Effective Sept. 1, 2003, the following changes will be made to the CTA Voluntary Group Disability Plan, the Premium Holiday Plan, and the Health Information & Wellness Program:
Voluntary Group Disability Plan
On Sept. 1, premiums for the CTA Voluntary Group Disability Plan will increase by 10 percent. For most CTA insureds, this will amount to a $25 annual increase. There are no changes or reductions in the disability benefits available under the plan. Please note that the premiums under the CTA Disability Plans were reduced by 10 percent in 1999 and still remain competitive while providing comprehensive coverage.
CTA Premium Holiday Plan
The CTA Premium Holiday Plan will expire Sept. 1. The Premium Holiday Plan provided a premium-free period of coverage under the CTA Voluntary Group Life Plan for newly insured participants for three to six months, depending on the level of coverage selected.
Health Information & Wellness Program
All CTA members insured under the Voluntary Group Life or Disability Plans will continue to be covered under the CTA Health Information & Wellness Program. The program includes a semi-annual newsletter and a self-care book, both provided by CareWise, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SHPS, Inc.
In addition, the program includes a well-baby program for expectant mothers who enroll within their first trimester of pregnancy. Participants have access to a "nurse-line" (a hotline staffed with specialized nurses) and receive books on What To Expect When You're Expecting and What To Expect The First Year.
Effective Sept. 1, 2003, the Health Information & Wellness Program will not include a subscription to the CareWise website. However, the CTA Member Benefits section on the website [www.cta.org] will include information regarding other health information websites that can provide current information on various health topics.
For more information about the plan changes, call CTA Risk Management/Member Benefits at (650) 552-5200.