illinois aborer - central laborers

ABORERI L L I N O I SL

A Publication of theCentral Laborers’ Pension, Welfare & Annuity Funds

A Publication of theCentral Laborers’ Pension, Welfare & Annuity Funds

Spring/Summer 2019


Notice of Welfare Plan Summary of Material ModificationSee Pages 11 – 14

ILLabSpring2019.indd 1 7/29/19 9:12 AM

2 Illinois Laborer Spring/Summer 2019

This newsletter contains information regarding the Central Laborers’ Pension, Welfare and Annuity Funds. The actual Funds’ provisions may be found in the Funds’ Plan documents which include the actual Plans

and Trust Agreements. In the event of a conflict between the wording in this newsletter and the Plan docu-ments that govern the Plans, the Plan documents shall govern. Please keep this newsletter with your

Summary Plan Description (SPD) booklets and other benefit materials for future reference. The Trustees reserve the right to amend, modify, or terminate the Plans at any time.

Send address changes and newsletter questions, comments and ideas to:Central Laborers’ Pension, Welfare and Annuity Funds

P.O. Box 1267Jacksonville, IL 62651-1267

or call: 800-252-6571www.central-laborers.com

Contents

Illinois Laborer is published by the Central Laborers’ Pension, Welfare and Annuity Funds.

Trustees of the three funds are, listed alphabetically:

Daniel Aussem

Holly Bailey

Jim Bruner

Travis Craig

Russell Davenport

Kenton Day

Ed Doyle

Bob Dunn

Roger Huebner

Ken Kilian

Greg Kipping

Joe Lamb

Bob McDonald

Doug Megginson

Steve Morthole

Anthony Penn

John Penn

Glyn Ramage

Allan Reyhan, Jr.

Joe Riley

Brad Schaive

Joshua Schaufelberger

Matt Smith

Greg Stimac

Clint B. Taylor

Dan Koeppel Executive Director

Page 3 Viewpoint

Page 4 Your Money

Page 5 Annuity Fund Hardship Distribution

Page 6 Heat Health

Page 7 Pension Fund Annual Tax Notice

Pages 8-10 Work Zone Awareness Week

Pages 11-14 Welfare Fund Material Modifications

Pages 15-16 Disqualifying Employment Notice

Page 17 Meet Your Trustee

Page 18 Member Advocate Program

Page 19 Sun Sense

Back Cover Ladder Safety

On The Front Cover: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signs a capital bill package into law. See page 3 for more details.



Illinois Laborer Spring/Summer 2019 3

John F. Penn, ChairmanCentral Laborers’ Pension & Annuity Funds

After four years of fighting and stagnation, Democrats and Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly recently came together to pass a 45 billion dollar capital bill package that will provide many hours of work for Laborers. The strength, stability, and predict-ability of this capital bill will be good for the financial health of the Central Laborers’ Pension, Annuity and Welfare Funds for several years to come.

Our infrastructure in Illinois has been in dire condition for years, with many roads and bridges being cat-egorized as deficient, but the legislature and Governor approved a number of transportation funding reforms that will strengthen the Road Fund for the foreseeable future. Transportation infrastructure is funded directly by sources such as the gas tax and vehicle registration fees. The legislature agreed on a $0.19 cent per gallon increase in the gas tax which, crucially, includes an automatic annual adjustment to keep up with inflation. That automatic adjustment means that the gas tax rate won’t fall behind inflation and leave us in the same situation again 30 years from now. It is predicted that the gas tax increase, plus an increase in the diesel tax will generate an additional 1.3 billion dollars annually.

The legislature also approved raising the annual registration fees for traditional vehicles to $152.00, an increase of $50.00. Also approved was a vehicle registration fee of $252.00 for electric vehicles, up from $17.50, which reflects the fact that electric vehicles do not use as much gas as a traditional car and wouldn’t be paying as much in gas taxes. The new registration fee levels, along with a phased-in transfer of sales tax revenue on gas to the Road Fund, should produce about 923 million dollars for transportation infrastructure improvements annually.

The capital funding package also included money for building construction, which will be funded partially by an expansion of gambling. The legislature approved six new casino locations, including ones in Danville, Rockford and Williamson County and allowed table gaming to be offered at racetracks such as Fairmount Park in Collinsville where dozens of Laborers work.

