UPS Health Benefits Shock for Retired Union Employees

[sendagain]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

I know costs are going up, but this huge increase is not even explained by the company. This is an increase of 400% on the west coast, and as I understand it, the health care package is through the company, not the union. They have been raising rates every year at UPS, so I don't understand why there is a sudden need for such a huge grab from the retirees. Is this because of Obamacare, or is this just a money grab? If this kind of thing is going to happen all over the country, then there will be a nightmare coming for our economy. This money is worth two good vacations from me, which may not be spent now because of this price gouge. Welcome to the new socialist state of the USA.

 

[moreluck]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Obamacare......this is what everyone was talking about........why is everybody so surprised???

 

[bottomups]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

The only thing I'm expecting from UPS upon retirement is the approximately $220 a month pension from my 4 years of PT employment. If its there great, if not, it won't be the end of the world. Some of us wonder why we struck UPS in 1997 to keep the pension and healthcare in Teamsters control. Judging by the letters some of you are now receiving it appears to have been the right choice.

 

[toonertoo]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Both of my sons premiums doubled. And they have never had health issues. They were told by their plan administrators that it is totally because of the health affordability act.

 

[toonertoo]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

I would ask that anyone who recieved these notices, black out the pertinent private info and display them here for all to see.

 

[104Feeder]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

There was some discussion in here about the defined benefit (pension) vs. a defined contribution (401k). In 104, our maximum pension contribution per year is $19,968 currently (2080 hours x $9.60/hr all compensable hours). To get that same contribution from a 401k you would need to to have a better than 11% company match (assuming $90k/yr) with the balance coming from your gross or net pay. I wouldn't fault the Company for not matching, as the $20k is on top of your pay and if you are maxing out your 401k every year, or even just doing 10% each year you should have plenty of money to budget for health care cost increases. Our retiree plan is excellent right now but with all the changes coming into play with Obamacare and whatnot I wouldn't bank on things staying the same until they figure it all out.

 

[UpstateNYUPSer(Ret)]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

I would ask that anyone who recieved these notices, black out the pertinent privae info and display them here for all to see.

Scan and post as PDF.

 

[Dracula]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Both of my sons premiums doubled. And they have never had health issues. They were told by their plan administrators that it is totally because of the health affordability act.

If you've paid ANY attention to current events in the last 15 years, you would know that the most expensive costs in this country, BY FAR, are health care costs. Now, if you want to blame spiraling health care costs at Obama's feet, fine. That's never stopped conservatives yet, but you might want a reality check while you're at it. Whether you like it or not, Obama is not the reason that health care costs are so prohibitive. High health costs didn't begin in 2088, son.

 

[scratch]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

If you are in Central States, then the Teamsters control your Health Insurance, not UPS. We were told during our contact proposal meeting that the Central States Health Insurance Plan was in fantastic shape, unlike the pension part. The meeting also started out by our Local's president telling us to vote for Obama. I turn 55 in May, and was thinking about retiring then. If the cost of insurance is jacked up that much for retirees, I will perhaps have to re-think those plans.

 

[oldupsman]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Milkman,
Sincerely trying to understand this situation:

Is your healthcare provided by the Teamsters or UPS?

Are you under the Central States buyout?

Just trying to understand the background of this.

Let me try to clear this up Hoax. I'm in a similar situation. I've had UPS health care since the strike of 76. I have never been part of Teamster Health and Welfare.
My pension is with the Teamsters. Whenever I got a letter from Teamster health and welfare I used to laugh and throw it in the trash. Still do.
When I retired I kept the exact same health plan that I had all those years with UPS. But now I had to pay 50.00 a month. For both me and my wife. I've
been paying a whole 600.00 a year for my health benefits. Same bennies I had as a driver. Plus free prescriptions. Alot of people don't know this. Not even managers.
A week before I retired
a new DM came in from out of district. We were talking about me leaving and health care came up. He couldn't believe what I was telling him. Now at 65 I'm on my own.


