Thomas (Tom) was re-elected Director of Health Benefits in 2022. A position he has held since 2007. Tom began his postal and Union career in 1978 and from the beginning he was always willing to volunteer and lend a hand whenever Branch 36 members needed him. He was elected Shop Steward by his fellow carriers and later became a Formal A Representative in 1998. Tom held many elected positions during his tenure. In 2003, Tom was invited to train for the Dispute Resolution Process and was selected to be part of the Step B Dispute Resolution team. Tom continues to keep the letter carriers of Branch 36 well versed on anything that may affect healthcare premiums or coverage. In 2022, Tom was re-elected to the position of Director of Health Benefits and he will continue to keep everyone informed about any changes in healthcare on the horizon.

NALC Health Benefit

Spring has sprung! Time to do spring cleaning of not only our homes, but that of our health and well-being. Spring also brings out the allergy season. It’s nice to have a Health Plan, such as the National Association of Letter Carriers Health Benefit Plan (NALCHBP) to treat not only allergies, but many other conditions through our contracted provider CIGNA.
For mental health, which is so important, especially in the world we live in today, the provider is Optum Health. With the NALCHBP you could choose any doctor, hospital or facility, but as with any plan, choosing a network provider will reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
The NALCHBP is also partnered with CVS Caremark for all your prescription and vaccination needs. The NALCHBP is not only great and cost-effective plan, but offers many programs, incentives and videos to help keep you and/or your family healthy. City Carrier Assistants (CCAs) have 60 days from their conversion date which includes: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays to sign up for the NALCHBP.
A little bit about myself, I have been a member of the NALCHBP, since I began my postal career back in 1978. I retired on April 1st, 2021 and still have the plan for my wife and me. It is the best plan you can choose, in my opinion. The NALCHBP prior to this year, 2026, covered all federal employees. This year we only cover postal employees. Why, you ask? Letter carriers are healthier than other federal employees and we were paying out enormous claims to non-postal employees. The NALCHBP is a non-profit union plan, created by letter carriers for letter carriers. There is abso¬lutely no reason why a NALC union letter carrier doesn’t belong to the NALCHBP. You can give me one reason why you shouldn’t and I’ll give you ten reasons why you should belong. If you’re a CCA becoming a Part-Time-Flexible Sub make sure you attend the mandatory Conversion class and join the NALCHBP. Carriers can also join during the year if they experience a life changing event or during open season; which is the 2nd Monday in November through the 2nd Monday in December for the year 2027. If you have any questions for me, contact the union at 212-239-3901. Leave your name, station, and telephone number and I will get back to you.
I would like to take this opportunity to remember two union brothers who recently passed away. They were not only union brothers, but people, I also considered my friends. Pat McNally was a former 2nd Vice President of Branch 36. I knew Pat for over 30 years. I had never seen Pat angry in all the time I knew him. He was a proud Navy Veteran who wore a military cap every chance he got and got a lot of perks too, LOL! Pat was very religious and a member of the Knights of Columbus and attended church regularly. Pat was sick for a while and I am sure he has a special place in Heaven.
The second brother that passed away was David Velazquez. David wore many hats in the union. He was a shop steward, Formal A Hearing Officer, union Count Inspection member and Director of Safety and Health. David’s smile and demeanor would light up a room. I had the privilege of rooming with David at the convention in Boston back in 2024. We had so much fun. I was hoping to room again with him at the convention in Los Angeles this year. I was shocked to learn of his illness and passing. I will be thinking about him and missing his jokes and smile. I would like to express deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of Pat McNally and David Velazquez. They were true union members and friends. May they rest in peace until we meet again.