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Standing Committees Scholarship Applications
35th Convention
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Calendar Committees Contacts News Photo Gallery Skilled Trades The Report Skill Center From the Benefits DepartmentBy Linda Davis UAW Regional Retiree Benefits Representative Attention 2008 SAP Option 1 Retirees
Claiming Reimbursement for the 10% Early Withdrawal Tax Penalty.
There have
been several inquiries pertaining to the timing of the 2008 SAP Option 1
retirees claiming reimbursement for the 10% early withdrawal tax penalty. (HR
Communications As part of the agreement made between GM and the UAW relative to the implementation of the 2008 Special Attrition Program (SAP), those employees who retired under Option 1 and received their lump sum payment (all or a portion) from the GM Hourly-Rate Employees Pension Plan – who were under the age of 55 at the end of the year in which they retired – will receive reimbursement sometime in 2009 for the 10% early withdrawal Federal Tax penalty that their lump sum payment would incur. The communications and timing for this reimbursement process have not yet been finalized. When the process details are finalized, General Motors will deliver notification and instruction letters to all Option 1 retirees eligible for this reimbursement. HEARING AID COVERAGEThere has been a lot of confusion concerning Hearing Aid Coverage. I will briefly explain the differences. Active members with Traditional Care Network Effective October 1, 2008, the allowed amount for the hearing aid evaluation test increased from $139.00 to $148.00. The $148.00 total derives from $110.00 for the hearing aid evaluation test and $38.00 for the conformity examination. Effective January 1, 2008, the coverage will provide one (1) $2000.00 allowance for hearing aids and ear molds for individual enrollees in a three (3) year period Retired members with the Traditional Care Network Effective October 1, 2008, the allowed amount for the hearing aid evaluation test increased from $139.00 to $148.00. The $148.00 total derives from $110.00 for the hearing aid evaluation test and $38.00 for the conformity examination. Allowances for hearing aids and ear molds continue for individual retiree enrollees at the previous allowable amount, provided they stay within network. (Members would be eligible after three years have passed since their last examination.) Please see refer to your BCBS plan customer service for more detailed information. Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of
Michigan (BCBS)
1-800-482-2210
(www.bcbsm.com) HEARING AID COVERAGE FOR MEMBERS WITH HMO COVERAGE Although hearing aids are not a basic HMO benefit, the hourly HMO members that work for GM are supplemented by riders that cover hearing aid services. The riders only cover the standard model hearings aids. The price that the HMO pays for the hearing aid varies provider to provider as they are individually contracted (rough estimate - $500.00 to $700.00). If a member should choose a more expensive model then the member would be billed for the difference. To obtain a hearing aid the member must first be examined by his or her Primary Care Physician (PCP) to determine the need for a hearing aid. Your PCP would then approve a referral to consult with a hearing specialist. When the need for a hearing aid is demonstrated, the PCP will issue a referral to the chosen hearing aid dealer and a copy to the HMO. HMO Health Plan customer service for more detailed information. Blue Care Network (BCN) 1-800-667-6667 (www.mibcn.com) Health Alliance Plan (HAP) 1-800-422-4641 (www.hap.org) Health Plus 1-800-332-9161 (www.healthplus.org) As always, please refer to your contract, UAW Benefits representative or Health Care Plan for more detailed information. |
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