activities · 5
what they do
direct service · 3
- Healthcare benefits transition support Union and Association Health Benefits AdministrationSupports retirees during major healthcare benefit changes, including transitions from Health Reimbursement Accounts to the AT&T Medicare Advantage Plan and from Alight to the AT&T Benefits Center, by providing information, answering questions, and clarifying changes.
- Membership administration Membership Management & RecruitmentProcesses new and renewal membership applications via mail, including collection of a $34 fee through printable forms provided on the website.
- Retiree information dissemination Legislative & Regulatory Tracking ServiceProvides timely and accurate updates to members about federal legislation (e.g., CARES Act), benefit plan details (e.g., correcting hearing aid reimbursement limits), and other relevant policy changes affecting retirees.
advocacy · 2
- Legislative and corporate advocacy on retiree benefits Retiree Benefit Protection AdvocacyEngages in sustained advocacy efforts including negotiating claw-back arrangements with AT&T, supporting shareholder proxies to influence executive compensation, and collaborating with groups like NRLN to develop permanent legislative protections for retirees.
- Pension transfer advocacy and monitoring Retiree Benefit Protection AdvocacyAdvocates for retiree protections related to pension de-risking practices, including monitoring transfers such as the May 2023 movement of AT&T pension assets to Athene, collecting retiree reports on transfer issues, and pushing for procedural reforms like mandatory personal data verification 90 days before transition.
strategies · 3
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocating for Pension Protection and Reform pension_advocacyThe organization actively lobbies for legislation and regulatory reforms to protect pension plan participants and retirees from de-risking practices, ensuring standardized protections and mandatory data verification during transitions. This includes reforming outdated ERISA regulations that currently allow de-risking with minimal safeguards.
- Direct Engagement with Corporate Management for Benefit ProtectionThe organization directly engages with corporate management and provides legal documentation to advocate for and protect retiree benefits.
- Empowering Retiree Advocacy through Organized Action and Media Engagement retiree_chargeThe organization mobilizes retirees to advocate for their benefits, referred to as the "Retiree Charge," and amplifies these efforts through strategic media engagement, including national press, to influence public opinion and policy makers.
named programs · 3
what they call their work
Benefit Advocacy
Organizes advocacy efforts to protect and preserve retirees' healthcare, life insurance, and death benefits, including correspondence with AT&T leadership and legal review of benefit changes
Grandfathered Retirees Support
Maintains documentation and support for retirees grandfathered under pre-1991 benefit plans, ensuring their rights are protected
Member Information Dissemination
Provides newsletters, updates, and guidance on retirement benefits, including CARES Act implications, healthcare plan changes, and beneficiary designations
relationships · 15
who they work with
- AASBCR® Partner — Co-signed a letter to AT&T Executive Management regarding retirement life insurance benefits.
- AT&T Partner — Met with TELCO RETIREES ASSN to discuss planned changes in life insurance and death benefits for retirees.
- AT&T Benefits Center Partner — Now handles HRA reimbursements and benefit administration for retirees previously managed through Alight.
- Alight (AON) Partner — Previously administered Medigap selection and HRA processes for retirees on behalf of AT&T.
- Centivo Partner — Offers healthcare plan options in partnership with Baylor Scott White Health for retirees in the Dallas / Fort Worth area.
- Department of Labor Government — Engages with the Department of Labor's evaluation of pension de-risking procedures as part of advocacy efforts.
- Kaiser Permanente Partner — Provides healthcare coverage for AT&T retirees in California, with special enrollment rules distinct from the UHC default.
- Mayo Clinic Partner — Offers healthcare services in certain locations through annually negotiated contracts available to retirees.
- NRLN Coalition — Telco Retirees Association is a member of the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN), collaborating on legislative advocacy for retiree protections.
- NRLN Partner — Collaborated with NRLN to develop permanent legislation and a legislative safety net regarding retiree benefits.
- NRLN Partner — Collaborates with NRLN on lobbying efforts to protect pension plan participants.
- NRLN (National Retirees Legislative Network) Partner — Received assistance from NRLN in seeking other cases filed and their outcomes regarding benefit reductions.
- SNET Retirees Assoc, Inc. Partner — Co-signed a letter to AT&T Executive Management regarding retirement life insurance benefits.
- Senate Congressional HELP Committee Government — Lobbying the Senate Congressional HELP Committee to review and consider an ERISA amendment to strengthen retiree pension protections.
- United Health Care Partner — Provides the default ATTMAP Advantage PPO health plan for non-grandfathered AT&T retirees.