Questions, answers on Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage

Following are questions and answers regarding the addition of Blue Cross Blue Shield as an option to the current National Health and Welfare Plan covering UTU-represented employees

Question: When will the new plan option become effective?
Answer: April 1, 1999

Question: Will my benefits change from what I have now?
Answer: No. The benefits are the same as those contractually negotiated during the last round of national negotiations and provided under the National Plan.

Question: I am happy with my current Managed Medical Care Program doctors. Will I be able to retain his or her services if I elect coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Answer: Most doctors participate in several managed care plans through many different insurance companies. Check with your doctor to see if he or she participates in the Blue Cross Blue Schield network. If he or she is not in the network, you and your family will have to pick physicians from the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, should you elect this coverage.

Question: The 43,000 UTU-represented employees who work for six major railroads - Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Kansas City Southern and Conrail - will have the option of selecting Blue Cross Blue Shield as their managed care provider. I work for a railroad other than the ones mentioned. Do I have the option of selecting Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Answer: No. At this time only those UTU-represented employees on these carriers are eligible. Other carriers may elect to participate in the program in the future.

Question: If I choose Blue Cross Blue Shield as my managed care provider, will I retain the current mental health and substance abuse provider and life insurance provider?
Answer: No. Under the new UTU plan, the mental health and substance abuse benefit will be administered by Magellan Behavioral Health and the life insurance benefits will be administered by Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Co.

Question: I am currently employed by a carrier which participates in a hospital association. How will my health care options change?
Answer: Hospital association members are not affected by any of these options and/or changes. However, your dependents may select Blue Cross Blue Shield as their managed care provider.

Question: Will I be permitted to choose between Blue Cross Blue Shield and United HealthCare if I select the comprehensive health care benefit?
Answer: No. Blue Cross Blue Shield will provide the comprehensive health care benefit under the UTU plan.