Published on Mar 13, 2024
uawtrust org OTC Benefit Register Online Login Us : Discover the UAW Trust OTC Benefit program: learn how to log in, sign in, access the catalog, and enjoy essential over-the-counter healthcare products.
Trust oversight is provided by an 11-member committee, consisting of six independent members and five members appointed by the UAW. The Committee is responsible for designing and delivering benefits to eligible UAW retirees, surviving spouses and dependents.
A “flex card” is a Trust OTC benefit card pre-loaded with a $200 annual allowance. All Trust members will receive this card in the mail in late December which you can use to make purchases beginning January 1, 2024.
In addition to wage increases and an end to wage tiers, the United Auto Workers are demanding the return of defined benefit pension plans, as well as retiree health care coverage.
Beginning January 1, 2023, the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) benefit will be expanded for in-network care under all Trust-sponsored medical plans. A SNF is a facility outside of the hospital that provides nursing care 24 hours a day under the supervision of a physician and/or registered nurse. There will no longer be a limitation on the allowed amount of days of care provided per benefit period. Additionally, there will no longer be a non-confinement period required to reset the benefit (when it is determined to be medically necessary because the medical criteria and guidelines are met).
For Ford Retirees retiring after October 1, 1979, a Medicare Part B Premium Subsidy is provided to help Retirees, Surviving Spouses, and Surviving Same Sex Domestic Partners pay for Medicare Part B. Those enrollees receiving a Retirement Plan due to a deferred vested benefit or a pre-retirement survivor benefit are not eligible. The enrollee must be receiving a pension from the pension plan in order to be eligible; those receiving survivor’s insurance are not eligible.
A Ford Retiree cannot also receive this benefit as a Surviving Spouse or Surviving Same-Sex Domestic Partner. The Medicare Part B Premium Benefit is $76.20 per month. Enrollees eligible for Medicare Part B must enroll and remain enrolled in Part B to be eligible to receive this benefit. Retirees under age 65 who are disabled or have End Stage Renal Disease are also eligible for this benefit, provided they have enrolled in Part B. If eligible, the Medicare Part B Premium Benefit will be included in the enrollee’s pension check.
A: The pre-loaded card requires activation before the first use. Instructions for activation will be included with your card. You can make purchases using your card at retailers where you see the OTC Network logo or online via a special portal. After activating your card, you can swipe your card to buy approved products at any participating location, and your purchase will be deducted from the total amount on your card. Your card will need to be activated before making your first purchase, including purchases made online and in the mobile app. Information on activating your card will be included along with your “flex card” in the mail.
Trust members will receive a flex card in the mail in late December. If you do not receive your card by December 31, call Retiree Health Care Connect at 866-637-7555.
Double-check if the card is active and has a balance available. Your Trust eligibility is the driver of your benefits. If your name, date of birth or address are incorrect or you have lost eligibility for your Trust benefits for any reason, you will not be able to use your card. You will need to contact RHCC.
A: If you have a problem verifying eligibility to activate your card or have not received a flex card, please contact Retiree Health Care Connect (RHCC) at 866-637-7555, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET to verify your eligibility. RHCC will validate your account and then transfer you back to CVS to complete the activation process. Should there be an issue with your eligibility at the Trust, you must wait one week to have your record updated to activate your card.
A catalog of available items to order will be mailed to Trust members in January 2024, but you can also view available products through the online portal or app. Each household will only receive one (1) catalog and replacement catalogs will not be available, so the Trust encourages members to utilize the online portal and app to view available products.
A: Most orders arrive in less than seven (7) business days. It may take longer during peak volume periods. If you do not receive your order within 14 days, call CVS at 844-487-2770 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. You can use your card at any of the 68,000 retail locations where you see the OTC Network logo.
Online orders can only be canceled within 30 minutes after being placed. To cancel, you must talk to an agent.
A: No, not all items in the catalog are qualified medical expenses. In general, only your purchases of “qualified medical expenses” (as defined by section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) are excluded from your taxable income. The Trust cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax advisor with any questions.
