Employer Reporting System
The Employer Reporting System (ERS) is a web-based platform that enables railroad employers to submit information to the RRB in an electronic format instead of mailing paper forms. In addition to providing a faster means of communication, the ERS increases efficiency by reducing manual handling, while enhancing security and protection of personally identifiable information (e.g., addresses and social security numbers). In fiscal year 2015, the RRB added the final service and compensation report to the ERS, the Form BA-9, which allows employers to submit information on separation allowances paid to employees. The agency is also developing a multifactor authentication system that allows users to reset their own passwords in a secure manner.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment
For the third time since the implementation of the automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 1975, there was no COLA effective in January 2016 because there was no increase in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2014 to the same period in 2015. And while the monthly Medicare Part B premium increased from $104.90 to $121.80, most beneficiaries did not have to pay the increase due to a hold harmless provision that provides Part B premiums cannot increase for current enrollees if there is no COLA. However, new enrollees and certain high-income beneficiaries did pay higher premiums.
Benefit Processing Improvements
The RRB implemented two improvements in 2015 to improve processing of disability applications and payment of Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act benefits.
- In October 2015, the agency implemented use of two disability online applications: Stedman's Online Medical Dictionary and Occubrowse. These applications assist claim examiners during case adjudication and streamline work processes. In addition, Occubrowse is used by the Social Security Administration, which will promote consistency between the two agencies concerning job information for disability cases.
- In July 2015, the RRB revised its daily Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act process to make payments to state child support agencies under garnishment orders by direct deposit.