7.22.20 – Voluntary Early Out Program (VEOP) and Extended Voluntary Leave of Absence (EVLOA) FAQs – Part IV

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

July 2020 Voluntary Early Out Program (VEOP) and Extended Voluntary Leave of Absence (EVLOA) FAQs – Part IV
APFA continues to compile VEOP and EVLOA questions. Should you have further questions regarding the VEOP, EVLOA, or WARN notifications, please contact an APFA Contract and Scheduling Representative by clicking here.

• VEOP/EVLOA Q & A Part I
• VEOP/EVLOA Q & A Part II
• VEOP/EVLOA Q & A Part III
• Quick Reference Chart: July 2020 Voluntary Early Out Program (VEOP)

July 2020 Voluntary Early Out Program (VEOP) FAQs- Part IV
There are three (3) VEOP options available:

Option A: Ten (10) Years or More of Occupational Seniority: Extended Payout/No Lump Sum
Option B: Ten (10) Years or More of Occupational Seniority: Lump Sum Payout
Option C: Fewer Than Ten (10) Years of Occupational Seniority

1. Will my Workers’ Compensation Benefits be impacted if I take the VEOP?
This will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. You will need to contact your Sedgwick Examiner by using their portal, MySedgwick, Email or Phone. If you do not have their specific information, you may reach them at 800-677-1412.

2. What happens with my salary continuance if I take the VEOP?
Salary continuance will end on the effective date of your VEOP.

3. Will Sedgwick offset any temporary total disability (TTD) if I choose to take the extended payout VEOP (Option A) or the lump sum VEOP (Option B)?
This is decided on a case- by- case basis. In many states, your VEOP payments can be deducted from your WC Wage Replacement.  Please contact your examiner for clarification.

4. If I was active on July 15, 2020, and I qualified for the VEOP, and I go QI at the end of August, do I maintain my awarded VEOP beginning October 1st, 2020?
Yes, but you must attend training unless you held a PVLOA for the month of September.

5. Please explain ‘Active Rate COBRA’. I am confused. I thought COBRA was very expensive.
With ‘Active Rate COBRA’, you will pay the same rates as you do today for your medical benefits.

6. I am over the age of 65. Why am I being told that I need to go on Medicare when I have 18 months (VEOP Option A) or 30 months (VEOP Option B) of ‘Active COBRA Rates’?
COBRA is regulated by federal law, which states that if you are Medicare eligible, Medicare will be the primary coverage. You may utilize the Company offered COBRA active rate medical as a secondary plan, or you may drop the Company offered COBRA active rate medical and opt for a medical supplemental plan instead.

You may use your $100,000- $150,000 (depending on age) in RHRA funds to pay your COBRA active rate premiums, Medicare Part B or Part D premiums, or a supplemental plan premium of your choice.

Extended Voluntary Leave of Absence (EVLOA) FAQs- Part IV
1. If I am currently on a PVLOA that transitions into an EVLOA October 1st, do I have to attend CQ?
No. You are not required to attend.

2. Can I attend CQ on an EVLOA to keep my base month?
Yes. You are encouraged to maintain your qualifications during an EVLOA.

3. Am I still able to ride the jumpseat if I am QI?
Yes, with a valid CREW ID.

4. If I go QI while on a leave, do I lose my EVLOA or PVLOA pay or any associated benefits?
No.

5. If I was active on July 15, 2020, and I qualified for the EVLOA, and I go QI at the end of August, do I maintain my awarded EVLOA beginning October 1st, 2020?
Yes. However, you must attend training unless you held a PVLOA for the month of September.

In Solidarity,

Brian Walsh
APFA National Contract Chair
[email protected]