Teamsters Enrollment Eligibility Rules

These rules outline the requirements for being initially eligible for coverage on the effective date for which you enroll.

1. Membership Requirement:

• You must be an actively working, full dues-paying Member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, living in the U.S, who is not a Member of either the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) or the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employee Division (BMWED).
• Why are BLET and BMWED Members Not Eligible for the Teamsters VIP Plan?
  The Teamsters VIP Plan is specifically designed for IBT locals, which operate as independent branches within the larger Teamsters organization. Thanks to a close partnership between Union One, IBT, and IBT Locals, this plan offers benefits and coverage tailored to Teamsters Members across different industries. BLET and BMWED, however, are distinct divisions within IBT. These divisions focus exclusively on the railroad industry, operating under specialized guidelines and labor agreements that shape their benefit structures. Because of these differences, BLET and BMWED Members do not currently qualify for the Teamsters VIP Plan.
• Similar Benefits for BLET and BMWED Members
  Many BLET and BMWED Members already have access to Income Protection Plans through Union One. Most of these plans have been around for many years and have unique differences from other income protection plans, such as no subrogation for FELA claims, 24-hour on-and-off-the-job coverage since railroad workers are not covered by worker’s compensation insurance, and unique policy language specific to the rail industry. We understand the importance of these benefits, and we encourage any BLET or BMWED Members who don’t have access to Union One Voluntary Income Protection Plans to reach out to their leadership and/or Union One. Working together, we can explore solutions to create a benefits plan tailored to the specific needs of BLET and BMWED Members, as we have with many BLET and BMWED General Committees and Local Divisions.

2. Employment and Actively Working Requirement:

• You must be employed under a U.S.-Based collectively bargained contract on the effective date of coverage.
• You must be actively working on or immediately before your effective date of coverage (based on when you enroll) to be eligible. This means performing your job duties for your employer on that specific date. If you are not actively working, your coverage will only start once you return to actively working status.
  • Definition of “Actively Working”: The following situations are considered as “actively working” days:
    1. Days Worked: Any day you work a full day as scheduled by your employer, performing the duties of your occupation.
    2. Scheduled Days Off: Days you are not scheduled to work but are still employed and physically able to work.
    3. Vacation Time: Paid vacation days approved by your employer, when you are still physically able to work.
    4. Paid Time Off (PTO): Any paid leave days granted by your employer, such as sick leave or personal days, when you are still physically able to work.
    5. Periods Between Jobs: Time between assignments or projects, provided you remain employed by the same employer and physically able to work.
• If you are not currently employed, meaning you do not have an employer, you are not eligible to enroll.

3. Disability Prior to Coverage:

• If your date of disability is prior to the coverage effective date, it will not be eligible for benefits, and you will not be covered under the policy until you return to actively working status.

If you have a question about eligibility, please call Union One at (224) 770-5304.

Teamsters Post Enrollment Eligibility Rules

These outline the requirements to maintain eligibility once you are initially covered on the plan (as determined above).

1. Membership Requirement:

• You must remain an actively working, full dues-paying Member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters living in the U.S.

2. Maintaining Employment and Working Status Requirement:

• You must remain employed under a U.S.-Based collectively bargained contract and meet the requirements below.
  • Work Hours Requirement: You must work at least: a) 750 hours per year if a part-time employee, or b) 1,000 hours per year if a full-time employee.
  • Continuity Requirement: You must not have a break in active work longer than 6 consecutive months.

If you have a question about eligibility or if your eligibility changes, please call Union One at (224) 770-5304.

IMPORTANT: Please note that these published rules are intended to serve as a general guide. For the precise and comprehensive eligibility criteria, please refer to the policy booklet. The policy booklet contains the exact language and details regarding eligibility requirements and conditions.

All of the available coverages are offered separately and a Member’s participation in one or all of those coverages, and the level to which he or she elects to participate, is voluntary and strictly the individual’s choice.

The purpose of this Group Insurance Plan is to give you options to supplement your income in the event that you cannot work as a result of an injury, illness or death. This group plan offers Disability Insurance and Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.

All insurance under this Union Group Policy will cover you for as long as you are actively employed, maintain premium payments, and remain in good standing with the union.

It is your responsibility to notify the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office if your employment, union status, contact information, or salary changes. Failure to properly notify the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office will result in loss of premiums and/or insurance coverage. Notification to the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office must be made by phone at (224) 770-5304 and/or by email at info@unionone.com.

Income Verification Notice

In the event you file a claim, you will be required to verify your income by providing your prior year’s W-2 and/or your last three full months of pay stubs prior to your disability. Benefit payments are subject to change based on the income you can verify at the time of claim.

Benefits Offsets, Reductions and Overpayments

Benefits may be reduced where offsets apply. Benefit amounts illustrated on the Summary of Benefits & Rates guide do not reflect any applicable offsets. It is your responsibility as the claimant to notify the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office and the Insurance Company of any other income sources you are receiving; failure to do so may result in an overpayment that you will be required to repay. Please review the Group Policy for further information. If you have any questions regarding offsets, please call the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office at (224) 770-5304.