There is a lot of building work ahead for Laborers – considering a 77 million dollar new computer science building up at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and an 83 million dollar new Communications build-ing down at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, there will be investment all across our State. We cannot predict exactly what the impact of the capital bill package will be, but with more members going to work and more employers making more hourly contributions, this is very good news for the Funds.

This legislative session has certainly been a breath of fresh air for the thousands of hardworking Laborers who are ready to go to work and rebuild Illinois. Remember that we can’t take victories like this for granted and must continue to speak out, fight back, and stand up for what we believe in.

As always, thank you for your years of service. Sincerely,

VIEWPOINT



Semiannual Valuation of Participants’ Annuity AccountsEvery six months, the Central Laborers’ Annuity Fund calculates investment yield and determines the admin-istrative expenses for the semiannual valuation period. The Fund’s valuation period dates are March 31 and September 30 of each year.

• After the investment yield is determined, interest is calculated on a uniform basis and applied to each eligible participant’s ending account balance from the previous valuation period (Example: the March 31, 2019 interest earnings were based on the participant’s ending account balance as of the September 30, 2018 valuation).

• Administrative expenses are determined for the six-month valuation period, and each eligible participant’s account is assessed the same amount of expense. Over the past ten years, the average annual administrative expense has been $25.00 per participant.

• Any employer contributions received on a participant’s behalf during the six-month period are added to his/her account after the interest is added and the administrative expense applied.

With respect to the Annuity Fund’s valuation for March 31, 2019, the interest and expense allocations on 17,122 participant account balances as of September 30, 2018, are as follows: Interest 1.0525% on adjusted beginning balance. Expense $18.43 per account.

If a Participant should withdraw his/her account between March 31 and September 30 valuation periods, interest and administrative expense will not be applied to the account upon distribution. As an example, if a participant withdraws his/her entire account balance March 1, the Fund does not pay interest or assess an administrative charge for the five months October through February.

Should you have any questions regarding your Annuity Fund account, please call the Fund office at 800-252-6571, extension 3.

Your Money



Effects of a Hardship Distribution

Before you submit an application for a hardship distribution from your annuity account, the Board of Trustees urges you to consider the financial impact of your decision. The Board of Trustees is aware that a hardship distribution may be necessary to relieve the financial hardship that you are experiencing. However, please also understand that receiving a hardship distribution has long-lasting financial implications. First, you must pay income tax on your hardship distribution. In addition to paying income tax, you are also assessed a 10% tax penalty if you are under the age of 59½. The income tax liability and the 10% penalty can be significant.

Please review the examples provided in the “Tax Implications of a Hardship Distribution” chart below. While you can “gross up” your hardship distribution so that taxes are included in the distribution amount, this further depletes your Individual Account balance and compounds the impact of the loss of additional investment earnings.

Second, taking a hardship distribution also affects the future growth of your retirement assets. As the “Loss of Investment Earnings” chart illustrates, the amount in your Individual Account has the potential to significantly grow during your career. With compounding interest, your Individual Account balance has the potential to multiply several times over. When you take a hardship distribution, you are missing out on future earnings and compounding interest. As a consequence, your retirement date and/or retirement plans may be impacted.

For these reasons, the Board of Trustees strongly suggests that you carefully consider these consequences before you request a hardship distribution. Since you will pay additional income taxes and penalties and because you are limiting the potential for the growth of your retirement funds, a hardship distribution should be a funding source of last resort.

AMOUNT NEEDED TO RELIEVE HARDSHIP

20% FEDERAL TAX (if “Gross Up” taxes)

*ADDITIONAL 10%TAX PENALTY(if “Gross Up” taxes)

TOTAL TAXES DEDUCTED FROM

ACCOUNT

AMOUNT DEDUCTED FROM YOUR ACCOUNT

(if “Gross Up” taxes)

$5,000 $1,250 $892.86 $2,142.86 $7,142.86 $10,000 $2,500 $1,785.71 $4,285.71 $14,285.71 $25,000 $6,250 $4,464.29 $10,714.29 $35,714.29 $40,000 $10,000 $7,142.86 $17,142.86 $57,142.86

*Additional 10% federal income tax penalty (if you are under age 59½ at the time of payment) will be enforced when filing your income tax return. If youhave further questions regarding the 10% tax penalty, please consult with your financial advisor.

