn't really make a difference on the annual rise in health care premiums. One could actually argue that the rise went down due the insurance companies knowing their premium revenue will rise in the future because all the free loaders will be forced to have insurance so those of us who do won't have to pay for their coverage via our premiums. Not saying I support it, but those are the facts. Vision and dental haven't changed more than a couple bucks since I was hired. All vision insurance really suck no matter where you are and our Dental insurance is actually very good compared to alot of companies.

I think we should get a contractual HSA that Delta puts in a % of our income just like our 401K. The contract should limit the amount the deductibles and premiums can rise on a yearly basis. I love the HSA theory, but the options we have don't work for families with the high deductibles. Get the deductibles lower and have Delta put some $$$ in the account and that would be the way to go.

I'm sure our pay is "very good" compared to a lot of companies, too. For example, my sanitation engineer would be pretty much pleased with my pay--prior to the bankruptcy, anyway.

But I feel we should be looking for reasons to raise the bar, not talk ourselves into lowering it :cool:

Incidentally, the HSA out-of-pocket max has gone up significantly more than 6% this year.

No kidding - I had a root canal in 2002 ($200 out of pocket). This year - $650 out of Pocket (with the Comprehensive plan). If we don't contractually protect our medical plans the premiums are going to go out of sight and kill some of our pay gains. By the way, we need things other than HSA's - not everyone is eligible for those plans (mainly retired military ARE NOT eligible for any HSA plan).

Praying for a good outcome.

Not the first time I've heard good things about the company in situations like this. We do work for a great company!