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Employee Benefit News
Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc.
VOLUME IX NOVEMBER 2009 • PITTSBURGH, PA No. 2
For questions or additional information, please contact the Wellness Resource Center at
1-800-650-8442.
CCF, Inc. WebsiteGreat News! The Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc., website is getting a new look. The site will be a breeze to navigate with eaiser access to all the information one would need. Roll out for the new site is anticipated for late 2009. Visit us at carpenterscombinedfunds.org.
Page Two — EmployEE BEnEfit nEws
TRUSTEESGreater Pennsylvania
Carpenters’ Annuity/Savings Fund
John A. BrooksChairman
John p. GAdomski
rAymond w. VoGEl, Jr.JAck w. rAmAGE
Co-ChairmanfrEdErick Episcopo
John p. mAffEo, Jr.
Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters’
Pension FundJohn A. Brooks
ChairmanmichAEl J. dinGEy
louis r. GilBErti, Jr.lEE J. mAnGEs
roBErt d. mEyEr
rAymond w. VoGEl, Jr.williAm r. wAtErkottE
michAEl p. wElsh
richArd f. riVErs, Jr.Secretary-TreasurerEuGEnE B. Brown
roBErt BuEchEl
dwiGht E. kuhn
thomAs A. lAndAu
tErrEncE m. mcdonouGh
JAck w. rAmAGE
kEnnEth wolf
Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters’ Medical Plan
John A. BrooksChairman
michAEl J. dinGEy
fElix A. follEtti
roBErt J. GrAswick
richAd r. okrAszEwski
sAmuEl shillinG
rAymond w. VoGEl, Jr.williAm r. wAtErkottE
thomAs l. millEtAryCo-Chairman
roBErt BuEchEl
thomAs A. lAndAu
John p. mAffEo, Jr.tErrEncE m. mcdonouGh
stAnlEy mErzlAk
John morris
rAymond A. VolpAtt, Jr.
Annuity/Savings Fund InformationHERE IS A SUMMARY OF MARKET VALUE ASSETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
Percent Market Value of Total
Federated Total Return Bond Fund ............................ $ 4,467,963.27 2.03%
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund .................... 4,221,447.85 1.92%
Blackrock Index Equity ................................................. 1,986,889.75 .90%
Carpenters Stable Value Fund ...................................... 152,427,279.40 69.24%
American Century Strategic Alloc. Conservative ......... 5,415,535.17 2.46%
American Century Strategic Alloc. Moderate .............. 7,879,732.61 3.58%
American Century Strategic Alloc. Aggressive ............ 19,419,274.47 8.82%
Federated Mid-Cap Index Fund .................................. 956,899.32 .43%
American Fund Growth Fund of America ................... 7,132,939.20 3.24%
American Fund EuroPacific Growth Fund ................. 9,206,123.95 4.18%
Third Avenue Small Cap Value Fund ........................... 2,694,093.39 1.22%
Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund ................................. 4,366,560.73 1.98%
TOTAL .......................................................................... $220,174,739.11 100.00%
SELECTED TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION ON EACH FUND AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2009 IS LISTED BELOW
Quarter 1-Year 5-Year 10-Year Ending Ending Ending Ending 9/30/09 9/30/09 9/30/09 9/30/09
Federated Total Return Bond Fund ....... 5.00% 11.30% 5.12% 6.10%
American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund ......................... 17.26% -5.79% 1.72% 3.97%
Blackrock Index Equity ............................ 15.52% -7.19% .71% -.61%
Carpenters Stable Value Fund — (not net of its annual investment management fee) .................................. 1.13% 4.79% N/A N/A
American Century Strategic Alloc. Conservative ......................................... 8.49% 2.87% 3.57% 4.30%
American Century Strategic Alloc. Moderate .............................................. 11.31% 1.04% 4.03% 4.40%
American Century Strategic Alloc. Aggressive ............................................. 13.25% -1.21% 3.95% 4.10%
Federated Mid-Cap Index Fund ............. 19.83% -3.39% 4.15% 6.92%
American Fund Growth Fund of America ............................................ 13.38% -2.31% 3.60% 4.06%
American Fund EuroPacific Growth Fund ........................................ 19.51% 8.59% 9.81% 6.04%
Third Avenue Small Cap Value Fund ...... 19.22% -13.23% 1.79% 8.54%
Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Fund ............ 15.10% 2.44% 6.65% 5.40%
Additional information can be obtained by calling the Vested Interest Response Line at 1-800-374-4631 or by reviewing your Quarterly Statement
when mailed to you by PNC Bank.
EmployEE BEnEfit nEws — Page Three
WELCOME TO RETIREMENTLOCAL UNION No. 81
Howard W. AdamsFranco CamilloDavid E. JonesJerry R. Martin
John G. RenoskyPhilip C. RulandFloyd L. Scott
Joseph M. Snyder, Jr.Gary L. Symeki
LOCAL UNION No. 84Bernard E. Charnovich, Sr.
Glen S. ChasserGeorge M. Dombrowski
Glen A. HaltLarry C. Haney
John R. HodgsonJames V. Jellick
Barry W. KovachLee M. Libert
Tadeusz S. Zieba
LOCAL UNION No. 142Matthew J. AbbottBernard F. Boehm
John A. BoscoJoseph B. Carse
Samuel CernigliaEdward M. ChemanCharles H. Dohn, Jr.Gregory E. Graysay
William E. HennDavid M. HervolThomas O. IoleRobert R. Kirby
Robert J. Kuntz, Jr.James E. Land
David G. McClearyAlan F. Meyers
Raymond A. RoseLeo B. Schober
Edward J. TomicekLyn F. Vogel
Frank J. Walasik, Jr.Michael S. Zaricki
LOCAL UNION No. 165Mark A. Bosco
James J. CallwoodLawrence J. ConteMaurice DavidsonTimothy J. FettisPaul T. FreyvogelRichard M. Joyce
Michael J. Korenoski
William G. MaurerRod A. McClain
George W. MooneyRichard D. PoindexterDaniel E. Richardson
William L. SmallPaul F. Smith, Jr.
