From: Gary Perinar, EST
Our hard work and efforts over the past week have finally produced major Welfare Fund improvements that will benefit our members and their families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Today, the Trustees of the Benefit Study Committee approved the following to aid our Welfare Fund Plan participants.
IMPROVEMENTS TO WELFARE BENEFITS:
- Extension of eligibility under the Active Eligibility Requirements: If a participant is eligible for the March coverage quarter and will lose eligibility in the following quarter due to a reduction of hours, eligibility coverage will automatically be extended for the June through August 2020 coverage quarter.
- Temporary reduction in hours requirement for the 4-quarter eligibility look back period: Effective with the June 1 coverage quarter, the 4 quarter look back period hours requirement is reduced from 1,000 to 750 hours. For Apprentices, the 4-quarter eligibility look back period is reduced from 760 hours to 500 hours. This will remain in effect through the coverage quarter ending November 30, 2020.
- Temporary 25% reduction in COBRA and Low-cost premiums for the coverage months of April through August 2020.
- Expand the definition of Non-Occupational Illness under the Short-term Disability Benefits to include COVID-19.
- 100% coverage for COVID-19 testing, office visits, ER and urgent care visits relating to COVID-19.
- 100% coverage for telehealth and virtual office visits (medical and behavioral health).
- 100% in-network hospitalization coverage for individuals receiving in-patient treatment for COVID-19.
UNEMPLOYED MEMBERS: Members considering a Distribution from the Supplemental Retirement Fund Account should contact John Hancock Retirement Plan Services to request an application for benefits 855-312-2722. The turnaround time is generally 2 weeks from the application approval date.