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    You are here: Home / Latest News / AFA Alaska News Now / Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

    Health Benefits Coverage & Staffing Adjustment Leaves

    November 6, 2023 17:02

    Benefits Committee

    Our Benefits Committee has been notified that there are multiple issues with health benefits coverage for those returning from staffing adjustment leaves (SAL). If you are on a staffing adjustment leave or have recently returned from one, please be aware of the following.

    Re-Enrolling After A Leave

    While we disagree that one should have to re-enroll in Health Benefits when returning from Staffing Leave, we strongly suggest that you do so. Check to make sure that all your prior coverages are in place. To do so, you can call your health plan directly or visit www.MyAlaskaBenefits.com and check your coverage. We’ve also been advised that once you re-enroll, it can take several days for the coverage to update. You should also have received an email in your company Outlook email regarding health benefits when returning from SAL.

    Health Benefits Deductions For September Premiums And Direct Billing

    Health benefits premiums, like payroll, are deducted in the subsequent month (i.e., in October for September). When on a Staffing Leave, these deductions do not take place. Flight Attendants are advised to review their pay statement to determine whether or not deductions were taken from October 20th paychecks.

    Direct Billing Notice Errors

    Those on Staffing Adjustment Leave should have received a direct bill from Cobra Management Services (CMS) with instructions to self-pay the employee contribution for September Health Benefits. We are aware that some Flight Attendants DID receive this notice, and it was correct. We are also aware that many did NOT receive a direct bill and that some did receive bills for very strange amounts that do not reflect the usual employee contributions.

    No Direct Bill Received

    If you did not receive a direct bill, or if you did not have a correct bill or a deduction from your October 20 paycheck, please contact CMS. The balance owed must be paid to continue coverage. You can contact CMS at:

    Phone: (425) 452-9889, ext. 145 or (866) 527-7580, ext. 145
    Email: services@cobramanagement.com

    Service Charges May Apply

    Payments made by credit card or electronic funds transfer have an added service charge applied by the vendor. You might prefer to mail a check to avoid these.

    Reporting Issues And Questions

    If you’re having challenges with any of these issues, please email management at tiffany.perry@alaskaair.com and emmit.elliott@alaskaair.com and cc our AFA Benefits Committee at benefits@afaalaska.org. Our Benefits and Grievance Committees are continuing to work to resolve these issues.

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    Filed Under: AFA Alaska News Now, Benefits Committee, Grievance Committee Tagged With: health benefits coverage, staffing adjustment leave

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