Update on DP3 VEBA HCTC Medical Plans Subsidy Payments & VEBA Board Trustee Elections
December 19, 2011
Dear VEBA Participants:
In this post, we'll cover the following topics related to the DP3 VEBA Plan:
New VEBA Premiums for 2012
Need to Complete IRS Form 8885 for HCTC reimbursement
Changes to Qualified Family Members
Election for VEBA Board of Trustees
New Premiums for 2012
You should have received notification from the HCTC of new premiums rates for 2012. There were two components that contributed to the 2012 premium change:
1. The plan received an annual rate increase of 10% due to plan activity and claims experience.
2. The HCTC subsidy level increased from 65% to 72.5% following the passage of the Trade Agreements in October 2011.
Please note that the 72.5% subsidy level is retroactive to your March 2011 payment (for your April 2011 insurance premium payment). This increase in the subsidy was not reflected in the HCTC mailing you received recently. The most recent HCTC mailing calculated premiums at the 65% subsidy level because the IRS-HCTC was unable to re-program its invoicing system before year's end. Also note that the HCTC mailing was not your payment voucher, simply a notification of your premium rate for 2012.
You should receive your payment vouchers shortly, which will also show your premium at the 65% subsidy level (rather than the 72.5% level) for the December payment that covers the January 2012 premium.
The IRS-HCTC is working to make the necessary changes to its computer systems so your premiums are calculated to reflect the 72.5% subsidy level. In the interim, it's imperative that you continue to pay the amount you have been invoiced on the payment voucher you receive from the IRS-HCTC. This will be necessary until the IRS can successfully change the vouchers to reflect the proper rates. Failing to pay the amount on your voucher will result in the IRS-HCTC not making the appropriate payment to the insurance provider – meaning your insurance will be subject to termination.
The IRS-HCTC has indicated that it hopes to have the re-programming process completed early in the first quarter of 2012. If you have not received your payment voucher from the HCTC, contact Marsh at 1-877-928-VEBA (8322).
Need to Complete IRS Form 8885 for HCTC Reimbursement
As we have noted above, you must pay the amount shown on your payment voucher at the 65% level until you begin to receive a monthly payment voucher that reflects the new subsidy level of 72.5%.
To recover any overpayments you may have made when enrolled in the plan during the months of March 2011 (for the April 2011 payment) through November 2011 (for your December 2011 insurance premium), you'll need to complete IRS Form 8885 for the 2011 year once it becomes available from the IRS.
You can obtain this form on the IRS web site or at www.coneinsurance.com (after logging in, click on "Resources and Tools" and look for the IRS-HCTC program support). Include this form when you file your 2011 IRS tax return to be reimbursed for your overpayment of 7.5% for up to nine months (April 2011 through December 2011).
When making your payment in December 2011 for January 2012 coverage (or any other payment for 2012 coverage), note that you will have to wait until you file your 2012 tax return to claim the 7.5% overpayment. You cannot use the Reimbursement Request Form that was recently reauthorized as it is only available to new enrollees who are making a 100% payment when enrolling.
Changes to Qualified Family Members
Changes to the Qualified Family Members (QFM) guidelines affect retired Delta retirees eligible to participate in the HCTC program and have or will become Medicare eligible between 2/1/2008 and 12/31/2013.
Congress has reinstated the QFM benefit (see attached summary of changes to the HCTC or scroll to end of this message). This is a benefit available to family members of HCTC qualified plan participants who have become ineligible for the HCTC, usually because the member has aged into Medicare.
The QFM benefit will allow the eligible retiree's family to continue to receive the HCTC for up to 24 months after the retiree becomes 65 years old. However, the retiree must re-apply for the HCTC for his/her family by completing the necessary QFM forms if they have not already done so. These forms can be found on the www.coneinsurance.com web site under "Resources and Tools" where the IRS-HCTC information is located.
