APW-ABA

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100% LOCAL/STATE DISCOUNT PROGRAM.

This program lowers the individual's cost!!

The costs associated with membership in the ABA are

$1.37 per member per pay period for the VALUE Plan which pays amongst many other benefits, $16.00 per EVERY day you are injured up to 365 days.

$3.62 per pay period for the ADVANTAGE Plan which pays amongst many other benefits, $28.00 per EVERY day you are injured up to 365 days.

Of course the payment is above and beyond any other benefits you may have and it is TAX FREE!

YOU can reduce your costs from $1.37 to .87 cents per pay member per pay period for VALUE and from $3.62 to $3.12 per member per pay period for ADVANTAGE by having your entire local or state join as a group. The deductions are all by DCO and we do all the mailings to you and your members.

On the downloadable forms page is a fillable boiler plate that you can use at your next meeting or convention which would then authorize the affiliation to take place.

When the motion passes you only have to send a copy of your minutes along with a brief letter to APWU National Secretary Treasurer - Elizabeth Powell making the facts of your affiliation known and provide the ABA with a copy of same.

YOU will then join the over 250 locals and 22 states who have become 100% ABA Members through the 100% discount program.

Since 1891 (incorporated 1898) the 100% union, ABA has been providing much needed benefits to it's members.

Board Of Directors

The Accident Benefit Association is operated by its members through an elected Board of Directors, all of whom must be members of the ABA and the American Postal Workers Union.

HOW MANY BOARD MEMBERS ARE THERE?
The Board of Directors is composed of a President, Vice-President (also serving as a Regional Director), National Director and ten Regional Directors (two elected from each of the five APWU Regions)

ARE BOARD MEMBERS POSTAL EMPLOYEES?
Yes, they are all Postal employees or retired there from, or APWU officers. ALL of them are APWU Members!!!!

ARE ALL DIRECTORS FULL TIME OFFICERS?
Only the National Director is a full time officer of the ABA.

HOW ARE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTED?
Delegates to the National Convention of the Accident Benefit Association elect the members of the Board of Directors.

DO LOCALS AND BRANCHES OF THE ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION HAVE OFFICERS?
Yes. Locals can elect officers of their ABA branch or local.

Current ABA Board of Directors

President	Richard Phillips
Vice President	Dana Coletti
National Director	Wayne Maurer
Northeast Region Director	Scott Hoffman
Northeast Region Director	Dana Coletti
Western Region Director	Scott Parkin
Western Region Director	Marty Schneider
Central Region Director	Keith Combs
Central Region Director	Keith M. Richardson
Southern Region Director	vacant
Southern Region Director	Kenyon Beasley
Eastern Region Director	Sherry McKnight
Eastern Region Director	Dave Dunkle

ABA PLUS

APWU Members, Associate Members, Retirees and spouses!!!!!

If you are a member of the ABA VALUE PLAN or ADVANTAGE PLAN, you can increase your accidental death benefits coverage to a total of $20,000, $30,000, $40,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, $125,000 OR $150,000 ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFITS or you may choose one of the options as a standalone benefit.

Your rates guaranteed - regardless of age!
NO physical examination or medical questions!

COMPARE THE COST OF ABA PLUS WITH ANY OTHER PLAN:

20K $0.35 (per pay period)

30K $0.45 (per pay period)

40K $0.60 (per pay period)

50K $0.75 (per pay period)

75K $1.13 (per pay period)

100K $1.50 (per pay period)

125K $1.90 (per pay period)

150K $2.25 (per pay period)

ABA PLUS may be purchased with the Value or Advantage Plans or as a stand alone benefit. It provides the maximum amount of benefits at the lowest cost. Members are encouraged to compare the rates with any other program.

THIS COULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION YOU MAKE REGARDING FINANCIAL PROTECTION FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Spouse is limited to $50,000 supplemental coverage. However, if the member and the spouse are both active Postal employees and ABA members, they can each obtain any of the three plans, provided they apply for separate deductions on DCO.

If you have any questions, please call the ABA: 1 800 526 2890

Membership

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Members, Associate Members, Retirees and their Spouses of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, employed by or retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Now available to our new brothers and sister Postal Support Employee (PSE)

HOW DO I JOIN THE ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION?
You can contact your Local President or Local ABA Secretary, or the Accident Benefit Association office for an application. (Some exceptions may apply.) If you belong to a 100% ABA local, you are automatically covered under the Accident Benefit Association. New members will receive a membership package from our office. (A 100% ABA Local refers to any APWU local joining the ABA Group Rate Discount Program).

