Northwest Carpenters Health and Security Plan

Statement of Purpose 

Dear Participant, Retiree and Family:

The Northwest Carpenters Health and Security Plan became effective January 1, 1960. The plan was designed to assist you and your eligible dependents with medically necessary expenses incurred as a result of a non-occupational illness or injury.

The plan is funded by employer contributions required under collective bargaining agreements and written contribution agreements. Self-payments may also be made for continuation coverage in certain circumstances and for retiree coverage. Funds are deposited into a tax exempt, nonprofit trust which is administered by the Board of Trustees. The benefits provided by the plan are self-insured, except as otherwise indicated in this Plan Booklet and Summary Plan Description. The risk of a large and unforeseen expense is shared with all plan participants. Since contributions and investment earnings are the only source of funds for plan benefits, the cost of this coverage now and in the future is directly related to the overall costs of health care and the overall cost of this plan. It is important, therefore, that everyone is a prudent user of health care services and that everyone avoid unnecessary services, when possible, to reduce the overall costs of the plan.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requires the plan to provide you and your eligible dependents with this Summary Plan Description. The plan’s rules on eligibility, benefits, and the circumstances that may result in disqualification, ineligibility, denial, loss, forfeiture, or suspension of any plan benefits are described in the sections of this Plan Booklet. In all circumstances, the terms of this Plan Booklet and Summary Plan Description govern.

From time to time, we update and revise this Plan Booklet and Summary Plan Description and provide you with changes to this Plan Booklet in the form of Summaries of Material Modifications. This current Plan Booklet is updated through the date on the cover and it supersedes all prior versions of this Plan Booklet and Summary Plan Description as of that date.

We encourage you to read this Plan Booklet and Summary Plan Description, and any subsequent modifications carefully. Please contact Northwest Carpenters Trusts if you have questions or concerns about the information you read.

Board of Trustees

Northwest Carpenters Health and Security Plan

Last Updated: 04/25/2023