Effective January 1, 2025, the employees’ monthly cost share is $277.54, a decrease of $31.67 from 2024 for all employees covered under the National Health and Welfare plan.
In addition, as a result of the recently ratified agreements on various properties, several improvements to the current healthcare plan are also being implemented. These improvements include:
- Coverage of procedure for male sterilization (I.e., vasectomy) (effective April 1, 2025, or as soon as feasibly possible)
- Annual maximum dental benefit increase from $1500 to $2500
- Orthodontic benefit increase from $1,000.00 to $2,500.00
- Increase in vision frame allowance from $115.00 to $250.00 (bi-annually)
- Increase in employee opt-out payments from $100.00 to $200.00
- Increase in dependent coverage for deceased employees to 6 months.
These improvements are not yet effective for employees working at Carriers where an agreement has not been reached.
“Thanks to the recent contracts ratified by our members, TCU, BRC and ARASA members will continue to enjoy the fantastic healthcare benefits they deserve. Achieving these improvements while lowering employee contributions is a significant accomplishment,” said TCU National President Artie Maratea.
“We are proud of the agreements we have reached with most of the freight Carriers so far. It is time for the remaining Carriers to join their counterparts and do the right thing by our members and their employees.”