THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY

- Bridging the Information Gap With E-News You Can Use -

Volume 7 . . . . . Number 31 . . . . July 31, 2003

STORIES COVERED

ALSO REMINDERS

MM&P AND AMO RESOLVE LONG STANDING ARTICLE XX DISPUTE

The MMP and AMO today have executed an agreement resolving their long standing dispute regarding AFL-CIO Article XX sanctions. The AFL-CIO had issued sanctions against AMO for raiding which ultimately led to their withdrawing from the “House of Labor”. AMO has been prevented from returning to the AFL-CIO until these Article XX sanctions were resolved with the MMP and the ILA. This agreement removes the major obstacle to their return to membership in the AFL-CIO.

The agreement that has been reached between the two unions provides for:
    (1) an alternative mechanism to the AFL-CIO’s Article XX provisions to resolve any future raiding allegations in a speedier process that will allow for liquidated, compensatory and punitive damages for raiding;
    (2) a bilateral manning and pass through agreement that will allow the unions to fill positions in the event of manning shortages with members of each other’s unions and will allow the pass through of benefit payments and dues;
    (3) a commitment to preserve the “Tripartite Agreement” between MMP and AMO which prevents any of the unions from undercutting each other when bidding on government contracts such as the LMSRs and
    (4) monetary payments for reparations for previous raiding violations.

It is hoped that this agreement paves the way for a new era of cooperation between the maritime unions. The GEB had authorized John Singleton, MMP International Counsel to negotiate the agreement with AMO Vice President Tom Bethel. The agreement has been approved by President Tim Brown, ILA President John Bowers and AMO President Mike McKay.

“This agreement opens the door for the three officers unions to work together for the benefit of the industry and our members,” said MM&P International Secretary-Treasurer Glen Banks.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

MM&P FCU CLOSED AUG.4-11 FOR VACATION; REOPENS AUG.11

The MM&P Federal Credit Union office will be closed from Aug.4-8 for vacation. Please conduct all credit union business ahead of time. It will reopen on Aug.11.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

SPECIAL NEW ORLEANS MITAGS TRAINING SCHEDULE

Instructor: Jim Clements

Call the New Orleans Hall at 504-837-5700 or Email sbourcq@bridgedeck.org to reserve space.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MAVERICK HAWAII CONGRESSMAN LAUNCHES JONES ACT ATTACK

A maverick member of the Hawaiian Congressional delegation, Rep. Ed Case (D-HI), has introduced three bills that contain amendments to the Jones Act that would overturn long-standing trade protections for US carriers and open the state's domestic trade to foreign-flagged vessels. The measures have been referred to the committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Armed Services.

Case contends that the Jones Act, which requires that vessels in the domestic trades be built in US shipyards and owned and crewed by US citizens, stifles competition and raises prices in Hawaii where only two lines, MM&P-contracted Matson Navigation and MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines, now operate.

The legislation stands little chance for passage due to the pro-Jones Act stance of the committees' leadership. Plus, other senior and more influential members of the Hawaii congressional delegation including US Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D) and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D), both long-time supporters of the US-flag maritime community, do not support repeal or revision of the Jones Act.

The bill does demonstrate that there are always going to be foes of the Jones Act looking for any opening to scuttle domestic cabotage. In this instance, the pressure comes from Hawaiian cattle exporters. Rep. Case, whose district includes ranchers, maintains that foreign carriers, who are excluded from the trade, can provide specialized cattle ships and meet other rancher needs at lower costs than US-flagged ships.

In-harbor cattle waste, in-transit cattle mortality and lower-weight cattle delivery to market are some of the problems posed by the current service, Case claims.

Case’s cattle charges add up to just so much bull according to the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, whose members include the MM&P and other maritime labor unions, ship and barge owners and operators, and shipbuilders.

