March 24, 2020

Extension will allow JC28 Teamster members to continue to receive coverage for up to 3 months if they lose coverage during the COVID-19 crisis

In a decision designed to bring comfort to worried and confused Teamsters and their families, the Trustees of the Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust voted unanimously today to authorize a three-month extension for members who lose coverage during the COVID-19 crisis. The extension applies to participants who are terminated, laid off, or have their hours reduced below the monthly coverage threshold. This new rule would be applied retroactively to the beginning of March 2020. Payment for the extension would be made out of current Trust reserves.

“During these extremely uncertain times, we hope it brings some sense of security to our members that even if this crisis costs them their job, or they are on temporarily layoff or their hours are reduced below the threshold hours to qualify for benefits, their healthcare coverage will continue on for up to three months,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks and Union Chair of the Trust Fund. “An extension of coverage will ensure continued access to critical medical care during this time of crisis, and we are grateful the Trustees of the Fund were all in agreement on this necessary step.”

Members with questions about their coverage are encouraged to contact Northwest Administrators at (206) 329-4900.

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,600 working men and women in Seattle and the surrounding areas. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.