As an individual Member of the union, if you have voluntarily elected to participate and pay premium for coverage, it is your responsibility to understand the group policy and its provisions.

Disability Pre-Existing Condition Limitation

For the first 12 months of your coverage or for any increases/enhancements to your coverage, no Short-Term Disability (STD) or Long-Term Disability (LTD) benefits will be paid if your disability results from a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition is defined as any illness or injury for which you:

• Received medical treatment, consultation, or diagnostic testing
• Were prescribed medications or followed any treatment recommendations

This also includes conditions for which you did not see a doctor, but a reasonable person would have sought medical care. Please note that exclusions may vary by state.

Short-Term Disability – Pre-Existing Condition Guidelines

Short-Term Disability coverage includes a 12-month pre-existing condition limitation. To qualify for benefits related to a pre-existing condition:

• You must be an eligible Member of the group and have paid Short-Term Disability premiums for a minimum of 12 consecutive months following your effective date of coverage (or the effective date of any increases/enhancements to your coverage), or
• You must be treatment-free for the 3 months prior to your coverage effective date (Look Back Period) for the disabling condition.

Long-Term Disability – Pre-Existing Condition Guidelines

Long-Term Disability coverage also includes a 12-month pre-existing condition limitation. To qualify for benefits related to a pre-existing condition:

• You must be an eligible Member of the group and have paid Long-Term Disability premiums for a minimum of 12 consecutive months following your effective date of coverage (or the effective date of any increases/enhancements to your coverage), or
• You must be treatment-free for the 3 months prior to your coverage effective date (Look Back Period) for the disabling condition.

Look Back Period Definition

The Look Back Period is the timeframe during which your medical history is reviewed to determine if a disabling condition existed prior to your coverage effective date (or the effective date of any increases/enhancements to your coverage). To meet the criteria for being “treatment-free” during the Look Back Period, the following must apply:

• Resolution of the Condition: The pre-existing condition must be resolved, meaning it no longer requires ongoing medical treatment, prescription medications, consultations, or diagnostic testing during the Look Back Period.
• No Ongoing Management or Treatment: Simply discontinuing or avoiding treatment does not qualify as “treatment-free.” The condition must not require further management or intervention by a healthcare provider during this period.

Additional Information About Pre-Existing Condition Limitations

• These limitations apply to any increase in your disability benefits.
• The insurance carrier will review pre-existing conditions at the time of claim. This review requires disclosure of all relevant medical records, doctors’ notes, and prescription drug history.
• Failing to receive treatment does not exempt you from the Look Back Period for pre-existing conditions.

The information contained here does not override the policy contract. Only the policy contract will be utilized to determine coverage eligibility at the time of claim. It is each participating Member’s responsibility to obtain and review the policy contract. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the Group Policy booklet. Policy terms, conditions, and limitations may change. If you have questions, call (224) 770-5304.

Learn more about your Long-Term Disability Policy

If you are enrolled in the Long-Term Disability 5-year Duration Option, this information is intended to help you understand the transition process from your own occupation to any occupation.

Your Union Long-Term Disability Policy (5-year Duration Option Only) through Prudential contains a three year “own-occupation” period within the definition of disability, which simply means that during the first 3 years of a Long-Term Disability claim, your disabling condition must prevent you from performing the “essential duties” of YOUR specific occupation (as defined by the Department of Labor). After 3 years of receiving Long-Term Disability benefits, you would transition from “own-occupation” to “any-occupation”.

Generally, the following criteria is used when determining whether you can work in another (“any”) occupation:

• Occupations exist within your job market (approximately 60 miles commute or less, considering your length of travel to work prior to disability) that you could perform with your disability/functionality restrictions.
• Occupations exist that you can perform the majority of the substantial and material duties for and have the education, training, or experience to perform.
• Occupations exist that pay a reasonable amount in accordance with policy guidelines.

The transition from the own-occupation definition of disability to the any-occupation definition does not in itself eliminate your ability to receive benefits. This transition is a change in the criteria used to adjudicate your disability and may or may not cause benefits to terminate (depending on each unique situation and the criteria above). Job openings/availability are not guaranteed nor does the policy protect against whether you successfully secure employment.

This “own occ/any occ” provision of the policy is intended to help both those claiming disability benefits and those who are not claiming disability benefits. This policy provision incentivizes individuals who are off on disability to either rehabilitate and get back to work at their current occupation or utilize their training/education to find gainful employment in another field. For those Members who are not on disability, this provision helps to ensure that disability coverage remains affordable and in-force. It is important for the long-term sustainability of the policy that individuals on disability try to return to the workforce when the ability exists to find gainful employment as outlined in the above criteria.