Referring to the higher labor, environmental and safety-related costs that come with US-flag status, Cabotage Task Force Chairman Philip Grill said, "It is unfair to expect an American flagged vessel to go head-to-head in competition with a foreign-flagged ship that does not have the same costs imposed on it." In announcing its vigorous opposition to efforts to weaken or repeal the Jones Act, MCTF also noted that the highly-competitive trade to Hawaii and other non-contiguous destinations will be further enhanced in the next year or so by the addition of new, state-of-the-art containerships and auto carriers.

Grill, who is also vice president of government affairs for Matson, acknowledged that while there have been some cattle-handling problems, Matson's loss rates were in-line with those of foreign-flagged vessels.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

GERMANY ANNOUNCES AID PLAN TO REFLAG ITS VESSELS GERMAN

In a major move to attract vessels back to its state registry, German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has announced $100 million in financial aid to that country's shipping industry over the next two years. The country's shipowners say this will enable them to reflag 100 German-owned ships to the German registry, followed by an additional 100 ships after 2005.

To facilitate the reflagging, the ITF-affiliated Ver.Di transport union has agreed to allow some flexibility in the application of crewing regulations. Dieter Benze, head of the union's seafarers' section, said it was crucial that the shipowners should be made to keep their promise to reflag the ships.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 


 

NEW ZEALAND MARINERS AIM TO REINSTATE CABOTAGE LAWS

New Zealand's Maritime Union (MUNZ) has launched a national campaign for coastal cabotage similar to this country's Jones Act, whereby domestic shipping between New Zealand ports would be undertaken by New Zealand-operated and crewed ships.

The ITF-affiliated union is organizing a national campaign, backed up by meetings with government and opposition politicians, designed to persuade the authorities to reintroduce the cabotage restrictions which were scrapped in 1991.

Dave Morgan, MUNZ Joint National President, commented: "Since foreign and flag-of-convenience shipping has been allowed in, we have had cheap labor being employed in New Zealand waters while our seafarers are put out of work."

For more info on the New Zealand cabotage campaign, go to www.munz.org.nz.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING REPORTS SECOND QUARTER RESULTS

 International Shipholding Corporation, parent company of MM&P-contracted Waterman Steamship, Central Gulf Lines and Sulphur Carriers, Inc., has reported results for the three months and six-month periods ending June 30, 2003. Net income for the three months ending June 30, 2003 was $2.49 million as compared to $1.116 million for the three months ended June 30, 2002.

For the first six months of 2003, net income was $5.484 million as compared to $196,000 for the same period last year. Improvement in the second quarter and first half of 2003 occurred in several areas of the company's operations.

The Company's US-flag coal carrier, ENERGY ENTERPRISE, that operates in the coastwise trade, was utilized for all but two days during the first six months of 2003 under its basic time charter contract. During same period last year, the ship was out of service 14 days for repairs. It also operated for 60 days in the spot market at lower rates as compared to its base charter rate.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

ILWU PLEDGES SUPPORT TO ILA IN UPCOMING NEGOTIATIONS

In a speech to the delegates of the recently concluded ILA convention in San Juan, the president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) pledged his union's support to the ILA during upcoming contract negotiations.

ILWU President James Spinosa noted his members appreciated the ILA's support during their union's contract negotiations in 2002. During those talks, the ILWU was locked out for 10 days by the Pacific Maritime Association, prompting the Bush Administration to seek a back-to-work injunction under the Taft-Hartley Act.

Spinosa said shippers organized as the West Coast Waterfront Coalition took an anti-ILWU stance before and during their negotiations. He noted that the coalition has changed its name to the Waterfront Coalition in possible preparation to intervene against the ILA as they did against the ILWU.

The ILWU president told the ILA convention delegates that, “If that is their goal, they will find that our solidarity stands strong.”

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

VIOLENCE GROWING IN PIRACY ATTACKS

While the summer hit movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” makes for great entertainment as it continues to bring big grins to large audiences, the number of real-life piracy attacks on vessels is no laughing matter.

In the last year, pirate attacks have risen to an all-time high, an astounding 37 per cent over last year, according to the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Center. The latest figures available list a total of 234 attacks on ships in the first six months of 2003, compared with 171 during the first half of 2002.