**Account Balance Balance 10 Years Later at 5% Per Year***

Balance 20 Years Later at 5% Per Year***

Balance 30 Years Later at 5% Per Year***

$25,000 $40,722 $66,332 $108,049

$50,000 $81,445 $132,665 $216,097

$75,000 $122,167 $198,997 $324,146 $100,000 $162,889 $265,330 $432,194

**For purposes of this chart, it has been assumed that no additional contributions are being made. *** This chart assumes that you would earn 5% interest per year. While the Fund believes this is a reasonable projection of anticipated investment earnings based on past performance. However, past performance may not be indicative of future performance.

REMINDER: Each Annuity Plan has different rates of return, administrative costs, eligibility requirements, etc. Please refer to your Annuity Summary Plan Description. The tax issues referenced above are the same for all defined contribution plans.

TAX IMPLICATIONS OF A HARDSHIP DISTRIBUTION

LOSS OF INVESTMENT EARNINGS



Protecting Workers from Dangerous HeatWorkdays spent outdoors in the heat and humidity is a fact of life for many construction laborers. But in some circumstances, these conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat stress and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Hot, muggy weather can also aggravate other pre-existing medical conditions like heart or lung diseases, which can also result in death.

What Does Heat Do?If the body cannot get rid of excess heat, core temperature rises and heart rate in-creases. As body temperature continues to rise, the person begins to lose concentra-tion and has difficulty focusing. They may also become irritable or sick and lose the desire to drink. If the person does not cool down, the next stage is most often fainting, followed by heat stroke, which can be deadly.

Symptoms of heat stress:• Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting• Clammy skin• Irritability or confusion• Upset stomach, vomiting

Symptoms of heat stroke:• Dry, hot skin with no sweating• Confusion, loss of consciousness• Seizures or convulsions

It’s important to recognize symptoms of heat stroke early and act quickly:• Call 911• Move worker to shade • Wipe skin with cool water• Loosen clothing• Fan with cardboard or other material

Ways to Protect Yourself:• Drink a lot of cool water all day – even if you don’t feel thirsty.• Wear light-colored clothing.• If able, take rest breaks early and often in a shaded area during high heat conditions.• Your body needs time to get used to the heat. This is known as acclimatization.

The Laborers’ Heat Stress Prevention Toolbox Talk summarizes basic safety procedures and safeguards to prevent heat stress. Contact the LIUNA Midwest Region Health & Safety Fund at 800-218-2253 to order the toolbox talk and other publications specific to heat safety.



Pension NewsAnnual Notice to Pension Fund Benefit Recipients Regarding Federal Income Tax WithholdingFederal law requires the Central Laborers’ Pension Fund to provide an annual notice to partici-pants regarding income tax withholding from monthly pension or disability benefit payments. The notice is normally included with benefit recipients’ annual tax forms that are mailed during Janu-ary. However, the calendar year 2019 tax withholding information was not available at the time of the Fund’s tax form mailing.

If you have not informed the Pension Fund, in writing, that you do not want taxes withheld, the Central Laborers’ Pension Fund must withhold federal income tax from monthly benefit payments of $2,033.00 or more during calendar year 2019, as if you were married and claiming three (3) withholding allowances. This is the “default” withholding rule.

Federal tax withholding laws were set up to protect benefit recipients from penalties and un-expected, sometimes high, tax bills. Taxes are based on the amount of taxable income, which includes the amount received in pension or disability benefits and may include all or part of the amount received as Social Security benefits. Whether you have to pay federal income tax depends on the total amount of your taxable income. If no tax or not enough tax is withheld from your benefits, you may have to pay estimated taxes during the year, or a tax penalty at the end of the year. This is an important individual financial decision on which you should consult with your qualified tax advisor.

When you began receiving a monthly benefit payment from the Pension Fund, you likely com-pleted an IRS Form W-4P which specifies the amount of federal income tax to be withheld from your monthly benefit payment. If you wish to change your withholding elections (including your marital status, allowances, amount of withholding, etc.) you must complete a new Form W-4P and submit it to the Pension Fund. You may complete a new Form W-4P at any time; however, it will apply only on a prospective basis. If you do not complete and submit a Form W-4P to the Fund, then federal tax will be withheld under the “default” withholding rule described above.

