Retirees should be aware that your health care is with the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust. The phone number for the Benefits Trust is 1-866-637-7555. They handle only health issues. Questions relating to pension and life insurance need to be directed to the GM Benefits Center at 1-800-489-4646. This leads to an important reminder that if a retiree gets married or remarried, he or she must call the Benefits Trust to activate the health insurance for the new spouse and also call the GM Benefits Center if you wish to elect the survivor's spouse coverage on the pension. This call must be made within 18 months of the marriage or remarriage. The survivor's coverage does not become effective 12 months after the marriage. The health coverage is effective the date of the marriage.
    Retirees turning 65 will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. You should receive the Medicare card in the mail a few months before your birth month. Part A and B is the only coverage necessary. Do not elect Part D or any supplemental program you may be offered. If you are enrolled in Blue Care Network or any other HMO offered you must enroll in the HMO's advantage program. You can obtain enrollment forms by calling the HMO or your benefit rep. Do this at least two to three months in advance of your 65th birth date.
    For retirees turning age 62, the supplement you are receiving in your pension will be extended until age 63, only if your birth date is before September 15, 1949. For those born after that date, the extension must be approved in future contracts. A retiree who is collecting Social Security Disability before age 62 is not eligible for the extension.
Joseph Sagy
Region 1C Retiree Benefits Rep.
517-372-7201 or 1-866-782-6513