Medical Benefits Time

[Trainmaster5 4,036]

I have a question for my fellow employees, and anyone else who may know the real deal. Every year at this time we have to choose a medical provider. For us hourlies the choice is either GHI or HIP. While preparing my train for service lately I've come across these ads for EmblemHealth plan. If you read the ( very) fine print you'll see that the plan is sponsored by GHI and HIP. Has the proposed merger taken effect ? If so, how does this effect our benefits ? I looked through the arbitrators award and all I saw was the 1.53 to 1.5 change but nothing else about benefits. Maybe I missed something so can someone enlighten me about what's going on here.

[Will-Bx-718 95]

I have no idea whether or not if the merger went thru or not. I heard talks about this 2 years ago, but nothing ever since. I stick with hip because um single with out kids. And the medical center I go to takes both insurances anyway. And I save the $15 co-pays to go there.

[Rapid Transit TO 65]

They already maintain MANY other heath insurance provider contracts that the don't offer to TWU, so I would'nt expect any changes or additional coverages unless TA saved cash on them.. It's a really pathetic state of affairs tho, cause active employees I know from PA & NJ travel to Staten Island or Port Jervis for doctors..