Benefits specialist, John M. Castanho, answers some of the most commonly asked questions about our health and pension benefits:
When a person begins working as a Longshoreman, at what point do they qualify for health benefits?
Per the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding, class B members working in Choice Ports will acquire HMO coverage for themselves and their eligible dependents on the first of the month following their class B registration for 24 months (with no requirement for 400 hours of work for initial eligibility for coverage). Class B members working in ports that do not have HMO coverage will have cover- age for themselves and their eligible dependents on the first of the month following their class B registration under the Coastwise Indemnity Plan for 24 months. After the expiration of 24 months, the member will have a choice of HMO or Coastwise Indemnity Plan coverage.
Am I entitled to welfare and/or pension crediting of hours for any time off work if I become sick or incur an injury?
Yes, if you become sick or incur an injury while working on the job, you are entitled to credited hours for the continuing accrual of your benefits. If your time off work is due to an illness or injury sustained while working on the job, you may be credited with hours based upon your work hours under covered employment, averaged within the last four quarters prior to your injury or illness. For an injury or an illness that is sustained outside of the workplace, participants may receive up to 200 hours per year of credited accrual. If the person had welfare coverage prior to getting sick or being injured on the job, he or she will have continued welfare coverage for a period of up to five years while off work. If the injury or illness was not work-related, the member will covered for a period of up to three years while off work.
Who do I contact if I have any questions or concerns about my health benefits and/or my pension benefits?
There are several resources that can be utilized to have most benefits- related questions answered. There are Benefit Plan employees that work in the four major port areas. They are Joe Cabrales – Northern California, Sam Alvarado – Southern California, Ty Gorton – Columbia River, and Nick Buck- les – Puget Sound. These employees are known as the Area Welfare Directors, and are very good at assisting members with many issues related to their benefits. Additionally, some locals may have a designated officer that handles these issues. You can also contact the Benefit Plans Office in San Francisco at (415) 775-0533 for most welfare and pension-related questions, and you can contact the Coastwise Claims Office at (415) 543-0114 or (800) 955-7376 for any billing and/or claims-related questions that you may have.
– John M. Castanho