THE MASTERS, MATES & PILOTS'
WHEELHOUSE WEEKLY

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

Volume 7 . . . . . Number 36 . . . . September 4, 2003

STORIES COVERED

ALSO REMINDERS

 

BACK IN SESSION: CONGRESS TACKLES MARITIME ISSUES

As Congress returns to work following its summer recess, it faces a number of issues important to the US-flag merchant marine. The articles below highlight some of these bills.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION

A proposal to extend, expand and enhance the Maritime Security Program is pending action by the House-Senate Conference Committee dealing with the defense authorizations bill.

At this time, the proposal would extend MSP until Sept.30, 2015; increase the size of the maritime security fleet from 47 to 60 militarily-useful US-flag commercial vessels; and increase the amount of government support necessary to maintain US-flag shipping operations.

In addition, the legislation is expected to authorize a new program to facilitate the construction of up to five militarily-useful product tankers in American shipyards. The tankers built under this new program would be eligible to participate as part of the maritime security fleet.

The MM&P has been one of the organizations leading the fight for the enactment of MSP reauthorization legislation. The Union will continue to work with the Members of the House of Representatives and Senate to develop and enact a final MSP reauthorization proposal.

While there are a number of controversial and unresolved issues involving non-MSP related aspects of the defense bill that are slowing down final action, we remain hopeful that the defense bill with its MSP component will be cleared by the Congress and sent to the President before Congress adjourns later this year.

One of the most contentious issues pertains to "Buy America" requirements for defense equipment - the House proposal includes language sponsored by Chairman Duncan Hunter that would increase the domestic content requirement from 50 percent to 65 percent. His proposal is vigorously opposed by defense contractors, the White House and many American allies. The Administration has threatened to veto the defense bill if it includes Congressman Hunter's "Buy America" proposal.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM FUNDING

Legislation (HR 2989) appropriating fund for the Maritime Security Program for fiscal year 2004 is pending action by the House of Representatives and by the Senate Transportation and Treasury Subcommittee.

As cleared by the House Committee on Appropriations (and as requested by the Administration), the legislation includes $98.7 million for MSP for FY'04. The House is expected to consider this legislation over the next two weeks. The Senate Subcommittee is scheduled to begin its work over the next few days with funding for Amtrak consuming most of the panel's time and attention.

The Subcommittee, with MM&P’s strong support, is expected to follow the lead of the House and the Bush Administration and approve full funding of $98.7 million for MSP. Full funding of MSP will ensure that the maritime security fleet of militarily-useful US-flag vessels and their US citizen crews will continue to be available to the Department of Defense.

These American flag vessels and crews provide the assured base of sustainment shipping capability needed by the military to supply our forces overseas, and help guarantee that a sufficient number of US citizen seafaring personnel will be available to operate the US government owned and chartered surge sealift vessels required to transport troops and equipment at the outbreak of hostilities.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

ANTI-JONES ACT LEGISLATION

Immediately prior to the Congressional summer recess, Congressman Ed Case (D-HI) introduced three bills (HR 2845, 2846, and 2847) that would repeal the Jones Act for the carriage of cargo in the Hawaii and other non-contiguous domestic trades.

His bills would allow cargo to move between these domestic points on foreign built, foreign flag vessels. This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Chaired by Congressman Don Young (R-AK), and the House Committee on Armed Services, Chaired by Cong. Duncan Hunter (R-CA).

The MM&P, working with the Washington, DC-based Maritime Cabotage Task Force, is strongly opposing these ill-advised proposals. No action has been scheduled yet by either of these two Committees on Congressman Case's legislation.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

USCG LEGISLATION ADDRESSES CREW FATIGUE

As part of its Coast Guard authorizations legislation (HR 2443), the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure added a provision relating to hours of service on towing vessels. The Committee included this provision in response to growing concerns about the impact of crew fatigue on the safety of towing vessel operations. -- The provision, sponsored by Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN), allows the Secretary of Transportation to "prescribe by regulation requirements for maximum hours of service (including recording and record keeping of that service) of individuals engaged on a towing vessel that is at least 26 feet in length measured from end to end over the deck (excluding the sheer)."

It further directs that the Secretary should conduct a demonstration project involving the implementation of Crew Endurance Management Systems on towing vessels. The MM&P is strongly supporting the language added by the Committee and will be working with Congressman Oberstar and others to block an attempt by towboat management to delete this provision when the Coast Guard bill is considered by the full House of Representatives later this year.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT LEGISLATION ADVANCES

The House of Representatives and Senate have each passed legislation that would create a prescription drug benefit for Medicare's more than 40 million beneficiaries and would give seniors the option of obtaining coverage through traditional Medicare or through a private health plan.

At the same time, there are a number of major differences, both philosophical and substantive, between the two bills. For example, the House (but not the Senate) envisions that Medicare would directly compete against private plans.

