unionservices

Unions/collectively bargained plans     

Whether fully insured or self-insured, unions must implement the same provisions as other grandfathered plans for plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010. However, fully insured plans get some special treatment in the interim final grandfathering rules. The following allowances are given to collectively bargained agreements (for the life of the agreement) that were ratified before March 23, 2010:

• The plans may change carriers and remain grandfathered.
• The plans may make benefit plan changes (such as plan design) or change employer/employee organization contribution amounts and remain grandfathered.
• The interim final rules on grandfathering are silent as to whether grandfathered health insurance coverage is exempt from the anti-abuse rules.

When the last of the collectively bargained agreements expires, the special allowances end as well. From that point on, the grandfathered status of fully insured plans will be determined as it is for any other health plan. 

Self-funded plans that are kept as collectively bargained agreements are treated like any other plan. For self-funded plans, whether or not they are kept as collectively bargained agreements, a change in third-party administrators will not result in the loss of grandfathered status. 

If a group customer requests that we implement health care reform changes earlier or later than its renewal date because its ERISA plan year differs from the renewal date, we will honor the request.

60-day notice of plan changes 

As a Union Member, you are part of a large group with Buying Power! This means all the benefits, products and services we can find for you have been discounted to prices lower than normal retail. We encourage you to participate in these benefits to help keep our prices down which in turn helps deliver real value for you and your family.  Our only requirement for all our products and services is that we would buy it for our own families. Of course, if given the option, we choose "Union-made" products and services.

We welcome your comments or suggestions for more products and services that you may be seeking for you and your family. Please Contact Us with your comments or suggestions.