New PSE Health Care Options

It’s an honor to serve as the new APWU Health Plan Director. I wish my predecessor, William Kaczor Jr., all the best in retirement, and salute his many years of dedicated service to the union and to members of the union’s health plans.

The APWU Health Plan is working hard to ensure all of our brothers and sisters have access to high quality health care. There are new developments in health care coverage for Postal Support Employees (PSEs).

As a result of negotiations by the APWU, PSEs can now enroll in the APWU Consumer Driven Health Plan after they complete their first 360-day appointment and are reinstated after a break in service of no more than five days. The Postal Service will pay 75 percent of the premium costs for Self Only, Self Plus One, and Self and Family coverage.

The APWU is leading the way in providing non-career federal and postal workers access to the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program and employer-paid health care – something we should all be proud of.

Orientation Folders

The APWU Health Plan is now mailing material to our local and state organizations for use at second PSE orientations, which our local and state organizations are entitled to hold once PSEs become eligible for health care benefits.

Included in the folders are materials that are specific to PSEs. The folders also include space for locals and state organizations to add any information they deem appropriate for the orientation. The folders will be mailed out on a monthly basis, when our records indicate PSEs become eligible for health care.

PSEs have 60 days from the date they become eligible for health care benefits to enroll or they will have to wait for the next Open Season to participate. Enrollment in health care must be done through Shared Services. Unfortunately, Shared Services has a dreadful record of service to our members.

I highly recommend that APWU members document all interaction they undertake with Shared Services so that there will be no dispute about whether they enrolled within the 60-day time limit.

Health Benefits Plan

The APWU Health Plan has received many requests for information about the USPS Health Benefits plan (USPSHB). This benefit plan is not part of the APWU Health Plan – or the FEHB program. It is a USPS health care plan, so we cannot answer any questions or provide other assistance with the plan.

There was a special enrollment period from May 16, 2016, to June 30, 2016. PSEs were eligible to enroll in the USPSHB for coverage effective on July 9, 2016. The APWU is working hard to get answers for our members about the impact and details of USPS-provided health care and we look forward to the results of the investigation. 

Annual Health Plan Seminar

The 31st Annual APWU Health Plan Seminar will be at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Oct. 17-20. We look forward to providing a focused and engaged training program with both a beginner and advanced track to best serve and educate attendees.

The APWU Health Plan is committed to serve the membership with the best possible health insurance coverage at the most affordable price.