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Eligibility extension changes

In March, the Culinary Health Fund Board of Union and Employer Trustees took a very important step to protect you and your loved ones. It approved an extension of your health insurance eligibility through the end of October 2020. That meant that you did not have to make any payments to keep your health benefits, regardless of if you were working enough hours, or if you were back to work at all.

Starting in November 2020, there will be changes for many of you who are not yet back to work, or not working enough hours to continue your benefits. The different eligibility scenarios are outlined below. We will contact you with more information as we learn more about which scenario will impact you.

You will have your eligibility covered if:

  • You are eligible for benefits, and work enough hours (240 hours in July and August).
  • Or you work for a specific employer that has agreed to cover your hours because you were eligible when the property closed in March. Even if you are not currently working or not working enough hours yet.

You will need to make a partial Self-Pay payment if:

  • You are working, but are short on hours.
  • Or you work for a specific employer that has agreed to cover some of your hours. Even if you are not currently working or not working enough hours yet.
  • Follow this link to learn how Self-Pay works.

Partial Self-Pay Notices will be mailed on October 19, 2020.

You will have to make a full Self-Pay payment if:

  • You were eligible for benefits in March, but you have not been called back to work yet, and your employer has not agreed to cover any additional hours on your behalf.

    • Some participants are now working, but were not eligible for benefits when their property closed. You will not be able to Self-Pay for benefits if you are not already eligible for benefits. Once you work enough hours to become eligible, you will have benefits.
  • Follow this link to learn how Self-Pay works.

Full Self-Pay Notices will be mailed on October 19, 2020.

The Union, the employers, the Fund, and the Trustees are continuing to work on solutions.

We understand that these changes can be very difficult for you and your family, and we will provide more information in the coming weeks about how this impacts you. We appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please call the Customer Service Office at 702-733-9938 after October 19.