Sept. 30 is the deadline for musicians who failed to qualify for Health Benefits Plan B during the prior six months to file for reimbursement of up to 90 percent of the contributions made on their behalf. The funds are available to Local 802 members who purchased private plans, which included hospitalization coverage, for that period.

Last month’s Allegro (click here for article) reported on several changes to the Plan which were recently adopted by HBP trustees to stem continuing losses. Beginning on Oct. 1, the premium reimbursement will be cut back to 50 percent of contributions.

The premium reimbursement plan applies only to musicians whose credits fall below $400 in a six-month period – in this case, the period from July 1-Dec. 31, 2001 – making them ineligible for Plan B coverage. Just one reimbursement may be made per period, and the funds must be applied to the purchase of a health plan or HMO coverage. The period now ending runs from April 1 to Sept. 30, 2002.

Claims for reimbursement may be made up to and including the last day of the period. “They must be in the office or postmarked by that date in order for us to honor them,” advises Plan Administrator Dan Jaffe. “If members aren’t sure of their eligibility, they should contact me or a member of the Health Benefits Plan staff immediately.”

No reimbursement will be made without proof, in the form of a paid bill or canceled check, that a health plan or HMO coverage has been purchased. It must show the period covered and indicate that hospitalization coverage is included.