The UUP Member Services Trust is pleased to announce two new, voluntary benefits available to UUP bargaining unit members through the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC).

As of Jan. 1, AFLAC is on board to offer low-cost accident and cancer insurance policies that pay cash benefits when a policyholder has a covered accident or illness.

UUPers receive a discount of up to 40 percent off the regular prices for these quality insurance products.

AFLAC agents will come to chapters to enroll members into these programs. Contact me and I’ll work with your chapter president to arrange a meeting for you and your colleagues.

Payroll deduction is available for active members. Retiree members will be assigned an agent and billing will be direct.

As The Voice went to press, UUP Member Services Trust and AFLAC were working on establishing an enrollment schedule for 2010. Watch for details.

Accident Protection Plan—The Accident policy is one way to stay ahead of the medical and out-of-pocket expenses that add up quickly after an accidental injury. The payment can be used for any expense you want, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, medical exams, transportation and lodging needs. You will receive cash benefits for these and other expenses that may not be fully covered by your major medical insurance, such as lacerations, broken teeth, concussions, intensive care treatment, ambulance (ground and air) and emergency room visits.

Cancer Protection Plan—AFLAC’s cancer insurance policy is designed to provide you with cash benefits upon diagnosis and during covered cancer treatments. It can also help protect your income and savings from expenses that aren’t covered by your major medical health insurance policy, including deductibles and co-pays, out-of-network specialists, experimental treatments, travel/lodging when treatment is far from home, child care, and expenses, such as car, mortgage and utility bills.

Quick facts about AFLAC:

• Major medical pays for doctors and hospitals. AFLAC pays cash benefits directly to you to help with everyday expenses when you’re sick or hurt.

• AFLAC has a range of products that fit most budgets. The rates don’t go up when you file a claim.

• Benefits are pre-determined and paid regardless of other policies you may have.

• The policy goes with you when you change jobs.

• AFLAC claims are processed quickly, usually within four days.

• AFLAC pays benefits for preventive measures such as a routine physical, mammogram, or an eye exam, where available.

AFLAC-NY’s Accident Only and Cancer Coverage is a UUP Member Services Trust-endorsed program. Member Services has an endorsement arrangement providing a small payment to it for the insurance policies issued. All such payments to Member Services are used solely to defray the costs of administering its various programs and, where appropriate, to enhance them. Member Services acts as your advocate; contact Member Services at (800) 342-4206 if you experience a problem with any endorsed program.