Category: Healthcare
Medicare Part B premiums remain the same in 2015
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $104.90 in 2015, the same amount as in 2014. Some beneficiaries will continue to pay higher premiums based on their modified adjusted gross income, but these amounts are also remaining the same as in 2014. The monthly premi [...]Healthcare open enrollment online until Nov. 1
Railroad employees covered under National Railway Carriers/UTU Health and Welfare Plan or the Railroad Employees’ National Health and Welfare Plan were mailed a notification of the online open enrollment period that began Oct. 1, 2014, and ends Nov. 1, 2014. The information s [...]Wellness programs more popular with employers
That little voice nagging you to put down the cake and lace up the running shoes is increasingly coming from your employer and is likely to grow louder with a looming change under the federal health care overhaul. More companies are starting or expanding wellness programs tha [...]When Railroad Medicare pays first or second
When Medicare began in the 1960s, it was the primary payer for all services except those covered by workers compensation. In 1980, Congress enacted provisions to shift costs from the Medicare program to private insurers, when possible. This legislation stopped Medicare from m [...]Deal reached on same-sex couple dependent benefits
Rail labor organizations and rail management through the National Carriers Conference Committee have reached an accord to extend medical, dental and vision benefits to same-sex couple spouses, effective Jan. 1, 2014. The plans affected are the National Railway Carriers/UTU He [...]Early rail retiree insurance cap rises in 2014
UTU members and their dependents insured under the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (ERMA) Plan (GA-46000) will have their lifetime maximum amount of coverage increased, effective Jan. 1. ERMA is a comprehensive benefits plan for employees wh [...]Enrollment for flexible spending account extended
Railroad members covered under the national and health and welfare plans have received an extension to enroll in a health flexible spending account (FSA). The enrollment period extension is from Nov. 5 through Dec. 1, 2013. This special enrollment extension is only for the he [...]Flu season is here, shots covered by RR Medicare
It’s that time again. Flu season is upon us and the flu shot is available to be taken now. There are between 135 and 139 million vaccinations available this year. Medicare Part B (including Railroad Medicare) normally pays for one flu shot per flu season. There are two [...]