Brothers,
I have been asked a question regarding the eligibility of engineers covered under the BLET National Agreement for Health and Welfare who are reduced to train service having an entitlement to continue enrollment in the BLET Flexible Spending Plan under the National Agreement. If a member is covered by the BLET H&W Plan for 2009 he/she would be entitled to continue participation in the Flexible Spending Plan throughout the course of the year 2009 even if reduced to train service subsequent to being locked into the BLET H&W Plan for the 2009 calendar year.
I have also provided below the information on the BLET National Division site with links to description of benefits and enrollment forms. Please encourage our membership to participate in this plan because our 2009 participation much reach 5% of our membership to retain the plan beyond 2009. They can elect to participate in as small an amount as $120 for the year ($10 per month deduction). The deadline for enrollment is approaching and it is imperative that those who want to participate enroll by November 12, 2008. This is a very good benefit that we do not want to lose.
Thanking you in advance for your efforts, I remain.
Fraternally,
Gil Gore
Railroad Employees Flexible Benefits Program
In much the same way that a 401k program allows individuals to use pre-tax dollars to save for retirement, the Railroad Employees Flexible Benefits Program allows members to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain medical expenses or dependent care expenses. The current 2008 plan allows members to save anywhere from $120 to $5,000 per year for dependent care expenses, or $120 to $3,600 per year for medical expenses. It is expected the dollar amounts will change under the upcoming 2009 plan year.
However, the program is in danger of being lost unless membership participation increases. Side Letter #8 of the 2007 National Contract specifies that at least 5 percent of eligible BLET members must participate in the plan or it will be terminated as of December 31, 2009. Current participation levels are below the 5 percent threshold, and the BLET is encouraging all members to contact United HealthCare for details when open enrollment begins.
Open enrollment for the plan will begin in the near future. Details on how to enroll will be provided on the BLET website and in the BLET newsletter once open enrollment begins.
In the meantime, the following information is being made available to BLET members so they can learn more about this money-saving plan.
2009 Enrollment Materials
Overview of Railroad Employees National Flexible Benefits Program for 2009 (PDF)
List of eligible carriers and Railroad Codes
(you will need these codes to complete your
enrollment forms) (PDF)
2009 Enrollment Form, Railroad Employees Flexible Benefits Program (PDF)
2009 Claim Form (PDF)
September 16, 2008
Flexible Spending Account will provide real savings
July 24, 2008
Flexible Benefit Plan information center now available
July 17, 2008
Flexible Spending Account enrollment begins in October
May 30, 2008
Flexible Benefits program allows members to save on health care expenses