I've been waiting for this to end sooner or later but like Milkman I never expected that kind of increase. But I still haven't received that letter. Maybe it won't be
happening in my district. And it is part of the contract. So it has to be negoiated by the local. But even if it happens I can't complain. I've been riding that
gravy train for 6 years.

 

[toonertoo]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

I have paid attention in the last 15 yrs. I am not takling of 2088, I would guess you are talking 2008.
Im not your son. I know that health care has risen. I also know the cost of open heart surgery, and chemo. No one yet that I have heard conservative or liberal will argue cost is rising. Did Obama care make it go up more is what I ask.
There has always been help for those who need it, its called medicaid. I see perfectly healthy people use it daily.
Its a big scam, cant find a job go on medicaid and ssi, but thats a different rant. I was told to divorce my husband, by a lawyer, and a ssd judge, so he could get it. I said no thanks.

Silly me.

My question was simply since I havent got one of these letters, I would like to see them. Maybe a letter in black and white could enlighten us. Im not arguing Obama, he won. He was not my man, and most likely never will be, but. I want the facts.

 

[moreluck]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Here's one....

Why ObamaCare Will Make Health Insurance More Expensive | Health Information Network


There are tons of articles.......just search..... "health insurance premiums rise under Obamacare."

 

[upsrogue]

Rogue, did you just turn 65?

No, I am not 65 yet. I retired in 2007 with 29 years of service, 25 as a steward. I have breakfast on a regular basis with other retirees. When you reach 65 your UPS healthcare becomes a supplement to Medicare. Retirees over the age of 65 will not get any kind of break on their premiums even though their UPS insurance will only act as a supplement.

 

[old brown shoe]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Milkman is the money you pay out just for you or you and your spouse. I left in Nov. and that is about the same as what I have to pay out for Teamsters insurance for me and my wife. That is without dental or vision. But at least I knew it was coming when I left and had it in our budget. Would have been quite a shock to have that dropped in your lap when you are on a fixed income. More of the fallout of the Right to Work and people not choosing to join the Union.

 

[brownmonster]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

I might have to retire into a part time job to make enough to cover insurance. Still beats lumping parcels 10 hours a day.

 

[UpstateNYUPSer(Ret)]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

If you are in Central States, then the Teamsters control your Health Insurance, not UPS. We were told during our contact proposal meeting that the Central States Health Insurance Plan was in fantastic shape, unlike the pension part. The meeting also started out by our Local's president telling us to vote for Obama. I turn 55 in May, and was thinking about retiring then. If the cost of insurance is jacked up that much for retirees, I will perhaps have to re-think those plans.

Why? Are you telling us that finances may dictate when you retire?

 

[UpstateNYUPSer(Ret)]

No, I am not 65 yet. I retired in 2007 with 29 years of service, 25 as a steward. I have breakfast on a regular basis with other retirees. When you reach 65 your UPS healthcare becomes a supplement to Medicare. Retirees over the age of 65 will not get any kind of break on their premiums even though their UPS insurance will only act as a supplement.

At that point couldn't you switch to a lower-cost Medicare supplement plan?

 

[moreluck]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

Why? Are you telling us that finances may dictate when you retire?

If he doesn't notice finances impact & dictate when you retire...........he'd be in for a big surprise in his planning.....that could lead to a disastrous retirement.

 

[moreluck]

At that point couldn't you switch to a lower-cost Medicare supplement plan?

Which means he'd pay higher co-pays and maybe have things that aren't covered in the prescription end..

With one plan for example.....you could pay $1000.00 for hip replacement where another plan you pay $0. It takes a lot of studying of your personal needs and situation. Why do you think people start to look at Medicare options 3 months ahead of time?

 

[UpstateNYUPSer(Ret)]

Re: Health Benefit Shock

You keep referring to post-retirement while I am referring to the years leading up to retirement. With proper pre-retirement planning unexpected increases such as this are more easily absorbed and do not impact your retirement plans.