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Eye exams can detect vision-robbing glaucoma

For transportation workers, our eyes are among the most important tools of our trade. Lose your eyesight and you lose your livelihood. That’s why every transportation worker should be aware that an eye disease called glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, affectin [...]

Health care tax benefit for Mass. rail members

UTU members in Massachusetts covered under the National Rail Contract and other UTU plans will not face a tax penalty for the 2011 state tax year for dependent child maternity benefits. The Massachusetts state legislature had mandated coverage of dependent child maternity ben [...]

Diabetes: Know the symptoms

Almost 26 million Americans suffer with diabetes. Shockingly, another 79 million have pre-diabetes, and many are not even aware they have the disease. It is estimated that by the year 2050, one-in-three American adults will have diabetes unless serious steps are taken to stop [...]

Early rail retiree insurance cap raised

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 [...]

It’s time for flu and pneumonia vaccines

The head-cold and flu season is upon us, making it time to lower your risk of disease and illness by receiving a flu shot and pneumonia vaccine – and if you or your spouse is covered by Medicare, you won’t bear the cost and do not require a doctor’s referral. The flu shot is [...]

Medicare Part B premium will rise in 2012

The Medicare Part B premium will rise by $3.50 monthly to $99.90 monthly beginning Jan. 1, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This is the first increase in the Part B premium in two years. For Medicare participants who first enrolled in 2010 and 20 [...]

H&W enrollment return deadline nearing

Nov. 11 is the deadline for returning to Railroad Enrollment Services the annual health and welfare enrollment materials for railroad employees and/or dependents covered under the National Railway Carriers and United Transportation Union (NRC/UTU) Health and Welfare Plan. For [...]

Take note of prescription drug recall

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of its oral contraceptive owing to a packaging error that could leave women at risk of an unintended pregnancy. Medco, which supplies many UTU members and family with prescription drugs, is notifying its patie [...]