Jeffrey Wade
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) offers two health insurance options for its members and retirees, known as the High Option and the Consumer Driven Health Plan. The High Option is the premier health plan in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, with comprehensive benefits, low copays, and deductibles. It also offers a vast network of providers, including access to 1.7+ million providers in the UnitedHealthcare network. The Consumer Driven Health Plan is another option for those who want to choose a plan that meets their needs. The APWU also provides additional benefits, such as access to the AFL-CIO Employees Federal Credit Union and the Union Plus Mortgage program, which makes buying, selling, and refinancing a home more accessible and affordable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A health insurance plan for postal workers and retirees |
| Who is it for? | Postal and federal employees and their families |
| Who provides it? | UnitedHealthcare |
| What does it cover? | Comprehensive benefits, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, surgical, and ambulance services |
| What are the out-of-pocket costs? | Low copays and deductibles |
| How many providers are in the network? | 1.7+ million |
| Are there any additional benefits? | Yes, members can access home-buying options through the Union Plus Mortgage program and products/services through the AFL-CIO Employees Federal Credit Union |
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What You'll Learn
- The APWU Health Plan offers two healthcare options for postal and federal employees
- The High Option plan has comprehensive benefits, a vast provider network, and low copays and deductibles
- The Accident Benefit Association provides benefits in the case of temporary disability, dismemberment, or death
- The APWU Health Plan covers prescription drugs, but certain rules must be followed
- The APWU also offers benefit programs such as scholarships and home-buying options
The APWU Health Plan offers two healthcare options for postal and federal employees
The first option is the High Option plan, which has been offered since 1960 and is considered the premier health plan in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. This plan stands out for its low copays, low deductibles, and a vast network of providers. Members enrolled in the High Option plan gain access to an extensive UnitedHealthcare network, comprising over 1.7 million providers. This network offers a wide range of benefits, including coverage for artificial insemination, infertility medications, and IVF-related drugs. The plan also provides increased skilled nursing care visits and access to thousands of gyms and studios through One Pass Select. Additionally, enrollees can take advantage of free virtual support for pregnancy, postpartum care, and returning to work after parental leave.
The second option is the Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP), which is a more flexible and customizable alternative. While specific details about this plan are not readily available, it is designed to empower members to take charge of their healthcare decisions and expenses. The CDHP likely offers a range of choices and tools to help members actively manage their health and healthcare spending.
Both plans offer cash benefits directly to policyholders, regardless of any other insurance they may have. This includes benefits in the event of temporary disability, dismemberment, or death resulting from a covered accident. The APWU Health Plan also covers members who are eligible for the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare options for postal and federal employees.
During Open Season, which typically runs from November to December, the APWU Health Plan hosts virtual health fairs for eligible employers, postal workers, federal employees, and retirees. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the plans, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their healthcare choices.
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The High Option plan has comprehensive benefits, a vast provider network, and low copays and deductibles
The APWU Health Plan is an insurance plan for America's postal workers and retirees. It is offered by the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and covers those eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The High Option plan is one of two choices available through the APWU Health Plan.
The High Option plan has been providing comprehensive benefits to America's workforce since 1960. It is the premier health plan in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The plan offers low copays and deductibles, and its nationwide UnitedHealthcare network includes over 1.7 million providers.
The UnitedHealthcare network provides members with access to a vast provider network. This includes coverage for artificial insemination, infertility medications, and IVF-related drugs. Skilled nursing care has also been increased to 50 visits per calendar year, and members can access 16,000+ gyms and studios through One Pass Select. In addition, members can receive free virtual support for pregnancy, postpartum, and returning to work after parental leave through Maven.
The High Option plan also offers a Personal Care Account (PCA) that is funded at $1,200 for Self Only and $2,400 for Self Plus One and Self and Family. Members are covered at 100% until the PCA is exhausted. Additionally, members can receive a $25 wellness incentive, added to their PCA, when they or a covered family member completes an annual physical exam.
The APWU Health Plan also offers a Consumer Driven Option, which features the vast UnitedHealthcare provider network. This plan provides low premiums and a proactive alternative to traditional health plans.
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The Accident Benefit Association provides benefits in the case of temporary disability, dismemberment, or death
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) offers two health care options for postal and federal employees and their families. The APWU Health Plan covers postal workers and retirees eligible for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and federal employees and retirees eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.