To remain eligible for the HCTC, family members must meet one of the following criteria:
Be enrolled in a healthcare plan that is eligible for the HCTC (such as the DP3 VEBA)
Have health coverage through the spouse's employer (and pay more than 50% of the cost), OR
Be enrolled in COBRA coverage through Delta or any other employer
The HCTC for Qualified Family Members will continue until:
The Retiree reaches age 67 and has been on Medicare for 24 months
If the Retiree is classified as Medically Disabled under the age of 65, the QFM will be eligible to participate in the program until the Retiree has been on Medicare for 24months
24 months following the death of a Retiree eligible for the HCTC program
The QFM reaches Medicare age or chooses a healthcare plan that is not HCTC eligible
The IRS-HCTC program fails to reauthorize the QFM program after December 31, 2013
Note that Qualified Family Members can recoup the HCTC subsidy retroactive to March for April - December 2011 coverage if they meet the above criteria. Simply complete IRS Form 8885 when filing your 2011 federal income tax return.
Elections for Two VEBA Board of Trustees Positions (December 16 - December 28)
The five-member VEBA Board of Trustees will hold elections for the two members whose terms expire on December 31, 2011. While no one volunteered to run for an open position during the solicitation period, you may still submit your name via the write-in option on the election ballot.
Voting will take place December 16-23, 2011. Absent other interested candidates stepping forward for the two positions via a write-in, the current members -- Mike Cox and Marion "Doc" Hindman – have agreed to serve another two-year term beginning January 1, 2012, and running through December 31, 2013.
You will receive a ballot from third-party administrator Marsh in the near future. To cast a ballot in this election, please return your ballot to VEBA Trust Board member George Leatherbury at gleatherbury@peoplepc.com. Election results will be posted on the DP3 VEBA link on the DP3 web site and on the Cone Insurance web site prior to January 1, 2012.
Sincerely,
Dave Miller
Chairman, VEBA Board of Trustees
DP3 VEBA Healthcare Conference Call
on Monday, November 07, 2011 at 2 pm EST
Posted: 11-6-11
We will schedule a DP3 VEBA Healthcare Conference Call for Monday, November 07, 2011 at 2 pm EST (1Pm CST) hosted by Aetna. We will go over the Aetna Healthcare plans being offered to Delta Retirees Under 65 and also to Delta Retirees on Medicare. You are invited to join the call and ask any questions you might following the presentation of the plans available through the DP3 VEBA Trust.
Please join us! Dial in information: Call 1-866-338-0145 Enter this code: 28253512#
HCTC Program Enhancements
Posted 10-15-2011
The DP3 VEBA Board is pleased to announce the passing of Enhancements to the HCTC program as part of the Free Trade agreements that were approved and will now provide for a 72.5% subsidy effective November 01, 2011 along with the reinstatement of the QFM program. The important highlights that will impact HCTC participants are:
The tax credit will be 72.5% retroactive to March 01, 2011- December 31, 2013 for all retirees and their dependents enrolled in the programs during that period of time.
HCTC program 65% rate that is included in the tax code will be removed, effective Jan 1, 2014
VEBAs will remain permanently eligible when created by and 1114 committee or through a bankruptcy court
Qualified Family Members (QFM) will be eligible to reenroll/enroll in the HCTC program if the retiree is between the ages of 65 to 67.
If the eligible QFM was in a qualified plan from March 01, 2011 until November 01, 2011, they are eligible for reimbursement of their 72% HCTC subsidy to be returned to them through filing their taxes for 2011. Beginning November 01, 2011, the IRS/HCTC rate will change to 72.5% automatically each month. This is the current plan but is subject to change if they don't have time to implement the program effective November 01, 2011 and have to wait until December 01, 2011. If that happens, they would also have to claim the November overpayment on their 2011 tax return as well.
Monthly reimbursement program for new enrollees will be reinstated, beginning November 01, 2011 which will allow new enrollees to apply the remainder of their first months full payment to future payments or they continue to have the option of waiting to claim the 72.5% overpayment on their income tax returns the following year.
Enrollment brochures will be arriving in the mail of all HCTC eligible retirees we have on record in the next 10 days. The brochures provide you with details about the program and includes the cost of each program at the rate of 65% therefore you will need to use the worksheet posted or recalculate the correct rate that will be in effect for 2012 of 72.5%. If you have moved or do not believe we have your contact information, please contact March, our plan administrator at 1-877-928-VEBA (8322) and provide them with your current contact information.
