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Archived News & Announcements
A comprehensive list of timely benefit news and resources.
The Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington covers testing for coronavirus without cost-sharing, according to a Summary of Material Modifications just released by the Board of Trustees
State and national health officials strongly recommend we avoid group gatherings, especially with people ages 55 and older.
In observance of Thanksgiving 2019, our office will be closed on Thurs., Nov. 28 and Fri., Nov. 29.
Active and retired participants and dependents are invited to attend regional health fairs to receive valuable preventive health services at no cost.
Read more about the new program!
Effective June 1, 2019, Condition Management programs from Envolve PeopleCare are no longer available to eligible health plan members.
A retirement workshop will be held at Washington State Exterior Interior Systems Local 41 and Washington State Residential Carpenters Local 816 in Renton on Saturday June 22, 2019 at 9:00 am.
A retirement workshop will be held at North Puget Sound Carpenters Local 70 on Saturday May 25, 2019 at 9:00 am.
We all have busy schedules – family, work and otherwise – which means we sometimes can’t even find time to go to the doctor. The Carpenters Health and Security Plan has a little help in that area. The plan provides benefits for telephone or online consultations with a covered provider for treatment of certain medical conditions requiring immediate but non-emergent care — such as cold or flu symptoms, allergies, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, ear infections, and certain skin conditions. These services are covered at 90% for network providers and 80% for nonnetwork providers, and they are also subject to the annual deductible and office visit copayment. To be covered, the medical consultation must be: (1) online or by telephone; (2) a live discussion or video exchange with ongoing participation by the patient and the provider throughout the visit; and (3) diagnostic and treatment focused. Routine calls with your physician’s office are not covered. Many clinics and providers offer telehealth consultation 24/7, 365 days a year.
A retirement workshop will be held at Central Puget Sound Carpenters Local 30 on April 20, 2019.
Watch your mailbox for your Form 1095-B, which lists the number of months you and possible dependents had eligibility under the Carpenters Health and Security Plan in 2018.
In anticipation of significant snowfall Friday afternoon, Carpenters Trusts will suspend operations at 1 p.m. today for the safety of our employees.
A retirement workshop will be held at South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 on January 26, 2019.
A retirement planning workshop will be provided to members age 53 and older through Eastern and Central Washington/Northern Idaho Carpenters Local 59 in Yakima, WA on October 6, 2018.
Active and retired participants can now pre-register for an upcoming health fair in one of five Washington cities.
A health fair is a family-friendly way to get ahead of your health screenings and immunizations this year.
This is the time of year when many Americans are writing checks to the Internal Revenue Service, which levies a tax on many forms of income, including wages and salary. Contributing to a 401(k) lowers the amount you pay in federal income taxes.
Effective 1/1/2018, medical coverage will be terminated at the end of the month following receipt of a spouse's or an adult dependent's notice to opt-out of plan coverage.
The Carpenters Retirement Plan can be a significant source of retirement income for eligible participants. However, don't overlook the great potential of the 401(k) subaccount inside the Carpenters Individual Account Pension Plan. The tax advantages and investment returns can make it a very powerful engine for building retirement wealth.
A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 in Lacey, WA on January 27, 2018.
Participants are being notified by mail this week that it is once again time to verify information about dependents covered by the Carpenters Health and Security Plan.
The Carpenters Trusts office in Seattle will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 14, from 3-5 p.m. for a staff reception. The office also will be closed for the following holiday observances:
The Carpenters Trusts phone system will be undergoing scheduled maintenance after 1 p.m. (Pacific) on Friday, Oct. 20.
This announcement provides information about: the discontinuation of the pension enhancement option; changes to vesting requirements; and surcharges aimed at funding the SIB Stabilization Reserve.
How much money will you need to live comfortably when you retire?
Participants, spouses and dependents can get health screenings and flu shots for no out-of-pocket cost at upcoming health fairs in Tacoma, Spokane, Pasco, Bothell and Kent. Fairs will be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, making it easier to keep up with preventive care without taking time off work for doctor's appointments.