The level of violence used in such attacks is also increasing, the IMB report says, noting that 16 seafarers have been killed in attacks since January and a further 52 have suffered injuries.

The waters off Indonesia are the most dangerous in the world as piracy and armed robbery rule the waves. The country also saw the greatest violence, with many pirates armed with guns and knives. Bangladesh, Nigeria and India all recorded increased rates of attacks. =

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

$$$ BIAS: BILLIONS FOR AIRLINE SECURITY, PENNIES TO PORTS

Helen Bentley, ex-chairwoman of the Federal Maritime Commission and former Congresswoman from Maryland, has called on Congress to reconsider legislation that requires private-sector shipping terminal owners and the nation's seaports to pick-up nearly all of the costs involved in a massive maritime security overhaul.

"Congress gave the airports more money than they knew what to do with. Then they turn around and give the maritime industry a boatload of unfunded mandates, which are nothing more than taxes in my book, and a few million here and there," said Bentley, who addressed the recently held International Longshoremen's Association convention.

"This has nothing to do with patriotism. It's about the very different treatment two key segments of America's transportation network received from Congress," said Bentley, whose maritime background spans 50 plus years.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

HORIZON LINES PRESIDENT WARNS OF TRANSPORTATION GRIDLOCK

Chuck Raymond, president and CEO of MM&P-contracted Horizon Lines (formerly CSX Lines) has warned that the US is facing a transportation gridlock in the not too distant future.

Speaking at the recent ILA convention in San Juan, Raymond said that gridlock will occur if the US does not act decisively to build a truly intermodal transportation system that can handle this trade growth that looms just around the economic corner.

He predicted that it will not only adversely affect the nation’s economy but also the livelihoods of US maritime transportation workers. It is his belief that the greatest challenge facing the country’s economy today is that of safe and efficient freight movement in the global market.

He said that by 2020, major container ports in the US are projected to at least double the volume of cargo they now handle, with some tripling or quadrupling in volume. Raymond noted that the national highway and rail systems will not be able to handle this impending trade explosion.

"Water, especially the water along our coastline, offers a natural and inexpensive solution to these growing congestion problems–especially when you compare it to the $32 million dollar cost per mile price tag that the highway system offers," he added.

Raymond’s thoughts echo those of US Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert who has been promoting MARAD's “Short Sea Shipping” initiative which utilizes coastwise shipping to help eliminate freight congestion on interstate highways that run parallel to US coastlines.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

UPDATED MATES REUNION PLANS FOR SEPTEMBER 19-21

The MM&P MATES Program graduate reunion will held at MITAGS from September 19-21. Current plans include a mixer on Friday complete with food, music and entertainment. The Saturday night function is shaping up to be a traditional Maryland Crab Feast, with tasty BBQ items to round out the menu.

More info will be posted on the MM&P website at www.bridgedeck.org as details are firmed up.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MITAGS ACADEMIC NOTES

Course Groupings Available at MITAGS

The five-day Military Sealift Command module covers CBRD Orientation, Environmental Protection, Damage Control, and Level 1 Anti-Terrorism Training. These courses are required for civilian mariners working on MSC contracted vessels and are being offered at MITAGS on August 18-22, October 13-17, and December 15-19.
 
 

Take Advantage of the following Class Openings

Between now and the end of September, seats are available in the following courses:
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Check the MITAGS website for up-to-date course descriptions associated with the course title abbreviations, and for schedule revisions.

 

REMINDER: Attendance Verification & Cancellation is Vital

If you are scheduled for a course, call, write, or Email admissions to advise whether or not you will attend. Many classes are in demand and maintain a Standby List. "No Shows" are missed training opportunities for other members.
 
