Under our master contract outside of New York City, the GRIWA, workers have access to affordable family healthcare.
When our union first got started outside of New York City, one of the biggest problems was that workers could not afford their hotel's healthcare. So, our union designed a brand-new health insurance plan with Unite Here Health (“UHH”), the Greater New York Regional Hotel Plan 105.
At hotels that participate in UHH Plan 105, members pay a maximum of $25 per month from their paychecks for comprehensive family healthcare with no in-network deductible and low copays.
In addition, our master contract outside of New York City provides a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) of $200 per year. Union workers receive an HRA card with funds that can be used to purchase prescriptions, cover copays, and pay for other over-the-counter qualified healthcare products. Members can access their HRA funds on a pre-paid card or through the Optum Financial mobile app. If you have not received your HRA card, contact the Benefit Funds at (212) 586-6400.
At hotels that are new to the union, members will often not participate in UHH Plan 105 right away. To start, the union will negotiate a dramatic reduction in the cost of the hotel's existing healthcare year after year and negotiate for HRA benefits (to cover out of pocket expenses). Typically, the first contract will set a future date when members will be able to elect UHH Plan 105.
Under UHH Plan 105, members only have to be paid for 12 days* in a month to maintain “Class I” coverage for themselves and their family. This means many members are able to keep their healthcare when they are on a reduced work week or working part-time. The hours a member works in January will determine coverage in April.
If members are paid for 8-11 days in a month, they can still receive reduced “Class II” coverage under the plan. If a member falls to “Class II” coverage, they can buy up to 15 days for “Class I” coverage by calling Unite Here Health at (866) 261-5676.
* Note: Benefit days and working days that are shorter than 8 hours (for example, a Banquet Server working a Coffee Break for 3 hours) are credited as a full day for purposes of healthcare eligibility with Unite Here Health.
Obtain a copy of the official Summary Plan Description at uhh.org or call Unite Here Health at (866) 261-5676.
Under UHH Plan 105, members are eligible for healthcare contributions after 90 calendar days of employment. If contributions begin at 90 days and a member works enough days, healthcare coverage begins at the start of the 7th month. To enroll, call Unite Here Health at (866) 261-5676 or visit uhh.org/enroll.
