Friday, February 6, 2026

Frequently Asked Health Care Questions


Q.How do I become initially eligible for Health & Welfare coverage?                    
A.

To become eligible for coverage, a member must have 600 work hours contributed within a six month period.  Eligibility begins on the first day of the second month following and may extend for up to four months.  Member may then be eligible to self pay until the next year's eligibility plan year beginning March 1. 
If a new member does not receive four months of coverage due to becoming eligible shortly before the annual coverage period, the member will receive of 150 hours per month of unused coverage.  Example:  Member reaches 600 hours in November, eligible for four months of coverage beginning January.  He would receive eligible for January and February.  New coverage period begins March 1, therefore he has two months of unused coverage.  He will receive 150 hours per month (total for example 300 hours) credited towards his annual requirement.

 

Hours earned in 2017 for members not eligible for coverage ending 2/28/18:
0 - 399 hours           
No Coverage
400 - 999 hours
Eligible to buy up to Plan B only.  Plan A not an option.
1000 - 1399 hours 
Eligible for Plan B at no cost.  May buy up to Plan A.
1400 + hours
Eligible for Plan A at no cost.

 

All members must attend New Member Orientation to begin eligibility.
Q. How do I maintain continuous Health & Welfare coverage?
A. Health & Welfare coverage is continued by employer work hours contribution, or a member pay in for the amount of hours short.

 

Hours earned in 2017 for members that are eligible for coverage ending 2/28/18:

 

0 - 399 hours
No Coverage
400 – 999 hours
Eligible for buy up to Plan A or Plan B.
1000 - 1399 hours    
Eligible for Plan B at no cost or you may buy up to Plan A.
1400 + hours
Eligible for Plan A at no cost.

 

Members may buy up to Plan A or B by making a buy in for the amount of hours short multiplied by the hourly contribution rate of $9.65.  This buy in may be made in up to 10 consecutive monthly payments.
Q. What is the difference between Plan A and Plan B?                
A.

Plan A has the highest level of Medical and Prescription coverage, and also offers Dental and Vision coverage as well.  Plan B offers Medical and Prescription coverage only, with a larger copay and annual deductible that will be the member’s responsibility.  Plan B does not offer Dental or Vision coverage. 

Plan A requires 1400 hours total for coverage. Plan B requires 1000 hours total for coverage.

Q. How do I obtain a new insurance card?               
A. Please contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island at (401) 459-5000 or www.bcbsri.com
Q.

How do I add my new baby or spouse to my insurance plan?

A. You must enroll your new dependent within 30 days of birth, adoption, marriage or other important life changes with the Benefit Office. Please submit a Birth Certificate or Adoption/Guardianship paperwork to add a Child, and a Marriage Certificate for a Spouse to the Benefit Office, DO NOT contact BCBSRI to add dependent coverage.
Q. Who are my eligible dependents?             
A. Eligible dependents are identified as:

  • Your lawful spouse

  • Your natural Children (up to age 26 unless proven handicapped or disabled)

  • Your legally adopted children

  • Your step-children

  • Children for whom you have been appointed legal guardian by a court

Q. How do I use my Vision Insurance?
A. Present your Blue Cross Blue Shield card for the eye exam only.  For glasses/contacts and any other vision hardware, please have provider contact Davis Vision at (800) 999-5431.  Davis Vision does not have a specific insurance card.
Q. How do I use my Dental Insurance?
A. Your dental insurance is covered through Delta Dental.  Please contact Delta Dental for   insurance card and claim billing information at (800) 843-3582 or www.deltadentalri.com
Q. I received a bill for an office visit/procedure.  What should I do?
A. Please contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island at (401) 459-5000 or www.bcbsri.com
Q. Does the RI Carpenters offer an Employee Assistance Program?
A. Yes, the RI Carpenters participate in the Carpenters Assistance Program (C.A.P.)  Whatever the Problem, There is a Solution .... For free, confidential, professional help call (978) 752-1160.