Furlough Information
Health Insurance Information for Furloughed Members |
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Members who have been furloughed should be aware that their health care coverage benefits from their employer extends through the end of the fourth month after being furloughed. Below are Frequently Asked Questions that may be useful to our furloughed members. Q: How long does my insurance coverage last if I am furloughed? A: Employee and eligible dependent coverage extends through the end of the fourth month following the month in which you last render compensated service. For example, an employee last rendering compensated service in January, who is then furloughed in February, will have coverage extended through the end of May. Q: Will vacation pay extend coverage beyond four months? A: With regard to furlough – no. Q: Will I be able to continue coverage under COBRA when coverage for me and/or my dependents end? A: The COBRA eligibility period (18, 29 or 36 months) is measured from the date of the “qualifying event.” For the health and welfare plans, the “qualifying event” is the date you last worked, NOT the date your coverage ends. The COBRA eligibility period, therefore, runs concurrently with the extended coverage as state above so that COBRA continuation is available for the remaining months, if any, after the extended coverage ends. For example – An employee is furloughed in January and coverage extends through May. COBRA continuation is available beginning June 1 and thereafter for an additional 13 months. In these circumstances, no more than 18 months of COBRA is available, less the five months during which the employee remained covered by the Plan after the qualifying event in January. Q: How will I be notified that COBRA is available to me and/or my dependents? A: When the railroad reports an employee as not being eligible for benefits, a COBRA notice is automatically sent to the employee’s address of record. The form must be completed and returned to UnitedHealthcare in a timely manner in order to establish COBRA coverage. *** For other benefits that furloughed members may be eligible for click on the following links: https://www.smart-union.org/news/furloughed-members-may-be-entitled-to-benefits/ https://static.smart union.org/worksite/newspdfs/2015/October_2015_TD_News_center_final.pdf *** It should be noted by all furloughed members that it is your responsibility to keep your contact information up-to-date not only with your employer, but also with your union. This includes your phone number, mailing address and email address. Your employer will need your correct contact information to call you back to work. Many SMART TD legislative boards and locals are holding informational sessions for furloughed workers and need your correct contact information to keep you informed. To update your phone number or address call your local officers or call SMART TD headquarters at 216-228-9400 ext. 3908. You may update your address electronically with the union here or by going to utu.org and clicking on the ‘Address Change‘ button on the right side of the home page. |
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UPREHS handles insurance for YOU, not your dependents.
The following information is for the members only and includes only health insurance information. It does not include dental or vision insurance coverage.
Health insurance will continue for three months following the last month you paid premiums.
You can purchase COBRA insurance through UPREHS which would be the same health coverage you had while working after your three months expire. The coverage is $100.00 per month for an additional 6 months beyond the three months after you are furloughed. The $100.00 per month coverage cannot exceed the number of months you paid premiums to UPREHS.
Example: You worked for four months before being furloughed. You would be eligible for three months of coverage following the last month of your last start. You are also eligible to purchase four additional months of coverage at the $100.00 per month rate.
At the end of your determined $100.00 per month eligibility you may purchase coverage at a rate of $702.37 per month if you have under 12 months of total service.
If you have over 12 months of total service, you may purchase coverage for $100.00 per month for 6 months following 3 months after your last month of your last start. Coverage can then be purchased for an additional 6 months at $175.00 per month. Coverage can then be purchased at $702.37 per month.
The following information is for the members only and includes only health insurance information. It does not include dental or vision insurance coverage.
Health insurance will continue for three months following the last month you paid premiums.
- Example: Your last working start was February 27, 2015, you would be insured through May 2015.
You can purchase COBRA insurance through UPREHS which would be the same health coverage you had while working after your three months expire. The coverage is $100.00 per month for an additional 6 months beyond the three months after you are furloughed. The $100.00 per month coverage cannot exceed the number of months you paid premiums to UPREHS.
Example: You worked for four months before being furloughed. You would be eligible for three months of coverage following the last month of your last start. You are also eligible to purchase four additional months of coverage at the $100.00 per month rate.
At the end of your determined $100.00 per month eligibility you may purchase coverage at a rate of $702.37 per month if you have under 12 months of total service.
If you have over 12 months of total service, you may purchase coverage for $100.00 per month for 6 months following 3 months after your last month of your last start. Coverage can then be purchased for an additional 6 months at $175.00 per month. Coverage can then be purchased at $702.37 per month.
Once you are furloughed, UPREHS will send you a packet in the mail with information about purchasing coverage specific to you. If you do not receive your packet or have any questions, UPREHS can be contacted at http://www.uprehs.com/homepage.shtml or by calling Toll-Free: (800) 547-0421
Unemployment
Click the following link to Apply for Railroad Unemployment.
Click the following link If you're looking for information on Unemployment Benefits for Railroad Employees.
Click the following link If you're looking for information on Unemployment Benefits for Railroad Employees.
If you'd like a PDF version of the booklet "Unemployment Benefits for Railroad Employees" click on the following link.
