Friday, February 6, 2026

Frequently Asked Health Care Questions


Q. Who are my eligible dependents?
A.
  • Your lawful spouse
  • Your natural children up to age 26
  • Your legally adopted children up to age 26
  • Your step-children up to age 26
  • Child for whom you have been appointed legal guardian by court for length of guardianship or to age 26, which occurs first
  • Your Domestic Partner (certain rules apply - please contact Benefit Office) and Children of Domestic Partner
Q. When do I become eligible for benefits?  
A.

You will become initially eligible for benefits on the 1st date of either June, September, December or March if the Benefit Office has received a minimum of 350 hours on your behalf during the six month period specified below: 

350 Hours of Contributions During 6 Months Ending: 

March 31 ~ Coverage begins June 1 for the Insured Period of June, July & August

June 30 ~ Coverage begins September 1 for the Insured Period of September, October, November  

September 30 ~ Coverage begins December 1 for the Insured Period of December, January, February   

December 31 ~ Coverage begins March 1 for the Insured Period of March, April, May 

 

Q. How do I maintain my continued health care coverage?   
A.

You must work at least 350 hours per quarter ending noted below to continue coverage. 

350 Hours of Contributions during the Quarter Ending: 

March 31 ~ Coverage begins June 1 for the Insured Period of June, July & August 

June 30 ~ Coverage begins September 1 for the Insured Period of September, October, November  

September 30 ~ Coverage begins December 1 for the Insured Period of December, January, February  

December 31 ~ Coverage begins March 1 for the Insured Period of March, April, May do not work 130 hours per month but have sufficient hours in your hour bank to make up the difference, your coverage will be continued.


Q. How do I add my new baby or spouse to my insurance plan?
A. You must submit other legal documentation to the Benefit office along with a completed Vital Information Form. You can download the Vital Information Form off of this website located under "Forms" and mail it into the Benefit Fund Office. You must enroll your new dependent within 30 days of birth, adoption, marriage or other important life changes.

Forms Required Are:
  • Spouse – copy of your marriage certificate
  • Child – copy of your child’s birth certificate
  • Step-child –copy of child’s birth certificate
  • Adopted child –copy of legal decree of adoption
  • Child for whom you have been appointed their legal guardian – original copy of legal guardianship documents
    (if temporary guardianship, status updates will be required every 6 months)
Q. Whom should I contact if I'm getting a divorce and what documents do I need to submit?
A. Please call the Benefit Office and advise the Eligibility and Pension Departments that you are getting a divorce or have already gotten divorced. You will also need to submit a FULL copy of your Divorce Decree to the Benefit Office.
Q. Whom should I call if I have questions about my eligibility?  
A. Please contact the Benefit Office at (617) 795-4120 
Q. What if I don’t work enough contributions or hour bank credits to gain eligibility for the quarter?  
A.If you fail to have the required employer contributions or hour bank credits to continue healthcare coverage, you may continue coverage by electing COBRA. Each quarter, the Benefit Office will determine if you have enough hours or hour bank credits to continue eligibility. If you do not, you will receive a COBRA package in the mail explaining your rights under COBRA. It is important to read this package thoroughly so that you are aware of your rights and understand the steps for continuing coverage under COBRA.  
Q.Will my child(ren) who is/are age 19 through age 26 be covered under the Plan?
A.Yes. Due to the new Healthcare Reform Act, dependent children are now eligible to remain on the coverage until the age of 26, regardless of student status. However, if your dependent child is not a full time student, he/she will not be eligible for dental benefits. Dependent children who are not Full Time Students and are between the ages of 19 and 26 will be eligible for medical benefits only.

Please contact the Benefit Office at (617) 795-4120 for more information.
Q.How do I make a payment to continue my Health Care coverage?
A.You may remit monthly self payments via personal check, money order or cashier’s check to Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 6 Health & Welfare Plan at 750 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA 02125
Q.How do I inquire about the status of my medical claim or request a new medical ID card?
A.Your medical claims are paid by Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA. Should you have any questions on your medical benefits, claims status or to request a new ID card, please contact BCBSMA at (800) 253-5210.
Q.How do I add my newborn child to my healthcare benefit?
A.Please contact the Benefit Office at (617) 795-4120 for more information. You may also download a Vital Information form located on the Health Care page under Health Care Forms section of this website. Once downloaded, complete the vital information form in its entirety and submit a copy of your newborn child’s birth certificate.
Q.How do I add my spouse to my healthcare benefit?
A.Please contact the Benefit Office at (617) 795-4120 for more information. You may also download a Vital Information form located on the Health Care page under Health Care Forms section of this website. Once downloaded, complete the vital information form in its entirety and submit a copy of your marriage certificate.