Group Insurance Benefits Improved
Our bargaining committee maintained and improved group insurance coverages, despite the corporation’s significant attempt to reduce these coverages.
Survivor Benefits
Survivor Income Benefit Insurance (SIBI) has been increased $50, from $650 to $700 per month. The bridge benefit (24 months) has been increased $50 per month, from $650 to $700. In addition, the Mothers and Fathers Benefit will increase by $25, from $350 to $375.
Sickness and Accident (S&A) and Extended Disability Benefits (EDB)
As a result of the negotiated increases in the base hourly rate, all workers will receive increases in the Sickness and Accident Benefits and Extended Disability Benefits. Benefits under Basic Life and Extra Accident will also increase (see chart).
Access to care was increased in the S&A and EDB programs as nurse practitioners are now approved to treat under the supervision of a doctor.
In addition, there will be a joint effort to reduce inappropriate use of disability benefits by focusing on certain physicians. These physicians may be removed from the program and any certifications coming from them will no longer be regarded as proof of disability.
In an effort to minimize the impact of overpayments from Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDIB), the parties have agreed to allow the use of so-called ”sweep accounts.” Under the current program, members agree to repay any amount they received from the program when they receive their SSDIB award. The sweep account, which is voluntary, allows SSDIB to transfer funds directly into the sweep account which is then directed to the corporation. In addition, UAW-GM Legal Services is approved to assist members in applying for Social Security Disability applications.
Life Insurance
Life insurance coverage will increase with base hourly wage increases (see chart). In addition, members will become eligible for life insurance on the day of hire. Previously, they became eligible the first day of the month after hire.
Exam Mileage Reimbursement
The exam mileage reimbursement was increased to the IRS maximum limit of 48.5 cents and will keep pace with increases by the IRS.
Optional Life Insurance
Two new schedules will be added to Optional Life Insurance: $250,000 and $300,000. In addition, there will be a one-month premium holiday as well as an accelerated benefit option.
Dependent Life Insurance
Effective March 1, 2008, dependent life insurance will increase to $100,000 for spouses and $40,000 per child. Also, in a significant improvement for UAW GM workers and their families, the 14-day waiting period for newborns has been eliminated; newborn children are now entitled to first-day coverage.
In addition, there will be a four-month premium holiday.
Benefits Representation Improved
During these negotiations, both parties agreed on the importance of providing timely and accurate information to active and retired UAW-represented workers regarding health care, disability insurance, pensions and other benefit questions.
To improve service to retirees, the parties agreed to add 11 UAW GM special assigned benefit representatives, to be assigned by the UAW vice president and director of the UAW GM Department. These benefit representatives will be located throughout the country to provide exclusive services to UAW retirees, and will be accessible through a toll-free telephone number.
In addition, General Motors agreed to provide computers and high-speed Internet access for current UAW GM benefit representatives, to improve their ability to respond to inquiries from UAW active and retired members, and to share and transmit documents necessary for processing benefit claims.
