Welfare

Every year the Formulary Drug List changes.  Here are the changes for 2009.  You will be notified by ESI if you are effected by these changes.  If you have any questions please contact the Funds office - 215 - 542 - 8211.

You are covered by a Health and Welfare Fund financed by contributions made by your employer under terms of collective bargaining agreements between your Union and your Employer.

The Welfare Fund is administered by a Board of Trustees consisting of an equal number of Union representatives and Employer representatives.

All contributions to the plan are made by Employers in accordance with their collective bargaining agreements with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 542. The collective bargaining agreements require contributions to the Fund at a fixed rate per wages earned, or hours worked, or a combination of the two. Copies of such agreements are sent out to each member at the commencement of each contract period. Additional copies are available from the Union office.

Benefits are provided from the Fund's assets, which are accumulated under the provisions of the Collective Bargaining and Trust Agreements and held in a Trust for the purpose of providing benefits to covered participants and defraying reasonable administrative expenses. Benefits covered by the Fund are provided through Independence Blue Cross, Fidelio, Express Scripts, PCN, and the assets of the Trust.

The type and level of benefits to which you are entitled may vary according to contributions received on your behalf from your employer. A quarterly statement will advise you of the Benefit Level to which you are entitled for the next benefit period.

Periodically your Board of Trustees reviews the benefits provided by the Fund in order to ensure that the maximum coverages are available to its members within the limits of the financial position of the Fund. The provisions of the Fund will be periodically updated.

If you would like to view the Highlights of the Welfare Plan, select the from the following versions:

Parent Body Version

C Branch Version

Premium Based or Mc2 Version

Click Here to go to the Summary of Medical Plan Benefits page.

Reminders For Out of Town College Students

1. Always carry your current ID card.
2. In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital.
3. Call BlueCard Access at 800-810-BLUE to find a Blue Card Provider provider.
4. Always use a BlueCard PPO doctor or hospital to make sure you receive the highest level of benefits.
5. Call IBC for prior authorization.  The member services number is on the back of your ID card.
   

Intentional Misuse of Benefits