CERTIFICATES OF COVERAGE

When you or a dependent are no longer eligible for Plan benefits, you will receive a certificate of coverage from the Fund Office. This certificate provides evidence of your prior health care coverage. You may need to furnish this certificate if you become eligible under another group health plan that excludes coverage for preexisting conditions. You may also need this certificate in order to buy an individual insurance policy with a preexisting condition exclusion or limitation.

If your (or your dependent’s) coverage terminates, the Fund Office will automatically send a certificate of coverage to your (or your dependent’s) last known address. If you do not receive a certificate because of a change of address, or because the Fund Office was not notified that a dependent’s coverage has terminated, or if you would like a certificate for any other reason, you have the right to request one—just call or write the Fund Office at the address and telephone number shown on the inside front cover of this booklet. You may request a certificate of coverage any time within 24 months of when you were last covered under the Plan.