GENERAL INFORMATION
Who is eligible for benefits?
Any Member and Non-Member working under the Collective Agreement of Local Union 97 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers.
Does a Member have to complete any forms?
YES. You must complete a Medical Services Plan application form and an Enrolment and Beneficiary card. If adding a Common-Law spouse after your initial eligibility date the notarized Common-Law Declaration is required. It is most important that EACH Member and Non-Member complete the required forms. These forms should be sent to the Administrators Office without delay.
How does a Member qualify for benefits?
A Member in good standing and Non-Member must accumulate 220* hours of work within a 5 month period.
When will coverage commence?
Coverage will commence on the 1st day of the month following the month (lag) in which sufficient hours are reported and paid to the Plan by the employer(s). An example is provided on page 4 of the HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET.
When does coverage end?
a) Coverage will terminate when there are insufficient hours in the Member’s Hour Bank to allow for a deduction of 110* hours. Coverage for a Non-Member will terminate when there are insufficient hours in the Hour Bank to allow for a deduction of 130* hours.
b) Coverage for Members will be terminated immediately and the Hour Bank will be forfeited for any Member who is found to be working for a non-signatory Ironworker Contractor.
Self-Pay
A Member in good standing may continue coverage through self-payment for all benefits except MSP, Weekly Indemnity and Long Term Disability. Non-Members are not eligible to self-pay.
A self-pay notice will be sent to the last known address.
The maximum number of self-pays allowed is 6 consecutive months.
Members on self-pay must obtain their own Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. MSP is not available through self-payment.
To learn more about self-pay please refer to this section of the HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET.
Disability Credits
When a Member is collecting under the Weekly Indemnity Plan/ E.I. Sick Benefits or under Worker’s Compensation he/she will receive assistance with his/her Hour Bank.
To find out more about Disability Credits please refer to this section of the HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET.
Are Dependents Covered under the Plan?
YES
To find out more about MSP, Dental, Extended Health Benefits and Vision Care for Dependents please refer to this section of the HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET.
Coordination Of Benefits
To find out more about Coordination of Benefits please refer to this section of the HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN BOOKLET.