Jon Scott, a member of the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), and his wife Connie have long carried the Union Plus Credit Card for its convenience and competitive interest rates, but it wasn’t until times got tough that they realized Union Plus offers much more than just cost-saving and consumer discounts. The $1,000 Union Plus Hospital Care Grant they received was irreplaceable in dealing with unexpected medical bills. 

“I read about the grants when I was reviewing our Union Plus bill,” says Connie. “I really had no idea this kind of assistance was available to union members. It was a tremendous help to our family. The Union Plus Hospital Care Grant is a wonderful benefit.”

 After 25 years with the railroad as an agent, operator, clerk, yardmaster and train dispatcher, Jon retired on disability leave in 1997. Though they enjoy a comfortable life in Knoxville, TN, Jon and Connie have always kept a careful eye on their expenses. Yet Connie’s unexpected stay in the hospital last year left the family’s finances ailing.

Connie worked part-time, but the slew of hospital bills shook the family’s budget. Fortunately, the Scotts discovered that a $1,000 Union Plus Hospital Care Grant was available to help union members deal with high out-of-pocket hospital expenses.

Grants Provide Quick Financial Relief

As the Scotts and millions of Americans know well, medical bills can throw families – even those with good insurance – into an economic tailspin. The Hospital Care Grants, which never need to be repaid, are designed to offer quick financial help.

Shortly after applying, the Scott family received a check for $1,000 from Union Plus. “In a matter of a few weeks, we got a check in the mail. It felt good to be able to send in a big payment to the hospital. When you’re trying to get well, you don’t want to get stressed out thinking about the bills. The grant is a great union benefit and I’m glad we have it,” said Connie.

To apply for a grant, a union member must have had a Union Plus Credit Card, Mortgage or Insurance policy for one year and face out-of-pocket hospital expenses (after insurance) that are at least 10 percent of household income for the hospitalization of the member, spouse or dependent within the last 12 months.
 
$3 Million in Assistance to Union Families

Union members may visit UnionPlus.org/UnionSAFE for more information on layoff, disability and education grants available to Union Plus program participants.

In addition to the Union Plus Hospital Care Grants, Union Plus offers a Medical Bill Negotiating Service. The service provides free assistance to union members and union retirees who seek help in lowering medical expenses and setting up payment plans. Experienced negotiators work directly with physicians, hospitals and other medical providers to lower the amount of medical debt owed by union members.