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It's Time to Make Changes in Health Insurance Coverage

An open enrollment period that permits changing health insurance coverage and/or adding dependents to existing coverage is in effect during the month of May. The effective date of the change will be July 1, 2008. (Please note that this does not pertain to dental coverage. As a reminder, the open enrollment period for dental coverage is during the month of November of each year.)

From May 1, 2008 to May 31, 2008, applications are being accepted in the Fund Offices from Health Fund participants who wish to change from CIGNA to an HMO, if one is available in the area. During this period also, participants may switch from an HMO to the CIGNA fee for service/OAP Plan. If you have any questions about HMOs, contact the New York Fund Office, (212) 869-9380 or, if calling from outside New York City, (800) 344-5220, and ask for Ms. Barbara Costigan.

Dependents May Be Added
Also during the month of May, Health Fund participants may add dependents (including domestic partners) to their health coverage. Participants must pay for dependent coverage. Application forms should be requested from the Fund Office.

All applications, whether for changing health insurance coverage or adding dependents, must be received in the Fund Office by May 31, 2008. Applications received after that date will be returned without processing.

Reminder re $100 Quarterly Contribution
The next round of $100 billing invoices for the Equity-League Health Trust Fund will be mailed out around April 15, 2008 for the coverage effective July 1, 2008. In order to be assured that your coverage will be in effect on July 1, 2008, please make sure that your payment is submitted to the Fund by June 1, 2008.

You may also pay for all of the quarters for which you already have earned eligibility for health coverage. For example, if you know you have earned six months of coverage, you may pay the entire $200 at this time. If you know that you will be eligible for 12 months of health coverage, a payment of $400 can also be made, which will satisfy your payment requirement through the end of your coverage period.