At some network hospitals, emergency room and specialty services (such as radiology and anesthesiology) are being delivered by providers that aren't contracted with Aetna. This practice can have serious financial consequences for patients.
The Carpenters Health and Security Plan now provides benefits for telephone or online consultations with a covered provider.
2017 retirement planning seminars have been set for most unions
A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 in Lacey, WA on January 21, 2017.
Carpenters Trusts staff will open during normal business hours throughout the holiday season, except for the following days when the Trust office will be closed
This week, working participants will be receiving by mail additional details about upcoming changes to the Carpenters Retirement Plan.
They're here. Flu viruses, that is. A flu shot is considered the first and most important step in protecting yourself against this painful and sometimes deadly illness.
The economic events of the past decade have prompted the Carpenters Retirement Plan of Western Washington to create a new formula for calculating pension benefits.
There's an important change coming soon for the Carpenters Retirement Plan. Starting Jan. 1, 2017 there will be new formula for calculating your retirement benefit.
Eligible participants and dependents can receive a no-cost lab test and flu shot at an upcoming health fair.
The Q&As are generally focused around the current state of the CTWW Retirement Plan in 2016, however, it also provides some background information about the events leading us up to this point.
A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 52 and older through Central and Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho Carpenters Local 59 in Wenatchee, WA on July 16, 2016.
Everyday: tips and tools for when life happens.
A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 in Lacey, WA on Saturday January 23, 2016.
Monthly rates for the various benefits packages are reviewed annually to keep up with the cost of medical care and prescription medications.
In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, the Carpenters Health and Security Trust recently mailed summaries of benefits and coverage to all eligible participants and dependents.
After age 85, the average Medicare beneficiary has nearly $8,200 a year in out-of-pocket medical expenses and premiums
The cost of smoking tobacco exceeds the price of cigarettes. Back in 2004, a Duke University study estimated the annual cost to be $15,000. If you do the math, it comes out to a whopping $40 a pack.
Researchers made no distinction between drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit juices were not included in the study but can be as harmful as soda because they lack the fiber necessary to moderate absorption of fructose.
Normal-weight active children did better on tests of mental skills -- such as planning and paying attention -- than their inactive counterparts.
"Inflammation may be the reason why combat injuries increase the risk of chronic disease, the study authors suggested. Post-traumatic stress disorder may also play a role directly through inflammation or indirectly by leading to weight gain or substance abuse.
The medical profession is beginning to re-examine the role of antibiotics for treating other common acute surgical disease processes.
An ongoing debate continues to simmer over a doctor's right to refuse treatment for children whose parents are against vaccination. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both discourage this strategy.
Eight of the 10 most commonly used drugs are for hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and other elements of the "cardiometabolic syndrome."
On average, about 10 medications were given during an operation. The study found that some kind of error was made in about 1 in 20 medications, which equates to every other operation. Medication errors are at least as high at many other hospitals.
Other procedures "appear to be effective in decreasing blood glucose levels among patients with Type 2 diabetes, but investigators are still working out safety kinks for these interventions."
"Antibiotic-resistant bugs have made hospital stays risky, with 75,000 patient deaths a year due to infections acquired in health facilities that doctors were unable to control."
Be extra vigilant and take these precautions when getting cash or making other transactions.
California has the nation's third-lowest obesity rate, but it doesn't shield the state from high healthcare costs.
Three people in the Portland area and 19 people in western Washington have gotten sick with E. coli as of Friday. Seventeen of them had eaten at a Chipotle restaurant during the past few weeks.
This study is the first to show that eating more fruits and vegetables as a young adult can help protect the heart many years later.
Unfortunately, the article doesn't attempt to explain why the "uncontrolled hypertension was surprising" for truckers who "undergo medical certification every two years." Fact is, patients don't always take their meds, and an estimated 125,000 Americans die because it every year, according to the American Heart Association. Never mind the $300 billion for additional doctor visits, ER visits and hospitalizations.
