Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance Archives

All previously declined members and future enrolled members of the SMART-TD Long-Term Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) now have access to up to $1,000 of guaranteed approved coverage.

North Olmsted, Ohio (April 16, 2020) — In May 2019, the SMART Transportation Division rolled out a new Voluntary Disability Plan (VDP) to all dues-paying members living in the United States and working at least 20 hours per week. This plan, underwritten by Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, was subject to simplified medical underwriting, which led to some members not receiving medical qualification for this important coverage.
SMART leadership has been in negotiations with Amalgamated to resolve this issue, and the company has agreed to provide $1,000 of guaranteed approved coverage to all future enrollees, including those who previously had been medically denied coverage.
This enhancement to the SMART TD Long-Term Disability Plan (VDP) applies to all members who had applied previously and were denied coverage and to all future new enrolled members.
The following conditions will be made effective on Aug. 1, 2020:

Those enrolled members must currently be actively at work
Members who previously enrolled and were declined may find themselves in a new age group based on the new effective date of coverage. This will impact their premiums.

The $1,000 guaranteed approved benefit plan will have the following design:

$1,000/month maximum benefit
180-day elimination period
2-year maximum benefit duration
12/12 pre-existing limitation (pre-existing condition clock will start Aug. 1, 2020)

For more information about the enhanced VDP plan or to enroll, visit www.smart-vltd.com or call the SMART-TD VDP Enrollment Center at 224-770-5328.
About SMART TD: The SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) is comprised of approximately 125,000 active and retired members of the former United Transportation Union, who work in a variety of different crafts in the transportation industry. With offices in North Olmsted, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., SMART TD is the largest railroad operating union in North America.
For more information regarding this press release, please contact:
Carl Galdine
224-770-5328
carl@smart-vltd.com

SMART Transportation Division has partnered with MetLife to bring our Rail and Bus members the most comprehensive and cost-effective Voluntary Long-Term Disability plans.
VLTD insurance helps you protect your income if you suddenly have to stop working due to an accident or illness. VLTD helps ensure that you can continue paying your bills and provide for your family if you are unable to work due to an accident or illness.
Open enrollment for the Voluntary Long-Term Disability (VLTD) Plan will be available for active dues-paying SMART Transportation Division Rail and Bus members beginning August 1, 2016, through October 31, 2016, with no medical history information required.

Rail Members:

60% Option – Allows rail members to purchase coverage after a 238-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 60 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $7,000). Cost for Part “B”: $73.88 per month.
50% Option – Allows rail members to purchase coverage after a 238-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 50 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $7,000). Cost for Part “A”: $51.63 per month.

Bus Members:

60% Option – Allows bus members to purchase coverage after a 365-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 60 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $6,000). Cost for Part “B”: $47.98 per month.
50% Option – Allows bus members to purchase coverage after a 365-day elimination period, and offers a monthly benefit of 50 percent of salary (up to a maximum benefit of $6,000). Cost for Part “A”: $31.50 per month.

Need help deciding how much is right for you?

A good rule of thumb is to buy enough VLTD to cover your essential monthly expenses (e.g., mortgage, food, utilities and car payments). For most people, that is 60-80 percent of their income. To determine your specific needs, use the calculator tool.

Enroll Today

In the month of July active members will receive an enrollment package from MetLife, containing plan FAQ’s and an enrollment form.
If for some reason you do not receive an enrollment packet in the mail, call your regional field supervisor or click on the enrollment form below.

It is easy to enroll! Simply print and complete the enrollment form, and mail it to SMART Transportation Division (VLTD), 24950 Country Club Blvd., Ste. 340, North Olmsted, OH 44070.

For plan related questions or inquiries,
please contact
MetLife Customer Service at

1-800-300-4296

Do not wait to enroll!
Your opportunity only lasts until October 31, 2016.