The DP3 VEBA Trust will be holding road shows beginning October 19-October 27, to talk to Retirees about all the options available to them in both the Under 65 and Over 65 plans. The schedule is posted on the DP3 website and we would appreciate it if you are planning to attend one of the meeting in your area, if you would click on the link of the city and reserve a seat at the meeting, so we will know how many to plan for.
Thanks for your support,
DP3 VEBA Trust Board
Important Information re: Eligibility for Delta Subsidy of DPMP or DALRC Medicare Plans
Posted September 19, 2011
Retired Delta pilots have been receiving incorrect information regarding their eligibility for the "Delta" subsidy under the DPMP and DALRC Medicare plans. To be clear, pilots are eligible for the subsidy if they meet the following criteria (per the 1114 Pilot Retiree Term Sheet applicable sections are posted below):
- Retired prior to January 1, 2006
- Turned age 60 before January 1, 2007
The monthly subsidy for those retired pilots who meet the above criteria and are enrolled in the DALRC or DPMP Medicare plans is approximately $65.
To confirm your eligibility for the subsidy, contact DALRC plan administrator Marsh at 877- 325-7265.
Please note that the DP3 VEBA healthcare plan offers excellent coverage for Delta retirees. For more information on the VEBA plan, contact Cone Insurance Group at 713-463-8575.
From the 1114 Pilot Retiree Committee Term Sheet:
"No Retired Pilot, spouse, or Survivor who is under age–60 as of January 1, 2007 shall receive a subsidy from Delta for medical or other health coverage once such person reaches age 65;"
"Upon attaining age 65, Retired Pilots, spouses and Survivors age 60 and over as of January 1, 2007 shall be eligible for the applicable Age–65+ subsidy as described above in paragraph (D)(1) or (D)(3); otherwise, recipients eligible for the subsidies described above in paragraphs (D)(1) and (D)(3) are closed groups."
Note the entire 1114 Pilot Retiree Committee Term sheet is posted on the VEBA website at 1114 Pilot Retiree Committee Agreement Term Sheet.
Minutes of VEBA Board Meeting from September 7, 2011
Posted September 19, 2011
Meeting by Teleconference
1200-1400 EST
Members Present: George Leatherbury, Dave Miller, Marion Hindman, Tony Piacentino, Michael Cox, Cathy Cone, Amy Cone
Item 1. Amy discussed the results of the survey.
Item 2. Cathy and Amy discussed the addition of plans that were determined to be needed from the survey and other feedback.
Item 3. The contribution and its continuation to DALRC by Delta were discussed.
Item 4. Incorrect information concerning eligibility for the healthcare subsidy provided by Delta has been identified. Tony volunteered to create a statement responding to the error.
Item 5. There was a discussion of the need to enroll with Marsh to be eligible for the Delta subsidy.
Item 6. Cathy discussed the creation of a preferred plan in addition to the premium and standard plans.
Item 7. The unbundling of the standard (1500) plan was proposed. The proposal requires the premium and preferred plans to remain bundled.
Item 8. Future rate changes and their dependence on plan history were discussed.
Item 9. The post-65 maximum was discussed.
Item 10. It was mentioned that the VEBA Admin fee is now being correctly assessed after submission of the proper documentation.
Item 11. The future allocation and collection of the admin fee was discussed. It was suggested that a mechanism for returning excess funds to VEBA members should be explored. Future admin fees will be adjusted up or down to reflect current costs of operating the program.
Item 12. There was a general discussion of survey results that suggested interest in additional plans that may be desirable to the VEBA members.
Item 13. There was a discussion of a Plan S, Rx plan, and additional post 65 plans.
Item 14. Amy will send full plan designs for all current and proposed plans to board members for review.
