The Trustees have approved to continue coverage for the spouses and/or dependent children of Medicare Retirees after 3/1/2011. To offset the costs associated with this coverage, the following changes were approved by the Trustees effective 6/1/2011:

At the March 30th Board of Trustees' Meeting, changes were approved by the Trustees for the Welfare Fund.

At the March 30th Board of Trustees' Meeting, changes were approved by the Trustees for the Welfare Fund.

The following changes in the contribution rates and Plan rules were adopted by the Board of Trustees at a Special Trustees Meeting held on October 28, 2010: Reallocation of contribution rates. As of January 1, 2011, all optical and dental benefits will be eliminated and the death benefit will be reduced from $10,000 to $7,500. Estimated projected savings of approximately $800,000. As of February 1, 2011, all Medicare eligible retirees covered in the Welfare Fund will be moved to a Medicare Part D Plan with an independent Pharmacy Benefit Manager.

The Trustees remain committed to improving and preserving the long-term financial stability of the Welfare Fund so we can continue to offer valuable medical and prescription drug benefits to active members.

The 120 month Welfare Fund retiree benefits for eligible dependents has been changed.

Earlier this year, you received a letter from your Board of Trustees that detailed the effects of the ongoing economic downturn on the financial stability of our Welfare Fund and outlined the benefits review process we were undertaking with the Fund’s administrative staff and its professional advisors.

At the June 10th, 2009 Board of Trustees’ Meeting, changes were approved by the Board of Trustees for the Welfare Fund effective 9/1/2009 and 1/1/2010.

Effective September 1, 2009, the Board of Trustees have approved changes to the eligibility criteria regarding Welfare Fund Medical Extensions

An updated Summary Plan Description (SPD) was mail to all participants of the District Council Ironworkers of Northern New Jersey Benefit Plans.