Pensions Improved – Pensions have been increased for all who retire
under the 2003 contract. The new 30-and-Out benefits will be increased a
total of $70 for workers who retire before their Social Security 80 percent
date during the October 1, 2004 to September 1, 2005 time frame. This will
increase the 30-and-out benefit from the current $2805 to $2875 per month
beginning October 1, 2004.
The problems with Fidelity continue to erupt on a daily
basis. Please remember that if you find a problem with your benefits to
contact a benefit representative immediately. Do not assume that the
situation will work itself out.
A third party – The Work Number now handles wage and Employment
verification for General Motors. Call 1-800-367-5690 and enter the GM
employer code 11429 and your social security number. You may also go to the
website @ www.theworknumber.com. The cost for this service is $12.00 for
verification of employment and $15.00 for verification of income. This cost
is payable by credit card only.
Hearing Aid - If you are in need of a hearing aid you MUST use
a participating provider in order to receive ANY benefits. Please
contact your insurance carrier or a Benefits Representative for a
participating provider listing and the five steps you must take.
Health Care - In order for you to receive the highest level of
benefits under the Traditional Care Network you must use an in-network
provider. Remember, under our plan we have NO COVERAGE for services rendered
by a chiropractor. A Participating licensed Physical Therapist must render
physical therapy. For Physical Therapy we have coverage for up to 60 visits
per calendar year per condition by a participating provider.
Durable Medical Equipment – As a reminder to those with Diabetes;
Glucose monitors, lancets, and test strips are covered (subject to
Medicare/GM guidelines). You may obtain them at no cost to you only at
participating Northwood NPN providers. Northwood NPN may be contacted at
1-800-936-9314.
If you are a member who is in need of any Durable Medical Supply please
contact either Northwood at the above number or your Benefits Representative
to ensure you use a participating provider. You are sanctioned if you do not
use a participating provider.
Vision –Check with Cole Managed Vision at 1-800-638-0166 or your
Benefits Representative for providers near you. A provider listing may be
obtained at the Cole Managed Vision website at www.colemanagedvision.com
Group #80140.
Health Care - Bills where the provider or doctor is submitting claims
and lab work with ROUTINE or SCREENING as the diagnosis or no diagnosis at
all will be denied. Claims and lab work must be submitted with a MEDICAL
DIAGNOSIS, by the Doctor, which justifies the test before it will be
considered for coverage.
Under our National Agreement we are allowed one (1) PAP, PSA, and
Mammograms per year, these tests may be submitted with the screening
diagnosis. UAW International Bargaining Committee successfully negotiated
the addition of the following screenings which will go into effect July 1,
2004 for Traditional Care Network enrollees, when a Network provider
provides such services: One fecal occult blood test per year, beginning at
age 50; one flexible sigmoidoscopy exam, or one barium enema, every 5 years,
or one colonoscopy every 10 years, beginning at age 50 and one total serum
cholesterol with low density lipoprotein test every 5 years beginning at age
20. These tests may be submitted with the routine or screening diagnosis.
Delta Dental – Your Benefits Representatives encourage you to ask
for a predetermination from Delta Dental through your participating provider
for any services which cost is estimated to go above $200.00. A
Predetermination letter will be mailed to both you and the provider showing
patient responsibility for services rendered. Our contract allows for a
maximum payment of $1,700 per person total per year and a lifetime
orthodontic maximum of $2,000.
You are encouraged to register at http://www.deltadental.com/ you
may view claims online, search for dentists, download claim forms and this
site has lots of information pertaining to oral health.
Prescription drugs –Please be aware that you have the same ability
to get almost any prescription drug by mail order. The savings and ability
to get a 90-day supply for $5.00 (up from $2.00 effective 1/1/05) without
going to the drug store every month is a great incentive to begin using the
mail order program. As a reminder, refills should be called in when you have
14-21 days worth of medication left to ensure you receive your medication in
time. If you have ordered mail order prescriptions and are about to run out
due to a shipping problem please contact a Benefits Representative
immediately. Please continue to use participating pharmacies for short-term
prescriptions that you need right away (ex. Antibiotics, newly prescribed
drugs) The Medco Health website is www.medcohealth.com