Thank you for your cooperation with the Fund’s effort to satisfy the requirements of the tax laws. Should you have any questions or wish to request a new Form W-4P, please call the Pension De-partment at 800-252-6571, extension 2. The Form W-4P is also available online at Central Labor-ers’ web site, www.central-laborers.com, and Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov.


PENSION NEWS ~ Learn Some TermsIf you are a participant of Central Laborers’ Pension Fund, by now you have received your pension statement. Especially if you haven’t been a participant long, the statement may be hard to understand. Here are some terms that may help you read your pension statement:Normal Retirement age = This is age 65. Vested = You are considered vested in your pension benefit once you have earned five (5) years of vesting service.Estimated VESTED Monthly Pension = The estimated pension benefit amount that would be payable to you at Normal Retirement Age as long as you earned the five (5) years of vesting service.Not Vested = You are not vested in your pension benefit until you have earned the five (5) years of vesting ser-vice. You can work sufficient hours to be a participant of the Pension Fund, but you will only receive your Future Service Benefit if you earn five (5) years of vesting service.

Future Service Benefit = The benefit amount you have accumulated so far that would be payable at Normal Retirement Age once you become a vested participant.Total Years of Vest-ing Service = A period of Covered Employment and continuous employment considered for determining a participant’s eligibility for Plan benefits.

The front of the state-ment, top left column, includes some of the above terminology and will help

you understand your current sta-tus with the Fund. The columns to the right list the year(s) you worked in Covered Employ-ment, the amount of hours you worked, the pension credits you earned each year, and the benefit dollars you built up each year. If you see a “V” under the Code column at the far right, this is indication you are already vested to receive a pension benefit.Contributions reported on your behalf are listed on back if you had any contributions in the prior Plan Year from any Con-tributing Employer(s). Your Employer(s) is required to make


“Drive Like You Work Here”

Work Zone Awareness Featured in Illinois

National Work Zone Awareness Week officially kicked off April 8th with a press conference hosted by the Missouri Depart-ment of Transporta-tion (MODOT) held in a work zone at the intersection of I-270 and I-44 in southwest St. Louis. As trucks and cars of all sizes sped by in the back-ground, representa-tives of MODOT, the Illinois Depart-

ment of Transportation (IDOT), MO and IL State Police, AGC and LIUNA spoke to the urgency of recognizing work zones and the perils that ex-ist for both workers and drivers.

Representing LIUNA was Tessa Beard, daugh-ter of Dennis Beard, a member of LIUNA Local 100, who was killed in 2012 in a work zone

Tessa Beard speaks at the press conference in Saint Louis, MO

Tabatha Stambaugh speaks at the press conference in Springfield, IL



The Illinois Laborers’ & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund in Mt. Sterling, IL show their support for Work Zone Awareness. GO Orange!

accident. “When I say that that was the worst day of my life, that is an understatement,” said Tessa. “My family and I have suffered from this tragic loss every day since. I feel that mine and my siblings’ childhood was robbed from us with growing up without a dad and just grieving his loss, all for something that could be 100 percent preventable,” she said.

A press conference hosted by the IDOT at their headquarters in Springfield, IL opened day two of WZAW. Guest speakers included IDOT Acting Secretary Omer Osman, Bill Frey, Associated General Contractors of Illinois, Tabatha Stambaugh, Training Instructor - Laborers Local #477, and Illinois State Police Acting Director Brendan Kelly.

Speaking on behalf of LIUNA, Tabatha Stambaugh reminded the public that “each year, more than 5,300 motor vehicle crashes on average occur in Illinois work zones, resulting in more than 1,500 injuries.” “In 2018,” Stambaugh continued, “18 people died in work zones in Illinois, including one worker – the lowest total since at least 2001, but still far too many.”

Day 3 of Work Zone Awareness Week was “GO Orange” day. Union members and construction



.

professionals across the State wore orange to show their support for work zone awareness. Participants were encouraged to take pictures and share the im-ages on social media.

