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LTF Benefits Trust Fund |
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Purpose: The purpose of the Lackawanna Benefits Trust is to provide benefits for members of the Lackawanna Teachers Federation. Eligibility requirements: Dues paying union members, agency fee payees, teacher on sabbatical (half year at full pay or full year at half pay), LTF members on leave from the district, COBRA eligible members, and retirees.. All newly hired teachers will have to meet a 90-day waiting period before benefits commence. Dependents are eligible after their second birthday until their 23rd birthday. Ineligibility: Once a member leaves the Lackawanna Teachers Federation or leaves the coverage of such, they are no longer eligible for benefits. If a member’s employment is affected, once they opt out of the benefits trust they are ineligible to return to the trust. Family medical leave act participants – initial 12 weeks of leave that are covered by benefits will remain in the plan as usual. At the 13 week point the member will pay the full contribution plus the cost differential. Members who opt not to participate will be ineligible to participate in the plan for a period of two years unless there is a change of life circumstances. Non-payment will result in termination and are not eligible to return to the trust for a period of two years. Teachers replacing a current LTF member are not eligible for benefits from the trust. If a member dies, the family will be covered until the end of the month of death if they opt not to be covered by COBRA. Once a dependant reaches age 23 they will be dropped from coverage as per insurance company policy.
Member’s responsibilities: Dental contributions can be flexed through the district. Contributions are taken from the first pay each month for ten months. Late fees / bad checks – 14 calendar days late will result in a charge of $30.00. 30 days late results in dismissal from the program Member contributions are subject to annual review of the trust and will be determined by the cost of the coverage. A member is responsible to inform the trust of any change of family circumstance. A member is responsible to inform the trust of any change of address, phone number or e-mail address. The member must notify the trust two months prior to when a dependant will reach age 23. The increase will be determined based on the premium increase plus contribution. Permanent/probationary employees on leave without pay will pay the full cost plus member contribution. They have ten days to respond to the trust regarding desire to remain covered and must contribute three months payment upfront. COBRA eligible members must continue the specific coverage that they had at the time of termination at the full cost and contribution determined by the trust. Part time teachers pay the full cost and contribution determined by the trust. Payments are due to the trust as required.
To Current Members of the Dental Program... The telephone number for the LTF Benefits Trust is (716) 825-3226. Also remember your Dental coverage is GHI. Members of the Dental Program must inform the LTF Benefits Trust of any changes, such as address, phone number and family member participation, failure to do so could result could result in coverage difficulties with GHI. If your dentist is not a GHI participant you need a claim form, that can be found in each building or you can call 825-3226 and one will be mailed to you. Gregory Liskiewicz, Trust Administrator |