Preexisting Limitation Changes
Effective January 1, 1998, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) changed the way a health and security plan can administer preexisting condition limitations. The Carpenters Health and Security Plan implemented this change for all applicable benefits but did not make the necessary change in the plan booklet for three of the affected benefits – dental accidents, orthognathic surgery and reconstructive surgery. With these three benefits, the plan required that the patient be covered under this plan when the original injury, illness or trauma occurred. This is no longer required.
- The Board of Trustees amended the plan to provide coverage for these services effective January 1, 1998.
- The plan reviewed all claims and claims denials for these services from January 1, 1998 forward to verify that no service was inappropriately denied.
- The Employed Plan booklet will be revised to reflect this change. The Retired Plan booklet was already updated correctly.
Please contact a Customer Service Representative at the Trust Office if you have any questions or concerns about these services.■