We are happy to announce that open enrollment for the BLET’s Short-Term Disability Enhanced-Plan and the new Enhanced-Plan Plus, has begun. These options are meant to improve the negotiated Base-Plan benefit that is paid for by the railroad.              Open enrollment will end on March 31, 2022 and coverage will become effective as of April 1, 2022.

Coverage Highlights:

Enhanced-Plan

• The Enhanced-Plan pays an additional $102 weekly benefit for a combined weekly benefit of $402.
• Starts paying on day 22 from the date of disability and pays for up to 35 weeks.
• Monthly premium is $25.00.

Enhanced-Plan Plus

• The Enhanced-Plan Plus pays an additional $102 weekly benefit for a combined weekly benefit of $402.
• Starts paying on day 22 from the date of disability and pays for up to 52 weeks.
• Monthly premium is $40.00.

IMPORTANT: to be eligible for the Base-Plan and have the premiums paid for by the railroad, a member must have at least seven starts in the prior month, with at least one of those starts as an engineer.  

Additional eligibility highlights:

• If a member is enrolled in the Enhanced-Plan and does not meet the minimum Base-Plan eligibility requirements, he has the option to opt-in to the paying the Base-Plan premiums to prevent a loss of both coverages. The Base-Plan premium is $40 in addition to the $20 Enhanced-Plan premium.
• During this open enrollment period, cut back engineers who were once eligible for the Base-Plan but are not currently meeting the minimum requirements, have the option to opt-in to the Base-Plan by paying premium of $40 each month.
• Anyone who is opted-in to paying the $40 Base-Plan premium will only be charged in any month they do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

All eligible members have been mailed an enrollment packet.  They can enroll online by visiting https://ble-t.org/sun-life-short-term-disability/, by phone at 224.848.4941 or by completing and mailing the enrollment form that was enclosed in the packet.

We would appreciate you forwarding this to your members to help spread the word. If you or any of your members have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

As always, we appreciate all your support!

Sincerely,

Peter C. Gilbertson

Vice President-Rail Division

Cornerstone Benefits Management

28160 W Northwest Highway, Suite 203

Lake Barrington, IL 60010

Cell. 480.395.9333

Office. 847.387.3555

Fax. 847.425.5349

www.unioninsurance.com