Respectfully Submitted by Michael Cox
VEBA Board Secretary
10 September 2011
DP3 VEBA Trust Healthcare Road Show Schedule
Posted 9-11-2011
UNDER 65 HCTC Plan & Medicare Eligible Healthcare Options
(ALL Delta Retirees are Eligible to participate in the programs offered)
Please come learn about the numerous options available to you and will be presented in the cities and times listed below. Thanks in advance for your attendance! Agenda topics will include:
- DP3 Updates (presented by the committee members when available):
- Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)
- Medical Plan Options (presented by the broker & vendors):
- Under 65 Medical Plan
- Several Medicare Eligible Medical Options
- Dental and Vision plans available to both under and over 65
click here for the Road Show Schedule
Health Care Survey for 2012 Health Care Open Enrollment
August 15, 2011
The DP3 VEBA Trust is pleased to extend an invitation to all Delta Retirees to participate in a survey regarding the health care plans and options that are available to retirees who are both over and under the age of 65. Please complete the survey based upon whether or not you are eligible for Medicare. You do not have to be currently enrolled in one of the DP3 VEBA Trust plans in order to provide your feedback, and the survey is open to both Pilots and Non-Pilots. We are trying to gather feedback from retirees that are interested in the health care options provided by the DP3 VEBA Trust.
Non-Medicare Eligible Survey:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e4ii56ivgqwsgh9p/start
Medicare Eligible Survey:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e4j0g3bmgqzkp8g9/start
The survey opened today on August 15th and will close on August 26th at the close of business. Thank you in advance for your time and participation.
The DP3 VEBA Trust Board
Minutes of VEBA Board Meeting from July 26, 2011
posted August 10, 2011
DP3 VEBA Board Conference Call of 7/26/2011 Minutes Commenced at 1pm EDT
Attending: Cathy Cone, Amy Cone, Dean Gloster, George Leatherbury, Doc Hindman, Tony Piacentino
Absent: Dave Miller (en-route travel), Michael Cox (Job related training, proxy to George).
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
- Cathy and Amy began the discussion with the 2012 Program Options including
- New Medicare "Advantage" program for over 65
- "Cafeteria" style unbundled choices as well as current bundled choices.
- Rates to be established by Aetna by mid-August.
- Possible HCTC choice of higher deductible for lower rates.
- Membership "issues" with plan coverage and responses and administrative issues.
- Discussed two recent complaints, both in process of resolution. We have had very few problems recently and nearly none once the plan was fully implemented.
- Discussion of issues with monthly premiums to the VEBA Trust (Cone group to follow up).
- HCTC legislative issues
- Particular to termination in 2014.
- DP3, NLRN, and general membership need to contact representative concerning this issue.
- ERRP Program
- Amy updated the status of the ERRP application (if granted, this would allow for decreased premiums, lower deductibles or increased coverage for members).
- Survey
- It was agreed to request the assistance of DP3 to establish a "Survey"
of member desires with respect to:
- Higher deductibles or lower premiums.
- 2011 VEBA annual meeting locations.
- Additional options for members.
- Plan performance issues.
- Discussion of 2012 Plan "Road Shows" and dates
- Agreed to "decide" at later date, after survey is completed.
- Motions:
- Motion to grant "honorarium" payment to board members of $200 each to cover some miscellaneous recurring expenses. Presented by George Leatherbury; Seconded by Tony Piacentino, Quorum present, unanimously passed.
(Dean Gloster to write memorandum.)
Conference call ended 2:25 pm EDT.
Minutes of VEBA Board Meeting from April 14, 2011
May 1, 2011
By Conference Call
04/14/2011 11:00 Eastern
In attendance: George Leatherbury, Dave Miller, Tony Piacentino, Mike Cox. Also in attendance were Cathy Cone, Amy Cone, Dean Gloster, and Nick Krone from Marsh.
AGENDA
Enrollment Update – Nick
Currently there are 281 active in the VEBA plan. Most are in the premium plan eligible for the HCTC. 5 are in dental and vision only. 1 medical enrollee is not HCTC.
Life Event Qualification – Dean
There was a discussion about Delta"s failure to recognize changes qualifying for life event status. Further discussion was made about how to get Delta to cooperate.
Definition of Plans
Amy discussed the post-65 definition of Medicare plans vs. non-Medicare plans.
Spousal Coverage
Cathy discussed coverage for spouses after the primary insured turns 65.
Legislative Issues
The issue of legislative status and how to get VEBA extension and expansion was discussed.
The need to get a Republican member of Congress was addressed.
IRS Status
Dean gave a VEBA status report. The Application for VEBA 501(c)(9) status with the IRS is at the IRS awaiting approval. He expects no issues.
