Category: Healthcare
Palmetto GBA: In 2020, RR Medicare ID requirements change
A message from Palmetto GBA: Whether you’re new to Railroad Medicare or starting a new year with Railroad Medicare, it’s important to know about the change to how Medicare identifies you. In 2020, Medicare providers must use your new Medicare number. The old Social Security-b [...]
Member input leads to access to life-saving emergency training
When an accident occurs and one of our members is on site — be it a bus operator or rail conductor — it often falls on that SMART Transportation Division member to provide assistance as the FIRST responder to the situation. The member must assess and relay information about t [...]
RRB: Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance taxes in 2020
The amounts of compensation subject to Railroad Retirement Tier I and Tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2020, while the tax rates on employers and employees will stay the same. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will not inc [...]
Enrollment period has been extended for new SMART VDP
The open-enrollment period for the new SMART TD Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP)<strong? has been extended until Jan. 15, 2020. The high call volume that occurred as last week’s deadline approach allowed the negotiation of a longer period for members to take [...]
ERMA lifetime maximum benefit to increase in 2020
The lifetime maximum benefit for the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit (ERMA or GA-46000) Plan will increase from $166,400 to $171,100 beginning Jan. 1, 2020. At the end of 2001, labor and management had agreed on various procedures to adminis [...]
Daughter of retired member talks about why unions matter in essay
“My daughter and her friend work for Grub Hub and live off tips,” said Donna, “and they live with me because there is no way that they can afford to live on their own.” Donna’s story hit me hard and here is why. My dad made a choice at 18 that if he was going […]
SMART-TD serves Section 6 notice on carriers
On November 20, SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) General Chairpersons served on railroads represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) the SMART-TD’s intended amendments to agreements affecting rates of pay, rules and working conditions. Such noti [...]
Reminder: Open enrollment underway for SMART TD long-term voluntary disability plan
Open enrollment for the new SMART Transportation Division Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) is underway. Enrollment started in May and runs through Nov. 30, 2019. All dues-paying members of SMART TD living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week ca [...]