Many experts believe dementia (like diabetes) is caused by excessive sugar consumption. Dementia can be prevented. The "significant health care costs to society and individuals" can be avoided.
While 50 percent of poll respondents said advertisements do a good job conveying what condition specific drugs are meant to treat, 65 percent said they don't make clear how much medication will cost.
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. The next best way is to practice daily good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands.
The transaction could draw significant antitrust scrutiny. Regulators will study specific geographical areas where Walgreens and Rite Aid compete. The combined new business will most likely need to divest itself of overlapping locations.
Instead, if the budget agreement is approved by Congress, the basic Medicare premium would rise in January to $120 a month for about 30 percent of beneficiaries. The annual deductible, now $147, would increase to about $167 for all beneficiaries, rather than the $223 projected under current law.
The relaxed pace of summer is over. The arrival of fall means new school schedules, sports games and practices, club meetings, appointments, activities, etc. If just looking at your to-do list has you tuckered out, take a breath. Along with the change of season, you might need to change your schedule a bit to add more balance. Balance is the key to making your days happier and healthier.
A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through the Washington State Exterior Interior Systems Local 41 on Saturday October 17, 2015.
The Carpenters Health and Security Plan will be serviced by an Aetna preferred provider network for dates of service on and after June 1, 2015.
When choosing a health care provider, your best choice is a provider from the First Choice Health network. Here's why...
A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 54 and older through Central Puget Carpenters Local 30 on Saturday March 28, 2015.
A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Carpenters Local 129 on Saturday January 17, 2015.
The annual election period for 401(k) contributions begins November 1, 2014 and ends December
16, 2014. 401(k) contributions are a great way to enhance your retirement benefits with additional tax-
deferred retirement savings. Here's what to do...
Mayo Clinic's EmbodyHealth website (carpentershealth.org) will be discontinued effective Nov. 1, 2014.
By the end of this year, an estimated 40,000 women in the United States will die from breast cancer. As wives and partners, mothers and daughters, sisters, friends and neighbors, they will be missed by many. If there is any silver lining to this cloudy forecast, it's the fact that breast cancer survival rates are at an all-time high.
Daily news stories constantly remind us of the physical and financial impact of unhealthy habits. Many people are aware of the health risks caused by stress, poor eating, irregular exercise, and excessive weight. Unfortunately, many also feel powerless to make changes.
A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through Carpenters Local 70 on Saturday May 17, 2014.
A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 52 and older through Carpenters Local 30 on Saturday March 29, 2014.
You get what you pay for. We hear that expression over and over again in our daily lives, but is it true?
The March 2014 Healthy Living newsletter from Mayo Clinic (formerly called EmbodyHealth) will be the last printed issue mailed to the homes of active and retired carpenters.
A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 50 and older through Carpenters Local 129 on Saturday January 18, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Spouses are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.
The Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington was officially renovated on Jan. 1, 2014. By "renovated," we mean the health plan was brought up to code so it now complies with two federal laws—the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).
EmbodyHealth contains easy-to-understand articles about things you can do today to improve your health and quality of life. View the latest EmbodyHealth Newsletter from January 2014!
The Carpenters of Western Washington Individual Account Pension Plan will be converted from a money purchase pension plan to a 401(k) profit-sharing plan effective January 1, 2014.
EmbodyHealth contains easy-to-understand articles about things you can do today to improve your health and quality of life. View the latest EmbodyHealth Newsletter from November 2013!
In compliance with two federal laws—the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)—changes will be made to the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington for dates of service on and after January 1, 2014.
The purpose of this letter is to notify you of an important change in the Carpenters of Western
Washington Individual Account Pension Plan (Plan). The Board of Trustees recently amended
the Carpenters Individual Account Pension Plan to convert it from a money purchase pension
plan to a 401(k) profit-sharing plan. This change is effective January 1, 2014.
Can quitters be winners? For tobacco users, the answer is yes.
