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
  • Your adopted child
  • Your child the court or an administrative agency requires you to cover through a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO)

Note: A dependent who is in the service of the armed forces is not an eligible dependent

Q. When do I become eligible for benefits?
A. You become eligible for benefits:
  • Class 1 – An active full-time employee of a participating employer whose employment is the subject of a collective bargaining agreement between the participating employer and Local 1710.

  • Class 2 – An active employee of a participating employer who works at least 80 hours per month and whose employment is not currently the subject of a collective bargaining agreement. The participating employer must notify the Welfare Fund in writing of the intent to include all of these employees, except those who opt not to participate because they have other coverage (proof of other coverage satisfactory to the Trustees must be provided).

  • Class 3 - An employee of Local 1710 who is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement

Dental – You will be become covered for Dental benefits on the first of the month following completion of one (1) month of covered employment for which contributions are due to the Welfare Fund on your behalf.

Medical, Prescription and Death and Accidental Death and Dismemberment – If you enter an eligible status or return to an eligible status, you will become covered for medical, prescription and death and accidental death and dismemberment benefits on the first day of the calendar month following the date you have three (3) months of covered employment within a consecutive 12-month period for which contributions are due to the Welfare Fund on your behalf.

Q. How do I maintain my monthly health care coverage?
A. After initially qualifying for benefits, you will remain eligible until you lose eligibility for one of the reasons specified in Question 4.
Q. When will my eligibility terminate (Loss of Eligibility)?
A. Your eligibility will terminate on the earliest of the following dates:
  1. The date your employer ceases to provide coverage in this plan under a collective bargaining agreement.
  2. Date you enter the armed forces full-time.
  3. End of the (following or 2nd) month you quit, are discharged or retire.
  4. End of the (following or 2nd) month following your lay-off, leave of absence or disability.
  5. Date plan is terminated or particular benefit/coverage is terminated.
  6. End of the (following or 2nd) month following a Total Disability extension.
Q. What if I become Disabled?
A. If you become disabled due to an illness or accident that results in a Disability, your eligibility will continue at no charge until your date of recovery up to a maximum of 5 months. You may elect COBRA to continue coverage after the 5 months are exhausted.
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 Enrollment Form. You can download the Enrollment Form off of this website located under "Forms" and mail it into the Benefit Fund Office.

Forms Required Are:

  • Spouse – copy of your original marriage certificate
  • Child – copy of your child’s original birth certificate
  • Step-child –copy of child’s original birth certificate
  • Adopted child –copy of legal decree of adoption
  • Child – copy of the Qualified Medical Child Support Order
Q. Whom should I contact if I'm getting a divorce and what documents do I need to submit?
A. Please call the Benefit Fund 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 Dissolution of Marriage Judgment and QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) to this office.
Q. How do I obtain a replacement Prescription Card?
A. Please contact the Benefit Fund Office at: (855) 658-5776
Q. How do I obtain a replacement Medical Card?
A. Please contact the Benefit Fund Office at: (855) 658-5776
Q. Whom should I call if I have questions about my eligibility?
A. Please contact the Benefit Fund Office at: (855) 658-5776
Q. What if my coverage terminates?
A. If you lose coverage under the Plan as a result of a Qualifying Event, coverage for you and your eligible dependents may be continued for a limited period under COBRA by making monthly payments. Please refer to the Summary Plan Description booklet for more information regarding Qualifying Events.
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. Please contact the Benefit Fund Office at (855) 658-5776 for more information.