Enrollment

Enrollment In The Benefit Plan

HOW A MEMBER OBTAINS COVERAGE AND BECOMES A PLAN PARTICIPANT

Once the Member has become eligible for benefits as described, on the Eligibility page of this web site, the following is required to obtain coverage through and become a Participant in the Plan:

Complete an enrollment application for all coverages desired; medical, dental, and vision.
Timely submit any required Member co-premium and dependent premium.
Comply with all other regulations and requirements of the Trust Fund, and Plan.

Once a Member qualifies for Eligibility (Initial and Continuing Eligibility), eligible Dependents are also entitled to the benefits provided by the Plan under the self-pay premium option (i.e. timely payment of full dependent premium), as long as the Member remains eligible. Eligible Dependents, if paid for, will be covered under the same Medical program selected by the Eligible Member. Dependents may be enrolled in dental and vision benefits if the eligible Member is enrolled and the premium for such benefits has been paid.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Termination of dependent coverage due to non-payment of premium or withdrawal from coverage for reasons other than a change in eligibility status will result in the dependent having to wait a minimum of 12 months from the date of termination before re-enrolling in benefits. Enrollment may then occur only at the Fund's annual open enrollment period. REMEMBER: Dependents may only enroll if the Member is eligible and enrolled.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT

To enroll in the MHW you must have qualified for benefits, through appropriate and sufficient employer contributions. Enrollment may only occur at the annual Open Enrollment (November 20th through December 20th). If you do not enroll at the open-enrollment period, your eligibility is forfeited.

BENEFIT ENROLLMENT

To receive coverage under the benefit plans you must complete an enrollment application indicating the benefit for which you and you dependents wish to enroll. The Administrator must receive the application and premium payment by the enrollment deadline. You will receive confirmation of your enrollment prior to the start of coverage. Should you enroll and not receive a confirmation, call the Administrative Office IMMEDIATELY.

SPECIAL HIPAA ENROLLMENT

Certain events may qualify you to enroll at a time other than open enrollment. These events are laid out in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) under HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (HIPAA). To preserve your rights under HIPAA special enrollment, you must complete a Waiver of Coverage form at the time of your initial enrollment offering and annually after that. Read more about Waiver of Coverage in the Summary Plan Description (SPD).

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

Eligible members may choose to enroll in Medical* only or Medical, Dental and Vision.
There are two medical plans to choose from and two dental plans. Each plan has different benefits, co-pays and premiums. All of the various options are listed on the Enrollment Application.
There is no chiropractic / acupuncture, dental or vision coverage for Non-California residences. Health Net PPO is the only plan offered to Non-California residences.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment is provided to all eligible members regardless of participation in any of the other benefits. There is no Life and AD&D coverage for dependents.
Dependents may only enroll in the same benefits as the eligible member.

* Chiropractic / Acupuncture is included with the medical coverage