Message from Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa

Many Teamsters will soon benefit from the historic health care reform legislation that President Obama signed into law on March 23.

Reform will help control the skyrocketing cost of health insurance over the long term. It will make our employers more competitive and strengthen our economy while providing coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

But even in the short term, Teamsters and their families who have health insurance through their employers will gain from health care reform.

Starting no later than January 1, 2011 for most plans:

If You Hit theMedicare Prescription Drug “Donut Hole,” You’ll Receive a Check

Health care reform has an important benefit this year for people who participate in a Medicare prescription drug program. If you reach the coverage gap (also called the “donut hole”), you will receive a tax-free, one-time $250 check after you hit the gap.

Teamster retirees who get prescription drug coverage directly from a Teamster Health &Welfare fund may not qualify for this benefit. That’s because the coverage you already have is better than most Medicare Part D coverage.

Obama Hails 'Bill of Rights' for Health Consumers

President Obama today announced a series of new regulations he called a "true patients' bill of rights," and urged insurers not use the health-care overhaul as an excuse to raise premiums.

The new regulations being implemented by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, will put in place the strongest consumer protections in the nation's history -- giving Americans "peace of mind," Obama said.

You Will Soon Be Able To Put Your Child on Your Health Plan Up To Age 26

Health care reform requires group health insurance plans that cover an employee’s children to extend eligibility to children up to their 26th birthday.

Here are some highlights:

If your health plan currently offers coverage to your children, that coverage must be extended to them until their 26th birthday – even if they’re attending school or married.