Wayne M. TrimbleVernon A. Williams
LOCAL UNION No. 211Harry J. Barnes
Jay J. BenoitPaul D. BossungAlex C. Graper
Edward J. GrindelChristopher A. Hatfield
Charles L. KaufmanMarvin L. KellumDaniel S. MartinJoseph P. MatveyLeroy A. RankerMichael P. Ray
Harold R. SchmidtGary A. Setzenfand
James T. StahlDavid W. TaylorBennett E. TiglioRobert A. Tolles
Robert L. Ward, II
LOCAL UNION No. 214Randy V. Bieber
Edward A. DahlbergMark R. Deininger
Elmer L. Markel, Jr.
LOCAL UNION No. 230Raymond D. Baumiller
James BittnerDominick A. Candelore, Jr.
Randall J. CollinsThomas J. Farr
George D. FischerRoy L. Hollingsworth
Randall K. JonesEdward L. McAllisterThomas O. Monahan
Paul R. NathRonald J. Palmieri
Frank PikutisWayne D. RallJames F. Rau
James E. ReckerTerry J. Simoni
George H. Tranter, Jr.
Gary W. WilcoxPatrick W. Winwood
LOCAL UNION No. 268Gerald A. Bienio
William T. BintrimKenneth L. BoyerHarry J. Couts, Jr.
Charles W. FergusonRonald A. French, Jr.Bernard D. Hanmore
Ralph W. HedglinJames T. KendzorFrancis A. MoranRobert J. O’Brien
Gary V. TiernoStephen E. Wilkinson
LOCAL UNION No. 333William R. Beale
Roger W. HuffmanChalres A. LottR. Marc Riggle
Ronald J. RuffanerBernard C. White, Jr.
John R. Yeager, Jr.
LOCAL UNION No. 462Richard T. Beresford
Ronald E. BrantJames Ferrarini
Raymond D. HarmanJames C. Hauser
Richard W. HinermanRichard B. Miller, Sr.
Robert J. PanigalDavid J. Poli
Ronald J. SoltysFrank D. Sundry, Jr.
LOCAL UNION No. 492William Moyer
LOCAL UNION No. 645James A. HighhouseRichard D. Parduski
Daniel Setzer, Jr.Paul J. Sinkaus
Bernard A. SnyderCanio L. Verrastro
LOCAL UNION No. 922Terry C. AdamsGerald T. AllenDonald J. BaraPaul A. Conkle
William F. FeazellDarrell G. Filges
Robert W. FletcherDale E. Garen
John GutermuthRichard E. Hays, Jr.
Marshall R. McElravyChristopher J. MurphyMark A. ProkopovichDennis L. Rousseau
Jeffrey S. RoyleTerry L. SicardRoy G. Stickel
Donald E. StuberJoseph M. TesoneMichael J. TicheJohn D. Weaver
LOCAL UNION No. 947Jon A. HeatherdaleMichael J. PetrickJames R. Young
LOCAL UNION No. 950Dale S. Cain
Edward C. Coy, Jr.Franz V. Freeberg
Patrick L. Gianopoulos, IIRobert E. Melius
Gary A. MillerSteven OsengaPaul A. Price
Raymond P. SherryEugene L. WhitselGeorge B. WoolleyHarry L. Wyrick, Jr.
LOCAL UNION No. 1160Richard J. Fait
William J. HollandRonald F. KoontzGregory G. NeishWilliam Stofko, Jr.Dana M. Ventriglia
Ricky A. WallJames P. Walsh
Raymond C. Williams
LOCAL UNION No. 1233James F. GrimmJoseph A. Snyder
LOCAL UNION No. 1419Gary J. Kazmierczyk
John R. Krise
Page Four — EmployEE BEnEfit nEws
WELCOME TO RETIREMENTJames A. LewisJames D. MakinCoke A. Mowry
Chester L. Price, Jr.Thomas R. SherryJames A. Snyder
Mark E. SpeicherJohn A. WozniakAllan G. Young
LOCAL UNION No. 1759James A. GazdackoWilliam L. KellerJerold N. MichelMoses Murrell
William R. NeumannSteven J. ShriverJohn F. Tansky
LOCAL UNION No. 2235Calvin L. BenningFrank Bowers, Jr.Randall N. BrockLeroy J. BunyanJohn Dominick
Dean E. Dunn, Jr.Kenneth J. Duschek
Edgar FerrerGlenn L. Fox, Jr.
Edward R. FreemanWilliam N. Grady, Jr.Thomas F. Graziani
James T. Healey, IIJohn C. Igersheim, Jr.Margaret E. Johnston
Harold K. JonesKurt F. Kahl
Edward J. KavanaghJames B. Kempton
James A. LatiniDale C. Linkenheimer
John W. ListDavid McHenryRuth R. Mooney
Thomas H. MuchaEmil A. OlsonPaul W. Rakers
Joseph D. RectenwaldDavid F. ReinhardtJames M. Roberts
Dennis J. RudaWilliam C. Schoenig
Mark S. ScopelJohn D. SemonJames E. Streit
Theodore Swiontek, Jr.Gary K. Vanvoorhis
Joseph J. ViscusiErnest J. Webb
LOCAL UNION No. 2237Morris A. Gilotti
Stanley W. LeiningerRobert S. Patrick
Henry W. Peters, Sr.
