Loss of Medical Insurance - SWA

[Blue Sky]

Any SW pilots out there who have purchased loss of medical insurance through Southwest or the union? I am trying to make a decision whether to purchase the insurance through ALPA at my current airline before I leave or wait until I get to Southwest to potentially get a better deal.

 

[kelbill]

SWA currently pays the full amount for Loss of License for pilots. From our website:The maximum monthly benefit is $7,500 ($8,500 in 2004) or 60% of your monthly salary – whichever is less.

Benefits may be reduced by the amount of income you receive from the Social Security Administration.

You are eligible for the Plan if you are actively at work as a full-time pilot or flight engineer employed by Southwest Airlines.
You must have completed 12 consecutive months of employment as a pilot or flight engineer with the Company.

So as I see it, you have a one year window after being a new hire here to worry about. After that it is free.

Hope that answers your question.

 

[AMRCostUnit]

At AA, for now anyway, the company will pay up to 55% or up to $6000 per month for disability. I have Loss of License insurance though APA which is $4800/mon tax-free for 7 years. It pays out, in addition to AA, after a 14 month wait period. It cost me $91/mo. I guess they want to give you a chance to croak so they don't have to pay. Ihave the 14 month period covered by a program we have called Pilot's Mutual Aid (PMA) which pays $2000/mo tax-free for 12 months. It is $23/mo. So here is how a disability at AA flows for me:

After Sick Time is gone;

55% or $6K + $2K PMA for 12 months;

55% or $6K + $4800 for 7 years;
(after 14 mos; there is a 2 month gap here)

55% or $6K after 7 years until age 60 retirement.

I believe your retirement is based on your 55%/$6k but I'm not sure what happens at 60.

I'm sure if I am wrong about something I will be corrected by someone out there...

Unit

 

[canyonblue737]

SWA currently pays the full amount for Loss of License for pilots. From our website:The maximum monthly benefit is $7,500 ($8,500 in 2004) or 60% of your monthly salary – whichever is less.

Benefits may be reduced by the amount of income you receive from the Social Security Administration.

You are eligible for the Plan if you are actively at work as a full-time pilot or flight engineer employed by Southwest Airlines.
You must have completed 12 consecutive months of employment as a pilot or flight engineer with the Company.

So as I see it, you have a one year window after being a new hire here to worry about. After that it is free.

Hope that answers your question.

During the first year there is a major insure company that offers a reduced cost insurance to SWA new-hires, they include it in the packet you get day 1. I don't have the info on the tip of my hand but call the people department and they will pass you to benefits and they will allow you to make an informed decision.

 

[turn&pull]

For the first year you get a reduced rate through harvey watt. Look them up atwww.harveywatt.com They actually have good disability for any pilot looking for coverage.