NARVRE Insurance Benefits Explanation

TO:  NATIONAL OFFICERS, AREA DIRECTORS, ASS'T AREA DIRECTORS, NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, UNIT OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

       From time to time, we get inquiries from NARVRE members and retirees as to what benefits are provided under the Certificate of Life Insurance ($2,000 Death Benefit) offered by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) under various Group policy numbers.  Depending on which labor organization you were a member of they may have different policy numbers.  When you call MetLife make sure you indicate what union you belonged to while working..  If you were employee of a rail labor organization you would be under a separate policy number as well.

       Many railroad workers were originally insured by the Travelers Insurance Company but effective January 1, 1996, these benefits were taken over by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  Often time’s callers are told by Met Life that there is no record of their being an employee because they are not in their computer network.  This does not mean you don't have a claim.  They don't necessarily have in their computers, records prior to January 1, 1996.

In writing, send a letter to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Met Life Recordkeeping Center, P.O. Box 6129, Utica, New York 13504-6129.  Telephone: 1-800-310-7770.  List the following information in your letter.  Name, Social Security Number, Railroad Employer, Date of Birth, Railroad Union, Seniority Date and Occupation.  Met Life will also check the Railroad Retirement Board if further information is needed.  Remember by writing you have a written document as to your status and Met Life will respond.

Please share this information with others on your email lists.  You might be surprised as to how many have the wrong beneficiary on file.  Keep in mind many of these beneficiary forms were filled out years ago when the employees hired out on the railroad.

Tom Dwyer, National Legislative Director

Posted: 08/09/04