Frequently
asked questions
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not listed here, please contact us at 856-910-9190.
When am I eligible for coverage?
You are first eligible for coverage on the first day of the month following your initial qualifying period, and as long as your employer makes the necessary contributions to the Fund on your behalf, the required employee co-premium is paid for the coverage you elect, and you complete and send your election form to the Fund Office by the enrollment deadline date or within 30 days of initial eligibility. As qualifying periods may be different, make sure you check your collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to find out what your initial qualifying period is.
When will my dependents be covered?
If you are a full-time employee who has satisfied the qualifying period for dependent coverage, your eligible dependents become covered after you satisfy the eligibility provisions, make your coverage election, authorize payroll deductions (if applicable), and submit appropriate documentation such as marriage certificate, birth certificates, court orders, etc. You may only enroll your eligible dependents for Plan coverage if you are a full-time employee with dependent coverage. If you are a part-time employee, your dependents are not eligible for coverage under the Plan.
What benefits am I eligible to receive at retirement?
If you are between age 57 and 65 and meet the eligibility requirements (see your Retiree Health Plan Summary Plan Description for detailed information on the eligibility criteria), you and your spouse may choose to be covered by the Michigan UFCW Unions & Employers Retiree Health Plan. This comprehensive coverage includes medical and prescription drug benefits. If you’re eligible and you choose this Plan, you are required to pay a monthly premium for your benefits. In the event you elect to continue coverage under the Active Plan, you will do so through COBRA Continuation Coverage. It’s your choice!
What do I do when I am ready to retire?
Contact the Fund Office. There are specific eligibility requirements that determine your eligibility for benefits under the Retiree Health Plan. You must also complete an application. If you elect COBRA continuation coverage under the Active Plan instead of coverage under the Retiree Plan, you may elect Retiree Plan coverage when your full COBRA continuation coverage period is exhausted. You may not participate in the Retiree Plan until your full COBRA continuation coverage period has expired.
