Health Care Insurance Costs -- How Much?
#21
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2012
Posts: 181
The problem with your example is you continue to use the "New Hire" rates to demonstrate how bad this is. So this hypothetical pilots insurance goes up $120.74 a month from 2016 to 2017. That implies, worst case, he was a new hire in 2016. In 2017, when his insurance rate increases, his pay rate will also increase from 69.31 to 133.61. Not the mere $8380/year you point out, but a nice $64,300 (not including the additional $5144 contribution to his B-fund.)
The only legitimate argument you can make is that a new hire in 2021 will pay a higher percentage of his overall pay (9.2%) to cover his health care costs than a new hire in 2016 (7.2%) (or 17,18,19,or 2020) had to. But he'll still have considerably more dollars in his pocket thanks to the 26% pay raise over the life of the TA. Without the new TA, the same holds true. Our insurance rates will continue to increase up to 6% a year and we get no pay raise (less dollars in my pocket.)
The only legitimate argument you can make is that a new hire in 2021 will pay a higher percentage of his overall pay (9.2%) to cover his health care costs than a new hire in 2016 (7.2%) (or 17,18,19,or 2020) had to. But he'll still have considerably more dollars in his pocket thanks to the 26% pay raise over the life of the TA. Without the new TA, the same holds true. Our insurance rates will continue to increase up to 6% a year and we get no pay raise (less dollars in my pocket.)
I currently am enrolled in the Buy-Up Plan. I just went to the FEDEX EHR website to look at "MyBenefits Online." My annual Out-of-pocket costs (In Network) are $0!!!!!!!! For the great health care plan that Scott Larsen and the boys negotiated, they will increase to $9750 in 2017 (same buy-up plan)! Yes, they managed to retain the Buy-Up plan but at significant costs to you.
I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and I beat it, but now I have to jump through hoops annually (blood tests, MRIs, endoscopic exams, etc.) to keep the FAA happy (not really required, but the FAA is still operating in the '50s..............ever wondered why a doctor would work at the FAA, when they could make millions in private practice?), so by voting "yes" on this TA I'm saying I'm willing to take a $9750 annual paycut. However, I guess it's not really a "paycut" per se, but more of a "push" when I take into consideration the pay increases. Additionally, since they had to remove important body parts to get rid of the cancer, I'm now MUST take a couple of prescription drugs in order to live. As Raptor pointed out, my prescription drug prices will double (I don't believe they will increase 3 fold, since the way I read it, it's 60% coinsurance with a max of $60 to be increased $10/plan year............monthly!). So I suppose by the end of the proposed contract, someone could be paying 3x more for prescription medications than they are today under the present CBA. Today, I only pay $35/month. Appendix A of the TA (page 493). This is a bad deal.
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2014
Position: MD
Posts: 194
Some people just fail to see that seat progression (projected) is NOT a pay raise.
There is not even a basic pay raise in the TA. COLA is not a pay raise. Upgrading is not a pay raise.
Taxation and increased expenses (particularly onerous healthcare costs) on the individual pilot further erode any gains in compensation.
Wake up and see this for what it is. You're being bought off cheaply with crumbs.
2dogs - keep fighting! You're story is motivational! Life happens but your perseverance deserves a salute from all of us. This pilot deserves better and so do the rest of us. YOLO.
There is not even a basic pay raise in the TA. COLA is not a pay raise. Upgrading is not a pay raise.
Taxation and increased expenses (particularly onerous healthcare costs) on the individual pilot further erode any gains in compensation.
Wake up and see this for what it is. You're being bought off cheaply with crumbs.
2dogs - keep fighting! You're story is motivational! Life happens but your perseverance deserves a salute from all of us. This pilot deserves better and so do the rest of us. YOLO.
Last edited by GetRealDude; 10-14-2015 at 03:53 PM.
#23
Some people just fail to see that seat progression (projected) is NOT a pay raise.
There is not even a basic pay raise in the TA. COLA is not a pay raise. Upgrading is not a pay raise.
Taxation and increased expenses (particularly onerous healthcare costs) on the individual pilot further erode any gains in compensation.
Wake up and see this for what it is. You're being bought off cheaply with crumbs.
2dogs - keep fighting! You're story is motivational! Life happens but your perseverance deserves a salute from all of us. This pilot deserves better and so do the rest of us. YOLO.
There is not even a basic pay raise in the TA. COLA is not a pay raise. Upgrading is not a pay raise.
Taxation and increased expenses (particularly onerous healthcare costs) on the individual pilot further erode any gains in compensation.
Wake up and see this for what it is. You're being bought off cheaply with crumbs.
