ADVANTAGES OF BEING A MEMBER OF C.H.I.P.S.

• Having administrative costs that are less than the charges of an insurance company allows more money to be spent on providing better benefits coverage and service.
  
  
• All claim forms should be mailed directly to our Administrator's office after completion. There is no need for the Employer to see or complete any sections of your claim forms, since we are the Policyholder. This helps maintain your confidentiality and prevents delays in claims processing.
  
  
• We have total jurisdiction and control over the monies coming into the Plan. Rate credits, interest earned and refunds on the various components of the Plan are the property of the Trust. In turn, we can invest these monies at the best available rates, or use them to offset future premium increases, buy more benefits or increase benefit levels, provide coverage for members on layoff, or a combination of any or all of the foregoing.
  
  
• An accessible Plan Administrator (hired by your own Trust) and administrative staff sympathetic to the members and their desire for quick and easy claims payment.
  
  
• Having a process whereby a member can appeal directly to us (the Trustees) if s/he feels that a claim was paid or denied incorrectly
  
  
• This Plan was created by union members for union members and insists on maintaining strict integrity in all areas of the Plan. We are firm believers in eliminating "window dressing" from benefits coverage. The members of this Plan work hard to negotiate money for benefits, therefore, that money should be applied in the greatest majority towards providing better benefits that are required by the majority of the group.