In addition to the press conferences and the “GO Orange” campaign, LIUNA Midwest Region launched an agressive on-line ad campaign de-signed to reinforce the messages of the press con-ferences and the GO Orange campaign.

These ads and memes appeared on Facebook, Ins-tagram and Twitter for the entire week in April and reached thousands of people in the general public.

If you are not already following the Midwest Re-gion Laborers on social media, please find them by searching “midwestlaborers” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is held each year at the beginning of the road construction season to spread awareness of the importance of work zone safety.

The 2020 event will occur April 20th – 24th.



Effective November 2, 2018, the Trustees of the Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund adopted the following changes to the Fund’s Plan provisions and definitions: The section of the Summary Plan Description entitled “Adding a Child by Birth or Adoption” was amended to read as follows: Adding a Dependent Child or Adult Dependent by Birth, Adoption or Open Enrollment Generally, the Plan covers natural born children, adopted children (including placement for adoption), stepchildren and children for whom you are the legal guardian subject to the following requirements:

• For initial enrollment of natural born, adopted children (including placement for adoption), stepchildren and children for whom you are the legal guardian, you must notify the Fund Office and provide the required documentation within 31 days of the qualifying event (i.e., adoption, placement for adoption, legal guardianship or marriage for addition of stepchildren) for coverage to begin as of the date of the qualifying event.

• For initial enrollment of natural born children, being added due to birth, you must notify the Fund Office and provide the required documentation within 90 days of the qualifying event (i.e., the birth) for coverage to begin as of the date of birth. If you notify the Fund Office or delay providing required documentation for a period greater than 31 days (90 days in the case of a birth), coverage will begin on the first day of

the month following the month in which the Fund Office receives notification and all required documentation.

If you adopt a child or have a child placed with you for legal guardianship or adoption, coverage will become effective on the date of placement as long as you are responsible for health care coverage. Stepchildren are eligible for coverage on the date of your marriage, provided your spouse is required to maintain medical and/or dental coverage. All children need to meet the Plan’s definition of a Dependent described in the definitions section of this Summary Plan Description. You may add a Dependent without a qualifying event during the Plan’s annual Open Enrollment process. If adding your Dependent during Open Enrollment and that enrollment is not due to a qualifying event, your Dependent’s eligibility will be effective, the first day of the plan year for which you are enrolling, the first day of the participant’s eligibility, if after the start of a plan year, or the first day of the month following receipt of the Open Enrollment form and all required documents if they are submitted after the Open Enrollment deadline date, whichever is later. Please remember that your Dependent(s)’ eligibility may be subject to verification and may require additional documentation such as a birth certificate(s), divorce decree(s), marriage license, death certificate(s) or other information necessary to confirm a Dependent’s relationship and eligibility for benefits. Some of the documentation can be completed by you or your Dependent. However, some forms must be completed by a Dependent’s insurance carrier or Dependent’s employer, if applicable. If the required documentation is not received on a timely basis, then your Dependent’s eligibility may be delayed as provided above.

SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS

CENTRAL LABORERS’ WELFARE FUND



The section of the Summary Plan Description entitled “Child Losing Eligibility” was amended to read as follows:

Dependent Child or Adult Dependent Losing Eligibility In general, your dependent child or adult dependent is no longer eligible for coverage when he or she no longer meets the definition of Dependent as described in this Summary Plan Description. You should notify the Fund Office immediately when your dependent child or adult dependent is no longer eligible for coverage. See the definition of Dependent in the Definitions section of the Summary Plan Description. Your Dependent may consider applying for COBRA Continuation Coverage as he or she nears the age of 26 or otherwise loses eligibility as a result of no longer being a Dependent under the Plan. Generally, your Dependent may elect COBRA Continuation Coverage for up to 36 months when his or her Plan coverage ends provided you notify the Fund Office within 60 days of your Dependent losing eligibility for Plan coverage.

The definition of “Dependent” in the Definitions section of the Summary Plan Description is hereby amended to read as follows:

Dependent means:

o Your lawful spouse; and

o Your child (including a natural child, legally adopted child, child formally placed for adoption, stepchild, and a child under legal guardianship) prior to the last day of the month of the child’s 26th birthday.

o An unmarried child who is over age 26 who: • continues to be incapable of self-sustaining

employment by reason of any handicap condition;

• otherwise meets the criteria previously described;

• is chiefly dependent upon you for lifetime care and supervision; and

• who was considered to be handicapped upon reaching age 26. Upon request of the Plan, proof of such incapacity and dependency is to be furnished

from time to time, but in no event more frequently than once a year. The child must maintain a principal residence with you for more than one-half of the calendar year and must be dependent on you for more than one-half of his or her support for the calendar year.

