October 11, 2024 – Effective January 1, 2025, monthly healthcare premiums will decrease by more than 10%, from $309.21 to $277.54, for unionized rail employees under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan and SMART-TD Railroad Plan.

This 2025 rate decrease is due to favorable claims experience as well as effective joint management of the Plans by labor and management. Because healthcare costs will continue to rise nationally, effective joint management will remain critical to limit the impact of expected increases on employee premiums in future years.

Employee healthcare premiums are set at 15% of the total payment rate for their medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Their railroad employer contributes the remaining 85%, in addition to 100% of the premiums for certain other benefit plans, including supplemental sick leave, and medical benefits for retirees.

Open enrollment runs through October 31, 2024. Members can access valuable programs and services available at no additional cost on Your Track to Health (www.ytth.com).