This program allows the members of IBEW Local 196 to save money with pre-tax contributions to a health care savings plan that accumulate and compound tax-free. IBEW Local 196 members are currently deferring 3% of gross wages. The monies that are accumulated in the participants account can be used to pay for health care expenses after the member retirees.

According to Fidelity Investments, it is estimated that a couple retiring today at age 65, without access to an employer sponsored plan, will need approximately $200,000 in savings to cover lifetime post-retirement medical expenses. This amount is needed to cover Medicare Part B premium, Medicare Part D premium, expenses associated with Medicare cost-sharing provisions, and the cost of services not covered by Medicare. For those choosing to retire early, the post-retirement medical obligation will be noticeably larger. Why spend your pension check after-tax, when the union is providing you the ability to save and cover these expenses completely tax-free!

These sample investment mixes are offered to help you create or fine-tune your own investment strategy, based on your time horizon for investing. Each sample investment mix shows a suggested investment allocation among the primary asset classes considering the investment options available under your plan.

Refer to the material provided by The Hartford for average annual returns and risk information for the funds. You will need to adjust these sample allocations to reflect that you may have more or less risk tolerance, or your time horizon may be different from the sample.

 

Years Until Retirement
	Less than 5 years	5 to 10 years	10 to 15 years	15+ years
Hartford Advisor	60%	50%	40%	25%
Hartford Dividend and Growth	10%	10%	10%	15%
Hartford Stock Fund	10%	10%	10%	10%
Hartford Capital Appreciation	10%	10%	10%	15%
Hartford Small Company	5%	10%	10%	15%
Hartford Global Technology	3%	5%	10%	10%
Hartford Global Health Fund	2%	5%	10%	10%
Total	100%	100%	100%	100%

All registered funds are available by prospectus only. The prospectus contains additional information about the funds, including risks, charges and other expenses. Please read the prospectus carefully before you make your investment choices.

• Have you received your Personal Identification Number (PIN)? If so, log in here.

• If you have not received your PIN, log on here. You will need to know your Social Security Number. Enter 850000 as the PIN.

• To download the prospectus, click here.

• Download the Claim Form

The disability income insurance claim form is composed of three separate sections that need to be completed by you, your physician and your employer.

• Employee Section: Please be sure to complete this part clearly and sign where indicated.
• Physician Section: Please have the physician that disabled you complete this part. If you have seen additional physicians, please also include their names, addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers on a separate sheet of paper.
• Employer Section: Even though your policy is purchased through the union, your benefit is based on the income you receive from your particular employer. Your employer assumes no liability or responsibility for your claim by completing this form for you.

Failure to provide proper information and documentation will delay your claim so it is very important the claim form is complete and clear. Once complete, forward the form to our office by mail or fax.

How Your Claim Will Be Handled:

Once received by Group Benefit Associates, we will begin waiving your premium as of the date of your disability. The processing of your claim will be handled by Guardian Life Insurance Company and therefore you may inquire with them regarding the status of your claim. Please note that Group Benefit Associates does not have access to information regarding claims determination or benefit payments. However, the assistance of our office can be requested if you encounter difficulty in getting your claim processed. Guardian can be reached Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm Eastern Standard Time at:

Short-Term Claims Department (for claims payable during first 6 months of disability)

800-268-2525 phone/ 610-807-8270 fax

Long-Term Claims Department (for claims payable after 6 months of disability)

800-538-4583 phone/ 610-807-9221 fax

Premium billing questions are handled by Group Benefit Associates at 800-450-1271.