$1,000 grant helps retired BCTGM member pay big medical bills

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.unionplus.org/blog/union-member-stories/BCTGM-hospital-grant?email-index

Posted on November 20, 2012

Nobody has ever had to sell George Campbell on the benefits of being a union member. The former maintenance mechanic is quick to credit his union –BCTGM– for allowing him to cover expensive orthodontic treatment for his children, pay for scores of medical bills over the years, and count on a steady paycheck throughout his working life. But more than 20 years after joining his union, Campbell discovered a new reason why it pays to be part of the labor movement, Union Plus Hospital Care Grants.

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Hospital Care Grants, offered through Union Plus, are among the latest benefits introduced to help union members cope with financial difficulties related to health care, education, and disability/job loss. The Hospital Care Grants, which never need to be repaid, provide $1,000 to help union members deal with high out-of-pocket medical bills and reduce the stress that accompanies health care debt.

“I am very grateful for the Union Plus grant. It helped me pay off some doctor and hospital bills, which, of course, relieved a lot of anxiety,” says Campbell. Grants are available to union members with a Union Plus Credit Card, Union Plus Insurance policy or a Union Plus Mortgage.

Hospitalization impacts more than just the individual patient. The financial and emotional support of friends and family is critical, but it is often not enough. Campbell’s daughter Sandy Conley says, “It is comforting to know the union is still trying to look out for my father as a union member. I appreciate the Union Plus staff for the help and the prompt delivery of this grant to my father.”

FULL story at link.