WHEN IS A NEW MEMBER OFFICIALLY COVERED BY THE ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION?
For members in 100% ABA Locals, coverage officially begins on the date the 1187 is signed by the Local or State President or designee. For new Cash Pay members, the effective date will be the day the ABA dues are received in the ABA office. If you are an APWU member of a 100% ABA Local, the assessment is included in your Union dues.

IF MY SPOUSE IS NOT EMPLOYED IN THE POSTAL SERVICE, ARE THEY ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Yes, you may enroll your spouse as an ABA member under the Value Plan or Advantage Plan.

HOW DO I SIGN UP MY SPOUSE?
Complete a Spouse Enrollment Form which may be found in your membership package, on the web page, or by calling the ABA home office.

WHAT IS THE COST OF JOINING THE ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION?
If you are a member of an APWU Local that is not a 100% ABA Local, it is more convenient and economical to have the dues deducted from your paycheck. Assessments are $1.37 per pay period for the Value Plan or $3.62 per pay period for the Advantage Plan and are added to your union dues.

WILL I HAVE A "POLICY" IF I JOIN?
Yes. Each member is issued an Accident Benefit Association membership package which includes a Certificate of Membership and a copy of our Summary Plan Description.

CAN I DESIGNATE MY BENEFICIARIES?
Yes, you can name primary beneficiary(s) and secondary beneficiary(s) in the event your primary beneficiary(s) predecease you. We cannot assign benefits to a trust fund unless a trust is designated as a beneficiary.

CAN I CHANGE MY BENEFICIARY?
This right is reserved to the member and becomes effective when a written request to change beneficiary is recorded in the ABA office.

CAN I RETAIN THIS PLAN WHEN I RETIRE?
Yes, by continuing to pay assessments to the Accident Benefit Association, plus any handling charge your Local may assess. Retirees are not required to pay the national per capita tax of the Union in order to retain their membership in the Accident Benefit Association. However, we hope you will continue your membership in the APWU. Retiree members are included in your Local's total membership.

CAN I BECOME AN ABA MEMBER AFTER I RETIRE?
Retirees are eligible to retain or become members.

CAN I RETAIN MY CERTIFICATE IF I'M PROMOTED TO A SUPERVISORY POSITION?
Yes, if you pay the APWU national per capita tax and ABA assessment.

CAN I RETAIN THIS CERTIFICATE IF I LEAVE THE POSTAL SERVICE OR CANCEL MEMBERSHIP IN THE APWU FOR REASONS OTHER THAN RETIREMENT?
No. You must be employed in the Postal Service, a member of the APWU or retired therefrom to retain membership in the Accident Benefit Association.

CAN MY SPOUSE RETAIN MEMBERSHIP EVEN IF I DO NOT?
A spouse cannot retain membership in the ABA unless you retain your membership in the APWU or continue your ABA membership when you retire. In the event of the death of a member in good standing, the spouse can choose to retain membership.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR ABA REPRESENTATIVES AND LOCAL PRESIDENTS
I. If your Local is 100% enrolled you should notify the ABA of any new members who have joined the APWU after initial 100% enrollment in the ABA. This can be accomplished by submitting a copy of completed form 1187 to our Membership Department.

II. Please insure that we are notified when one of your members changes their name or address. This will insure prompt payment of claims and allow us to maintain accurate computer records for reporting purposes.

General Information
1. The regular cost of VALUE PLAN ABA coverage is $ .87 per pay period.

2. The following reflects the authorized discount rates for Locals who enroll their entire membership in the Accident Benefit Association:

•100% ABA Group Discount Rate for Locals with 3 or more members.

3. Hundreds of APWU Locals have taken advantage of this offer and are presently enrolled in our ABA Group Rate Discount Program.

HOW TO GET THE BALL ROLLING?
1. Adopt a motion at a regular Union meeting to enroll the entire membership of the Local and pay for the enrollment from your present dues structure. This would require a simple majority vote at the meeting.

2. All transactions are done through Dues Check Off (DCO). The assessments are sent directly to our office from National APWU, with the local receiving a separate ABA printout along with their per capita printout.

No member of a 100% ABA Local is required to fill out an application unless they wish to enroll their spouse, at the same low discount rate. We do it all here in the ABA office.

The ABA office will prepare a mailing to your entire Local membership. The member will receive a packet containing a Certificate of Membership and a copy of our Summary Plan Description.

For those members currently covered under dues withholding, the ABA will automatically adjust their dues to reflect the discount rate. Any cash-pay members who have paid in advance would receive a refund to reflect the locals new discount coverage for them.