VEBA Fee Administration
Dave and Tony discussed how Marsh would pay VEBA for monthly administration fees.
Attestation Letters
Cathy discussed the need to have all enrollees fill out attestation letters. A discussion about how to communicate with enrollees via email followed. Dave directed that Marsh and CIG do all communication to enrollees.
Future Member Possibilities
Cathy discussed the need and method of contacting all people who may be able to use our VEBA in the future.
The meeting was paused the continued with only VEBA board members and Dean Gloster in attendance.
Bill Payment
George led a discussion about how to pay bills due to DP3, Doc Hindman and Karen Miller. A procedure to compensate the Trustees for incidental expenses was also discussed. It was decided that Dean will craft the language to reflect the process and that language will be added to the minutes to reflect the method. A motion was made to approve the process. Motion passed (4 to 0).
Communications
There was a discussion about administrative communications procedures among board members.
Adjournment
12:30 Eastern
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael Cox
Secretary, DP3 VEBA Board of Trustees
Update on HCTC Legislation
Posted 2-16-2011
We have received information from our Insurance Brokers, Cone Insurance Group about the ongoing efforts to have Congress extend the HCTC for VEBA members at the 80% level (if not extended, it will revert to 65%), and also extend and expand the Qualified Family Members (QFM) eligibility for the HCTC. Please note that unless the QFM eligibility is extended, any family member of those pilots who have aged into Medicare, died or divorced, will lose 100% of their current HCTC payment. Cone Insurance is proposing to expand the QFM language so they will be eligible for the HCTC until they reach Medicare age. Currently the QFM is only eligible for HCTC for a maximum of two years. This will significantly effect all VEBA members, and all pilots who have a QFM who is not yet Medicare age.
Please read the Q&A concerning this issue at this link: DP3 VEBA Trust Plan Participants Q&A
HCTC Legislative Updates
As of December 30, 2010
Congress passed the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 extending the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provisions which made changes to the HCTC. The following provisions will be effective until February 13, 2011 now that this bill is signed by the President:
1. Tax Credit Percentage
1. The tax credit will remain 80% for January and February payments.
2. Qualified Family Members
1. We will make payments in January and February for current monthly HCTC participants receiving the HCTC for qualified family members under the ARRA provision.
2. Given the short term extension, new Family Member Registration Forms for the monthly HCTC cannot be processed at this time. If eligible, qualified family members can claim the tax credit on their 2011 Federal Income Tax Return.
3. If Congress passes a long term extension to this provision, we will provide an update on this page with more information for any new monthly HCTC registrations.
3. Reimbursement Requests
1. We will process reimbursement requests for January 2011 and February 2011 payments. All reimbursement requests must be received by February 28.
Submit Your Payment Online
HCTC participants can submit payments online. Learn how to register for electronic payment, see answers to common questions, and view additional resources. NEW! Please see the user guide for step by step directions.
DP3 VEBA/HCTC Update and Aetna ID Cards
December 21, 2010
Retired pre-merger Delta pilots (pre-65) who have enrolled in the DP3 VEBA medical plan and who wish to drop their 2011 Delta medical coverage effective January 1, 2011 may do so by contacting the Employee Service Center at 800-MYDELTA by December 30, 2011. Representatives have been advised to accept this request over the phone.
...CLICK HERE TO READ FULL UPDATE AND INSTRUCTIONS...
New UNDER-65 Enrollment Q&A for Posted
December 14, 2010
CIG and the DP3 VEBA Board have just posted two new Q&A documents for the UNDER-65 program on our web page. Click the FAQ link in the black menu bar above and select the Q&A you want to review. They are also posted below in the Under-65 Forms section.
DP3 VEBA Clarification
VEBA is Approved and HCTC Eligible
December 12, 2010
There appears to be some confusion regarding the viability/eligibility of the DP3 VEBA. First and foremost, the VEBA is HCTC qualified for those members who are between the ages of 55-64 and meet the eligibility guidelines as defined by the HCTC Program.
Medicare eligible members are not tied to the HCTC in any way. Our Medicare plans for the Over 65 are ready to go for a January 1st effective date.
