Comprehensive Major Medical Benefit (Employees and Dependents)

The Fund helps you and your family pay for healthcare expenses as described in this section. If you or your Dependents incur covered expenses during any calendar year, the Plan will pay the percentages of such covered expenses as listed in the Schedule of Benefits. Covered expenses do not include expenses for work-related accidents, Injuries or Sickness.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) PPO network Providers are healthcare Providers who participate in the PPO network and have agreed to charge negotiated rates. The Plan generally pays a higher percentage of covered expenses when you use a network Provider.

The Fund provides comprehensive medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) that has agreed to provide medical services to you and your Dependents at pre-negotiated rates.

You are encouraged to use PPO Hospitals and Physicians whenever possible. You will receive the maximum benefits available under the Fund when you use PPO Providers because the Fund will be paying a greater percentage of your covered expenses. Your share will also be less because those covered expenses are generally billed at a discount by the PPO.

To select a PPO Provider in your area or to find out whether your Provider is in the PPO network, you may contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, free of charge, at 1-800-810-BLUE (2583), visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois website at www.bcbsil.com, or call the Fund Office at
1-708-449-7373. Have your medical ID card handy so that you can provide any information required about your Fund.