May 7, 2025
Day Two 2025 UAW Region 8 Retiree Conference
The second day of the 2025 UAW Region 8 Retiree Conference was kicked off by Assistant Director George Palmer, Jr. Brother Palmer introduced the Region 8 Retiree Reps Kevin Huddleston, Mark Dowell and Anthony Towner. “These guys work hard every day to take care of our retirees and we appreciate them,” Assistant Director Palmer stated. “We have a lot of retirees in Region 8 and these folks are here to see to your needs.”
Today’s agenda includes updates from the UAW Benefits Trust and the various vendors that supply our retirees.
Colleen Allen of the UAW Benefits Trust was introduced by Region 8 Retired Workers/CAP Rep Anthony Towner. “It is such a privilege for the Trust to be able to serve UAW retirees,” Colleen Allen stated. “We value all of our Region 8 retirees and thank Director Smith for allowing us the opportunity to be here with you.” To view their presentation, click here.
Next came John Dowsley and Krysta Silveri of Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Good news is there are few changes between 2024 and 2025,” John Dowsley stated. He then covered the basics for the coverage for Blue Cross Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare with traditional Blue Cross. The number for their support is 800-775-2583. To view their presentation click here.
Delta Dental representatives Janel Williams and Lauren Davis covered updates to the dental program for UAW retirees. The current Delta Dental Coverage was explained. One thing that was stressed was to make sure any specialist you may be referred to is in network. The Delta Dental customer service number is 800-524-0149. To view their presentation click here.
Chris Caslin of Davis Vision was the next presenter. Eye coverage has no changes, but Chris Caslin went over the plan and what is and isn’t covered. It is encouraged to register with at the Davis Vision website to have the most up to date information. There Customer Service number is 888-234-5164. To view their presentation, click here.
In some locations (parts of Kentucky), Humana is the provided insurance option. Kayla Tooley of Humana was in attendance to discuss changes and coverages for those with Humana as an option.
Truhearing administers the hearing benefit for members of the trust, with Alisha Shephard and Kim McEnvoy on hand to represent them. Their customer service number is 844-394-5420. To view their presentation, click here.
Optum RX is the prescription drug provider for the trust with Mitchell Herrera and Liz Gomorczak attending on their behalf. The particulars of the plan was covered including the different tiers. Their customer service number is 855-409-0219. To view their presentation, click here.
Colleen McGlamry and Steve Gude updated the conference on United Health Care. To view their presentation, click here.
Colleen Allen of the UAW Benefits Trust returned to the front to cover the new HRA Benefit. Currently, anyone with a Medicare Advantage Plan, has one card that covers both medical and pharmaceutical. Anyone in a Traditional Blue Cross plan has two cards now- one medical card and one Optum card for pharmaceuticals. In 2026, the drug plan will be separated from the medical plans for MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS ONLY. In December, Medicare Advantage Plans will move to two cards- one for medical and one for pharmaceuticals. What this means is- IF you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan- you will need new prior authorizations for drugs requiring a prior authorization. The change takes effect, January 1, 2026 so they cant receive new prior authorizations.
The Benefits Trust is establishing a HRA (Health Reimbursement Account). You will receive a card that can be used for medical expenses, such as copays at your doctor. For 2025, the benefit will be $600 per retiree (spouse or other dependents will not receive a card like the OTC benefit). However, the retiree can use the card to cover copays for their legal dependents. Because the benefit if NOT taxed by the IRS, the IRS has set the eligible expenses.
Some of the eligible expenses include:
- Ambulance service
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Copays
- Hearing Aides
- Prescription Copays
- And many other things
There will be more information coming concerning the HRA. Each member of the UAW Benefits Trust will be receiving an informational package – INCLUDING a card to use with the plan. DO NOT THROW THIS CARD AWAY. The card will operate in the same manner as your OTC card, it will be reloaded each year. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A NEW CARD EACH YEAR. Please hang on to your card.
To view the presentation on the HRA Rollout, click here. |