The Senate (but not the House) contains a fallback provision that would offer a government-run drug benefit in areas where at least two private plans do not offer drug benefits. These and other issues must be resolved in conference. Republican leaders have set as their goal having this legislation to the President later this fall.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

ON THE BEACH IN CAPE TOWN: THE S/L EXPRESS SAGA CONTINUES

In Cape Town, South Africa, work continues in the effort to free the grounded containership SEALAND EXPRESS. The ship's ballast tanks have been filled with seawater after they were emptied to help lighten the vessel in last weekend's failed attempts to free her from the sand.

Despite some inclement weather, the ship's hull has shown no signs of stress. With her ballast tanks full, the ship is sitting rock solid on the sand off Sunset Beach.

Meanwhile, a dredge continues to cut a channel through the sandbank entrapping the SEALAND EXPRESS. The next attempt to free the ship is planned for a high seasonal tide after the dredge has opened a channel to the vessel.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

9-11 PLUS 2: THE CHANGING FACE OF MARITIME SECURITY

As the two year anniversary of the graphic and horrible events of Sept.11, 2001 approaches, America has been on special security alert, but only recently has attention truly focused on port security.

Less than one year from now, the security regulations to be imposed on America's maritime industry will signal the end of international shipping as we know it. For better or worse, the deadline is July 1, 2004, the date when the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 becomes law.

Some provisions of it already are being instituted, such as the 24-hour notice before loading containers, heavier fencing at ports, along with lighting and guards, and VACIS machines that x-ray containers.

This proposed maritime legislation is groundbreaking as the waterfront has never seen anything of this magnitude. The new rules and regulations already are 700 pages long, and before all the Federal agencies are finished, it could be 1500 or 2000 pages in length.

Whatever the final version is, the Maritime Transportation Security Act will forever change the way the maritime industry does business.

The ports, the terminal owners, and others affected by this act–they rightfully want to know who is going to pay for all this enforcement. They say their current revenue streams have no extra room for such an oversized burden.

The reason is that even with "only" 700 pages of regulations–heaven forbid 1500 or 2000–the total estimated costs for the 361 US ports whose operations this bill affects exceeds $8 billion over the next 10 years.

Some in Congress say costs could hit $11 billion as things stand now, while others say $15 billion. The USCG, which shoulders most of the security responsibility, says $7.3 billion will get the job done.

Whichever billion-dollar amount proves correct, the big question is: Where are the funds coming from?

Besides dollars, another sweeping aspect of this legislation that directly affects US maritime workers is personal identification.

This will involve the issuing of what is described as a "smart card," which uses biometric technology to verify a person's identity on the basis of an individual's unique personal characteristics found in their eye, hand and facial patterns. Smart cards will be required for workers in the maritime labor chain.

Besides better worker ID, there will also be better cargo ID. The Customs Service has already purchased 35 VACIS machines–Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System–which are scanners that can be mounted on trucks, and has been stepping up the examination rate substantially. These X-ray machines are scattered through various ports.

Besides the VACIS scanner, which screens a 40-foot container in 40 seconds, an equally vital benefit of the advanced technology being applied to the waterfront uses a sensor that can detect nuclear, biological and chemical agents. The matter of how this device can or will be applied should soon be resolved.

Another high-tech initiative is an onboard device that automatically transmits 12 different data streams to help improve America's intelligence gathering capabilities. The question of what happens to that data after it is sent is another important security concern.
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

SS LANE VICTORY SET TO CRUISE INTO HISTORY SEPT.13-14

In the Southern California area and looking to relive some maritime history? Then check out a one-day cruise to Catalina Island aboard the restored cargo ship, SS Lane Victory - at Berth 94 in San Pedro.

The LANE VICTORY will be making its last passenger cruises for 2003 on Sept.13-14. Boarding time is 0730-0800 hrs. each day. The cruise begins when the gangway is pulled up at 0830. The big ship departs at 0900 for a fabulous cruise filled with fun, food, fellowship, and many interesting happenings during voyage.

The LANE VICTORY is a National Historic Landmark and a fully operational ship. She is USCG approved to take as many as 800 passengers on each cruise. Each cruise begins with a tasteful continental breakfast.

As the tugboats make fast to the ship and slowly edge her into the channel, she navigates inside the breakwater, past the USCG station, to the Long Beach harbor entrance, and then out to sea headed for Catalina Island.

At this point during each cruise there are services held for one of the over 700 ships lost during WWII. An Honor Guard comprised of different military services presides over the rifle salute. A wreath is placed over the side of the ship with a moment of silence for the lost mariners.

While underway, there is various kinds of entertainment on board, such as music from the “Yellow Hound Dawg Blues Band”, narration on ship activities, and guided tours of the engine room once the LANE leaves the breakwater.

