Planning for your Retirement

2015 Retirement Guides for Amtrak Union workers, Early Retiree Medical Benefits, Medicare, Supplemental Medical Coverage, Dental, Vision, Health Care Spending Account, Life Insurance, Rail Travel Privileges, 401(k) Savings Plan, Phone Numbers and Web Sites, and Frequently Asked Questions.

Retirement Guide (1.4mb)

Retirement Medical Benefits (5.6mb)

Aetna becomes New Service Provider August 28, 2012 — Effective January 1, 2013, Aetna will become the new healthcare provider for Amtrak's agreement covered employees, including our BMWED members. View the Joint Medical Administration Committee's (JMAC) letter advising of this change by following this link.

Phone Numbers

Surviving Spouse Benefits December 6, 2010 — The BMWED recognized the hardships surviving spouses of deceased Amtrak employees encounter with Amtrak in the period immediately following the employee's death. We took this issue to task and after several months of work have been able to secure a product we feel will serve our member’s families at the most troubling of times. Follow this link for a copy of Amtrak’s Benefit Process for Survivors of Deceased Employees and Deceased Retirees. See also article "Human Resources Offers Help in Time of Grief", page 14 of the Amtrak Ink, March 2011 edition.

New Vision Plan May 26, 2010 — Amtrak announces that effective July 1, 2010 Amtrak agreement employees and their eligible dependents will receive vision care benefits through EyeMed Vision Care. EyeMed is a leading vision benefits company dedicated to improving quality of life through vision wellness. The decision to move to EyeMed was made based on a competitive bid process in which EyeMed excelled. Read More...

Cost Sharing Amount Announced May 21, 2010 — Amtrak workers’ health and welfare contributions (“cost sharing”) will be $177.54 per month starting this July 1st.  The monthly contributions are set at 15% of Amtrak’s cost of providing employee health and welfare benefits including AMPLAN, Dental, Vision, AD&D and life insurance coverage. Amtrak workers’ contributions will be slightly lower than those currently paid by freight railroad workers covered by the National Agreement. Calculation of Amtrak’s cost of providing health and welfare benefits is based on the prior year’s actual cost and the employee cost-sharing adjustment is made each July.  In contrast, under the freight agreements carrier costs are determined prospectively and the adjustment is made each January.

Benefits Handbook for Amtrak Union workers. Our Union negotiates a total benefits package that will help you manage your health, protect your income, and prepare for the future. We’re proud to offer this generous benefits package that compliments your paycheck, especially when many other workers are suffering through cut backs or even  having benefits eliminated. Download the booklet for Amtrak’s Agreement-Covered employees, which includes a table illustrating benefit levels for In-Network, Out-of-Network, and Comprehensive Plans. An important reference tool. Download Booklet here.

As you've reviewed your 2009 open enrollment package, you may have noticed that Amtrak has selected WageWorks as the company's Flexible Spending Account administrator. Amtrak provided employees with a letter outlining WageWorks' capabilities and explaining the transition from SHPS. View a copy of Amtrak's letter here. In addition you can log onto the WageWorks Web site to an audio presentation at www.wageworks.na3.acrobat.com/p12722042/

Amtrak Members’ Cost Sharing Amount for Health & Welfare Announced June 19, 2008—Amtrak workers’ health and welfare contributions (“cost sharing”) will be $165.15 per month starting this July 1.  The monthly contributions are set at 15% of Amtrak’s cost of providing employee health and welfare benefits. Amtrak workers’ contributions will be slightly lower than those currently paid by freight railroad workers covered by the National Agreement. Calculation of Amtrak’s cost of providing health and welfare benefits is based on the prior year’s actual cost and the employee cost-sharing adjustment is made each July.  In contrast, under the freight agreements carrier costs are determined prospectively and the adjustment is made each January.

Amtrak Benefit Continuation Information for disabled, sick, injured, medically disqualified Agreement Covered Employees. For specific terms of coverage for employees and dependants, visit this link.

Amtrak Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

It is Amtrak's policy to give all employees and their dependents an opportunity for help in recovering from drug and alcohol abuse or emotional problems by providing counseling/crisis support services and professional referrals in a confidential manner through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program must comply with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Control of Alcohol and Drug Use in Railroad Operations, 49CFR, Parts 219 and 240.

Confidentiality is critical to the success of the Employee Assistance Program. An employee is more likely to contact the EAP voluntarily if they believe their privacy will not be violated.

Contact Amtrak's Office of Employee Assistance Programs:

If you live in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, or the District of Columbia

Amtrak EAP
National Railroad Passenger Corporation
REA Building
900 Second Street, N.E.
Washington DC 20002

202-906-3447 office
202-906-2342 fax

If you live in Delaware, Pennsylvania or New Jersey:

Amtrak EAP
National Railroad Passenger Corporation
30th Street Station - Box 68
2955 Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19104

215-349-1487 office
215-349-4264 fax

• In 2006 there were over 8,000 D+A tests conducted on Amtrak.
• That of those 8,000, there were 175 positives.
• There were 11 refusals to take test.
• 30% of Amtrak's D+A test were as a result of CDL licenses.

The remaining 70% resulted from other than CDL testing events.

"An Injury To One Is An Injury To All"