LOCAL UNION No. 2274John R. AndersonRobert J. Bracy
James A. Burke, Sr.Ronald L. CernigliaRobert Crutcher III
John F. DonovanGregory F. FindlayJames E. Foster, Jr.
Michael J. HalahurichRobert D. JanzefJames A. Jones
Paul L. Kobistek, Jr.Joseph J. McCombie, Jr.
Walter E. McCrayHarvey L. McVicker
Russell B. ReeferDesi E. TrabuccoRaymond J. Vitori
Joseph P. Walsh, Jr.
LOCAL UNION No. 2507Robert A. Black
Ronald L. Mozingo
LOCAL UNION No. 2590Ruth K. Heeter
RetiRees Club #63LOOKING FOR MEMBERS
Join your brothers and sisters at “Retirees Club 63”.The Club meets the 3rd Thursday at the Regional Council Office in Collier Township.For more information please call the Club President:
Andy Paul – 412-851-1134Please join us for:Fun More funGames LunchFood PartiesTrips FriendshipMusicEntertainmentLaughter
Employee Benefit Newspublished by the
CARPENTERS’ COMBINED FUNDS
INCORPORATEDJOHN A. BROOKS
President
JAMES R. KLEINAdministrator
k650 Ridge Road – Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
PLEASE CALL US WITH ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS,
Phone: 412-922-5330Toll Free Number: 1-800-242-2539
www. carpenterscombinedfunds .org
IN MEMORIAMWe pause in respectful silence to honor the memory of all our members or former members
whose deaths have been reported to the Fund Office since our last newsletter.
LOCAL UNION No. 81DONALD BULLFebruary 3, 2009
CHARLES F. CLINGERApril 19, 2009
WILMER L. ENGELLJuly 11, 2009
JOSEPH KLASCHAugust 23, 2009
WADE M. MCLALLENJune 29, 2009
PAUL E. PETRUSKYJuly 24, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 84CHARLES G. AMBROSE
July 18, 2009
CHARLES W. FERRELLSeptember 3, 2009
SAMMY A. McNARYSeptember 1, 2009
DAVID MURRAYSeptember 28, 2009
JOHN E. OSBORNEOctober 6, 2009
ROBERT R. REYNOLDSAugust 7, 2009
KENNY A. RICEJuly 12, 2009
JOHN C. SMITHMay 17, 2009
JOHN TOKAR, JR.March 6, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 86ROGER W. GRAHAM, SR.
April 3, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 142ROBERT E. BERESKY, JR.
March 3, 2009
DARL H. BROWNJune 29, 2009
HAROLD E. BURROWSJuly 6, 2009
SALVATORE C. CIAMACCOMarch 31, 2009
DAVID E. CREWSApril 12, 2008
DONALD E. DAUGHENBAUGHAugust 4, 2009
WILLIAM H. DOHNJune 19, 2009
RONALD A. HERTZLERApril 11, 2009
JEROME A. KUCZMASeptember 26, 2009
JAMES W. LANDJune 24, 2009
MARTIN H. LOETHERAugust 10, 2009
ALDO REONSeptember 25, 2009
ROBERT J. TRBUSICHFebruary 24, 2009
LOUIS W. TRUFFAJune 7, 2009
MICHAEL WATTIKMarch 21, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 165JAMES BETHEL
April 16, 2009
WALTER BURLACKJune 6, 2009
SAMUEL E. COSTANZODecember 20, 2008
RICHARD D. DELGROSSOSeptember 22, 2009
JOSEPH GIERLMay 7, 2009
ANTHONY GOGOLJuly 8, 2009
JERRY HAVRANEKAugust 18, 2009
WILLIAM M. MILLERJune 29, 2009
RONALD MITCHELLOctober 14, 2009
JOHN W. PASTORIKApril 7, 2009
WILLIAM C. PIPERJuly 18, 2009
JOHN R. SANDORJune 20, 2009
BENJAMIN W. ULRICHMarch 8, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 211VINCENT CARDILLO
October 17, 2009
RICHARD A. GRIFFIN, SR.April 1, 2009
HENRY R. JANIKOWSKIMarch 26, 2009
JEROME W. KERNFebruary 24, 2009
ROBERT KESSLERMarch 11, 2009
RICHARD R. PARISIMarch 5, 2009
JAMES L. PLANTSJune 21, 2009
STANLEY J. RAKASIEApril 4, 2009
HARRY R. SETZENFANDMarch 4, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 214SYLVAN J. ANDERSON
December 20, 2008
DELMAR D. FRONKJuly 16, 2009
FRANKLIN S. FRYJune 26, 2009
JAMES H. GOODHARTFebruary 7, 2009
DONALD G. HAUCKJune 9, 2009
RAYMOND W. JONESNovember 24, 2008
WILBERT P. NOWAKApril 11, 2009
EDWIN J. PHILLIPSFebruary 13, 2009
WILLIAM P. POTTEIGERMay 10, 2009
SAMUEL P. ROMIGFebruary 17, 2009
LUTHER M. SHIRKJanuary 22, 2009
MICHAEL STINEBAUERApril 21, 2009
FRANK S. SZYBISTJuly 6, 2009
CARL J. VALENTINEMarch 2, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 230HARRY W. ANDERSON
April 4, 2009
JAMES J. DILLAMay 13, 2009
RALPH A. EICKERJune 22, 2009
ROBERT FUNKOctober 2, 2009
ARNOLD G. JOHNSONJuly 11, 2009
RAYMOND T. JOHNSONJune 24, 2009
THOMAS W. KOHLMYERJuly 5, 2009
HARRY LADLEY, JR.July 4, 2009
EDWARD F. URBANOWICZFebruary 28, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 268DALE S. COPPER
February 15, 2009
RICHARD L. KINCHApril 17, 2009
MICHAEL MCELHINNYAugust 4, 2009
JAMES N. NELSONJuly 15, 2009
JOHN PASSeptember 22, 2009
WALTER D. RIGGLEAugust 11, 2009
WILLIAM E. STUNKARDMarch 27, 2009
JOSEPH W. TEAREJune 28, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 333CRAIG L. DINELEY, SR.
