Seafarers, pensioners and their families have packed the hiring halls for a series of benefits conferences that are scheduled to continue into early next year.
To date, conferences have taken place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Severe weather led to the postponement of the conference that had been slated to take place in Wilmington, California; a makeup date will be announced.
“The conferences have gone really well and have been well-received,” said Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “People have asked great questions, and attendance has been excellent. I’m especially encouraged to see that the majority of the attendees really do understand the majority of their benefits. Because of that knowledge, we’ve been able to focus on some of the nuances during the meetings.”
The remaining schedule includes conferences in Piney Point, Maryland (Oct. 2); Jacksonville, Florida (Oct. 5); Houston (Nov. 13); New Orleans (Nov. 14); Mobile, Alabama (Nov. 15); Jersey City, New Jersey (Nov. 30); Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Feb. 20, 2024); Algonac, Michigan (March 8, 2024); and Wilmington (to be determined). ( Editor’s note: The Fort Lauderdale conference originally had been scheduled for a different day.)
Bowen has led the conferences and has been assisted by SIU officials including President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo, Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo and others.
“One thing I would add is that we really encourage dependents to attend,” Bowen said.
The conferences typically start with an overview of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), including eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription considerations and more. Members have received tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and how to take advantage of the newest benefits.
A similar approach is taken when reviewing (respectively) the Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP), Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), SIU 401K, and Seafarers Vacation Plan (SVP). Attendees also receive reminders about potentially useful phone numbers and email addresses for the membership assistance office, the claims department, the medical department, the pension office, and Bowen’s office. A number of handouts from Cigna and the Seafarers Plans also are available.
Moreover, at the conference in Puerto Rico, a representative from Medical Card System (a new provider for that territory) gave a presentation.
The sessions have usually lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.
“I know I speak for everyone involved when I say we’re excited to keep it rolling,” Bowen concluded. “We are working hard to ensure that the conferences are educational and worthwhile.”
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