• An unmarried disabled child who has reached age 26, is covered as a Dependent if the child does not live with you, provided that:

• The child’s parents: § Are divorced or legally separated

under a decree or separate maintenance;

§ Live apart at all times during the last six (6) months of the calendar year;

§ Provide over one-half of the child’s support for the calendar year;

• The child is in the custody of one or both of his or her parents for more than one-half of the calendar year; and

• The child is the qualifying child or qualifying relative, as defined in the Tax code, of one of the parents.

o Your child who is under age 26 and is named as an alternate recipient in a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO) approved by the Board of Trustees or a National Medical Support Notice issued by an authoritative agency within the state where the child, custodial parent or Participant resides.

o Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, you or your Dependent has the affirmative duty to inform the Plan if and when an individual cease to be a Dependent within sixty (60) days of such event.

Effective May 21, 2019, the Trustees of the Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund adopted the following changes to the Fund’s Plan provisions and definitions: The section of the Summary Plan Description Definition, specifically the definition titled “Experimental or investigative…”, page 84, is amended and the new definition is added and will read as follows:


Illinois Laborer Spring/Summer 2019

Experimental and/or Investigational and/or Unproven means:

Any charge, expenses, service, supply or device that is deemed to be Experimental and/or Investigational and/or Unproven. The Plan Administrator or its designee has the discretion and authority to determine if a service or supply is or should be classified as Experimental and/or Investigational or Unproven. The fact that an Experimental or Investigational or Unproven charge, expense, service, supply, or device regimen is the only available treatment for a particular condition will not result in benefits if the procedure is considered to be Experimental or Investigational or Unproven in the treatment of that particular condition. A charge, expense, service, supply or device will be deemed to be Experimental and/or Investigational or Unproven if, in the opinion of the Plan Administrator or its designee, based on the information and resources available at the time the charge, expense, service, supply or device was performed or provided or at the time the charge, expenses, service, supply or device was considered for Precertification, any of the following conditions were present with respect to one or more essential provisions of the charge, expense, service, supply or device: 1. The charge, expense, service, supply or device

is described as an alternative to more conventional therapies in the protocols or consent document of the Physician, Hospital or health care provider that performs the service or prescribes the charge, expense, service, supply or device;

2. The prescribed charge, expense, service, supply or device may be given only with the approval of an Institutional Review Board as defined by federal law;

3. In the opinion of the Plan Administrator or its designee, there is either an absence of authoritative medical, dental or scientific literature on the subject, or a preponderance of such literature published in the United States,

and written by experts in the field, that shows that recognized medical, dental or scientific experts classify the charge, expense, service, supply or device as experimental and/or investigational or unproven or indicate that more research is required before the charge, expense, service, supply or device could be classified as equally or more effective than conventional therapies;

4. With respect to any charge, expense, service, supply or device regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FDA approval is required in order for the charge, expense, service, supply or device to be lawfully marketed and it has not been granted at the time the charge, expense, service, supply or device is prescribed or provided or a current investigational new drug or new device application has been submitted and filed with the FDA.

In determining if a charge, expense, service, supply or device is or should be classified as Experimental and/or Investigational or Unproven, the Plan Administrator or its designee will rely only on the following specific information and resources that are available at the time the charge, expense, service, supply or device was performed, provided or considered:

1. Medical or dental records of the covered person; 2. The consent document signed, or required to be

signed, in order to receive the prescribed charge, expense, service, supply or device;

3. Protocols of the Physician, Hospital or health care provider that renders, or if applicable, prescribes the charge, expense, service, supply or device;

4. Authoritative peer reviewed medical or scientific writings that are published in the United States regarding the prescribed charge, expense, service, supply or device for the treatment of the covered person’s diagnosis, including, but not limited to “United States


13


Pharmacopeia Dispensing Information”; and “American Hospital Formulary Service”;

5. The published opinions of: the American Medical Association (AMA), or specialty organizations recognized by the AMA; or the National Institutes of Health (NIH); or the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC); or the Office of Technology Assessment; clinical policy bulletins of major insurance companies in the U.S. such as Aetna, Anthem, CIGNA, or Unitedhealthcare (UHC), Tufts or MCG Care Guidelines, formerly Milliman Care Guidelines, or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines or, the clinical decision support resource titled “UpToDate,” McKesson Interqual criteria or Trilogy Claims Administrative Handbook, or the American Dental Association (ADA) with respect to a dental charge, expense, service, supply or device.