Beginning with the February payment, the under 65 VEBA plans are HCTC eligible at the 65% level unless these outstanding HCTC provisions are finalized by Congress:
- The reauthorization of the current subsidy level of 80% (the original subsidy level was 65% until the ARRA legislation was passed.)
- The reauthorization of the "qualified family member program" that permits spouses/dependents to remain eligible for the HCTC subsidy for an additional 24 months past a defined event date. The subsidy is offered for 24 months to the qualified family members after the death of a participant, divorce from the participant, or when a participant becomes eligible for Medicare. For the participants that become Medicare eligible upon turning 65, their qualified family members are eligible for 24 months, or until the participant turns 67, whichever comes first.
- The ability to receive a reimbursement to your monthly HCTC account in the event you had to make a 100% payment for your health plan premium while initially enrolling in the HCTC program. This provision allows the participant to complete a reimbursement form and have the over payment of 80% credited to your monthly account instead of having to wait and claim it on your income tax return when you file it in April.
Some of you may have already received your invoice and welcome letter from the HCTC Program for your January premium. You have been invoiced for 20% of the premium, which is the correct amount because the ARRA provisions do not expire until December 31, 2010. If the ARRA provisions are not extended, then your January invoice you receive will be for 35% of the premium and this will be for your February coverage. Remember to mail your payment directly to the HCTC so that they receive it by the due date. Don't wait; mail it now.
Cone Insurance Group (CIG), our insurance broker, has been working closely with the IRS-HCTC representatives. They have passed along information regarding an attestation letter that may apply to some of our participants. Please read the CIG attestation cover letter for further explanation and instructions in the event you receive this letter.
DP3 VEBA Wins HCTC Approval
November 25, 2010
We are pleased to announce we have received word from the IRS-HCTC that the DP3 VEBA Trust benefits will be considered qualifying coverage eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) for the Delta retirees who are eligible for the HCTC.
Over the past month, Cone Insurance Group and the DP3 VEBA Trust's lawyer, Dean Gloster, have been working closely with the IRS-HCTC staff to help them gain a better understanding of what was and was not offered to Delta pilots during the bankruptcy for continuing COBRA coverage. We believe that this was a key component to their decision to treat the DP3 VEBA Trust's benefits as a qualified health plan for the HCTC subsidy in the coming year. We will continue to work with the IRS-HCTC staff regarding notices to participants eligible for the HCTC.
It is important to note, though, that even with this good news, it is still very important for Congress to pass legislation to reauthorize the provisions that are due to expire on December 31st, 2010. The provisions that are still in question will determine:
- If the HCTC subsidy remains at 80% or will instead revert back to the original 65% subsidy
- If Qualified Family Members will continue to receive the HCTC subsidy for an additional 24 months after the event date (event date is Medicare eligibility, death, or divorce)
- If there is still the option to receive your initial Monthly reimbursement payment as a credit to your HCTC account.
This is great news - We wish a Happy Thanksgiving you and your families.
Dave Miller
DP3 VEBA Trust Chairman
DP3 VEBA Update: Enroll Options and Recommendations
November 15, 2010
The DP3 VEBA Board of Trustees is very pleased we can offer employees and retirees of Delta and its affiliates an excellent healthcare plan that qualifies for the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). The HCTC presently covers 80% of insurance premiums for individuals who receive a check from the PBGC due to their pension plans being terminated. We are also offering a Plan F supplement to Medicare for those over 65 years old and will continue to pursue other Medicare supplemental plans.
Last week, the VEBA Board finished a series of road shows around the country to explain the VEBA healthcare plan options in detail. These meetings were well attended and included presentations from the following groups involved in developing our VEBA:
- DP3 Trustees
- DP3 VEBA Board of Trustees
- Cone Insurance Group (CIG), VEBA insurance broker
- IRS HCTC expert
- Aetna and VSP Vision, the VEBA insurance carriers
- Marsh, the VEBA plan administrator
We plan on posting a video of the road shows on the VEBA web site within the next week for those who couldn't attend.
To be clear, there are still issues concerning the VEBA that must be resolved for it to continue to qualify for the HCTC. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allowed the court in charge of Delta's bankruptcy case to authorize the formation of our VEBA. The ARRA is due to expire December 31, 2010, unless Congress acts to reauthorize the bill.
