Fund Office Changes by Debbie Cotter
It is with a mixture of joy and sorrow that the Board of Trustees of the Painters & Allied Trades DC 35 Benefit Funds announces the retirement of William McDevitt. Mr. McDevitt has served this union as a member, an officer, a trustee, and an administrator for over forty years. His retirement is well-deserved, and we hope it is a long and healthy one.
The board is pleased to announce Deborah Cotter has succeeded Mr. McDevitt as Fund Administrator, and Heather Palmacci is now the Assistant Fund Administrator. Many of you may already know Ms. Cotter and Ms. Palmacci as they have been assisting members for years. These appointments will ensure our fund office continues its mission of providing high-quality service to our members.
Questions or concerns
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the fund office at 617-524-1240 or 800-799-1240.
Annual reminder of women’s health and cancer rights act
In accordance with Federal Law the Painters & Allied Trades, DC 35 Health Benefits Plan provides coverage for the following services related to an individual receiving the plan benefits in connection with a mastectomy:
• Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed
• Surgery and reconstruction of the breast to produce a symmetrical appearance
• Prostheses and physical complications for all stages of a mastectomy, including lymphedemas.
Coverage for breast reconstruction and related services is subject to the plan’s coinsurance amounts and reasonable and customary allowances.
Health Benefit Eligibility October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021
COVID-19 has presented many challenges to our community. Chief among those challenges is achieving the hour threshold for health insurance coverage. The shutdown that protected our members and their families meant at least six weeks without contributions.
As you know, the minimum number of hours required for coverage as of October 1 of any year is 600 hours during the work period, January 1 to June 30.
In response to this unprecedented challenge, the board of trustees is pleased to announce a one-time reduction in the hour requirement for coverage.
To be eligible October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, a participant needs only 400 hours during the work period, January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
Important Notes:
1. Participants need 600 hours during the work period July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 for coverage during the next eligibility period April 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.
2. The carryover rule has not changed. Participants may carryover up to 200 hours toward the April 1 2021 period if they have more than 600 hours during the work period January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020.
Health Statements
Ineligible and COBRA notices will be mailed by the last week of August.
Eligible statements with the cards attached at the bottom will be mailed the week of September 15.
Newly eligible participants should look for a large white envelope in their mailbox. This envelope contains plan information and data cards. The data cards are needed to complete your enrollment. Fill out the cards including your signature and return to the fund office promptly.
Periodic reminder: Review statements for accuracy and notify the fund office as soon as possible if you are missing hours or find any errors, or if you receive two statements with two different UID numbers.
COVID-19 Testing and Teledoc Health Visit
For eligible participants and their dependents, there is no co-payment or co-insurance for COVID-19 testing There is also no co-payment for teledoc visits.