2dogs - keep fighting! You're story is motivational! Life happens but your perseverance deserves a salute from all of us. This pilot deserves better and so do the rest of us. YOLO.
#24
Baron, I believe your missing the point! As Raptor pointed out, your argument doesn't even begin to consider the out-of-pocket costs.
I currently am enrolled in the Buy-Up Plan. I just went to the FEDEX EHR website to look at "MyBenefits Online." My annual Out-of-pocket costs (In Network) are $0!!!!!!!! For the great health care plan that Scott Larsen and the boys negotiated, they will increase to $9750 in 2017 (same buy-up plan)! Yes, they managed to retain the Buy-Up plan but at significant costs to you.
I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and I beat it, but now I have to jump through hoops annually (blood tests, MRIs, endoscopic exams, etc.) to keep the FAA happy (not really required, but the FAA is still operating in the '50s..............ever wondered why a doctor would work at the FAA, when they could make millions in private practice?), so by voting "yes" on this TA I'm saying I'm willing to take a $9750 annual paycut. However, I guess it's not really a "paycut" per se, but more of a "push" when I take into consideration the pay increases. Additionally, since they had to remove important body parts to get rid of the cancer, I'm now MUST take a couple of prescription drugs in order to live. As Raptor pointed out, my prescription drug prices will double (I don't believe they will increase 3 fold, since the way I read it, it's 60% coinsurance with a max of $60 to be increased $10/plan year............monthly!). So I suppose by the end of the proposed contract, someone could be paying 3x more for prescription medications than they are today under the present CBA. Today, I only pay $35/month. Appendix A of the TA (page 493). This is a bad deal.
I currently am enrolled in the Buy-Up Plan. I just went to the FEDEX EHR website to look at "MyBenefits Online." My annual Out-of-pocket costs (In Network) are $0!!!!!!!! For the great health care plan that Scott Larsen and the boys negotiated, they will increase to $9750 in 2017 (same buy-up plan)! Yes, they managed to retain the Buy-Up plan but at significant costs to you.
I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and I beat it, but now I have to jump through hoops annually (blood tests, MRIs, endoscopic exams, etc.) to keep the FAA happy (not really required, but the FAA is still operating in the '50s..............ever wondered why a doctor would work at the FAA, when they could make millions in private practice?), so by voting "yes" on this TA I'm saying I'm willing to take a $9750 annual paycut. However, I guess it's not really a "paycut" per se, but more of a "push" when I take into consideration the pay increases. Additionally, since they had to remove important body parts to get rid of the cancer, I'm now MUST take a couple of prescription drugs in order to live. As Raptor pointed out, my prescription drug prices will double (I don't believe they will increase 3 fold, since the way I read it, it's 60% coinsurance with a max of $60 to be increased $10/plan year............monthly!). So I suppose by the end of the proposed contract, someone could be paying 3x more for prescription medications than they are today under the present CBA. Today, I only pay $35/month. Appendix A of the TA (page 493). This is a bad deal.
Last edited by TheBaron Deux; 10-17-2015 at 12:44 AM.
#25
Baron Part Deux,
I am not trying to be confrontational but wanted to ask a question. I think the TA was oversold from the beginning of negotiations. I do not think that the NC delivered what they set out to. I do see only minor improvements in this TA. I understand the no voters being so strong in their opinions, I don't understand why you feel so strongly about this TA?
Again I am not trying to be confrontational. I have read everyone's comments and have tried to see this from both sides.
I am not trying to be confrontational but wanted to ask a question. I think the TA was oversold from the beginning of negotiations. I do not think that the NC delivered what they set out to. I do see only minor improvements in this TA. I understand the no voters being so strong in their opinions, I don't understand why you feel so strongly about this TA?
Again I am not trying to be confrontational. I have read everyone's comments and have tried to see this from both sides.
#26
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2012
Posts: 181
What kind of special deal do you have? You don't make any co-pays or pay for any prescriptions? I find that hard to believe. I know I have to pay $20 to my primary (unless it's preventative) and $40 to a specialist. I easily use the $2400 in my FSA each year for the family and prescriptions. That $9750 you reference is your maximum out of pocket...like you have a really bad year; that is the most you will have to pay, it's not a deductible you have to cover before insurance kicks in.
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 8,047
Q: What is the most we will pay per year for the buy up plan--- including premiums, deductibles, copays or co insurance, prescriptions,etc.? What is our limit to pay? Is there a limit to coverage?
A: You can see the projected contribution rates that are posted on the website. The Buy-Up does not have deductibles.
There is now an Out of Pocket maximum for the Buy-Up ($3250 pilot-only / $9750 pilot plus) that will limit how much you pay in copays, prescriptions, etc. There is no limit to coverage.
