Health and Welfare

Summary Plan Description Table of Contents

  1. Important Contact Information
  2. Introduction
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Plan A Schedule of Benefits
  5. Plan B Schedule of Benefits
  6. Plan C Schedule of Benefits
  7. Plan 11 Schedule of Benefits
  8. Plan 11-C Schedule of Benefits
  9. Eligibility for Active Participants
  10. Eligibility for Retiree Coverage
  11. Insurance Coverage
  12. Weekly Loss of Time Benefit
  13. Medical Benefits
  14. Prescription Drug Program
  15. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) for Retirees
  16. Members Assistance Program (MAP)
  17. Dental Benefit
  18. Vision Benefit
  19. Hearing Benefit
  20. Special Fund Program
  21. General Plan Exclusions and Limitations
  22. Other Limitations on Your Benefits
  23. Definitions
  24. Claim and Appeal Procedures
  25. General Plan Provisions
  26. Information About the Plan
  27. Board of Trustees

Hearing Benefit

Covered Expenses and Benefits

When you or any of your dependents have charges for a hearing examination recommended by a physician and performed by an audiologist or certified hearing specialist, the Plan will pay up to the amount shown in your Schedule of Benefits. Hearing exams are covered once every two calendar years.

When you or any of your dependents have charges for a hearing aid instrument as a result of the related examination provided by an audiologist or by someone who is certified to dispense hearing aids, the Plan will also pay up to the amount shown in your Schedule of Benefits. One hearing aid per ear is covered every three calendar years.

For the purpose of this benefit, a “hearing aid” is a wearable instrument designed for the ear for the purpose of compensating for impaired hearing. It excludes other assisted listening devices such as amplifiers and FM systems.

Hearing Benefit Exclusions No payment will be made for:

  1. More than one examination in a two-consecutive-year period.
  2. Hearing aids not prescribed by a physician and provided by an audiologist or one certified to dispense hearing aids.
  3. Hearing examinations or hearing aids required by an employer in connection with the person’s occupation.
  4. Charges made by a speech pathologist or any charges for speech therapy, speech readings or lessons in lip reading.
  5. Charges for rental or purchase of amplifiers.
  6. Replacement of a hearing aid due to theft, loss or any other reason within three consecutive years of purchasing and receiving the hearing aid.
  7. Any treatment or service excluded under the provisions of “General Plan Exclusions and Limitations,” beginning on page 64.