If your local decides to provide group coverage for your members, a letter should be sent to the APWU National Secretary-Treasurer in Washington, with a copy to the ABA office. The letter should include the information that a motion was approved at a membership meeting regarding group coverage and should also include the pay period you wish to start the program.

We hope we have been able to answer your questions. If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Filing A Claim

REMEMBER: INFORMATION IS THE KEY TO RESOLVING CLAIMS

HOW DO I FILE AND/OR APPEAL A CLAIM FOR TEMPORARY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

• Submitting Claims – Disability claims must be filed with the Claims Administrator through the Local or State representative where you are a member. Claims by retirees must be filed directly with the Claims Administrator. The Plan Administrator will furnish a claim form upon request. There is no cost or fee for filing a claim. All claims for benefits will be determined by the Claims Administrator. Claims for disability benefits must be filed within 90 days after the day you return to work or are released by your doctor, whichever occurs first. If you experience a “prolonged disability” (defined as a disability which lasts 30 days or longer), you may make a claim for partial payments, but not sooner than each 30 day period.

• Denial of Claims by the Claims Administrator – If your disability claim is denied in whole or in part, the Claims Administrator will notify you within 45 days of the day it receives your claim. If the Claims Administrator needs more time to review your claim, he or she may take up to an additional 30 days, but will notify you in writing, within the first 45-day period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Claims Administrator expects to render a decision. If, due to circumstances outside the control of the Plan, a decision can not be made within the additional 30-day period, another 30-day extension may be taken, but the Claims Administrator will again notify you in writing of the reason for the extension and the date by which a decision will be made.

• First Appeal to the National Director – If your disability claim is denied by the Claims Administrator, you may appeal to the National Director to have your claim reconsidered for payment. Your appeal must be filed within 180 days of the day you receive notice that your claim has been denied by the Claims Administrator. You may submit written comments, documents, records, and any other information you believe is relevant to your claim. These submissions will be taken into account when determining the final disposition of your claim regardless of whether they were submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. You may request, at no charge to you, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to your claim. If the advice of any medical or vocational expert was obtained on behalf of the Plan in connection with your claim, such experts will be identified, regardless of whether their advice was relied upon in denying your claim. The review by the National Director will not afford deference to the initial claim denial. The review will not include the Claims Administrator, nor any individual who is the subordinate of the Claims Administrator. If the denialof your claim was based in whole or in part on a medical judgment, the National Director will consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment. This health care professional will not be an individual who was consulted in connection with the initial denial of your claim, nor will it be a subordinate of that individual. You will be notified of the decision of the National Director within 45 days after the receipt of your appeal. If the National Director determines that additional time is necessary, you will be notified in writing within the initial 45-day period of the special circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the National Director expects to resolve your claim. In no event will the extension exceed 45 days.

• Second Appeal to the Committee – If your disability claim is denied by the National Director, you may appeal to the Committee on Claims of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) to have your claim reconsidered for payment. Your appeal must be filed within 180 days of the day you receive notice that your claim has been denied by the National Director. You may submit written comments, documents, records, and any other information you believe is relevant to your claim. These submissions will be taken into account when determining the final disposition of your claim regardless of whether they were submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. You may request, at no charge to you, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to your claim. If the advice of any medical or vocational expert was obtained on behalf of the Plan in connection with your claim, such experts will be identified, regardless of whether their advice was relied upon in denying your claim. The review by the Committee will not afford deference to the initial claim denial. The review will not include the Claims Administrator, the National Director, nor any individual who is the subordinate of the Claims Administrator or National Director. If the denial of your claim was based in whole or in part on a medical judgment, the Committee will consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment. This health care professional will not be an individual who was consulted in connection with the initial denial of your claim, nor will it be a subordinate of that individual. You will be notified of the decision of the Committee within 45 days after the receipt of your appeal. If the Committee determines that additional time is necessary, you will be notified in writing within the initial 45-day period of the special circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the Committee expects to resolve your claim. In no event will the extension exceed 45 days. The decision of the Committee shall be final and binding upon all parties, unless you voluntarily elect to appeal to the Board of Directors.

• Voluntary Third Appeal to the Board of Directors – If your disability claim is denied by the Committee, you may, but are not required to, appeal to the Board of Directors to have your claim reconsidered for payment. You may appeal to the Board of Directors only after you have appealed to the National Director and to the Committee. Your appeal must be filed within 180 days of the day you receive notice that your claim has been denied by the Committee. Any statute of limitations or other defense based on timeliness is tolled during the time that your appeal to the Board of Directors is pending, and the Plan waives any right to assert that you have failed to exhaust administrative remedies because you did not elect to appeal to the Board of Directors. If you elect to appeal to the Board of Directors, the decision of the Board of Directors shall be final and binding upon all parties. Additional information about appealing to the Board of Directors is available upon written request to the Plan Administrator.