July 30, 2009
HARRY W. GOODMANApril 3, 2009
HAROLD W. HOCHMUTHApril 5, 2009
JOHN W. LOTTSeptember 29, 2009
GEORGE S. MECHLINGSeptember 16, 2009
CALVIN WILLIAM A. SKINNERApril 17, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 462DANIEL F. ACITA
May 24, 2009
CHARLES J. KNUPPApril 10, 2009
CURTIS LOGANMay 20, 2009
GEORGE E. MITCHELL, SR.August 7, 2009
JOHN R. MORRISSeptember 30, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 645CARL B. BRISK
April 4, 2009
ALEX R. BUBROWSKIJune 30, 2009
JACK R. DESHONGMarch 28, 2009
ROBERT E. JONESMay 25, 2009
ALBERT J. KELLY, JR.March 19, 2009
EmployEE BEnEfit nEws — Page Five
IN MEMORIAMWe pause in respectful silence to honor the memory of all our members or former members
whose deaths have been reported to the Fund Office since our last newsletter.
JOSEPH J. KOFCHAKMarch 29, 2009
JOHN J. MILLSFebruary 20, 2009
RONALD M. YOUREYApril 2, 2009
JOHN R. YUCASAugust 21 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 922DORY R. BROWN
April 17, 2009
DOMINIC PEZZOMarch 21, 2009
MICHAEL SKRABUTMay 12, 2009
ANTHONY P. VUKICHSeptember 19, 2009
ARTHUR R. ZINKHANApril 13, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 947ARTHUR E. ATWELL
Septmeber 26, 2009
JOHN C. KILHOFERJune 6, 2009
GLEN E. MCMILLENFebruary 18, 2009
HERBERT W. NEWQUISTMay 5, 2009
JOHN F. TERRY, JR.October 17, 2009
ROBERT M. YOHEJuly 17, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 950PAUL L. GIBBONEY
April 12, 2009
MYRON M. LEHMANMarch 9, 2009
COY E. PEEJuly 14, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 1160MICHAEL W. BUSH
January 26, 2009
JAMES F. CLYDESDALEMarch 31, 2008
RALPH J. CRAWFORD, JR.August 16, 2009
JOHN FEJKADecember 18, 2008
MILBERT S. FICHTERFebruary 17, 2009
EDWARD W. GAZBODAMay 1, 2009
LAWRENCE GOODRICHJune 19, 2009
DANIEL L. GORDONFebruary 10, 2009
WILLIAM JACOBSMarch 17, 2009
GARY W. SCHMIDTSeptember 9, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 1233CARL A. BECK, JR.
August 15, 2009
JEFFREY A. JOHNSON, JR.May 30, 2009
MICHAEL A. SKRABSKIJune 8, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 1419WESLEY T. BEARER
March 14, 2009
EUGENE D. BROWNMarch 27, 2009
RUSSELL J. GOREMay 2, 2009
HARRY G. TRINDLEJuly 20, 2009
GEORGE M. WEAVERJuly 15, 2009
SHAWN P. WILLIAMSOctober 18, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 1759LAWRENCE J. BURNS
July 26, 2009
PHILLIP E. SINOPOLIMay 7, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 1936CHARLES E. REED
April 29, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 2235SAMUEL R. CONWAY
July 2, 2009
SCOTT D. LIPPAugust 10, 2009
ARTHUR T. LYON, SR.July 10, 2009
WAYNE L. MINICHFebruary 27, 2009
HARVEY M. SHAWMay 13, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 2237JEFFREY L. ENGLERT
October 10, 2009
LOCAL UNION No. 2274GARY T. DEFRANCES
August 30, 2009
THOMAS J. FISCHERAugust 5, 2009
RONALD H. GALESMarch 20, 2009
WARREN S. HARRIMANMay 16, 2009
RONALD J. HEATHFebruary 27, 2009
SHAWN A. HULLJuly 21, 2009
PAUL E. McCLAINMarch 5, 2009
WILLIAM R. MILLERJuly 14, 2009
ROBERT L. PETERSONApril 7, 2009
JEROME K. SNYDERApril 23, 2009
MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR ACTIVE MEMBERSThe next benefit period for the Medical Plan will start APRIL 1, 2010 and end
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010.In order to be eligible for this benefit period, an active member needs the following
in employer contributions:
$3,256 for work performed during the period JULY 1, 2009 through DECEMBER 31, 2009
— or —$6,512 for work performed during the period
JANUARY 1, 2009 through DECEMBER 30, 2009
The eligibility level is based on 650 hours of employment at the majority journeyman’s rate. Thus, a journeyman can earn full benefits by working approximately four (4) months in the six (6) month work period.