6. Federal laws or final regulations that are issued by or applied to the FDA or Department of Health and Human Services regarding the prescribed charge, expense, service, supply or device.

7. The latest edition of “The Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual” or Medicare “Local Coverage Determinations” (LCDs).

The section of the Summary Plan Description titled Medical Benefit Exclusions, specifically the exclusion No. 41, page 43, is amended and will read as follows:

41. Any charge, expense, service, supply or

device that is deemed to be Experimental

and/or Investigational and/or Unproven as

defined on Page 84.

The section of the Summary Plan Description titled Dental Exclusions, specifically the exclusion No. 12, page 53, is amended and will read as follows:

12. Any charge, expense, service, supply or

device that is deemed to be Experimental

and/or Investigational and/or Unproven as

defined on Page 84.

The section of the Summary Plan Description titled Prescription Drug Exclusions, specifically the exclusion No. 6, page 46, is amended and will read as follows:

6. Any charge, expense, service, supply,

drug or device that is deemed to be

Experimental and/or Investigational and/or

Unproven as defined on Page 84.

The Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund’s online Summary Plan Description has been updated with the amended language above. You may request a hard copy of the Summary Plan Description by contacting the Fund Office at 1-800-252-6571.


Illinois Laborer Spring/Summer 2019


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Meet Matt SmithHow did you become a Trustee on the Central Laborers’ Pension/Annuity Board? I have been on the Board for one year. I serve as President of Laborers’ Local 773 and am a Laborers’ International Representative assigned to cover the jurisdiction of many of the locals that are participants in the Central Laborers’ Pension and Annuity Funds.

What are your duties as LiUNA Midwest Region International Representative? I am a Field Representative of the International Union assigned to the Midwest Re-gion. My activities include making sure that contractors adhere to International agree-ments, coordinating pre-job meetings for International Agreements, and assisting Lo-cal Unions in any other matters that they may have, such as grievances.

How did you become a Laborer? I am a third generation Laborer. I joined in 2000 and began working in the field. I worked my first job in the Alexander County Housing Authority. I also worked several summers while in school on the road crew, running jackhammers, pouring concrete, and performing any other duties the contractor as-signed to me. I worked on patching crews and bridge crews on I-57. I will never forget the summer after high school, working on the paving crew as we replaced the roads in my hometown of Jonesboro. This union means everything to my family and me. I brought my son Trevor to his first union meeting when he was just 2 weeks old.

What do you see as your responsibilities as a Trustee?My belief system in helping our members is something that was instilled in me at a very young age. The values of our Laborers’ International Union, such as the importance of a safe work environment and making sure members have good pensions so they are able to retire with dignity, influence my decisions so that as a Trustee, I strive to be the best steward of our members’ money that I can be. My grandfather, Connell Smith, founding member and former Business Manager of Local 773, had a motto: “Who can I help today?” That motto is what drives my decisions.

What is the benefit of labor and management working together on the Pension/Annuity Fund Board of Trustees?Anytime that the locals and contractors work together to build stronger relationships, it serves to benefit the members. Those joint partnerships, such as LECET, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Programs, or this Pension Fund, bring all eyes and ears to the table to make sure everyone is truly looking out for the best interests of the members.

What is your goal for the Central Laborers’ Pension Fund? I would love to see the Fund back in the Green Zone and to continue to meet those benchmarks we’ve set for the Fund ahead of schedule.

Have you learned anything interesting? Being the newest and one of the youngest Trustees of the Fund, I look to the leadership and wisdom of those who have been there for years before me, and I hope to continue their legacy. I want the participants to know it is an honor to be able to sit on the Fund as a Trustee on their behalf and that I will do whatever I can to protect their future.

