Eligibility

You may elect coverage under the Pensioners & Surviving Spouses Health Plan if all the following criteria have been met: 

Option 1 – For Individuals who have Sufficient Retirement Fund Pension Credits

1. You are receiving a monthly pension from the Southern California Pipe Trades Retirement Fund based on 12 or more years of pension credit, and 
2. You have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a participant for at least one month during the 24 months prior to your annuity starting date, and 
3. You have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a participant for at least 60 of the 120 months preceding your annuity starting date, and 
4. You elect coverage at the time of initial retirement, and 
5. You pay the applicable monthly premium on time, and  
6. You file a properly completed application.

Option 2 – For Individuals who have Sufficient Health & Welfare Fund Eligibility Months

1. You must have retired and ceased all employment or activity of any kind, direct or indirect in any capacity, with any Employer that contributes to this Plan or that is signed to a collective bargaining agreement or participation agreement requiring contributions to this Plan. Also, you must not be engaged in “disqualifying employment” as defined by the Southern California Pipe Trades Retirement Fund. See your Summary Plan Description (SPD) for details.
2. You meet one of the following requirements:
   • You have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a Participant for at least 300 months before your retirement date; or
   • You are at least age 55 as of your retirement date and have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a Participant for at least 144 months before your retirement date; or
   • You are a Health & Welfare Fund Participant at the time you are deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration and have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a Participant for at least 144 months before your retirement date; and
3. You have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a Participant for at least one month during the 24 months before your retirement date; and
4. You have been eligible for benefits under the Health & Welfare Fund as a Participant for at least 60 of the 120 months preceding your retirement date; and
5. Your Employer contributed to coverage offered by the Southern California Pipe Trade Pensioners & Surviving Spouses Health Fund for the same months as the Health & Welfare Fund; and
6. You elect coverage at the time of initial retirement; and
7. You pay the applicable monthly premium on time; and
8. You timely file a properly completed application.

For more information, about eligibility or benefits, refer to the Summary Plan Description (SPD) or contact the Fund Office. 

Your dependent includes your lawful spouse or domestic partner, provided he or she meets all the eligibility rules explained above. He or she cannot be enrolled unless you are enrolled in the Plan.

Other relatives, including children, stepchildren, grandchildren or others will not be covered even if you may be financially responsible for them.