Recently TWU members received a mailing from TWU Air Transport Division offering open enrollment to the new ATD – sponsored Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance from Standard Insurance Company. This has caused some confusion for many of our members; therefore, we have put together some of the most asked questions.
Q. Who fills out the “To Be Completed By Human Resources” section of the enrollment form?
A. You (the member) can fill that section out. Actually the TWU/American Airlines is the employer. American Airlines has no part of the administration or filling out any forms for this insurance.
Q. If I already have Short Term Insurance with TWU through Trans America what happens?
A. All current members who have the TWU Short Term Disability with Trans America will automatically be rolled over to the new Voluntary Short Term Disability (VSTD) Insurance with the Standard insurance.
Q. If I have American Airlines OSTD with Metlife Insurance, can I still get the TWU Short Term Disability?
A. Complicated answer. Yes, you can enroll in the Union VSTD insurance. (see next questions)
Q. Can I collect from American OSTD and Union VSTD at the same time?
A. No. You can only collect from one Short Term Disability Insurance for the same illness or injury. You can NOT collect 100% of your wages by having the AA policy and the Union policy.
Q. How can I withdraw from the American Airlines OSTD if I want to enroll in the Union VSTD?
A. You have to wait until open enrollment in October to withdraw in the American OSTD provided you have had the Metlife OSTD for 2 years or have a life event. Note:American OSTD has a minimum of two (2) year enrollment in the plan.
There will be another TWU Voluntary Short Term Disability open enrollment in October 2011.
Q. If I am currently off work for an illness or injury can I still sign up for TWU Standard VSTD?
A. Yes, but will not become effective until you come back to work one full day. Your new effective date would be the following day.
Q. If injured on the job or at work will this Short Term Disability pay?
A. No, Short Term Disability through Union VSTD or American OSTD will not pay for work related injuries or illness which are covered by Workers Compensation.
Q. Do I have to use my sick time before collecting Short Term Disability?
A. Yes, you have to use your sick prior to collecting Short Term Disability. Example 1: you have no sick time available VSTD will pay on the eighth day off work.
Example 2: you have 80 hrs sick time available VSTD will pay the first day not covered by your sick time.
Q. How much will TWU Standard Insurance Voluntary Short Term Disability Pay?
A. 50% of your insured per-disability earnings reduced by deductible income from other sources. For additional information, contact D’Ann Johnson, (918) 384-9760, or phone (866) 386-6060.