Health Benefits: Aetna Wins the Contract to Administer Local 100 Health Benefits

The right to unilaterally change health carriers was given to the MTA by the union in the 2002 contract negotiations. The MTA has once again exercised this contractual right to bring in a new health care provider.
 
Starting on January 1, 2017, Aetna will be responsible for administering all the different medical plans for Local 100 members and retirees at TA/OA/MTA Bus. Each of these plans will remain distinct with the benefits and terms set in prior collective bargaining between the Union and the Authority. There will be NO change in the level of benefits due to this changeover. This change does not affect the prescription, optical and dental plans.
 
Some members – much fewer than in 2012 -- will see their doctor go out of network and may want to find a new one. Later this year, any member facing such a disruption will be notified by letter. Additionally, during the Open Enrollment period members will be provided with all the information they need to check for themselves. On the plus side, several thousand doctors who were out of network will now be in-network. Transitional arrangements will be made for members in special circumstances; for example, pregnant women and members undergoing chemotherapy.
 
This year’s Open Enrollment period will run from October 15 to December 5 for active members, and from November 1 to December 5 for retirees. Open Enrollment packs will be mailed out at the beginning of those periods. Open Enrollment informational meetings will be held at locations throughout the system, starting October 11. The schedule of meetings will be published shortly.
 
Active members who do not receive their Open Enrollment pack by October 15 can contact the BSC at that time. Retirees who do not receive their Open Enrollment pack by November 1 can contact the BSC at that time. However, if you do not want to change your plan you do not need to file anything during Open Enrollment, unless you want to add a dependent or if you are a retiree turning 65.
 
The 2012 changeover was accompanied by too much disruption and confusion. The Union is working to make sure that this time is different.