The Accident Benefit Association is a benefit program offered by the APWU. It provides benefits in the case of temporary disability, dismemberment, or death resulting directly from a covered accident. These benefits are paid directly to the policyholder, regardless of any other insurance they may have. The benefits are available to active or retired members, associate members, retirees, and their spouses.
Accident insurance is a type of supplemental insurance that helps cover costs resulting from an accident or injury. It can provide funds to help pay for unexpected expenses after an accidental injury, such as a fracture or concussion. Accident insurance can help cover costs that a medical plan may not, such as transportation to work or rent while out of work. It can also provide benefits for certain health screenings and ambulance transportation.
In the case of temporary disability, accident insurance can provide weekly payments for three months to a year, depending on the policy. Disability plans can also help replace lost income if the insured is unable to work due to a covered sickness or injury. Life insurance plans, on the other hand, provide a lump-sum payment in the event of the policyholder's death, which is paid to the designated beneficiary.
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The APWU Health Plan covers prescription drugs, but certain rules must be followed
The APWU Health Plan is an insurance plan offered by the American Postal Workers Union. It covers postal and federal employees and their families. The plan offers two great healthcare options, including the Consumer Driven Health Plan. This plan covers prescription drugs, but there are certain rules that must be followed.
Firstly, prior authorization is required for certain drugs and must be renewed periodically. This review process is based on FDA-approved prescribing and safety information, as well as clinical guidelines. The plan encourages the use of generics and lower-cost alternative brands when appropriate.
Secondly, the plan will no longer cover prescriptions for certain compound medications unless they are FDA-approved. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines compound medication as one that requires a licensed pharmacist to combine, mix, or alter the ingredients when filling a prescription. To avoid paying the full cost, individuals should ask their doctor for an FDA-approved alternative.
Thirdly, there are different ways to obtain prescription drugs depending on the plan chosen. The Consumer Driven Health Plan provides individuals with a Personal Care Account (PCA) with an annual allowance to cover eligible expenses, including prescription drugs. If an individual has expenses over a certain threshold, traditional health coverage begins, and they pay a percentage of the discounted cost of prescriptions.
Finally, it is important to note that the APWU Health Plan covers prescribed drugs and medications that are medically necessary. The plan also offers a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (PPO) option, which enhances coverage by reducing or eliminating cost-sharing for services and/or adding benefits at no additional cost. This includes a monthly Part B reimbursement.
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The APWU also offers benefit programs such as scholarships and home-buying options
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) offers a range of benefit programs to its members, including scholarships and home-buying options.
Scholarships
The APWU offers several scholarship opportunities for high school seniors who are children, grandchildren, stepchildren, or legally adopted children of current, retired, or deceased APWU members. The E.C. Hallbeck Memorial Scholarship, for example, awards $8000 ($2000 annually) to ten recipients (with one male and one female selected from each of the five postal regions) to fund their four-year college tuition. There is also a Vocational Scholarship, which provides up to $3000 for specialized training in fields such as culinary arts, medical or dental assisting, electrician work, real estate, auto mechanics, IT, cosmetology, and massage therapy. The duration of eligible programs can range from nine months to three years. Additionally, the "Best Essay" award provides a one-time $2000 scholarship towards four-year college tuition.
Home-buying options
The APWU also provides its members with access to the Union Plus Mortgage program, which simplifies the process of buying, selling, and refinancing a home. This program is designed exclusively for union members and their families and offers financing through Wells Fargo. Members can also take advantage of mortgage counselling services provided by Wells Fargo to guide them through the home-buying process.
In addition to these benefits, APWU members and retirees can access a range of financial services through the AFL-CIO Employees Federal Credit Union, including ATMs, internet banking, direct deposits, savings and checking accounts, and various loan options.
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Frequently asked questions
The APWU Health Plan is an insurance plan that covers postal and federal employees and their families. The plan offers comprehensive benefits, including low copays and deductibles, and a vast network of providers.
The APWU Health Plan covers postal workers and retirees eligible for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program and federal employees and retirees eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.
The APWU Health Plan offers a range of benefits, including prescription drug coverage, dental and vision insurance, and mental health and substance use disorder benefits. The plan also provides access to a wide range of providers, including 1.7+ million providers in the UnitedHealthcare network.