By the end of this year, an estimated 40,000 women in the United States will die from breast cancer.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) wore many hats, but a hard hat wasn't one of them. Even so, he well understood the vital necessity of planning.
EmbodyHealth contains easy-to-understand articles about things you can do today to improve your health and quality of life. View the latest EmbodyHealth Newsletter from August 2013!
In observance of Men's Health Month and Father's Day (on June 16), this issue offers do-it-yourself tips for becoming "better, stronger, faster" like The Six Million Dollar Man. Read about 5 ways to improve your health, boost productivity, and get more mileage from your union benefits. Learn 10 things you can do to beat the "silent killer" of high blood pressure without medication. With baseball season in full swing, remember that the Quit For Life program can help guys quit smokeless tobacco too. Find out how a coaching program for chronic illness can add years to your life and $200 to your wallet. And since men generally try to avoid going to the doctor, this issue provides information about Mayo Clinic's 24/7 nurse line and online symptom checker, the ideal tool for the do-it-yourself, fixer-upper.
Smoking causes cancer - take steps to stop smoking!
This TV ad, from CDC's "Tips From Former Smokers" campaign, features three people who have stomas as a result of their smoking. They provide tips on how to live with this condition.
Patients rely heavily on their physicians to make health care recommendations in their best interest. But physicians do not always get it right. Patients are decision-makers, too.
If you have not verified your dependents' eligibility, please contact Participant Services at the Trust Office.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter introduces issues including: Compare providers to improve care, Kick Butts Day isn't just for kids, Know your risk for diabetes, Trustworthy health information, Show your kidneys a little more love, Nurse line lets you click when you're sick, and Pharmacy help on Express-Scripts.com
If you need care for a minor illness or injury, where will you go?
Should you create a personal health record? The Institute of Medicine estimates that paperwork and unnecessary administrative costs waste an estimated $190 billion of American's healthcare dollars every year.
Building a healthy future is the project of a lifetime, and you are the superintendent.
Prevention is still the best protection you can get, whether it's buckling your seat belt, wearing a bike helmet, or getting a health screening.
Healthcare has its own quality standards. National Healthcare Quality Week is a perfect time to highlight the quality of wellness and health management programs offered to Carpenters and dependents.
Do you want high-quality healthcare for you and your family? Here's something you can do about it.
If you're serious about earning a $200 gift card, it's time for serious action.
Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Exercise is the answer.
Being aware of health risks is a sensible way to prevent illness and disease. That's why the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment is a cornerstone of our Carpenters Wellness Program.
Final 4 weeks! Biometric forms due Sept. 30, 2012. A biometric screening is not something you should put off doing. It can reveal early warning signs of serious illnesses and health conditions before symptoms develop.
Carpenters and their families want and deserve quality health care. But high cost doesn't always mean high quality.
If you faxed your Biometric Screening Form to Vivacity, you might be wondering why Carpenters Rewards points are not showing up on CarpentersHealth.org.
Did you already fax your biometric screening form? Read on to learn how to obtain confirmation that it was received.
New York Times columnist praises Mayo Clinic for "authoritative and up to date" online content.
Carpenters Rewards is back by popular demand with some major improvements.
Most people understand the rewards of being healthy. But simply taking steps to improve your health can be rewarding, too, when you participate in Carpenters Rewards.
In a health-care setting, quality care means getting the right care, at the right time, for the right reason. All three of these factors come into play when deciding where and when to receive medical care.
The 2012 Summary of Material Modifications to the Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Benefit Package and the Western and Central Washington Benefit Package are now available.
Carpenters know planning is critical to the success of small- and large-scale construction projects. Costs go up and quality declines when materials, machines and a skilled workforce are not effectively coordinated.
Services or supplies from any provider received outside the United States are no longer covered by the Retiree Health Plan. This applies for dates of service on or after January 1, 2012 for retirees and dependents who are on or who are eligible for Medicare.