The rest of the ship, including the wheelhouse, is open to all. The main museum and gift shop are open to passengers. Beer, wine and soft drinks are served throughout the trip. And any crewmember will be happy to answer any questions pertaining to the ship.

Around noon comes what some say is the best part of the trip, an all-you-can-eat luncheon buffet. Once the ship reaches the Isthmus end of the island, she turns toward the mainland, and sets a course for the Angels Gate entrance to San Pedro harbor.

Before she makes port, with much ceremony, the crew will have captured a spy on board and fended off an aerial attack by World War II vintage aircraft. Once again victorious, the tugs meet her and guide her up the channel to Berth 94 where the gangway is lowered at 1630. A wonderful day ends, and as the passengers go down the gangway you hear "what a great cruise," "best money I ever spent," and "I am going again!"

Cruise Prices: Adult: $100; Youth 15 and under: $60. For more info call 310-519-9545 or fax 310-519-0265. More info and photos are also available on the web at: http://www.lanevictoryship.com/index.htm
 

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

MATES REUNION PLANS FOR SEPTEMBER 19-21

The MM&P MATES Program graduate reunion will held at MITAGS from Sept.19-21. 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. 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

Take Advantage of the following Class Openings

Between now and the end of October, 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

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 9-3 CLOSE

 D O W
 N A S D A Q
 9,547.60
+ 214.10 for the week
 1,848.58
 + 66.45 for the week
 Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFINX)
 94.66
 Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund (VEXMX)
24.28
 Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX)
 14.14
 Vanguard Morgan Growth Fund (VMRGX)
 13.68
 Vanguard Windsor II Fund (VWNFX)
 23.89
 Vanguard GNMA Fund (VFIIX)
10.34
 Vanguard High Yield Corporate Fund (VWEHX):
 6.13
 Vanguard Total Bond Index (VBMFX)
 10.11
 Chase Growth Fund (CHASX)
13.76
 Fidelity Asset Manager (FASMX)
15.04
 Fidelity Growth and Income (FGRIX)
 33.40
Fidelity Magellan Fund (FAGX)
 91.13
 Spartan US Equity Index Fund (FUSEX)
  36.31

 

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


 

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.

In addition, the possibility of attending a Baltimore Orioles baseball game for Friday or Saturday night is being investigated as is a potential day trip to Annapolis, home to the US Naval Academy.

The names of those individuals who have responded positively are posted on the Union's website. Click on the "Original MATES Program Reunion" button on the left side of your screen for this and more.

Additional info and updates will be posted as they become known. Have questions? Email Diane Chatham at dchatham@bridgedeck.org.

MM&P Wheelhouse Weekly


 

BULL & OYSTER ROAST WITH THE FABULOUS HUBCAPS AT MITAGS

The oldies show band, The Fabulous Hubcaps, will bring their high-energy rock & roll to MITAGS on Saturday, October 11, from 6:00 PM -11:30 PM. Also featured is an all-you-can-eat bull and oyster roast.

Tickets are just $37 per person. A bed and breakfast plan is also available for the price of $140.

Reserve tickets and/or overnight accommodations now by contacting reservations@ccmit.org or voice 410-859-5700 x 0. For more info, contact: Howard Van Kirk at Email: hvankirk@ccmit.org or voice at 443-989-3515.

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


 

WWII REGISTRY SITE OPEN TO ALL WHO SERVED IN ANY CAPACITY

The National WWII Memorial has a site on its webpage for individuals who served in any capacity during WWII to register to be included in the Memorial's Registry. The main site is www.wwiimemorial.com.

If the individual clicks on WWII Registry, he/she can find out if he/she is already included as a result of one of the WWII databases and, if not, can follow the directions to register. Any American who contributed to the war effort is eligible for the Registry.

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 "BACK-TO-SCHOOL" LOAN SPECIAL

Need money to pay for those back-to-school needs, summer vacation bills, or even your holiday shopping? Now is a great time to borrow from your credit union. The Masters, Mates & Pilots Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce a "Back to School" signature loan sale.

The new standard loan rate is 9.99%. The preferred rate is 9.24%.

Don't let time pass you by as this rate is available only for a limited time - until September 30. Rates and conditions for this loan sale are effective July 22.

If a new or new-for-you car is in your future, your MM&P FCU continues to offer competitive loan rates. Rates start as low as 5.25% and believe it or not, MM&P FCU auto loan rates may cost you less than dealers' zero-percent financing incentives.

Share savings and share certificates of deposit are also available. Savings accounts may earn up to 1.51% APY and certificates are earning up to 2.73% APY.

All MM&P FCU rate offerings and conditions are subject to change without notice. Call or Email Kathy Klisavage, Credit Union Manager, for complete details regarding these low-interest loans. She can be reached by Email at: mmpfcu@bridgedeck.org or toll-free at: 1-800-382-7777.

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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