Trustees



Trying to understand health care benefits can be intimidating. The terms and acronyms are confusing enough, but then you are expected to determine if a bill has been paid, decipher a form that is totally foreign and, to add insult to injury, you may be required to know what happens when you have two insurance carriers paying on medical bills. What do you owe? Who do you owe? Has everyone paid their share? At the Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund, we want to make understanding your health care benefits easier for Fund Participants and their family. As a result, you can now access a dedicated member line and talk with a Member Advocate who is dedicated to helping you get answers to some of the tough questions. The Member Advocates are trained in claim processing and, therefore, have the experience and expertise to translate the medical bill payment process into understandable terms and, when a provider billing situation seems impossible, they can usually find a way to bring all parties together in order to reach the best possible solution. The next time you have difficulty interpreting a medical bill, have a problem understanding an explanation of benefits, struggle to get documents needed to get a claim paid or you just want information regarding your benefits, pick up the phone and call:

A Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund Member Advocate will be happy to help you better understand and manage your healthcare experiences, starting by assisting

you in understanding and managing your health care benefits. Call today!

Explanation of Benefits This is NOT a Bill

CO-INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE CO-PAY



Trying to understand health care benefits can be intimidating. The terms and acronyms are confusing enough, but then you are expected to determine if a bill has been paid, decipher a form that is totally foreign and, to add insult to injury, you may be required to know what happens when you have two insurance carriers paying on medical bills. What do you owe? Who do you owe? Has everyone paid their share? At the Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund, we want to make understanding your health care benefits easier for Fund Participants and their family. As a result, you can now access a dedicated member line and talk with a Member Advocate who is dedicated to helping you get answers to some of the tough questions. The Member Advocates are trained in claim processing and, therefore, have the experience and expertise to translate the medical bill payment process into understandable terms and, when a provider billing situation seems impossible, they can usually find a way to bring all parties together in order to reach the best possible solution. The next time you have difficulty interpreting a medical bill, have a problem understanding an explanation of benefits, struggle to get documents needed to get a claim paid or you just want information regarding your benefits, pick up the phone and call:

A Central Laborers’ Welfare Fund Member Advocate will be happy to help you better understand and manage your healthcare experiences, starting by assisting

you in understanding and managing your health care benefits. Call today!

Explanation of Benefits This is NOT a Bill

CO-INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE CO-PAY

Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund 2019 Sun Sense Campaign

Spending much of their time outdoors puts Laborers at risk for overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, which are proven to cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen along with sunglasses, hats and other protective clothing can help prevent overexposure, but the key is making these practices daily habits that all workers practice year-round.

The Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund raises awareness about the dangers of skin cancer, heat stress and other outdoor hazards through its Sun Sense Plus campaign. Along with distributing sunscreen, lip balm, neck flaps, cooling cloths and insect repellent towelettes to Laborers, the Fund also provides posters, Health Alerts and other educational materials to make sure members know how to prevent skin cancer and heat stress and recognize early signs and symptoms.

Sun Sense Plus products and publications are available free of charge to LIUNA signatory contractors for distribution to LIUNA members. To order the products and educational materials please visit:

https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/health-promotion/sun-sense-plus-2019/



Published by:Central Laborers’ Pension, Welfare and Annuity FundsP.O. Box 1267Jacksonville, IL 62651-1267

Dan Koeppel, Executive Director800-252-6571

www.central-laborers.com


Stop Falls. Save Lives. Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 366 of the 971 construction fatalities recorded in 2017 (BLS data). These deaths are preventable on construction sites.

For more information about fall safety including toolbox talk please contact your LIUNA Midwest Region Health & Safety Fund at 800-218-2253 or visit our web site at www.midwestlaborers.org

5 ways to prevent workplace falls:

•If you are working at 6ft or more,use fall protection

•Before starting a job, make a fallprevention plan

•Provide workers with the rightequipment for the job

•Train everyone to use theequipment safely

•Inspect your harness, lanyard,and anchorage point before eachuse

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TRADES COUNCILUNIONLABEL

CENTRAL ILLINOIS2®

PRESORTEDFIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSPRINGFIELD ILPERMIT NO. 137

illinois aborer - central laborers

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