If you can quit tobacco for a day, you can quit for life. Get ready to quit with millions of others during the American Cancer Society® Great American Smokeout® on Thursday, Nov. 17. By day's end, you'll realize you do have the ability to regain control over your health.
A free smartphone app from Medco can help you keep track of your medications and take them as prescribed. The app is available for iPhone, Android, or Blackberry smartphones.
Mayo Clinic last week launched a heart health awareness campaign featuring a parody of the 1982 hit song "867-5309/Jenny."
Are you overweight or obese? Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes? Are you depressed? Whatever you do, don't stress about it. Stress not only makes these conditions worse; it might well be the root cause.
Carpenters Rewards is the incentive program that awards points for doing activities that promote healthy living. When you achieve 1,000 points you can redeem them for a $100 Hallmark gift card-but not for much longer.
Many costly health conditions can be prevented or identified in their early stages with the aid of health assessments and routine screenings.
There's no shortage of prevention and wellness information on the World Wide Web. But identifying credible sources of well-researched and unbiased information can be very challenging. That's why the Carpenters Health and Security Plan provides unlimited access to the Mayo Clinic's EmbodyHealth website.
When an injury or illness occurs, call Ask Mayo Clinic, your 24-hour nurse line.
Improving and maintaining your health is even more rewarding with a $100 gift card.
Ready to start a fitness program? Measure your fitness level with a simple four-part test. Then use the results to set fitness goals and track your progress.
Difficult to quit? Yes. Impossible to quit? Not quite. More than 1,000 carpenters, spouses and dependents have become tobacco free through Quit For Life. If it worked for them, it just might work for you.
Have you heard about Carpenters Rewards? As part of the Carpenters Wellness Program, it offers a $100 gift card for participating in activities that promote better health and wellbeing. In other words, you get rewarded for doing stuff that's good for you anyway.
Does the name "Nurtur" look or sound familiar? You may have seen it on something received in the mail. You might have heard it mentioned by someone trying to reach you by phone. If you're wondering what Nurtur is all about, read on.
The convenience and features of today's cell phones make it easy for people to make their "mobile" phones their "home" phones. Many people are saving money by disconnecting home telephone service altogether. That makes good sense as long as you remember to update your contact information so the plan can reach you. Just complete a Change of Address form and submit it to the Trust Office. If you've recently moved, that's one more good reason to update your contact information. Contact Participant Services with any questions.
This edition of the Carpenters Care newsletter looks at the Walk to Wellness, steps to better health, exercise tips for busy people, and more. Click here for the complete newsletter.
Arriving today in mailboxes for eligible participants (non-Medicare, 18 and older), this letter provides a quick introduction to Built to Last, the new Carpenters Wellness Program, and Carpenters Rewards, our new approach to our gift card incentive program. These programs are endorsed by the Board of Trustees as ways to help you become more aware of our wellness offering, more involved in using these resources wisely, and more appreciated for taking an active role in improving your health.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is effective January 1, 2011 for the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington. This new law was designed, in part, to increase the number of insured Americans and to keep those insured individuals covered longer. To this end, the Carpenters Health and Security Plan was required to make several eligibility and benefit changes to comply with the new law. These changes are effective on January 1, 2011 as described in the latest Carpenters Care Newsletter. The BenefitTabs, the Employee Health Plan SPD and the Retiree Health Plan SPD have also been updated to reflect these new changes.
A preretirement planning seminar will be held at the Wenatchee local on Saturday September 25 at 9:00 a.m. Members of LUs 2205 (Wenatchee) and 770 (Yakima) who are age 50 and older will be invited but anyone in the area is welcome to attend. Please contact the Retirement Department at the Trust Office if you have questions.