 

Schedules, Course Info & Registration

Courses are subject to change. Always check the MITAGS website for updated course availability. You can also check future schedules, review detailed course descriptions and register on-line or contact Admissions at admissions@mitags.org or by calling toll-free, 1-866-656-5568.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

PMI ACADEMIC NOTES

Summer Class Openings

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Contact DeeDee Lazik at 206-441-2880 or 888-893-7829 (toll free) for registration.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

MM&P MARKET WATCH AS OF 7-30 CLOSE

 D O W
 N A S D A Q
 9,200.50
+ 16.50 for the week
 1,720.91
 + 1.73 for the week
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
 91.31
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
22.91
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
 13.67
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
 13.12
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
 23.33
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.41
 Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX):
 6.14
 Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
 10.21
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
13.59
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
14.83
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
 32.79
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
 88.42
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
  35.03

 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

~ Reminders ~

 


 

JOB OPENINGS IN SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA

A MM&P Pacific Maritime Region-contracted company with operations in the San Francisco Bay area is seeking to add up to six tug captains to their employee roster. The jobs are located in the Bay area. For additional info or to indicate interest, contact John Schaeffner, PMR's Portland Branch Agent, by Email to jschaeffner@bridgedeck.org or by phone to 503-283-0518.

Resumes may be sent to him by Email, faxed to 503-283-0518, or delivered to the PMR Portland Hall:

John Schaeffner, Branch Agent
Pacific Maritime Region - IOMM&P
2225 N. Lombard St. #206
Portland, OR 97217
MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 
 

 

MEMBERS AND FAMILIES GET SPECIAL SUMMER RATES AT MITAGS

By popular demand, and for a limited time only, MITAGS is opening up its renowned conference center hotel to MM&P members and their families at a very affordable rate. This is the first time MITAGS has made their facilities available as a vacation destination for MM&P members.

Centrally located just south of Baltimore, MITAGS is within easy reach of the many top tourist attractions found in the Washington DC, Baltimore, Annapolis, southern Pennsylvania and northern Virginia area. MITAGS is just five minutes from BWI Airport, a leading hub for low-cost airlines such as Southwest and Air Tran. The BWI Amtrak Station is also just minutes away.

MM&P member summer rates are just $85 per night, per room. Occupancy is limited to member, spouse and two children. Complimentary full breakfast buffet and free shuttle service to BWI Airport or Amtrak are included.

For more info or reservations contact the MITAGS reservation department at 410-859-5700 extension 0, or Email: reservations@ccmit.org.

Be sure to mention this special when making your reservation. Offer is based on availability and only valid June 1 through September 10.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

SPECIAL RATES FOR UNION MEMBERS AT ORLANDO DISNEY HOTEL

As a special summer promotion for union members at the Hotel Royal Plaza, a unionized hotel located in the heart of Downtown Disney, the rate for a standard room has been reduced to just $69.

Rates are in effect from June 1 to September 30 and do not include a resort fee of $7 per room, per night. Kids 12 and under eat free breakfast, lunch and dinner when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more info, call 1-800-248-7890 or go to their website at www.royalplaza.com. Call early for reservations as rooms are subject to availability and make sure to ask for the Union Leisure Rate.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MM&P MEMBERS AT SEA CAN NOW SAVE ON SHIP-TO-SHORE CALLS

Through a special arrangement with ShipCom, MM&P members at sea will now receive a significant discount on personal ship-to-shore radiotelephone calls. The rate is $2.50 per minute to any phone number in the US. This is a significant discount from the usual rate of $3.99 per minute. Calls may be placed collect, or billed to any major credit card.

To take advantage of this offer or for more info contact Station WLO on HF SSB channels 405, 607, 824, 1212, 16401, 1807, or 2237 or on HF radio telex channels (selcall 1090) 406, 606, 806, 810, 815, 1205, 1211, 1605, 1615, 1810 or 2215.

MM&P members must identify themselves as an MM&P member and provide the operator with the last 4 digits of their MM&P book number in order to get the discounted rate.

