Need Help? We are here to support you. Call our welfare fund (212) 366-7880 or pension fund (212) 366-7881 Email: hollowmetal@nyccbf.org
Q&A
How do I update my address?
You can fill out a Change of Address form and mail, email or fax a copy back to us. Must be signed and dated.
How can I add a dependent to my insurance?
Fill out a dependent enrollment form and fax or mail the required document noted on the form.
• Spouse: Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate if the Marriage Certificate does not have his/her date of birth, and a copy of their Social Security Card
• Children: Birth Certificate and a copy of their Social Security Card
• Spouse: Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate if the Marriage Certificate does not have his/her date of birth, and a copy of their Social Security Card
• Children: Birth Certificate and a copy of their Social Security Card
How can I remove a spouse from my medical coverage?
You would need to mail, fax or email a Judgement of Divorce/Divorce Decree, Death Certificate, or lose coverage when your medical coverage is terminated.
How long are my dependent children covered until?
Your children are covered until the end of the month that they turn the age of 26 years old or lose coverage when your medical coverage is terminated.
How can I add or change the beneficiary information on file?
Fill out a Beneficiary Form and mail, fax or email a copy to our office.
How can I receive proof of coverage?
Call and request a letter of eligibility at (212)366-7880.
How many visits are they allowed for a chiropractor?
30 visits
How many visits are allowed for physical, occupation and speech therapy?
30 visits combined
How do I know if I’m eligible for Short-Term Disability?
You need to have worked within 28 days from disability.
When is the Disability Check going to be mailed?
Once the application is received and approved, you will receive a weekly check, up to 26 weeks.
Can I pick up my Disability Check?
Yes, you must call and make an appointment.
What is the coverage for hearing benefits?
$350 per ear, every 4 years. There is a $250 Copay
What insurance do we use for hearing benefits?
General Hearing Services – Phone number 888-899-1447
Does the Fund offer Life Insurance benefit?
Yes, if you die while you are covered by the Plan, your designated Beneficiary is entitled to $10,000 of term Life Insurance coverage through Amalgamated Life Insurance Company. Contact the Fund office for information or application at (212) 366-7880.
Does my medical plan require a Pre-Certification?
For certain procedures, a Pre-Certification is required. Your doctor will have to call Amalgamated Medical Management at 1-800-848-9200.
What is the contact number for Medical Equipment?
We use Edgepark, and can be contact at 1-800-321-0591
Who do we have Medical Insurance with?
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
How do I order a new Blue cross Blue shield card?
Call us at 212-366-7880
How do I get a list of In-Network Physicians?
You can call Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) at (800) 810- BLUE (2583) or access the information at www.BCBS.com
Who do we contact for information on our medical bills or claims?
You can contact C&R Consulting which processes all claims. If your provider wants to inquire about the status of a claim, they can also contact C&R Consulting at 212-395-9339 or 212-869-5986.
Why hasn’t my medical bill been paid? (In-Network)
Call C&R consulting at 212-366-869-5986 to check the status of the claim.
Why am I getting balance billed? (Out-of-Network Doctor)
If the physician is out of network, we pay 250% of the Medicare rate. If do not agree or it was an emergency visit, you can write an appeal letter to the Board of Trustees and mail it to us at Hollow Metal Trust Fund, 395 Hudson St. 9th fl., NY 10014
Is our Medical Insurance the same as our Prescription coverage?
It is not, your prescription coverage is through Express Scripts.
How can I order a new prescription card?
Call Express Scripts at 800-711-0917
How can my pharmacy or physician confirm my prescription coverage?
Providers can call the Pharmacy Desk line at 800-922-1557
Why are they having a problem filling the prescription at the pharmacy?
If the prescription was picked up more than 3 times (RRA – Retail Refill Allowance) for maintenance medication, you would need to do mail order by having your physician call Express Scripts to make the request.
What insurance do I have for Dental?
You have Hollow Metal Trust Fund, but we pay according to the Sele-dent fee schedule.
How do I find an In-Network Dental provider?
To find a provider in-network, you can call 1-800-520-3368 and provide them with your zip code only or visit their website: www.sele-dent.com
How much did I accumulate towards my dental allowance so far for the year?
Contact C&R consulting at (212) 869-5986 for an updated amount or call us at (212) 366-7880. A Max of $1,500 per person/per year, and Orthodontist a max of $4,500.00 per person.
What insurance do I have for Vision?
- General Vision Services GVS #: 800-847-4661 Website: www.generalvision.com
- Comprehensive Professional System (CPS) #: 212-675-5745 Website: www.cpsoptical.com
How much do we cover for optical benefits?
$75 towards the frames/ contact and $25 toward the exam. $100 total once a year to the exact date from last visit.
How can I get a Dental and/or Optical card?
