SMACNA received the following draft recommended language from ITI regarding health plan coverage for local union members transitioning to staff at SMART, ITI, NEMI, and SMOHIT. SMACNA is sharing the below language for your information.
Draft Amendment to the Local Union Health Plan
Title: Amendment to Health Plan Coverage Requirements for Members Transitioning to Employment with SMART International Association (SMART IA), International Training Institute (ITI), National Energy Management Institute (NEMI), and Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) Funds
Purpose: To provide an exception for members who leave employment with their home local union to work for the SMART International Association (SMART IA) or any of the ITI, NEMI, or SMOHIT Trust Funds, allowing them to opt into the Sheet Metal Workers’ Health Plan without losing eligibility for their home local union’s health plan should they return.
Amendment Text:
- Section [X] of the [Local Union Name] Health Plan is hereby amended to add the following provision:
- Transition of Employment Provision:
- If a member becomes eligible and elects to join the Sheet Metal Workers’ Health Plan upon commencing employment with SMART IA, ITI, NEMI, or SMOHIT, such election shall not be deemed a separation from the [Local Union Name] Health Plan to determine coverage eligibility should the member return to employment with their home local union.
- Waiver of Re-qualification Period:
- Members who have separated from the [Local Union Name] Health Plan under the circumstances outlined in Section 2 of this amendment shall not be subject to the standard re-qualification period for health plan coverage upon their return to employment with their home local union.
- Effective Date:
- This amendment shall be effective as of [Insert Date] and shall apply to all eligible members who transition employment on or after this date.
- Administration:
- The provisions of this amendment shall be administered per the rules and regulations of the [Local Union Name] Health Plan, and any disputes arising under this amendment shall be resolved per the Health Plan’s standard dispute resolution procedures.
Approval and Ratification:
This amendment shall be presented to the Trustees of the [Local Union Name] Health Plan for approval and ratification. Upon approval, it will be incorporated into the Health Plan document and communicated to all eligible members.
