Bonus Checks

If you retired prior to October 2003, you are eligible for a lump sum payment of $800 that will be paid on December 15 (mailed or direct deposit).  Surviving spouses will receive $520.

Legal Services

Cost of providing this plan is considered as earnings (imputed income) for tax purposes.  Federal tax for 2005 is $81.34.  This is your share of the cost to provide this benefit, whether you used it or not.

Medicare Part D

As GM Health Plans offer better prescription drug coverage than the plan offered by Medicare, GM plans have been identified as ‘Credible Coverage’.  Therefore, you should not enroll in the Medicare Part ‘D’ prescription program and are allowed to reject it without penalty.  If you have insurance coverage with an HMO that is offered through GM and you or a dependent enroll in Medicare Part ‘D’, you will be defaulted into a traditional health plan.

 Health Care

Priority Health (HMO) has been frozen for a couple years so workers and retirees could not enroll in the plan.  We have been advised that GM will allow new enrollments into Priority Health, but they have not yet determined when.  We anticipate it will be April at the earliest.  We will keep you informed through retiree meetings and Grand Valley Labor News articles.

 Health coverage changes recently negotiated by GM/UAW most likely will not take effect until at least May.  Your Benefit Plan Reps are available to answer questions relating to those changes or any other issues.  We have several months to answer your questions regarding these changes and will be available at future retiree meetings, as well as, in our office on a daily basis.  We can be reached at (616) 246-3450 or (800) 730-8292.  

 

Your UAW Local 730 Benefit Reps -

Grant Holst, Jerry Reid, Jolan Jackson, and Lauri Veneman

Alternates:  George Casarez, Denise DeBoer, and Carrie Jackson