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When Retiree Coverage Ends, Via Benefits Will Be Your Guide

The Board of Trustees has reviewed the cost effectiveness of providing retiree coverage and determined that in most cases, retirees can obtain better benefits at a lower cost by purchasing coverage from the health insurance marketplace, also known as the exchange. The Northwest Carpenters Health and Security Plan will therefore discontinue Retiree Coverage on or before December 31, 2024. This applies to medical coverage, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, and dental and vision (if selected).

If you are a Medicare-eligible participant or dependent — Retiree Coverage will end August 31, 2024. Action is required before August 31, 2024, if you wish to purchase supplemental coverage.

If you are a Pre-Medicare participant or dependent — Retiree Coverage will end December 31, 2024. To avoid a gap in coverage, action will need to be taken before December 31, 2024.

Coinciding with discontinuation of Retiree Coverage, there will be changes to the subsidies and Retiree Health Reimbursement Account (RHRA) program currently available to retirees. Click here for information about the premium reimbursement program that will take effect January 1, 2025.

How to Find Replacement Coverage

The Trustees have engaged Via Benefits Insurance Services to help retirees obtain affordable replacement coverage. Via Benefits is not an insurance carrier. They are licensed benefit advisors with expertise in Medicare and individual/family plans. They can present an array of coverage options from national and regional companies. Their online tools and resources make it easy to compare plans and enroll. You can work with a Via Benefits advisor by phone if you prefer. Their personal assistance and services are available free of charge.

Via Benefits will be contacting retired participants and dependents beginning in July. Retirees are not obligated to work with Via Benefits but letting them navigate can save time and money.

Understanding your health plan options is important. Visit the Medicare website, https://www.medicare.gov/, to review the coverage options available in your area.

Getting Started

To simplify the transition to marketplace health insurance, visit one of the Via Benefits websites below, create an account, and set up your profile.