Thursday, January 29, 2026

Frequently Asked Health Care Questions


Q. When do I become eligible for coverage under the Health and Welfare Plan?
A.

Eligibility is determined by hours worked for which contributions are required to be made by your employer on your behalf. The eligibility dates each year are:

  1. August 1 - If you have 300 hours of contributions for three consecutive months in the period of January through June
  2. November 1 - If you have 300 hours of contributions for three consecutive months in the period of April through September
  3. February 1 - If you have 300 hours of contributions for three consecutive months in the period of July through December
  4. May 1 - If you have 300 hours of contributions for three consecutive months in the period of October through March

Q. Are the eligibility requirements the same for Owner-Operators?
A. No. Owner-Operators contributing on their own behalf must have at least 520 hours of contribution for any three consecutive months in the same periods noted above.
Q. When is my coverage effective?
A. If you are actively at work, your coverage is effective on the date you become eligible. If you are not actively at work on the date oyour coverage would otherwise become effective, the effective date of coverage will be the date you return to work.
Q. How does future eligibility work?
A. You will remain eligible for at least three months. Your eligibility will continue for succeeding three month intervals as long as the required contributions are made on your behalf. 
Q. Is there any way to continue coverage once it's terminated?
A. Yes. If you meet the necessary requirements under the Plan, you may be able to continue coverage by making timely self payments to the Fund. If you or your dependent should lose coverage as a result of a Qualifying Event and do not make self-payments, coverage may be continued for a limited period of time under COBRA by making a timely election and making monthly payments to the Fund. You should review the Summary Plan Description to understand the Plan requirements and your rights under COBRA.
Q. What happens if I don't have enough hours for contributions?
A.

If you don't have the required hours for contributions, eligibility will end on one of four termination dates.

  1. July 31 - Unless you have 300 hours for April through June, 600 hours for January through June, 900 hours for October through June or 1,200 hours for a twelve month period ending in June. 
  2. October 31 - Unless you have 300 hours for July through September, 600 hours for April through September, 900 hours for January through September or 1,200 hours for a twelve month period ending in September. 
  3. January 31 - Unless you have 300 hours for October through December, 600 hours for July through December, 900 hours for April through December or 1,200 hours for a twelve month period ending in December. 
  4. April 30 - Unless you have 300 hours for January through March, 600 hours for October through March, 900 hours for July through March or 1,200 hours for a twelve month period ending in March. 

Q. Is vision coverage included in the Plan?
A.Yes. Vision expenses are included up to a maximum benefit in a 24 month period.
Q. Are my dependents eligible for coverage?
A.Your spouse is eligible as long as you are married and not separated under a judicial decree. Effective May 1, 2010, your children are eligible up to the end of the month in which the child turns age 26 as mandated by Healthcare Reform. Under the new legislation, there is no requirement that your child be unmarried, enrolled as a full-time student, live with you or be supported by you. This coverage is only for your child. It does not include any spouse or children your child may have.
Q. What do I do if I enroll my spouse and then become divorced?
A. You must provide a copy of the divorce decree. Coverage for your spouse will be terminated as of the end of the month that the divorce is final.
Q. Is dental coverage included in the Plan?
A. Yes. Covered Dental expenses are subject to a $150 annual deductible for Class 4 and Class 6 and a $50 annual deductible for Retiree Class A. Only covered expenses are considered and the benefit is based on the Participants classification.
Q. Do I have to provide proof of dependent status?
A.Yes. You must provide a copy of your marriage license if you are enrolling your spouse and a copy of the birth certificate for any dependent children you are enrolling. See "Dependent Coverage Notice" under Welfare Fund forms for additional information regarding stepchildren or dependent children of unmarried parents.
Q. Who is primary if my spouse have coverage through their employer? 
A. Your coverage will always be primary for you and your spouse’s coverage will always be primary for your spouse. If you have coverage for your dependent children, the primary payer will depend on when your and your spouse’s birthday fall in the year. If your birthday falls earlier in the year than your spouse, your plan will be the primary payer. If you spouse’s birthday falls earlier, then their plan becomes primary. This is considered the “birthday rule”. To determine primary or secondary coverage for a stepchild legal documents form the child's custodial parent must be submitted. If action has not been pursued by the dependent's custodial parent, the Fund cannot be responsible for their primary health care coverage.