Honored to Serve: Thank You for Your Trust

(This article appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of The American Postal Worker magazine)

As I embark on my third term as your APWU Health Plan Director, I will continue my commitment to serving you, the membership.

My vision for the next three years is to continue to provide my union family with the health insurance benefits you deserve. As postal employees, we are essential workers that keep the mail moving. This is a tremendous responsibility. As we serve all homes and businesses nationwide, you deserve security and to be protected from high-cost health care bills. The APWU Health Plan is here to help!

As the APWU Health Plan Director, I am always here to advocate for you. My main responsibility is to make sure our health plan’s operations always align with the interests of our union members. As your Health Plan Director, three of my goals are to continue to keep our costs affordable, provide strong benefits, and always prioritize you, the member.

1. Affordability: Our primary focus is making sure premiums are affordable. APWU members have access to the lowest premiums in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. Because of the collective bargaining agreement, the USPS pays 95% of the premium for the Consumer Driven Option if you are an APWU career bargaining unit employee in the PSHB Program for more than a year, which makes premiums start at as low as $16! In addition, when Postal Support Employees (PSEs) convert to career, their time enrolled in the PSHB counts toward the one-year obligation. This is a great union benefit! Member cost-share (what you pay when you go to the doctor) is also important. In-network copayments for the High Option are low – $10 for virtual visits (the first two are free), $25 for primary and specialists visits, and $30 for urgent care. The Consumer Driven Option includes a personal care account (PCA) $1,200 for Self Only and $2,400 Self Plus One and Self and Family. By using these funds to pay for eligible medical expenses, you decrease your plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Strong benefits: Our robust plan options provide coverage that safeguards your health and wellbeing. The APWU Health Plan has a large network of providers. Using the UnitedHealthcare network, you have access to 1.8 million providers nationwide. Routine in-network preventive care and maternity are covered at 100%. Rest assured, our benefits provide you with security you can count on. Coverages include office visits, emergency care, surgery, labs, hearing services, diabetes care, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, mental health, home health, and Medicare Advantage benefits. We also have free health management programs. Programs are available for pregnancy, smoking cessation, weight loss, and behavioral health. I am committed to making sure our benefits meet the needs of APWU members.
3. Dedication to serving our members: At the APWU Health Plan, our members are the center of everything we do. We strive to not only provide excellent service but also build relationships. You are not alone on your health journey. We are here to serve you. Last year, we answered over 200,000 calls and processed over three million claims. No other plan is going to provide you with the APWU Health Plan customer service experience.

Working together, we can continue to build our community. This is your Health Plan, designed for APWU members and your families. Being your Health Plan Director is more than a title; it is an honor and a privilege. ■