YOU MUST TAKE PROMPT ACTION OR YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE FROM THE IATSE NATIONAL HEALTH & WELFARE FUND WILL END ON MAY 31, 2021*
CHANGE TO HEALTH FUND “RELIEF” AS OF MAY 31, 2021: The vast majority of Fund participants are likely eligible for the recent 100% COBRA subsidy provided by the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). This eligibility will allow continuation of the same medical benefits at no-cost. Accordingly, in order to preserve the Fund’s assets for participants, the Board of Trustees has decided that the Fund-provided “relief” that allowed you and your family members to continue your health coverage under Plan A or Plan C throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will end as of May 31, 2021. Continuing the relief from the Health Fund would be extremely costly to the Fund and would mean less assets available for benefits in the future.
- This means that your active coverage will end on May 31, 2021.*
- However, you may elect no-cost COBRA coverage starting on June 1, 2021 (for up to 4 months from June through September 2021, in accordance with ARP), if you meet the ARP requirements.
* Health Claims Will Still Be Paid for a Temporary Period After May 31, 2021: In order to allow you time to submit your COBRA Election Form and request for no-cost COBRA if you are eligible, the Fund will continue to cover health care claims in accordance with the terms of the Plan (including COBRA coordination rules) during the 60-day election period (described below). Note that only health care claims (hospital, medical, prescription drug, and dental and optical, if applicable) will be covered after May 31. Life insurance benefits and any short-term disability benefits (for Plan A participants) will end on May 31, 2021, when active coverage ends.
To continue your current Plan coverage as of June 1, you MUST return to the Fund, by the deadline described below:
- a completed COBRA Election Form and
- a completed request for no-cost COBRA coverage if you are eligible.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR NO-COST COBRA: You are eligible for the no-cost COBRA coverage if you:
- Lose coverage from the Health Fund due to reduced hours or involuntary termination of employment, and
- Are not eligible for coverage from either (1) another group health plan (a plan sponsored by an employer or union), including coverage through your spouse, or (2) Medicare.
DEADLINE TO ELECT NO-COST COBRA: You must return both your completed COBRA Election Form and “Request for Treatment as an Assistance Eligible Individual” Form within 60 days of the date on the COBRA Election Notice that the Fund mails to you. If you are electing COBRA without the premium assistance (because you are not eligible for the assistance), you will have a longer period to elect COBRA, as described in the COBRA Election Notice. If you do not submit your COBRA Election Form and form requesting no-cost COBRA by the deadline, your health coverage will end on May 31, 2021 and you may be responsible for any claims incurred after that date.
HOW TO ELECT NO-COST COBRA: Click the button below to go to the Funds’ website to read the notices and view the required election forms, which you should return to the Fund as soon as possible to avoid potential disruptions in coverage. |