Each year during the month of April, you may submit an application to change your employment classification under the collective bargaining agreement, thereby increasing or decreasing the 401(a) supplemental contribution made to the Carpenters of Western Washington Individual Account Pension Plan on your behalf. If you qualify and would like to change your employment classification, you must complete an application and submit it to the Trust Office in Seattle. Your completed and signed application must be post-marked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or date-stamped by the Trust Office by April 30, 2010 or it will be denied. Please do not submit your application to your employer or local union. Please contact Participant Services at the Trust Office if you have questions about this process. For a copy of the letter mailed to carpenters, see letter. For a copy of the application, see application.
If you're ready to take that next step to improve your health, the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment is a great place to start. This interactive, internet questionnaire helps you assess your health strengths and your health risks, as well as what you can do to improve them. This valuable tool is available on our plan's custom website - www.CarpentersHealth.org - to all non-Medicare participants and dependents age 18 and older who have current eligibility under this plan. Letters were recently mailed to all carpenters and dependents who qualified. Because taking the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment is an important way to help you improve your health, the plan is providing a $75.00 gift incentive when you complete your health assessment. The Mayo Clinic Health Assessment is available beginning April 1, 2010. The last day to take it is May 31, 2010. Please contact Participant Services at the Trust Office if you have questions. La evaluación de lá Clinica de Mayo está disponible en Español.
Effective January 1, 2010, carpenters and families previously covered under the Carpenters-Employers Health and Security Plan of Washington-Idaho are covered under the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington. This is the initial newsletter that was mailed to them. We strongly welcome them to the plan. For more details, please see the latest Carpenters Care newsletter.
A revised Employee Health Plan booklet was completed and printed in December 2009 and mailed to participants and dependents who have eligibility based on employment with a covered employer. The new booklet provides details about dollar bank eligibility, new benefits such as bariatric surgery and the improved physical examination benefit for participants, spouses and domestic partners, and the new retiree health reimbursement accounts. The Employee Health Plan booklet is also for participants who were previously covered under the Carpenters-Employers Health and Security Plan of Washington-Idaho.
Effective October 1, 2009, the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington (the Employee Health Plan) will begin using a "dollar bank" system to determine current and future eligibility for participants in this plan.
This newsletter provides details on upcoming classes that are available.
It's time to take the annual online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment. The Mayo Clinic Health Assessment is an interactive, internet questionnaire that helps you assess your health strengths and your health risks, as well as what you can do to improve them.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter covers Retiree Health Reimbursement Accounts, Benefit Updates, Rule of 80 and Eastern Washington, and more.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter covers Good Health by the Numbers, the Role of Tobacco in Health Matters, Trust Office Closures and more.
This newsletter provides details on upcoming classes that are available.
The Master Agreement was amended to add a fifth employment classification. The new employment classification provides a $4.00 per hour supplemental contribution to the Carpenters Individual Account Pension Plan. If you qualify, you can apply to change to the new employment classification between July 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008. No other classification changes can be accepted at this time, except to Class 0.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter covers Benefit Improvements, Taking the Mayo Health Risk Assessment, New Benefit Statements, the New Pension Estimator, and more.
The trustees are happy to announce the launch of a new interactive pension
estimator. With the new estimator, you will be able to project an estimate of
your pension benefits/balances on any future date to see how much you may receive.
The Board of Trustees of the Carpenters Trusts of Western Washington is committed to helping you
and your family improve your health. This commitment is part of a proactive strategy to improve the
overall health of our plan population which can provide immediate results to you and your family,
but can also improve healthcare costs in the future. To do this effectively, we need to make sure
we continue to offer health resources that match your needs. That is why we are offering the Mayo
Clinic Health Risk Assessment (HRA) again this year.
This newsletter provides details on upcoming classes that are available.
Beginning October 2007, Cardium Health will provide focused counseling and support to carpenters and their spouses who have chronic disease conditions. The new Cardium Health program is part of the trust's initiative to help improve your health and your life.
Effective October 1, 2007, qualified domestic partners of eligible Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington participants may become eligible for health plan benefits, subject to satisfaction of certain enrollment and tax prepayment requirements.
This newsletter provides details on upcoming classes that are available.