There are no cards for your dental or optical coverage. The provider would have to contact C&R consulting at (212) 869-5986 or (212) 366-9339 for the breakdown of dental benefits using policy holder’s social security number. For the optical the provider would contact GVS or CPS.
Can I get reimbursed for my dental or optical claims?
Yes, you can get reimbursed. You would need to send a detail receipt which would include the Date of Service, Name of Patient and the Codes/Description of the procedures done. For Optical you can get up to $100 reimbursed, but for Dental it depends on the In-Network fee schedule amount.
Please mail these claims to C&R Consulting at 1501 Broadway Suite 1724, New York, NY 10036 or Fax them to (212) 366-9299.
When was the last time I used their optical coverage and when can they go again?
You can call C&R consulting at (212) 869-5986 or us at (212) 366-7880 to request confirmation of the last time you or a dependent used the optical benefits. You can attend again after one year to the exact date of last exam.
When am I eligible for medical benefits?
Plan A:
If you work under a CBA (Contract) that requires your employer to pay a monthly premium to the Fund on your behalf, you will become eligible for coverage the first day of the month following the month in which contributions are reported.
For example: If your employer is first required to contribute to the Fund on your behalf for the month of January, your employer will have to report the premium obligation and/or make the required contribution in February, and your coverage will commence on March 1.
Plan B: If you work under a CBA (Contract) that requires your Employer to make hourly contributions to the Fund, you will become eligible for coverage once you have worked 250 hours in Covered Employment (i.e., work for which your employer is required to contribute to the Fund on your behalf). These 250 hours will “buy” you a calendar quarter (three months) of coverage. If you work at least 250 hours during one of the following periods, you will be covered for the calendar quarter beginning on the date shown below:
Plan B: If you work under a CBA (Contract) that requires your Employer to make hourly contributions to the Fund, you will become eligible for coverage once you have worked 250 hours in Covered Employment (i.e., work for which your employer is required to contribute to the Fund on your behalf). These 250 hours will “buy” you a calendar quarter (three months) of coverage. If you work at least 250 hours during one of the following periods, you will be covered for the calendar quarter beginning on the date shown below:
If you work 250 hours during: Coverage begins:
October, November, December – January 1
January, February, March – April 1
April, May, June – July 1
July, August, September – October 1
When do my benefits get terminated?
Plan A:
Coverage will be terminated the last day of the second month following the month for which the final premium was due to the Fund on your behalf.
For example: If you are laid off on May 15th and your employer’s last premium was due to the Fund on your behalf for May, your coverage will be terminated on July 31st unless you elect and pay for COBRA coverage.
Plan B: If, during any given quarter, you work 200 or more hours, but less than 250 hours, you will have the opportunity to “buy” the remaining hours needed to become eligible for coverage. The cost to purchase hours needed for eligibility will be $6.00 per hour.
Plan B: If, during any given quarter, you work 200 or more hours, but less than 250 hours, you will have the opportunity to “buy” the remaining hours needed to become eligible for coverage. The cost to purchase hours needed for eligibility will be $6.00 per hour.
When can I apply for COBRA coverage?
You can call us and request a COBRA application if you resign, are terminated or laid off.
How long does the pension process take?
On average, it takes 2-3 months for a member to start receiving their pension. This will depend on the timeliness and accuracy of submitting all documents requested.
What do I need to provide for the initial process of my Pension Application?
The process consists of submitting all Application Forms (Covered Work Employment, Return to Work Rules, and Signed Application) along with all the necessary documents such as:
- U.S. State ID, License, or US Passport
- Social Security card(s)
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates (original and translated (if in a different language))
- Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Death Certificate (if applicable)
What happens after I submit my initial documentation for my Pension Application?
Once reviewed, we will determine if you are eligible for a Pension Benefit. If eligible, we will commence the calculation process, in which we review the work history and determine the monthly benefit. When the Monthly Benefit has been approved, you will receive a Declaration of Retirement or an Option Package to elect your benefit and finalize the application. If you are ineligible, you will be notified
Can I change my Federal Taxes at any time? if so, how?
As a pension fund we only deduct Federal Taxes, but you can change your Federal Taxes at any time by filling out a W-4P Form and submit it to our office via mail, email, or Fax (212) 366-7556
How can I set up or update my Direct Deposit information?
You must fill out the ACH Form and provide a copy of a voided check or a bank letterhead to accompany the completed Form.
How can I set up Direct Deposit Overseas?
As of now, we do not offer International wires for direct deposit. For overseas payments, we can only process Checks, or you can opt into using a Rapid! Paycard (Rapid! Paycard will require a valid U.S. ID, license, or US Passport).
Do Hollow Metal Pensioners have Death Benefits?
As of July 2016, we no longer offer the Death Benefit.
Will I continue to have Medical Coverage once I start receiving my pension?