Should Congress not extend the ARRA, the VEBA would not be qualified for the HCTC on January 01, 2011. (If you'd like to contact Congress about this issue, the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN) has set up a link at http://capwiz.com/abtr/home/ that allows you to email your representatives with just a few clicks). However, CIG and the DP3 VEBA attorneys are confident Congress will extend the ARRA since it's attached to the legislation that extends the "Bush" tax cuts also scheduled to expire at the end of the year.
In the meantime, to ensure you have healthcare coverage in 2011, we recommend you do the following:
- Enroll in the DP3 VEBA plan by clicking on the "Under 65 Enrollment Form" here or in the document list below.
- AND Re-enroll in the healthcare plan you currently have (Delta's open enrollment period ends on Nov. 24).
- Drop one of the two plans depending on the actions of Congress taken before they adjourn for the Christmas Holidays. If/when the ARRA is extended, which will qualify the DP 3 VEBA for the HCTC for at least 2011, you will need to call your current healthcare provider or the Delta Employees Service Center (1-800-MY-DELTA) if you are enrolled in Delta's insurance programs to drop the insurance program you enrolled in. Delta has ensured the VEBA board that re-enrollment into its plan at any subsequent open enrollment period will be permitted (see Delta's Healthcare Benefits Handbook, pgs. 35/36). If the ARRA is not extended, you must call Marsh at 1-877-928-VEBA (8322) and cancel the DP 3 VEBA plan before the end of the year so that you will not be responsible for the premiums for two insurance programs at the same time.
- We fully expect our plan to become qualified for the HCTC benefit if not this year then by early next year. Should this occur (plan re-qualifies after Jan 1, 2011), we'll notify you immediately so you can re-enroll in the VEBA healthcare plan for the remainder of 2011.
- It is important to note that the DP 3 VEBA Plan will become effective January 1, 2011, even if it is not qualified for the HCTC on that date.
- To ensure that we have your correct mailing address in order to receive a complete enrollment package, Click Here to Provide Your Information.
The VEBA Board is committed to providing cost effective healthcare to our members, and are pursuing a permanent solution that will enable our VEBA to remain HCTC qualified.
Dave Miller
DP3 VEBA Chairman
Update for Everyone Interested in the DP3 VEBA
November 10, 2010
Delta will not provide our insurance companies any contact data on over 65 retired pilots and the contact data they will provide for the retired pilots under 65 could be dated or inaccurate. If you want to be sure that you receive the latest data and forms from our insurance companies concerning our pre-65 VEBA plan or post-65 Medicare plan, use this link to list your contact information with our insurance broker.
Click here to update your contact information
Welcome to the DP3 VEBA Trust Home page
The DP3 VEBA Trust offers a healthcare plan for any active or retired employee of Delta or a subsidiary of Delta. It was formed by Delta Retired pilots to offer some competition in the healthcare options available to all Delta people. You will see when you look at our healthcare plans that we have exceeded the offerings of any plan currently offered to Delta retirees/employees, in both the over 65 plans and the under 65 plans. It is our intent to provide the best coverage available to our subscribers. DP3 is a non-profit organization, as is the DP3 VEBA Trust.
In early 2009 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) became law. DP3 began investigating the possibility of forming a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA). This would offer hundreds of Delta people who have experienced a pension termination with Delta or a former airline a healthcare option that would qualify them for the IRS's Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). You can get a brief history of our formation with this PowerPoint presentation – (Link to PP on VEBA).
One great advantage of the DP3 VEBA Trust is that it is an HCTC qualified plan. HCTC is available to anyone between the ages of 55 to 65 who receives a payment from the PBGC. This would include retired Delta pilots, active Delta pilots who have elected to take their PBGC benefit while still working, and any Delta employee who receives a PBGC benefit from an airline which terminated its pension plan. The HCTC currently pays 80% of the healthcare premiums those eligible.
In order to see the DP3 VEBA Trust healthcare plans follow the links below.You will see the individual plans, the benefits provided by each plan and the cost of the plans. These benefits include lower deductibles, lower co-pays, and better overall coverage than are currently available.
VEBA Documents - Rate Sheets, Enrollment Forms, Etc.