This newsletter provides details on upcoming classes that are available.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter introduces issues including: Initial Results from the Ask Mayo Clinic, the Great American Smokeout, Free & Clear Program, and more.
The Board of Trustees made three changes to the Carpenters Retirement Plan of Western Washington including
an important benefit increase and a one-time bonus check for retirees. These three changes are summarized
in this Summary of Material Modifications.
This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important
information about the funding level of the Carpenters Retirement Plan of Western Washington [EIN
91-6029051, Plan number 001] (Plan).
The Board of Trustees of the Carpenters Health and Security Trust of Western Washington is committed to
helping you and your family improve your health. A variety of informational tools have been provided for you
including Ask Mayo Clinic, the 24/7 nurseline, the Mayo Clinic HealthQuest Newsletter, and CarpentersHealth.
org, the interactive website designed speciacally for carpenters and their families.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter introduces issues including: Norman Anderson Transitions As Trust Administrator, an Overview of Wellness and Disease Management Initiatives, and more.
The Carpenters Health and Security Trust, in cooperation with Mayo Clinic, has launched a new website specifically for participants and spouses covered under the Carpenters Health and Security Plan. With so much information on healthcare in magazines, on television, and online, it’s sometimes hard to know where to go or just what to believe.
This newsletter provides details on upcoming classes that are available.
Welcome to the new Carpenters Trusts of Western Washington website.
The new website features many items you may already be familiar with such as plan booklets, the various forms used to administer your fringe benefit plans, and links to related websites such as First Choice Health Network, Medco, and Qualstar Credit Union. We have also added summaries for each of the plans in the form of “BenefitTabs” (please see left column). Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new website. We hope that it is helpful to you. We also welcome any questions or concerns you may have about the website or your benefits, in general.
Each year in April, the Carpenters of Western Washington Individual Account Pension Plan provides
you with the opportunity to increase or decrease the 401(a) supplemental contribution to the plan.
This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter introduces the Carpenters Health and Security Plan's new Wellness Program - an important healthcare intiative designed to provide useful resources to improve the health and lives of carpenters and their families.
National Student Clearinghouse
is a way to streamline
verification of student
eligibility status for dependent
children ages 19 through 23.
If you are called to active
military duty and are covered
under the Carpenters Health
and Security Plan when called
up, the Uniform Services
Employment and Reemployment
Rights Act of 1994 or
USERRA requires that you also
be covered under the plan
when you return to covered
employment, within specific
guidelines.
New guidelines established by
the Privacy Practices of the
Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) require that you (the
participant) notify the Trust
Office, in writing, of the
following changes.
You must keep an up-to-date
Enrollment Card
on file at the Trust
Office at all times.
Please contact the Trust
Office any time you move.
Your current address is
required for us to process
medical and dental claims,
print Quarterly Benefit
Statements and provide other
materials and information
necessary to administer your
fringe benefits.
The Board of Trustees
contracted with HealthCare
Insight to audit outpatient
claims processed by the
Carpenters Health and Security
Plan.
Effective January 1, 1998, the
Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) changed the way
a health and security plan can
administer preexisting
condition limitations.
The annual cost evaluation and“service-based” subsidy should
help align retiree claim costs
with contributions received. In
addition, July negotiations
added $.15 per hour effective
June 1, 2003 and another $.15
per hour effective June 1, 2004
to retiree medical coverage for
the 2003-2005 bargaining
period.
To help preserve retiree
coverage as a benefit, the
Board of Trustees elected to
change the way retiree medical
coverage is subsidized.
As you may know from
previous issues of Carpenters Care, the Carpenters Health
and Security Plan – For Retired
Carpenters continues to pay
out more in benefits each
month than it receives in
monthly contributions.
The Board of Trustees has been
researching ways to keep
retiree health coverage
available to early retirees and to
those of you covered by
Medicare.
The last issue of
Carpenters Care
discussed the inflationary
factors that continue to drive
medical costs upward. These
factors affect both working and
retired carpenters and their
families.