Union Station - Local 6787 - United Steel Workers of America

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UPDATE ON BETHLEHEM STEEL'S WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIMS...

A STEP IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.

December 29, 2004

Mr. Pete Trinidad

D ear Pete:

We have good news regarding the Bethlehem Bond matter. As you know Kemper, the company responsible for paying worker's compensation benefits after Bethlehem shut down, took the position it did not have to pay all Bethlehem's pending worker's compensation claims. It felt its exposure was limited to those claims occurring between 09/01/00 and 09/01/01. The Worker's Compensation Board disagreed with Kemper and ordered it pay all claims. Kemper then appealed that order to the Indiana Court of Appeals. Because this matter directly affected so many people, we filed an Amicus Brief with the Indiana Court of Appeals. We argued Kemper should be responsible for all claims that occurred while Bethlehem was in operation.

The Court of Appeals agreed with our position. In its recent decision it noted;

"As such, the Bond was in full force and effect when Bethlehem filed for bankruptcy in October 2001, and Kemper must therefore pay Bethlehem's 'past, present, existing and potential' worker's compensation liabilities for personal injury dates that occurred from August 1, 1979 to April 30, 2003, when Bethlehem ceased operations."

This is great news for those with injuries that were denied due to Kemper's position. However, it is likely not the end of the road for this issue. Kemper may seek to have the decision transferred to the Indiana Supreme Court. Thus, there will likely be further delay. However, we have taken one big step toward getting these injured workers the benefits they are entitled to. To be safe, these employees should make sure they protect their claims by filing an Application for Adjustment of Claim within 2 years of the date of injury.

Let me know if you need any additional information regarding this issue. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Blachly, Tabor, Bozik, and Hartman

HOURLY EMPLOYEES

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, & PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS

The Administrators that provide your health related benefits have changed in 2005. Your benefit levels remain the same with them. The “PPO” Network is the same. Therefore, the physicians and hospitals from the Network can still be used now. When you receive your new ID cards make sure that you give them to your physicians, so they can bill the proper medical provider. You should receive a separate card for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs. (These cards may be mailed to you separately.)

Your medical card has “PPO” at the top.

· Each covered family member should receive a card.

· If you haven’t received a card for each person, call Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield at 1-866-267-3280 and request the cards that you need.

Your vision card has “OPTICHOICE VISION PROGRAM” in the center of the card.

· Each family will receive two of these vision cards.

· If you haven’t received these cards, call 1-866-267-3280, PRESS 4 and request the cards that you need.

Your dental card says “UNITED CONCORDIA” at the top.

· Each family should receive two of these dental cards.

· If you haven’t received these cards, call 1-866-267-3280, PRESS 4 and request the cards that you need.

Your prescription drug card says “CAREMARK” at the top.

· You already should have received a temporary card through your department that is available to you if you need to fill a prescription at the pharmacy prior to receiving your permanent cards

· When these permanent cards are mailed to you, each covered family member should receive a card.

· If you haven’t received a card for each person, call 1-888-202-1654 and request the cards that you need.

· Your mail order prescriptions with the prior provider have been transferred to Caremark.

· You may call Caremark to fill any remaining refills on those prescriptions.

If you are not in the system for any of these cards, please contact the Human Resources Department.

Local 6787 is a not for profit organization located at
1100 N Max Mochal Highway
Chesterton, Indiana
46304
Phone - 219-762-6787
from Michigan City - 219-926-7623

If you have any questions, comments, corrections or suggestions you may contact:
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