This is an increase of $5,300.

At the end of 2001, railroad labor and management agreed on various procedures to administer the annual changes in the amount of the lifetime maximum benefit under the ERMA plan.

In conjunction with the formula established in 2001, the two groups have calculated the new lifetime maximum by utilizing the October 2008 consumer price index data for hospital and related services and physician services. These components were weighted using plan-specific types of service and applied to the current lifetime maximum to obtain the incremental value for 2009. The result is a lifetime maximum of $113,000 for that year.

For individuals who have reached the lifetime maximum, the incremental maximum available is applied to eligible expenses submitted for dates of service on or after Jan. 1, 2009. The amount is $5,300.