If employer contributions are not sufficient to earn eligibility, a member may be permitted to make self-payment to make up the shortage.
Should you have any questions on eligibility, please do not hesitate to call the Fund Office at 412-922-5330 or 1-800-242-2539.
Page Six — EmployEE BEnEfit nEws
EmployEE BEnEfit nEws — Page Seven
Dear Greater Pennsylvania Union Carpenter:
United Concordia is pleased to announce that this year, we will be offering you a dual choice for your voluntary dental benefit. You can elect to enroll in ConcordiaPLUS, the dental HMO that is already offered or you may enroll in ConcordiaAccess, a new dental plan that provides you with more freedom of choice.
How Do the Programs Work?
The ConcordiaPLUS plan is a managed care dental plan that requires your selection of a Primary Dental Office (PDO) from our ConcordiaPLUS network for you and each of your covered family members.
Payment for covered services is made according to the enclosed ConcordiaPLUSBenefits Summary and is based upon United Concordiaʼs Maximum Allowable Charge (MAC). You will be responsible only for the copayment amount for each procedure performed. There are no deductibles, annual maximums or lifetime maximums on orthodontic services. Furthermore, you do not need to file any claim forms. If you have any treatment in progress, such as orthodontic work, bridgework, etc., please contact Dental Customer Service to confirm coverage.
You can select a PDO by either visiting United Concordiaʼs web site at www.ucci.comand selecting ConcordiaPLUS under the provider section or by contacting Dental Customer Service at 1-866-357-3304.
The ConcordiaAccess plan is a passive PPO plan for your diagnostic, preventive and basic services and a discount plan for all other dental services. This plan provides you with a broader selection of providers, who are in the ConcordiaAccess network. You are not even required to use a participating provider for covered services. However, participating providers accept our payment as payment in full, less any deductible or coinsurance which is the memberʼs responsibility. Non participating providers may balance bill you for charges which exceed our Maximum Allowable Charge (MAC).
You are required to use a participating provider for non covered, discounted services as those providers agree to offer you a discount on these services. The discount is typically around 20% of the providerʼs normal charge.
Dear Greater Pennsylvania Union Carpenter: United Concordia is pleased to announce that this year, we will be offering you a dual choice for your voluntary dental benefit. You can elect to enroll in ConcordiaPLUS, a dental HMO, or you may enroll in ConcordiaAccess, a dental plan that provides you with more freedom of choice.
How Do the Programs Work?The ConcordiaPLUS plan is a managed care dental plan that requires your selection of a Primary Dental Office (PDO) from our ConcordiaPLUS network for you and each of your covered family members.
Payment for covered services is made according to the ConcordiaPLUS Benefits Summary and is based upon United Concordia’s Maximum Allowable Charge (MAC). You will be responsible only for the copayment amount for each procedure performed. There are no deductibles, annual maximums or lifetime maximums on orthodontic services. Furthermore, you do not need to file any claim forms. If you have any treatment in progress, such as orthodontic work, bridgework, etc., please contact Dental Customer Service to confirm coverage.
You can select a PDO by either visiting United Concordia’s web site at www.ucci.com and selecting ConcordiaPLUS under the provider section or by contacting Dental Customer Service at 1-866-357-3304.
The ConcordiaAccess plan is a passive PPO plan for your diagnostic, preventive and basic services and a discount plan for all other dental services. This plan provides you with a broader selection of providers, who are in the ConcordiaAccess network. You are not even required to use a participating provider for covered services. However, participating providers accept our payment as payment in full, less any deductible or coinsurance which is the member’s responsibility. Non participating providers may balance bill you for charges which exceed our Maximum Allowable Charge (MAC).
You are required to use a participating provider for non covered, discounted services as those providers agree to offer you a discount on these services. The discount is typically around 20% of the provider’s normal charge.
Cost of the Programs ConcordiaPLUS Premiums: ConcordiaAccess Premiums:
Coverage Level Quarterly Premium Coverage Level Quarterly Premium
Single $76.41 Single $58.77 Two Party $148.62 Two Party 105.27 Family $228.75 Family $175.98
How Do I Enroll in the Coverage?Please contact United Concordia toll-free at 1-866-477-2433 or by e-mail at [email protected] for an enrollment kit. Complete an enrollment form and return it with a check for the first three months of premium (see box for quarterly costs). The information should be forwarded to:
United Concordia Companies, Inc.PO Box 69423
Harrisburg, PA 17106-9423
Mail in cut-off is 12/19/2009 for a 1/1/2010 effective dateMail in cut-off is 1/19/2010 for a 2/1/2010 effective dateMail in cut-off is 2/19/2010 for a 3/1/2010 effective date
Please note that if you have not enrolled by 03/01/2010, you will not be eligible until the next open enrollment for 01/01/2011.Please make checks payable to United Concordia Companies, Inc. and be sure to submit it to us with your enrollment application no later than the 19th of the month prior to the requested effective date as outlined above.
Page Eight — EmployEE BEnEfit nEws
As momentum for federal health care reform
builds, one point has become increasingly clear:
the rising cost of medical care is the root cause of the
many problems in the health care system. Rising
medical costs are the driving force behind higher
private health insurance premiums and the growing
number of uninsured and under-insured Americans.
Health care costs in the United States continue to
increase at three times the rate of general inflation
and have a profound effect on the ability of American
business to compete internationally. Since 1980,
national health care spending has increased by more
than 750 percent to $2.2 trillion. As measured by the
gross domestic product (GDP), the U. S. spends 16 cents
of every dollar of goods and services on health care,
a much higher percentage than any other country.
