Ok, so about my insurance, I was told by the shop steward we don't get a card or a policy number, we just tell the doc/dentist the name and that's it... really? I think he said the name was 'the group', so I just go tell the check-in person that and they will know what the hell I'm talking about? And btw, I don't know jack. I can't get a union handbook, nor a contract copy, etc. No one tells me much of anything. I went online and saw on pay stub that they are taking money from me for insurance, so I should have it, right?
no, you'll get a card from your choice health insurance company, for your eye care coverage and your dental. at least that's how it works in my division. these are mailed to you when the union sends you your benefits package and you make your choice between healthcare providers.
Also, if you live in a right-to-work state, you should press the issue of not being able to get a copy of the contract. If they continue to ignore your request, they're essentially refusing to provide you with one. That is a violation of federal law.
Thanks for the replies and information. Kroger has one strange system, or maybe it's the union, not sure. But it is odd. Any other place I have worked that offered insurance seemed pretty up front, like you had to be there a year, and automatically you got paper work and enrolled. Heck, even some places allowed you to enroll via the internet, and I got less of a runaround and just to the point info. Oh well, you live you learn.