Any vessel equipped with HF radio telex may send and receive Internet email via the telex terminal. For more info contact WLO radio via telex or HF SSB voice.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

TAX RELIEF FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM CIVILIAN MARINERS

Qualified merchant mariners serving on vessels under Department of Defense operational control in direct support of US Armed Forces have been determined by the IRS to be eligible for the benefits of section 7508 of the Internal Revenue Code. 26 U.S.C. §7508.

This includes individuals, (including the spouse of such individuals) serving in the combat zone as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard Maritime Administration and Military Sealift Command owned or controlled vessels.

Mariners are advised to consult their tax professionals with respect to the impact of this relief with respect to their individual situations.

Only mariners serving in the combat zone are covered. At present, the combat zone for Operation Iraqi Freedom is defined as follows:

Section 7508(a)(1) permits the postponement of certain time-sensitive acts for individuals serving in support of the Armed Forces in a designated combat zone. Activities specifically mentioned include the filing of tax returns, the payment of income, estate, or gift taxes (except employment and withholding taxes), tax claims filings or bringing suits for credits or refunds, filing any petition with the US Tax Court, making a qualified retirement contribution to an IRA, or performing any other act listed in Revenue Procedure 2002-71.

Detailed information can be obtained by consulting Publication 3 Armed Forces' Tax Guide (2002 Returns). The Guide can be obtained by contacting the IRS or from the IRS website, www.irs.gov.

These benefits are afforded to the spouse of a qualified individual without any requirement that the individual and spouse file a joint return. Taxpayers within the US may seek assistance by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040. Taxpayers outside the US may call the IRS in Philadelphia, PA., at 215-516-2000 or via fax at 215-516-2555 (these are not toll free numbers).

More detailed info can be found on the MARAD website at: marad.dot.gov/Publications/employment/marinertaxes.html.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

CLARIFICATION OF DRUG FREE CERTIFICATE FOR MMD RENEWAL

Mariners renewing their licenses, Z-cards, other Merchant Marine Documents or Coast Guard credentials are advised that under the USCG's national credentialing requirements, Coast Guard offices and Regional Exam Centers require "Drug Free Certificates" on stationery from a drug testing service agent. Drug testing service agents are defined in 49 CFR Part 40 (available for download at: www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/main/CFRintro.htm). Drug test certifications issued by other parties, such as health plans, will no longer be accepted.

Upon request, drug testing service agents will send "Drug Free Certificates" on their own stationary to merchant marine personnel so that they can satisfy the USCG drug test requirement for credential transactions.

MM&P members and applicants are advised that request forms for this purpose are available at MM&P port offices along with info on drug testing facilities. This is a nationwide USCG credentialing requirement and this notice is a clarification of info originally provided in the February 27, 2003 Wheelhouse Weekly, Volume 7 Number 9.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

LATEST USCG INFO ON PRIORITY SYSTEM FOR MMD CARDS

Applications for Merchant Mariner Documents can no longer be completed entirely through the mail. Applicants must now appear in person at a USCG Regional Exam Center to prove their identity and provide fingerprints. The following priority system has been implemented: Contact the National Maritime Center for additional info or questions at 202-493-6798.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

CREDIT UNION MEMBERS: PAY YOURSELF FIRST WITH DIRECT DEPOSIT

Consider establishing payroll or pension direct deposit.

Many employers allow you to directly deposit your pay into several different financial institutions. Trinity Management, Strong America and Moran Towing of Florida are among the MM&P-contracted companies that already provide for employees to deposit funds directly into the MM&P Federal Credit Union.

MM&P Health & Benefit Plans Pensioners and A&G Region Pensioners may have deductions made directly from their pension check to their Credit Union account. In addition, employees of MM&P, Plans, MITAGS and MIRAID are also eligible for payroll deduction directly into their Credit Union account.

Add to your savings by paying yourself first! Contact your payroll office to establish Credit Union direct deposit or to find out if this is available for you.
 
 

Who Can Be a Member?

MM&P Federal Credit Union membership is open to all MM&P members, to all MM&P, MITAGS, MIRAID and Plans staff, and to their immediate families.
 
 

Want to Know More?

