This information is intended for Active participants & pre-Medicare retirees.
As you know, in recent years benefits were reduced to help strengthen the health plan. In May 2024, the Quarterly Rule Test was improved, and now the trustees have evaluated that more improvement is possible.
With hours worked beginning May 1, 2025, the LOOK-BACK RULE ELIGIBILITY TEST is improved. What does this mean? Less hours will be required per quarter to continue eligibility. Details:
LOOK-BACK RULE TEST
Effective with hours worked May 1 or after, a participant who works at least 1400 credit hours during the four (4) previous Contribution Quarters (12 months), will have eligibility extended through the Benefit Quarter that next follows that Contribution Quarter.
Hours worked February – April 2025 will use the old Look-Back Rule, which requires 1440 hours during a 12 consecutive month period ending April 2025, for July – September 2025 coverage. The new rule requiring 1400 hours in the previous 12 months will apply for hours worked May – July 2025 for coverage
October – December 2025.
The Plan’s Contribution & Benefit Quarter table is included for reference:
| CONTRIBUTION QUARTER hours worked | provides coverage for | BENEFIT QUARTER eligibility period |
| May, June, July | → | October, November, December |
| August, September, October | → | January, February, March |
| November, December, January | → | April, May, June |
| February, March, April | → | July, August, September |
Other eligibility tests remain unchanged. Visit our Eligibility page for a complete description of all eligibility tests.