Additional Return-To-Work services are typically provided by the insurance company at no cost. Among others, most insurers offer programs and services to assist disabled Members and help them return to full productivity, and their Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits provide individually tailored programs to assist Members on LTD with successful recovery and re-entry to the workplace. Additionally, the insurance company typically employs vocational rehabilitation professionals to review each claim independently and work with the claimant to determine the most appropriate course of action. Everyone wins when disabled Members are working toward re-entry into the workforce!

This is a Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance plan offered through your union. As such, this plan should not serve as your primary source of Life Insurance as the union or insurance company may terminate, cancel or change this policy at renewal. This Life Insurance Plan is designed to give you and your family a guaranteed approved option for additional Supplemental Life Insurance while working and an active Member of your union. Please review all the provisions of this Life Insurance Policy and it is highly recommended that this policy not be used to replace any existing Life Insurance coverage you may have.

When Life Insurance Coverage Ends

If disabled, you may keep your Life Insurance coverage for up to 12 months provided premiums continue to be paid during that period. Beyond 12 months, your coverage will terminate unless you convert or port your Life Insurance coverage.

If you leave the union or retire, you may convert your Group Term Life Insurance to a Permanent Individual Life Insurance Policy or you may port your coverage. You must elect to convert or port your coverage within 31 days from the date you are no longer eligible to be covered on the group plan (i.e. date of retirement or termination). Please contact the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office at (224) 770-5304 for questions about rates associated with converting or porting your Life Insurance coverage.

If you enroll in Child Life coverage and your child is disabled, you can retain your child’s coverage beyond age 26 by contacting the Teamsters VIP+ Plan’s customer service center at (224) 770-5304 or by email at info@unionone.com.

Note: Typically converting your Group Term Life Insurance into an Individual Permanent Life Insurance Policy is very expensive and only recommended for people who cannot qualify for Life Insurance elsewhere.

Renewal Notice

This is a Group Insurance Plan offered through your union. As such, at renewal your rates and benefits may change or non-renew based on the overall claims experience of the group and/or participation requirements not being met. Further, any substantial change to the makeup of the group, such as a change in the Member demographics, that impacts the underwriting risk of the plan may immediately result in a change to the plan.

At renewal, if you do not call the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office to re-enroll or discontinue coverage, you hereby authorize and give permission to the Teamsters VIP+ administrative office to auto-enroll you in the renewal plan benefits that most resemble your currently elected benefits. Auto-enrollment could result in a potential increase in your monthly or bimonthly premium drafts. Please understand, this is intended to ensure no Member loses coverage for failing or forgetting to take the time to renew or re-enroll. Given that all benefits are “Voluntary” you can cancel or lower your coverage at any time.

Refund Policy

At Teamsters VIP+, it is the Member’s obligation to promptly notify us of any changes in status that affect your membership or employment associated with the union. This includes, but is not limited to, resignation, dismissal or termination of employment, layoff, retirement, disability, FMLA leave, leave of absence, military leave, leaving the union, cessation of full union dues payments, improper enrollment, or any other form of separation that prevents active membership in the union or active employment with your employer connected with the union.

Members must provide this notification within 90 days of the qualifying event to be eligible for a refund of insurance premiums. Notifications received within this 90-day period will result in a refund of the insurance premiums paid, minus all technology and transaction fees, which are non-refundable.

Members who improperly enroll are subject to the same refund policy rules. Improper enrollment includes, but is not limited to, providing inaccurate information, failing to meet membership requirements, failing to meet work requirements, failing to meet employment requirements, or violating union membership policies.

Any notification submitted after the 90-day window will result in the forfeiture of any refund. However, refund requests received after 90 days may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if unforeseen circumstances prevented timely notification.

It is the sole responsibility of the Member to ensure that notifications are submitted within the allotted 90-day period following any qualifying event. Failure to do so will result in the loss of eligibility for a refund of insurance premiums.

To submit a notification or for any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Teamsters VIP+ Customer Service Center at (224) 770-5304 or email info@unionone.com.

Loss of Premiums Notice

If you do not contact the Teamsters VIP+ customer service center at (224) 770-5304 or by email at info@unionone.com within 90 days of your date of dismissal, date of retirement, date in which you left the IBT, there will be no refund for any premiums paid. It is the sole responsibility of the Member to contact the customer service center within the 90-day allotted time.

Failure to Make a Payment

Participating Members for whatever reason may miss a premium payment from time to time. The current plan allows for a 60-day grace period to make up any missed premium payments.

Administrative & Transaction Costs

All administrative and transaction fees are included in your monthly premium. These fees cover the costs associated with, but not limited to, premium processing, premium returns, postage, policy correspondence, claims advocacy and other ancillary expenses associated with the administration of your elections. These monthly fees are applied to all coverages shown on the Summary of Benefits & Rates.

Included when premium is collected: Payment Transaction Fee $1.00.