Self-Payment for Surviving Spouses and Dependents

Active Employees

If the deceased individual was an Active Employee and eligible for Fund coverage at the time of death, coverage for the Spouse and other Dependents will continue until the Reserve Hours Account is exhausted, plus an additional two consecutive eligibility quarters or six months. The additional six months of coverage is provided at no charge.

After the six months of coverage has been exhausted, the surviving Spouse who has not remarried and who is not eligible for other group coverage (other than Medicare), and other Dependents without other group coverage, may participate in the Plan as long as the monthly premium required for coverage by the Trustees is paid. That premium is subject to change by the Trustees at any time. Complete details are provided upon the death of the Active Employee. When the Spouse reaches age 65, the spouse may continue to be covered by the Plan, but Medicare would be the primary carrier for payment of benefits.

Retired Employees

If the deceased individual was a Retired Employee and eligible for Fund coverage at the time of death, coverage for the Spouse and other eligible Dependents will continue until the end of the month in which the Employee died plus an additional six months. The additional six months of coverage is provided at no charge.

After the six months of coverage has been exhausted, the surviving Spouse who has not remarried and who is not eligible for other group coverage (other than Medicare) and other Dependents without other group coverage, may participate in the Retiree Plan as long as the monthly premium required by the Trustees is paid. That premium is subject to change at any time.

Eligibility under the Self-Payment program will terminate on the date the surviving spouse remarries or becomes entitled to any other group coverage, other than Medicare.

Open Enrollment for Retirees, Surviving Spouses and Dependents

During December of each year, the Fund holds an open enrollment period for retirees, surviving spouses and dependents. If you are eligible to enroll in the Plan but are not currently enrolled, you will automatically receive this open enrollment information. Health and Welfare coverage for retirees, surviving spouses and dependents who elect to enroll in the Plan during this open enrollment period will not begin until April, but they must pay the required premiums for January through March. Any charges incurred between January 1 and March 31 will not be covered.