For additional details or to get answers to your questions on all MM&P Federal Credit Union programs, contact Kathy Klisavage, Credit Union Manager, toll-free at 1-800-382-7777 or by Email at mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

 

HEALTH & BENEFIT PLAN CHANGES EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2003

The following Health and Benefit Plan changes went into effect on April 1, 2003.
 
 
INPATIENT HOSPITAL DEDUCTIBLE
All inpatient hospitalizations (both PPO and non-PPO) will be subject to the Annual Major Medical Deductible ($250 individual/$500 family) and an additional inpatient deductible of $150 per admission. Both the Annual Deductible and the $150 inpatient deductible count towards the individual out of pocket maximum of $3,000.
 
REIMBURSEMENT FOR INPATIENT HOSPITAL EXPENSE
The Plan will pay 90% for all PPO hospitals after satisfying Major Medical deductible and $150 per admission inpatient deductible. The Plan will pay 70% for all non-PPO hospitals after satisfying the Annual Major Medical deductible and $150 per admission deductible.
 
 
IN-NETWORK (PPO) PHYSICIAN VISITS
For Primary Care Physician visits, after satisfying the annual Major Medical deductible, the participant pays a $15 co-pay per visit and the Plan pays the balance of the contracted amount. For specialty visits, after satisfying the annual Major Medical deductible, the participant pays a $25 co-pay and the Plan pays the balance of the contracted amount. The co-pay amount does not count towards the $3,000 annual out of pocket maximum.
 
 
OUT-OF-NETWORK PHYSICIANS
Once the participant satisfies the annual Major Medical deductible and an additional $150 annual out of network physician deductible, the Plan will pay 90% of the UCR. For specialists, once the participant satisfies the Major Medical deductible, the Plan will pay 70% of the UCR.
 
 
OUTPATIENT FACILITY - IN NETWORK (PPO)
After the participant satisfies the annual Major Medical deductible, the Plan pays 90% of the contracted charges.
 
 
OUTPATIENT FACILITY - OUT-OF-NETWORK
After the participants satisfies the annual Major Medical deductible, the Plan will pay 70% of the UCR charges.
 
 

As always, please feel free to contact the Plan Benefit Advisors with any questions at 877-667-5522.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

 

HEALTH & BENEFIT PLAN CHANGES

The Board of Trustees, based on recommendations by the Cost Containment Committee, adopted changes to the Health & Benefit Plan. The following changes became effective January 1, 2003:

Annual Deductible

The current annual deductible of $150/$300 will be raised to $250/$500.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
The current out of pocket maximum of $2,000 will be raised to $3,000.
Dental Reimbursement Levels Prescription Drug Program
Mail order drugs will be subject to a 20% co-pay for all single source brand name and generic drugs with a maximum out of pocket, per prescription, of $75.

For brand name drugs where the generic equivalent is available, the member will be responsible for paying the total cost of the difference between the brand name and the generic drug. The Plan will then pay 80% of the cost of the generic and the member will be responsible for the 20% up to a per prescription maximum of $75.

The Plan has also removed the mandatory mail order provision. This means that any prescription, regardless of the number of refills, can be obtained at a retail level but will be limited to a 30-day supply. However, obtaining maintenance medications through the mail order program may still be less expensive to you.

A synopsis of these changes and additional changes effective April 1, 2003 appears in the November-December 2002 issue of the MM&P's Master, Mate & Pilot newspaper. The Plan Office has also mailed a summary of all changes, with examples, to Health & Benefit Plan participants.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Remember to notify the Plan office whenever you move or have a change of address. There are a number of important mailings scheduled for the next few months and we would like to keep all members well informed. You can fax your address changes to the Plan Office at 410-850-8655 or you can email them to the Plan Office at mmpplans@aol.com.
 
 

 

NEW DENTAL PROGRAM WITH DELTA DENTAL

This is a reminder that effective October 1, 2002, the MM&P Plan's contract with Prudential Dental expired. Prudential was purchased by Aetna/US HealthCare in 2001 and could no longer offer the Plan the same type of fee-for-service arrangement as before.