The specific causes of rising costs touch on many
parts of our society and include:
Advances in medical technology •
Chronic conditions resulting from demographics •
and lifestyle choices
Cost shifting to the private sector •
Wasteful health care spending •
Consumer demand •
Technology's Role
New technologies and new treatments, such
as transplants, joint replacements, biologics and
injectables save lives and improve the quality of life.
New imaging technologies, such as MRIs and PET tests,
quickly diagnose medical conditions. The new
frontiers of genetic and regenerative medicine hold
open the possibility of people living longer, more
productive lives.
But new technology comes at a steep price and is
a major factor driving America’s health care costs.
Studies by the U.S. Congressional Budget Office and
PriceWaterhouse Coopers estimate that medical
technology contributes to higher health care costs
by a range of 38 percent to 65 percent.
Technology drives costs higher in two ways:
First, new technologies and drugs tend to increase •
costs because they are generally more expensive
than the older technologies and drugs they replace.
Second, while more advanced technologies can •
produce better outcomes for some patients, some
can also be used without scientific proof of better
patient outcomes.
Chronic Disease
The growing prevalence of chronic medical
conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, depression and
cancer, is driving up the cost of health care. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), chronic diseases afflict almost half of all
Americans – 133 million people – and account for 70
percent of all deaths and more than three-fourths of the
$2.2 trillion spent on health care yearly in this country.
And as the U.S. population ages, the number of people
with at least one chronic medical condition is growing.
continued
Rising Health Care Costs: A Focal Point for Reform
Where Does the Money Go?
Many people believe that health insurance companies
are raising premiums to cover high operating costs
and to boost profits. In fact, Highmark uses nearly 90
cents of every premium dollar it receives to pay for
the medical care of its members.
Source: 2008 Highmark Financial Reports
89 Cents - Medical Care 10 Cents - Administrative Cost 1 Cent - Profit
Reprinted with permission of Highmark Inc. October 2009
EmployEE BEnEfit nEws — Page Nine
Rising Health Care Costs: A Focal Point for Reform continued
Obesity and physical inactivity cause many chronic
ailments, including diabetes, and are driving up health
care costs. The CDC has reported that, nationally, 33
percent of adults are obese, with nearly 20 percent of
children ages 2 to 19 overweight.
Obesity has been estimated to
generate $36 billion in annual
health care costs.
According to the National
Business Group on Health,
scientific evidence shows that
the three major contributors to
chronic disease are tobacco use,
poor diet and an inactive life-
style. Eliminating these three
determinants would prevent 80
percent of heart disease, 80 per-
cent of type II diabetes cases and
40 percent of cancer cases. The
steady increases over the past
two decades in the use of hospital emergency rooms,
hospital outpatient departments, and physician office
visits are primarily linked to the increased use of
services for people with chronic medical conditions.
Cost Shifting to Private Sector
A 2008 study by Milliman Inc., a global actuarial and
consulting firm, found that low Medicare and Medicaid
reimbursement to health care providers results in cost
shifting to private health insurance carriers. According
to the study, the underpayment of providers by public
programs results in higher provider payment levels by
private insurers and adds 11 percent to the costs paid
by privately insured employers and employees through
higher premiums and cost-sharing levels.
The study said the estimated annual cost shift from
public to private insurers totals almost $89 billion,
approximately 15 percent of the current amount spent
by private insurers on hospital and physician services.
Stated a little differently, if there were no cost shifting,
private hospital and physician payments would be
15 percent lower, according to the study.
Wasteful Spending
There is also evidence that many health care dollars
are wasted on ineffective, repetitive or inappropriate
medical care. The U. S. spends more on medical services
than any other country, but our health outcomes are no
better than those spending less. (see graph on next page)
Quality improvements should be built around trying
to reduce the unwarranted variation in medical practice
that cannot be explained by patient demographics or
severity of illness. The variation can be due to the
underuse of tests and treatments known to be effective,
the overuse of tests and treatments that may have little
clinical value, and the misuse of tests and treatments
that contribute to medical errors. Improving the quality
of care will result in improved patient outcomes and
significant cost efficiencies by eliminating underuse
errors, overuse errors and misuse errors.
Consumer Demand
Today, people are more aware of medical conditions
and treatment options. As a result, they are more likely
to demand the latest prescription drugs, diagnostic tests
and treatments, which can increase the use of services
and contribute to higher overall costs.
Health insurance has also played a part in fueling
consumer demand for health services. Because insurance
historically has paid a large share of the bill for hospital-
ization and physician services, most consumers are insu-
lated from the real costs of health care. As a result, they
have had little incentive to consider the cost of medical
services, and sometimes seek care that has minimal
health benefit.
Chronic diseases
afflict almost half
of all Americans
– 133 million
people.
Page Ten — EmployEE BEnEfit nEws
Rising Health Care Costs: A Focal Point for Reform continued
Other Cost Drivers
A number of other factors contribute to increasing
medical costs:
Our Aging Population:• As people age, they tend to need
and use more medical services.
Labor Costs:• Labor costs make up the largest share of
hospital spending, which accounts for more than 30
percent of health expenditures. Shortages of primary
care physicians, nurses and other health care profes-
sionals – especially in rural areas – can increase
recruitment and labor costs and drive up the cost of
providing care for hospitals and physician practices.
Government Mandates: • Government mandates and
regulations account for about 15 percent of health
care costs. Mandates that expand coverage of
benefits and providers are causing health insurance
premiums to rise.
