Introduction

The Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington – For Retired Carpenters (also referred to as the “Retired Plan” or “plan”) is available to retirees, spouses and dependent children if they satisfy the eligibility requirements described in this section, enroll in the plan and make the required monthly contribution to the plan. The eligibility rules are established by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the Trust Agreement. The monthly contribution rates are also established by the Board of Trustees and are directly related to the overall cost of health care, the overall cost of the Retired Plan, as well as each individual’s eligibility for Medicare Part A and Part B. These monthly contribution rates are currently subsidized by contributions paid on behalf of participants working under collective bargaining agreements.

The benefits provided under the Retired Plan are not guaranteed to continue indefinitely. The Board of Trustees retains full and exclusive authority, in its discretion, to determine the extent to which monies are available for the plan and to determine the expenditure of such monies for the plan. The Board of Trustees in its sole discretion, has the right to amend the terms of the plan, including the eligibility rules, or to reduce benefits, increase the monthly contribution rates, or reduce or eliminate any plan subsidy. The Board of Trustees also has authority to terminate the Retired Plan.