We do not offer Medical Coverage to our pensioners. If you were actively working upon retiring with us, please refer to the following:
- For Plan A members, your coverage will be terminated the last day of the second month following the month for which the final premium was due to the Fund on your behalf.
- For Plan B members, your coverage will be terminated once your hours fall below 250 hours.
- COBRA could be elected if you have not reached age 65.
Will I always receive my pension payments on the 1st of each month?
Members will always receive payment on the 1st of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or on a holiday, the member will receive payment the following business day.
If I get married after I start receiving my pension, can I add my new spouse as a Surviving Spouse Beneficiary?
Once you receive the initial payment, the Single Life option elected cannot be changed.
For a spouse to be considered a Surviving Spouse, you must have to be married at least 12 consecutive months prior to commencing Pension.
For a spouse to be considered a Surviving Spouse, you must have to be married at least 12 consecutive months prior to commencing Pension.
If I get remarried, can I update my previous Surviving Spouse Beneficiary?
Once you have commenced your Pension Benefit, you will not be able to add your current spouse in place of your previous spouse, regardless if they are deceased or divorced.
What if I don’t receive my check or it gets lost in the mail?
All pension payments are processed the first of every month, unless (as explained above) there are any holidays, or it falls on a weekend. If you have no received your check or direct deposit, please contact our office at (212) 366-7881.
Can I continue working once I start collection Pension with Hollow Metal?
You cannot collect pension with Hollow Metal and continue to work more than 40 hours. Doing so will result in possible termination of benefits.
What if I never received my Monthly Benefit Overseas via Check?
If it has taken longer than the expected arrival, please call the office at (212) 366-7881. We can provide a Stop Payment Form to process a reissue if applicable. (Please note, if you receive the pension check once the stop payment has been made you will not be able to cash/deposit it)
Can my family and/or friends call and update information on my behalf?
They cannot make such changes or requests. For us to disclose any detailed information or make any updates over the phone or in person, you must give verbal/written consent or provide a Power of Attorney.
What if my Spouse is not a U.S. Resident?
If your spouse is listed in our records, they will need to provide an SSN or ITIN, or consent to a Spouse Rejection Form.
What is the age to be considered for Normal Retirement?
For all locals the Normal Age of Retirement is age 65.
For benefits prior to 01/01/2019, local 2947 Normal Age of Retirement is age 62.
What is the earliest I could start collecting my Retirement?
For all locals the earliest you can commence retirement is age 55 if you are vested with at least 15 credits.
For benefits prior to 01/01/2019, local 2682 allows commencement of Early Retirement at age 62 with at least 10 credits.
How early can I request a Pension Application?
At least 1 to 2 months prior to commencing your retirement.
Who can sign the application as my Witness?
Anyone present can serve as a witness on the forms, unless it requests for a Notary Public.
How can I update my Address, E-Mail and Phone Number?
You can fill out a Change of Address Form. Must be Notarized
Where can I get a copy of my 1099 Form?
You can call our office at (212) 366-7881 and request a copy to be mailed or faxed.
If I am not married, why can’t I leave my family members as a Beneficiary?
We no longer offer surviving benefits to beneficiaries other than a Spouse, unless they were listed prior to commencing Pension.
Could I complete or request forms at the Funds office?
Yes, but you must schedule an appointment prior to date.
Where can I obtain a Pension Award Letter?
You may call our office and request a letter to be mailed, faxed or emailed.
How can I obtain my estimated amount for my Early and/or Normal Retirement benefit?
Call our representatives and request a Pension Status Letter to be mailed to you directly. This letter will be provided with a copy of your Work History record.
My work history record is missing years, hours, or wages, what can I do?
You can submit copies of you W-2’s for the years missing to our office, and we will do the due diligence of reviewing all records and contracts to rectify any missing information. Note: This does not guarantee an increase in Pension Benefit.
Does Hollow Metal have a Summary Plan Description for Pension?
Upon request, we will gladly provide you a copy of your SPD according to the local you participated in.
My shop pays contributions towards an Annuity Fund, how can I start collecting?
Although we administer the benefits, our annuity is handled by Prudential. You can contact them at 1-888-778-2888 or visit at www.prudential.com
Can I retrieve my Pension Benefit as a Lump Sum instead of Monthly Benefit?
Although we provide a lump sum initial payment, you can only collect it as a Monthly Benefit payment.
How do I know what my effective date for my benefit is?
Your effective date is the 1st of the Month following the month in which your application was received, or the 1st of the Month following the month you turned of Age for Retirement. If you are over 70, we follow the RMD rule which is effective April 1st following the date you turned 70.5 or 72.
*Disclaimer: The Funds have prepared these informal answers to frequently asked questions for the convenience of our participants and contributing employers. The Funds have made every effort to provide accurate answers, but they are not legally binding and do not address every possible situation. The Collection Policy, Trust Agreements, and Collective Bargaining Agreements are official legal documents and supersede any inconsistent statements herein.