In order to continue to offer Plan Participants an in-network dental benefit option, the Plan reviewed proposals from organizations that provide network dental services. After review, the Trustees approved a contract with Delta Dental, the largest provider of dental services in the US.

The Delta Dental Claims Processing Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, will handle claims administration for all MM&P eligible participants and dependents. This includes claims submitted by out of network dentists as well as those who are Delta Dental providers.

Plan participants who choose to go to a contracted provider will pay 10 percent of the contracted amount and the Plan will pay 90 percent. Participants will have access to all Delta providers in the Delta Premier Network option that includes over 133,000 dentists nationwide.
 
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

~ Where Does My Dentist Submit My Claims?

Effective October 1, 2002, all dental claims with dates of service on or after October 1, 2002, from both in and out-of-network providers, should be sent directly to: Delta Dental, One Delta Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-6999. Participants will receive a claim form in the mailing sent out by the Plan Office on August 11. Your dentist can copy this form and use it to submit all dental claims incurred on or after October 1, 2002.

~ How Do I Find A Delta Dentist?

You can locate participating dentists in your area in two ways. You can call 1-800-932-0783 from 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday-Friday, or you can sign on to the Delta website at www.MidAtlanticDeltaDental.com. Once you have signed on to the website, key on the bar marked "Pennsylvania". (MM&P Plan members are enrolled in the Delta Premier Option through Delta Dental of Penn.) Next enter the search criteria to find participating Delta dentists in your area or enter your own dentist's name to find out if he/she participates with the Premier network.
 
 

WORK IN PROCESS

Delta Dental will coordinate with the Plan Office to transition all billing for "work in process". This means that all root canals, orthodontia work and other staged procedures that are not completed under the old arrangement will be carried over and the remaining balance billing, for work performed on or after October 1, 2002 will be processed by Delta Dental.

It is important to remember that all work that has been pre-determined by Prudential/Aetna must be completed and billed with a billing date on or prior to September 30, 2002, in order to assure that your co-pay will remain the same as quoted in the initial pre-determination.

Any work started under the old Plan but billed for date of service on or after October 1, 2002 will be reimbursed according to whether the dentist is participating in the Delta Dental network. If your dentist is not a participating dentist, the balance billing will be paid at the out-of-network rate of 80 percent of the Plan's UCR schedules.
 
 

CLAIMS QUESTIONS

All questions about any dental claims incurred on or after October 1, 2002, including claims submitted by out-of-network providers, should be directed to Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783. You have been provided with a Delta claim form to forward to your dentist, however, your dentist may submit any standard dental billing form as long as the bill is sent directly to Delta at the above listed address.
 
 

IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Participants have been sent a brochure that includes a perforated generic identification card. This card lists the telephone number and the billing address for Delta. You are not required to carry an identification card because your social security number and birth date will identify you as an eligible participant in the Delta Dental Network.

It is important to remember that MM&P claims will be processed by Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. You or your dentist can access your eligibility by calling either the Plan Office or Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783.

If you or your dentist have any questions, you can contact Delta Dental at 1-800-932-0783 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Plan members are identified by social security number and the Group Plan number for MM&P which is 7117.

Billing for both in and out of network claims should be submitted on standard dental billing forms and sent directly to Delta at
Delta Dental of Pennsylvania
One Delta Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
You can locate participating providers on-line at www.MidAtlanticDeltaDental.com. Masters, Mates and Pilots members have access to providers in all of the Delta networks.
 
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly

The MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly is the official electronic newsletter of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, ILA, AFL-CIO, 700 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-1941. Phone: 410-850-8700; Fax: 410-850-0973; Email: iommp@bridgedeck.org. For further info or to subscribe contact John Peige at jpeige@bridgedeck.org. The Wheelhouse Weekly is sent via Email to MM&P-contracted vessels at sea, broadcast worldwide via FEC marine telex and is posted on our web page.

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