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Important News: Striking Steelworkers Eligible for 100% COBRA Coverage under American Rescue Plan Act
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this year, USW members on strike against unfair labor practices at ATI and their families are eligible to have 100% of their COBRA costs covered.
ATI cannot charge you any premiums, but instead must seek reimbursement for the COBRA costs from the government through the Act.
COBRA will be the exact same healthcare plan as the existing ATI plan. Your ATI coverage is extended until April 30. After that, you should receive a COBRA notice by May 15. The subsidy will cover COBRA premiums through Sept. 30, 2021.
You should elect COBRA continuation if you do not have other coverage available from another employer, your spouse’s employer, or Medicare (note – you are not Medicare eligible unless you have quit or retired, even if you are over 65). In order to enroll in another plan, you will need your healthcare termination notices from ATI.
You are not eligible for the COBRA subsidy if you have other coverage available.
When you sign up for COBRA, there may be a delay in the paperwork, but you have no gap in coverage. COBRA will cover you retroactively to April 30. When you go to the doctor after April 30, show your ATI card and tell them you are enrolling in COBRA. If you get a bill, submit it to the insurance or bring it to your local union for assistance.
Because of this administrative delay, you should fill all prescriptions that you can before April 30. You may need to pay upfront for prescription costs but you can submit these to insurance after your COBRA enrollment is complete or bring your receipts to the Local for assistance.
SAVE ALL YOUR BILLS AND RECEIPTS FOR HEALTH CARE AND DRUG COSTS!
The Insurance Agreement provides that coverage is continued for 30 days in the event of a strike but the members would have to pay back the premiums for the 30 days of continued coverage. This would be discussed in any settlement talks.
In unity,
Your USW/ATI Negotiating Committee
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