IMPORTANT healthcare changes for Chrysler's UAW retirees

[Bozita]

If you know any of these folks, please pass this on to them.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2008072...

SUSAN TOMPOR
Chrysler health care changing
BY SUSAN TOMPOR • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • JULY 23, 2008

Chrysler's UAW retirees and surviving spouses need to pay close attention to some paperwork that could be sitting on the kitchen counter.

The papers apply to your health care coverage.

If seniors miss the July 31 deadline, you could be socked with extra fees that add up to 20% or 45% more each month for coverage.

Direct billing

Thousands of UAW-Chrysler retirees and surviving spouses soon will be required to pay $11 a month for single coverage and $22 a month for family coverage.

You would need to authorize deductions from your pension check by July 31.

It also is very important to sign and date the back of the form.

Yet if UAW-Chrysler retirees do not respond, they'll automatically be enrolled in what's called the "direct billing payment option."

How much will that cost?

Direct billing -- the second box listed on the form -- has a $5 monthly service fee.

So instead of paying $11 a month, you'd pay $16 a month. Or instead of $22 a month, you're looking at $27 a month.

more...

[SharonRB]

1. This all sounds like a real bargain to me

I know it's new for them, but $11 or $22 a month for health care coverage is an absolute bargain in today's world.