Statement of Purpose

Dear Participant and Family:

The Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington – For Employed Carpenters became effective January 1, 1960. The plan was designed to assist you, your spouse and your dependent children with medically necessary expenses incurred as a result of an illness or injury anywhere in the world. It was also designed to assist with many other health care needs you and your family may face, with special emphasis on the large and often unforeseen expenses associated with a prolonged illness or serious accident. The plan also assists with less serious medical expenses such as many physician services, prescription drugs, routine vision, dental and orthodontic benefits, as well as time loss and life insurance benefits.

Funds for this plan are provided by hourly contributions called for under collective bargaining. Funds are deposited into a tax exempt, nonprofit trust which is administered by the Board of Trustees. The benefits provided by the plan are self-insured, except for life insurance benefits which are insured with an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Washington. The risk of a large and unforeseen expense is shared with all plan participants. Since contributions and investment earnings are the only source of funds for plan benefits, the cost of this coverage now and in the future is directly related to the overall costs of health care and the overall cost of this plan. It is important, therefore, that everyone is a prudent user of health care services and that everyone avoid unnecessary services, when possible, to reduce the overall costs of the plan.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires the plan to provide you and your dependents with a summary plan description for the purposes of ERISA. The plan’s rules on eligibility, benefits and the circumstances that may result in disqualification, ineligibility, denial, loss, forfeiture, or suspension of any plan benefits are described in the sections of this plan booklet. In all circumstances, the terms of this plan booklet govern. This restated plan booklet, which is effective November 1, 2004 (unless otherwise stated), incorporates new and revised federal laws including the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA), the Newborns and Mothers Health Protection Act of 1996, the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), as well as improved benefits adopted by the Board of Trustees. We encourage you to read this booklet carefully. Please contact the Trust Office if you have questions or concerns about the information you read.

Board of Trustees
Carpenters Health and Security Trust
of Western Washington