From Leadership to Wellness:

​

 

      Earlier this month, I attended two important NALC events in Orlando, Florida. First, I participated in the Committee of Presidents (COP) meeting on November 1–2, followed immediately by the Health Benefit Plan seminar from November 2–5. Attending both back-to-back gave me insight into union leadership, legislative priorities, and the tools that support our health and well-being as letter carriers.

​

Committee of Presidents (COP) Meeting

​

      At the COP, branch presidents from across the country gathered to discuss leadership strategies, legislative updates, and union priorities. Highlights included:

1.  Legislative update from the NALC President

• Updates focused on maintaining delivery standards, protecting against privatization, and promoting retirement fairness legislation.

2. Questions from branch presidents                                                                                                                         

• Branch presidents asked questions on staffing, routes, and grievance handling, reinforcing that branch voices shape national strategy.

3. Committees assembled for negotiations                                                                                                         

• Committees were formed to support upcoming contract negotiations, analyzing prior agreements and developing proposals to ensure strong bargaining outcomes.

4. Votes and leadership updates

• New co-chair elected to fill the COP va-cancy

• Fall 2026 COP meeting scheduled (date and host branch)

• Dan Toth discussed his newly appointed duties and responsibilities

​

Attending the COP provided firsthand insight into leadership and union strategy affecting letter carriers nationwide.

 

Understanding the NALC Health Benefit Plan for 2026

​

      Immediately after the COP, I attended the Health Benefit Plan seminar, a four-day event packed with updates, education, and hands-on demonstrations of the plan’s wellness programs. I left feeling energized and confident about what our plan offers members - especially as we head into the 2026 Open Season.

​

What Sets Our Plan Apart

 

      The NALC Health Benefit Plan is not just insurance - it is a full support system built around the real challenges postal workers face. Many benefits included in this plan are not offered by most other health plans:

•  Fitness and gym discounts for active and retired members

 

• Virtual physical therapy through Hinge Health · Heart health tracking with Hello Heart · 24/7 telehealth access

 

• Mental health support through Optum

 

• Weight-loss and lifestyle support through Real Appeal

 

• Chronic condition coaching for diabetes, hypertension, and more

 

These programs are designed to prevent problems before they become serious, saving members time, money, and stress.

​

Hello Heart: Taking Control of Heart Health

​

      With high rates of hypertension among carriers, Hello Heart provides a smart blood pressure monitor connected to an app. Members can:

• Track readings automatically

• Spot patterns and changes early

• Receive personalized tips to improve heart health

 

It is a simple tool that empowers carriers to manage heart health daily, reducing the need for repeated office visits.

 

Hinge Health: Virtual Physical Therapy

 

Hinge Health addresses the wear and tear that our bodies experience on the route

• Members can:

 

• Work with licensed PTs online · Follow guided exercises at home

• Use motion sensors to ensure proper form

​

Reduce chronic pain and improve mobility This program is flexible, convenient, and directly targets the areas where carriers struggle most.

 

Real Appeal: Weight-Loss Support

 

Real Appeal is a no-cost digital program helping members adopt sustainable habits. It provides:

 

• A personal health coach

• Weekly online sessions

• Home tools for nutrition, exercise, and stress management

​

Participants often see improvements in weight, energy, blood pressure, and confidence, making it a powerful preventive tool for long-term health.

​

A Plan Designed for Postal Workers

​

      The NALC Health Benefit Plan reflects the realworld demands of our work—joint pain, chronic conditions, stress, and physical strain. It is practical, accessible, and built around our lifestyle.

​

Support for Retirees

​

The plan offers strong coverage for retirees, including:

 

• Coordinated Medicare benefits

• Waived copays in many situations

• Additional perks through Medicare Advantage options

 

Retirees continue to benefit from robust coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs.

 

      Why this matters for our branch, heading into 2026: it is important for all members to understand what our health plan offers. These programs save members money, improve daily health, and provide real tools to stay strong on the route.

 

      In closing, the COP showed how leadership is planning for the future, while the Health Benefit Plan seminar highlighted programs that directly improve carrier health and quality of life. The NALC HBP is designed specifically for postal workers, offering prevention, wellness, and convenience. During open season, I encourage all members to explore these benefits they truly make a difference.

​

​

-- Jacqueline McGregory

Executive Vice President

​