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

Vision Benefit

Vision Benefits are not provided under Plan B, the low-option self-pay plan.

The Plan offers two options for receiving your vision benefits – a preferred provider program through National Vision Administrators (NVA), and an “indemnity” (scheduled out-of-network) program. Because of the discounts available through NVA, you will usually get a better value by using an NVA provider. The benefits provided under both programs are shown in your Schedule of Benefits.

Covered Vision Charges

Covered vision charges include the following:

  1. Complete examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist once per calendar year.
  2. Frames – one pair every two calendar years.
  3. Lenses – one pair of eyeglass lenses per calendar year, or one or more sets of contact lenses in lieu of eyeglass lenses. Benefits for contact lenses are limited to the annual allowance shown on your Schedule of Benefits. Lenses must be prescribed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
  4. Safety glasses for active participants – one pair each calendar year.

Vision Benefit Exclusions

No payments will be made for:

  1. Sunglasses (unless prescribed to be worn substantially at all times).
  2. Routine yearly examinations required for employment.
  3. Special procedures (such as vision training) or special supplies.
  4. Anti-reflective coatings.
  5. Medical or surgical treatment of the eye.
  6. Two pairs of glasses instead of bifocals.
  7. Any treatment or service excluded under the provisions of “General Plan Exclusions and Limitations,” beginning on page 64.

Extension of Vision Benefits

Vision Benefits will be continued under the Plan if you have ordered glasses, frames or lenses, and coverage subsequently ends, as long as these glasses, frames or lenses are picked up within 30 days after coverage ends.