The way I read it copays have gone from a max out of pocket of 1150/3450 to 3250/9750. If you arent paying 3450 now why would you pay 9750 later?
Last edited by FDXLAG; 10-17-2015 at 08:02 AM.
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2014
Posts: 296
[QUOTE=TheBaron Deux;1994197]We can make all the semantic arguments you want; every time I've changed seats, I've gotten more MONEY.
I take it that the money is your motivator. Ok. Well, under the new TA you can enjoy a higher pay rate while the trip you bid for, is now given to someone else. You'll get disruption pay but sub will be gone or has been changed for the worse. Our compensation across the board is pretty good for everyone here. Yes, the new pay rates are better but that is not what this contract is about. The lack of a fixed retirement just to cover inflation and loose language in the TA is going to bite everyone.
I take it that the money is your motivator. Ok. Well, under the new TA you can enjoy a higher pay rate while the trip you bid for, is now given to someone else. You'll get disruption pay but sub will be gone or has been changed for the worse. Our compensation across the board is pretty good for everyone here. Yes, the new pay rates are better but that is not what this contract is about. The lack of a fixed retirement just to cover inflation and loose language in the TA is going to bite everyone.
#29
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2015
Position: B-767 Captain
Posts: 83
Glad You Beat It!
Baron, I believe your missing the point! As Raptor pointed out, your argument doesn't even begin to consider the out-of-pocket costs.
I currently am enrolled in the Buy-Up Plan. I just went to the FEDEX EHR website to look at "MyBenefits Online." My annual Out-of-pocket costs (In Network) are $0!!!!!!!! For the great health care plan that Scott Larsen and the boys negotiated, they will increase to $9750 in 2017 (same buy-up plan)! Yes, they managed to retain the Buy-Up plan but at significant costs to you.
I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and I beat it, but now I have to jump through hoops annually (blood tests, MRIs, endoscopic exams, etc.) to keep the FAA happy (not really required, but the FAA is still operating in the '50s..............ever wondered why a doctor would work at the FAA, when they could make millions in private practice?), so by voting "yes" on this TA I'm saying I'm willing to take a $9750 annual paycut. However, I guess it's not really a "paycut" per se, but more of a "push" when I take into consideration the pay increases. Additionally, since they had to remove important body parts to get rid of the cancer, I'm now MUST take a couple of prescription drugs in order to live. As Raptor pointed out, my prescription drug prices will double (I don't believe they will increase 3 fold, since the way I read it, it's 60% coinsurance with a max of $60 to be increased $10/plan year............monthly!). So I suppose by the end of the proposed contract, someone could be paying 3x more for prescription medications than they are today under the present CBA. Today, I only pay $35/month. Appendix A of the TA (page 493). This is a bad deal.
I currently am enrolled in the Buy-Up Plan. I just went to the FEDEX EHR website to look at "MyBenefits Online." My annual Out-of-pocket costs (In Network) are $0!!!!!!!! For the great health care plan that Scott Larsen and the boys negotiated, they will increase to $9750 in 2017 (same buy-up plan)! Yes, they managed to retain the Buy-Up plan but at significant costs to you.
I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and I beat it, but now I have to jump through hoops annually (blood tests, MRIs, endoscopic exams, etc.) to keep the FAA happy (not really required, but the FAA is still operating in the '50s..............ever wondered why a doctor would work at the FAA, when they could make millions in private practice?), so by voting "yes" on this TA I'm saying I'm willing to take a $9750 annual paycut. However, I guess it's not really a "paycut" per se, but more of a "push" when I take into consideration the pay increases. Additionally, since they had to remove important body parts to get rid of the cancer, I'm now MUST take a couple of prescription drugs in order to live. As Raptor pointed out, my prescription drug prices will double (I don't believe they will increase 3 fold, since the way I read it, it's 60% coinsurance with a max of $60 to be increased $10/plan year............monthly!). So I suppose by the end of the proposed contract, someone could be paying 3x more for prescription medications than they are today under the present CBA. Today, I only pay $35/month. Appendix A of the TA (page 493). This is a bad deal.
Now, that being said, we knew health care costs are increasing at ridiculous rates in America. In fact, it's clearly outpaced inflation and in the U.S.A., unfortunately we're still a ways from being the best here in this aspect, and healthcare. I expected to pay some more as NO American company (highly profitable or losing) will continue the full cost burden any longer. As I had anticipated paying more, I hadn't anticipated as what's being pointed out in the Buy Up plans (as an example) TA monthly premium rates nearly doubling by the TA's 6th year. And, that doesn't even account for the annual calendar year out of pocket costs of the $9,750.00. Am I missing something on the health care pilot's cost share of burden here? This is excessive. I will say. 😡
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