Malpractice:• Concerns about medical malpractice
lawsuits can push physicians to practice more
defensive medicine, which can result in more costly
care with little or no impact on health outcomes.
Conclusion
Rising health care costs have become the centerpiece
of the current debate about federal health care reform.
In addition to expanding coverage for more Americans,
President Obama and many others have highlighted costs
as a critical goal of comprehensive health care reform.
The multiple issues affecting health care costs are
beyond the control of any single industry stakeholder
and demand cooperation among all key participants –
providers, health insurers, purchasers, unions, consum-
ers, and federal, state and local governments. Programs
to tackle the real drivers of increased health care costs
must include the following:
Changing hospital and physician payment incentives •
to promote better care
Encouraging healthy lifestyles to prevent disease •
Managing and coordinating the care of people •
with chronic conditions
Encouraging research to determine which •
treatments work
Establishing sustainable long-term financing of •
public insurance programs to prevent cost shifting
to the private sector
These activities hold the greatest promise to slow the
growth of rising medical costs. �
Health Spending as a Share of GrossDomestic Product (GDP) (2006)
Source: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD), Health Data Report.
UNITED STATES 16%
FRANCE 11.1%
GERMANY 10.6%
CANADA 10.0%
AUSTRALIA 8.8%
UNITED KINGDOM 8.4%
JAPAN 8.2%
WARNING!The jurisdiction of the Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpen ters is 60 counties in Pennsylvania and this News-letter is mailed to all mem bers in the jurisdiction. Hopefully there is information here that is inter esting to all.
However, to all of our members from Central and Northeastern Penn sylvania, when reading this Newsletter, please keep in mind that the benefit plans we are talking about are the Greater Pennsylvania Plans and may NOT be the benefit plans with which you currently participate.
Annuity/Savings Fund Summary AnnualReport
This is a summary of the annual report for the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters’ Annuity and Savings Fund (Employer Identification No. 25-6107170, Plan No. 001), for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.
The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial StatementBenefits under the plan are provided by a Trust
(benefits are provided in whole from Trust Funds). Plan expenses were $21,053,384. These expenses included $759,538 in Asset Management Fees and Administrative Expenses and $20,293,846 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 14,071 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the Plan at the end of the Plan Year.
The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $201,623,878 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $216,503,673 as of January 1, 2008. During the Plan Year the Plan experienced a decrease in its net
assets of $14,879,795. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of Plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The Plan had total income of $6,173,589, including Employer contributions of $26,562,721 and earnings from investments of $-20,389,132.
Minimum Funding StandardsEnough money was contributed to the Plan to keep
it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.
Your Rights to Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the full annual
report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. An accountant’s report;2. Assets held for investments; and3. Transactions in excess of five percent (5%) of
Plan assets.
MEDICAL PLAN Summary AnnualReport
This is a summary of the annual report for the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters’ Medical Plan (Employer Identification No. 23-7007718, Plan No. 501), for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.
The annual report has seen filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial StatementThe value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities
of the plan, was $70,621,050 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $77,240,568 as of January 1, 2008. During the Plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $6,619,518. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of Plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the Plan year, the Plan
had total income of $46,169,812. This income included Employer contributions of $58,946,332 and earnings from investments of $-12,776,520. Plan expenses were $52,789,330. These expenses included $1,019,537 in asset management fees and administrative expenses, and $51,769,793 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries.
Your Rights to Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the full annual
report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. An accountant’s report;2. Assets held for investments;3. Transactions in excess of five percent (5%) of
Plan assets; and4. Insurance information including sales
commissions paid by insurance carriers.
EmployEE BEnEfit nEws — Page Eleven
PENSION FUND Summary AnnualReport
This is a summary of the annual report for the Greater Pennsylvania Carpenters’ Pension Fund (Employer Identification No. 25-6135570, Plan No. 001), for the period January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.
The Annual Report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Basic Financial StatementBenefits under the Plan are provided by a Trust
(benefits are provided in whole from Trust Funds). Plan expenses were $55,968,461. These expenses included $3,251,151 in Asset Management Fees and Administrative Expenses and $52,717,310 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 12,683 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the Plan at the end of the Plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits.
The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $501,525,579 as of December 31, 2008 compared to $669,652,859 as of January 1, 2008. During the plan year the Plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $168,127,280. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of Plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets
acquired during the year. The Plan had total income of $-112,158,819, including Employer contributions of $33,094,941 and earnings from investments of $-145,253,760.
Minimum Funding StandardsAn actuary’s statement shows that enough money was
contributed to the Plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.
Your Rights to Additional InformationYou have the right to receive a copy of the full annual
report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:
1. An accountant’s report;2. Assets held for investments;3. Transactions in excess of five percent (5%) of
Plan assets; and4. Insurance information including sales
commissions paid by insurance carriers.5. Information regarding any common or collective
trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and
6. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan.
To obtain a copy of the annual report for any of the three plans, or any part thereof, write or call the office of:
James R. Klein, Administrator Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc. 650 Ridge Road, Ste. 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412-922-5330You also have the right to receive from the Plan Ad-
ministrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the Plan Administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be in-cluded as part of that report. These portions of the report are furnished without charge.
