We have long said that Teamster members are the backbone of America, and that without us, the country cannot function. The COVID-19 outbreak has revealed that to be an absolute truth.
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General Information
International Brotherhood of Teamsters COVID-19 Outbreak Resources - https://teamster.org/covid-19
Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Information - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Kentucky COVID-19 Information - http://kycovid19.ky.gov/
Indiana COVID-19 Information - https://coronavirus.in.gov/
TeamCare Improvements
TeamCare Layoff Benefits
We have been informed by the IBT that the TeamCare Board of Trustees have approved a plan amendment granting up to eight weeks of TeamCare Layoff Coverage at no cost to members who are laid off between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
This is an issue that many Local Unions across the country, including Teamsters Local 89, have been asking TeamCare to address. We are thrilled that the fund has agreed to provide this critical extended benefit to members who become laid off during this national crisis.
You can read the TeamCare release on Layoff Benefits, as well as Frequently Asked Questions about how recently passed stimulus legislation applies to TeamCare, by clicking here.
You can read a Frequently Asked Questions about the TeamCare Layoff Benefits by clicking here.
TeamCare Expanded Coverage
The fund has also announced an additional amendment that includes waiving all coinsurance, co-pays, and deductibles for both the test and treatment administered for COVID-19.
This is an incredibly important change, and we applaud the fund for ensuring that all TeamCare participants who contract COVID-19 can be diagnosed and treated at zero cost through the end of the year.
According to the release from TeamCare, attached here, the specifics of the plan amendment are as follows:
- Waives prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and related covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) guidance for members if diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Provides the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic tests for COVID-19, at no cost to covered members.
- Provides all subsequent needed care once a COVID-19 diagnosis occurs, including inpatient hospital stays and treatment, at no cost to covered members.
You can read the TeamCare release on Expanded Coverage by clicking here.
If you have any further questions about this important news, please contact your business agent or our benefits department by calling us at (502) 368-5885.
Stimulus Bill (Phase 3)
The "Phase 3" stimulus bill which originated in the US Senate has now passed the US House and has been signed by the President. Below is basic information about the bill, as well as a link to a calculator created by the Washington Post which gives an estimate for the amount of your stimulus check, and a link to a thorough Frequently Asked Questions article about the stimulus bill by the New York Times.
Washington Post Stimulus Bill - Check Estimate Calculator
New York Times Stimulus Bill Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This stimulus bill, also being referred to as Phase 3, includes several important provisions to help the American working class during the COVID-19 crisis. It is expected to be followed by a Phase 4 bill in late April to further address the situation as it stands at that point.
Included in the bipartisan bill are direct stimulus checks that will be sent to working people, and a massive expansion of unemployment insurance for those who have lost their jobs, been laid off, or furloughed as a result of COVID-19.
Stimulus Checks
Most American adults will receive $1,200 dollar checks. There will also be additional $500 dollar checks for every qualifying child who is 16 or younger. Single adults making less than $75,000 should get the full amount of the stimulus check. Married couples filing jointly making less than $150,000 should receive a total of $2,400, or more with children. Those who make more than these amounts will see the checks decrease incrementally until there is no check at all for single adults making $99,000 or more, and married couples with no children making $198,000 or more.
The stimulus checks will be based on your adjusted gross income on your 2019 tax returns, or your 2018 tax returns if you have not filed taxes this year.
For further information about the stimulus checks, please check the New York Times FAQ linked here.
Unemployment Insurance Expansion
Unemployment has been expanded in the phase 3 stimulus bill to assist those who have been laid off, furloughed, or lost their job entirely as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, it expands eligibility to more part-time workers, and also self-employed, gig economy, and independent contractor workers who have been impacted.
The expansion is an attempt to replace the average worker's paycheck. The bill allows for a Federal supplement of up to $600 dollars per week on top of whatever unemployment benefit a person is receiving from their state. This additional payment will last for up to four months.
The expansion has also extended unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks on top of what is already offered in your state, up to a maximum of 39 weeks.
For further information about the Unemployment Expansion, please check the New York Times FAQ linked here.
Student Loans
Until September 30th, automatic payments will be suspended for any student loan held by the federal government.
For further information about the Student Loan Payment Freeze, please check the New York Times FAQ linked here.
Kentucky Services Guides
The following is copied from the Kentucky COVID-19 Information Page:
Indiana Services Guides
Please click the following link to view a PDF available on the Indiana COVID-19 website:
https://coronavirus.in.gov/files/IN_COVID-19%20Resource%20Guide%203.23.20.pdf
Local Union Operations
As a result of Kentucky’s escalating response to the COVID-19 outbreak and for the health and wellbeing of our members and staff, Local 89 will be temporarily changing our operations.
While Local 89 will continue our day to day business, we will be limiting entry into the union hall to staff only. We will be providing “curb side” services to any member needing to fill out or drop off paperwork (grievances, TeamCare forms, etc.). When you arrive at the hall for drop-off/pick-up of documents, simply call us at (502) 368-5885 to let us know what you need, and someone from our staff will come out to pick up/drop off whatever is necessary to help you. Our Business Agents will continue to be available by phone or by email, as will the rest of our staff.
We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and will update our members if there are any further changes to our operational plans. Everyone at Teamsters Local 89 sincerely hopes that this is a short-term change and that we can return to our normal operations in the near future. We have always taken great pride in the fact that Teamsters Local 89 is a “members hall”, a building where our doors have always been open, and members and retirees could visit and handle their issues while enjoying the company of our staff. Our members are what make us, and until we are able to return to our normal operations, our union hall will feel incomplete.
Thank you all, and stay safe and healthy.
Other Updates