IN THE EVENT OF DEATH FROM A COVERED ACCIDENT, HOW DOES MY BENEFICIARY FILE AND OR APPEAL A CLAIM?

• Submitting Claims – Death and dismemberment claims must be filed with Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (“Sun Life”) through the Home Office. The Plan Administrator will furnish a claim form upon request. There is no cost or fee for filing a claim. All claims for death and dismemberment benefits will bedetermined by Sun Life. Claims for death benefits (including benefits for spouses and dependents) must be filed within 1 year of the date of death. Claims for deathbenefits must include a copy of the certified death certificate and, if performed, a copy of the autopsy and/or medical examiners report (including the toxicology report). Claims for dismemberment benefits must be filed within 90 days after the day you return to work.

Appeal of Claims – If your claim for death or dismemberment benefits is denied, you may appeal to Sun Life to have your claim reconsidered for payment. Your appeal must be filed within 180 days of the day you receive notice that your claim has been denied. You may submit written comments, documents, records, and any other information you believe is relevant to your claim. These submissions will be taken into account when determining the final disposition of your claim regardless of whether they were submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. You may request, at no charge to you, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relevant to your claim. You will be notified of the decision of Sun Life within 60 days after the receipt of your appeal. If Sun Life determines that additional time is necessary, you will be notified in writing within the initial 60-day period of the special circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which Sun Life expects to resolve your claim. In no event will the extension exceed 60 days. The decision of Sun Life shall be final and binding upon all parties.

• Denial of Claims – If your claim for death or dismemberment benefits is denied in whole or in part, Sun Life will notify you within 90 days of receipt of the claim. If Sun Life needs more time to review your claim, it may take up to an additional 90 days, but will notify you in writing, within the first 90 day period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which a decision will be made.

THE PLAN DOCUMENT AND SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION REQUIRED BY THE EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT ("ERISA") FOR THE AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION PLAN (THE "PLAN"). THIS DOCUMENT SUPERSEDES THE DISABILITY AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN THE CERTIFICATE OF BENEFITS OF THE AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION PLAN, CHARTER CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS, RITUAL & CERTIFICATE OF BENEFITS DATED AUGUST 2006, AND IN ANY OTHER SOURCE.

AMERICAN POSTAL WORKER ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION PLAN DOCUMENT AND SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION FOR DISABILITY AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT BENEFITS AS REVISED DECEMBER 2008 IS AVAILABLE ON THIS WEB SITE (SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION) AND HAS BEEN MAILED TO EVERY MEMBER VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL TO THEIR ADDRESS OF RECORD.

APW-ABA, PO Box 120, Rochester, NH 03866 - 1 603 330 0282

INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS ACCIDENT BENEFIT ASSOCIATION?
It is a non-profit Accident Benefit Association organized by Postal employees in 1891 and incorporated in 1898.

WHAT IS THE OBJECT OR PURPOSE OF THIS ASSOCIATION?
To make provision for the payment of benefits to its members and their beneficiaries in case of temporary disability, dismemberment or death resulting directly from a covered accident; independent and exclusive of other causes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PLAN?
The Advantage Plan pays $28 each day and the Value Plan pays $16 each day for disability from a covered accident for up to one full year. The above daily rates begin on the first day of disability and ends the day you return to work (any type duty) or date doctor releases you for work, whichever date occurs first. (Retirees are eligible for benefits if medical documentation is provided verifying the retiree is unable to perform normal activities or until date of release from doctor). Benefits are subject to the exceptions and reductions provisions listed in the Summary Plan Description (SPD).

IN CASE OF AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF DISABILITY, CAN A MEMBER RECEIVE BENEFITS BEFORE THEIR DISABILITY CEASES?
Yes - An Application for Benefits may be filed at any time during the member's disability and will be computed from the first day of disability through the date your doctor completes his/her section of the form or your doctors release to return to work date, whichever date occurs first. Each subsequent Application may be filed no sooner than every thirty days until claimant returns to work or date of doctor's release.

WHAT IS PAID FOR DEATH BENEFITS RESULTING FROM A COVERED ACCIDENT?
Value Plan pays $6,000 with the following exceptions: death resulting from a hernia $500; death resulting from fracture to the hip: $3,000.

Advantage Plan pays $24,000 with the following exceptions: death resulting from a hernia $800; death resulting from fracture to the hip: $3,000.

See the Summary Plan Description (SPD).