Your Rights To Additional InformationOn All Three Summary Annual Reports
You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the Main Office of the Plan:
CARPENTERS’ COMBINED FUNDS, INC. 650 Ridge Road, Ste. 300 Pittsburgh, PA 15205And at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington,
DC, or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Depart ment should be addressed to:
U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration Public Disclosure Room 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite N-1513 Washington, DC 20210
Page Twelve — EmployEE BEnEfit nEws
EmployEE BEnEfit nEws — Page Thirteen
U.S. Department of Labor1-866-487-2365
U.S. Department of Justice
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA THE UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT
AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT
��
Publication Date—October 2008
REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
You have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you leave thatjob to perform service in the uniformed service and:
� you ensure that your employer receives advance written or verbalnotice of your service;
� you have five years or less of cumulative service in the uniformedservices while with that particular employer;
� you return to work or apply for reemployment in a timely mannerafter conclusion of service; and
� you have not been separated from service with a disqualifyingdischarge or under other than honorable conditions.
If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job andbenefits you would have attained if you had not been absent due tomilitary service or, in some cases, a comparable job.
RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION
If you:
� are a past or present member of the uniformed service; � have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or� are obligated to serve in the uniformed service;
then an employer may not deny you:
� initial employment;� reemployment;� retention in employment; � promotion; or � any benefit of employment
because of this status.
In addition, an employer may not retaliate against anyone assisting inthe enforcement of USERRA rights, including testifying or making astatement in connection with a proceeding under USERRA, even if thatperson has no service connection.
HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION
� If you leave your job to perform military service, you have the rightto elect to continue your existing employer-based health plancoverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while inthe military.
� Even if you don't elect to continue coverage during your militaryservice, you have the right to be reinstated in your employer'shealth plan when you are reemployed, generally without any waitingperiods or exclusions (e.g., pre-existing condition exclusions) exceptfor service-connected illnesses or injuries.
ENFORCEMENT
� The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and TrainingService (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaintsof USERRA violations.
� For assistance in filing a complaint, or for any other information onUSERRA, contact VETS at 1-866-4-USA-DOL or visit its website athttp://www.dol.gov/vets. An interactive online USERRA Advisor canbe viewed at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm.
� If you file a complaint with VETS and VETS is unable to resolve it,you may request that your case be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel, as applicable, forrepresentation.
� You may also bypass the VETS process and bring a civil actionagainst an employer for violations of USERRA.
��
1-800-336-4590
The rights listed here may vary depending on the circumstances. The text of this notice was prepared by VETS, and may be viewed on the internet at this address: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.htm. Federal law requires employers to notify employees of their rights under USERRA,and employers may meet this requirement by displaying the text of this notice where they customarily place notices for employees.
Office of Special Counsel
USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System. USERRA also prohibits employers
from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to the uniformed services.
STEP ONE: EMPLOYEE MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYER OF PRIORNOTICE OF UPCOMING MILITARY SERVICEThe right to reemployment and contribution of benefits under USERRA requires an employee provide advance notice, either written or oral, tothe employer of military service. Employers should post a notice that employees must notify the employer, the Union and the Fund office ofmilitary service as soon as known. If notice is not given then an affidavit from the employee will be required, with any supportingdocumentation, to explain why the notice was not given. The acceptable reasons for failure to notify the employer shall be limited to militarynecessity, impossibility or unreasonable circumstances.
STEP TWO:Upon notice, oral or written, of military service then the employer, the Union and the Fund Office shall, within 30 days, communicate the receiptof the employee notice to the other two entities to assure knowledge of the employee’s status.
STEP THREE:Upon return, the employee shall notify: (1) The last employer, (2) The Union, and (3) The Plan Administrator, of his request for reemploymentwith the prescribed time periods set forth by USERRA. The employee’s notice shall include a copy of his discharge papers from military service.
STEP FOUR:The Plan Administrator shall determine if the employee has satisfied the USERRA requirements considering;1. Date of Initial Notice before military service;2. Review of Employee Affidavit concerning failure to notify employer before commencement of military service;3. Nature of Service Discharge. The right to request reemployment may terminate if the separation from service is due to a dishonorable
discharge, bad conduct discharge, or for separation under other than honorable conditions;4. Reemployment also is not required if the employment prior to service is only for a brief, non-recurrent period and there is no reasonable
expectation that such employment will continue indefinitely or for a significant period;5. The length of absence due to service is cumulative and cannot exceed five years. After five years of service the reemployment rights
generally terminate;6. Verification that the employee is truly available for return to work at his previous position;7. Date of Notice of request to return to employment with last employer, or Union or Plan Administrator;
Length ofMilitary Service: Reemployment Deadline:LESS THAN 31 DAYS 1 work day after discharge (allowing 8 hours for travel)*31 THROUGH 180 DAYS 14 days after discharge**MORE THAN 180 DAYS 90 days after discharge
* or as soon as possible after the expiration of the eight hours travel time if such is impossible or unreasonable.** or if such is impossible, then the next day when it becomes possible after the 14 days.
Absence for purposes of examination for service is treated as a period for less than thirty-one days applies;
If hospitalization occurs during service, then the time periods above apply after recovery, but such time shall not exceed two years.
STEP FIVE:If the employee fails to report or apply pursuant to the above schedule then the Plan Administrator shall contact the employer for a statement ofits conduct rules, policy and practices regarding explanation and discipline for absences from scheduled work.
STEP SIX:If an employee satisfies the initial notice requirements for USERRA medical benefits then the Plan Administrator shall notify the employee ofthe costs of coverage.
STEP SEVEN:If the employee is denied medical benefits then the employee shall be sent written notification of the basis for denial within a reasonable period.
Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc.650 Ridge Road, Suite 300Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15205
Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDPittsburgh, PAPermit No. 880
The Staff and Board of Directors of
Carpenters’ Combined Funds, Inc.
would like to wish all of our members
a Happy Holiday Season and
a Healthy and Prosperous New Year