MUST DEATH BE "IMMEDIATE" AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT IN ORDER TO BE COVERED?
No. If death (from a covered accident) occurs within 180 days and is the direct result of the original accident, benefits are paid.

WHAT DISMEMBERMENT BENEFITS ARE PAYABLE?
The following benefits are payable as a lump sum:

	Value Plan	Advantage Plan
Hernias	$500	$800
Hip Fracture	$3,000	$3,000
Loss of one finger	$500	$2,000
Loss of a thumb	$750	$3,000
Loss of two or more fingers	$1,000	$4,000
Loss of one thumb and one or more fingers	$1,500	$6,000
Loss of sight of one eye	$3,000	$12,000
Loss of sight of both eyes	$6,000	$24,000
Loss of one arm	$1,500	$6,000
Loss of both arms	$6,000	$24,000
Loss of one leg	$2,000	$8,000
Loss of both legs	$6,000	$24,000
Loss of one arm & one leg	$6,000	$24,000

FAMILY BENEFIT PROVISION:
A TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT FOR THE SPOUSE* OF AN ABA MEMBER AND ALSO A TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT FOR ALL OF YOUR UNMARRIED DEPENDENT CHILDREN UP TO AND INCLUDING THE AGE OF 26 IS NOW INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST!

* Provided the spouse is not already covered as a member of the ABA.

MUST DISMEMBERMENT TAKE PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DISMEMBERMENT BENEFITS?
No. Loss of sight or any dismemberment must result directly from and within 180 days after the day of the accident. Total loss of sight shall consist of loss of sight to at least industrial blindness level. Loss of thumb and/or finger must be at least to the first joint. Loss of arm must be at or above the wrists. Loss of the leg must be at or above the ankle. Lump sum payments will be made in lieu of temporary benefits, less any sum as may have been paid as daily benefits.

AM I COVERED OUTSIDE THE WORKPLACE?
Yes. Benefits are paid whether injury from a covered accident occurs on or off the job.

AM I COVERED IF I'M BEING PAID FEDERAL EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION PAYMENTS?
Yes. Benefits are payable regardless of any other compensation received.

IS THIS CERTIFICATE IN FORCE WHILE I'M ON DUTY AS AN ACTIVE MILITARY RESERVIST?
Yes. If the period of active duty is not more than 30 consecutive days.

IS THIS CERTIFICATE IN FORCE IF I'M INJURED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES?
Yes. It is in effect worldwide, 24 hours a day.

CAN MY BENEFITS BE ASSIGNED TO A DOCTOR, HOSPITAL OR OTHER PERSONS?
No. Your benefits can only be paid to you or in the event of death, to your designated beneficiaries.

ARE LUMP SUM PAYMENTS DEDUCTED FROM THE FACE VALUE OF THE CERTIFICATE?
No. If for example, the member has received a total of $2,000 in daily benefits from previous claims and in addition to this a lump sum of $1,500 for an unrelated dismemberment, and years later suffers an (unrelated) accidental death, the member's beneficiary would receive the full value of $6,000 death benefit (Value Plan) and $24,000 death benefit (Advantage Plan).

History of the Accident Benefit Association

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The Accident Benefit Association was organized in 1891 and incorporated on December 12, 1898. A final name change to American Postal Workers Accident Benefit Association occurred on September 5, 1972.

Imagine spending your working hours speeding through the countryside in a box-car sorting mail, trying to read the addresses while being jostled from side to side with the motion of the train. Then you hear the series of blasts on the whistle which lets you know you're approaching the depot where the train will slow down and you must reach out of the box-car doorway and hang the sack of mail on a hook. Hopefully you will get it right on the first try and avoid hooking your thumb, finger, arm or your sleeve and get pulled out the door onto the tracks.

This is what the Railway Mail Clerks faced daily. There were not many insurance companies willing to insure workers with such high accident risk. Postal Workers decided to get together and each gave $5 (which in the late 1800's was a considerable amount of money) and set up their own corporation. The National Association of Railway Postal Clerks was incorporated under the laws and statutes of New Hampshire on December 12, 1898 and formally opened for business on December 14, 1898 insuring members and potential members for accidents.

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Today, members can also enroll their spouse in the ABA. While benefits have continued to increase, ABA dues have not increased since 1979. Membership in the Accident Benefit Association numbers over 83,000.

"The object of the ABA is to provide a fraternal association for the benefit of its members and their beneficiaries, and not for profit; to make provision for the payment of benefits to its members and their beneficiaries in case of accidental death, or disability as a result of a covered accident; to promote closer relationship among its members and to aid and assist the officers and members of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, wherever and whenever possible."