If Your Claim is Denied

If your claim for benefits is denied in whole or in part, you will have the opportunity for a full and fair review.

Within 60 days after you receive a written notice that a claim has been denied, you, your beneficiary (if making the claim), or an authorized representative may request a review by writing to the Fund office. You, your beneficiary or your authorized representative will be given an opportunity to review pertinent documents and submit issues and comments in writing.

The Trustees, with the assistance of lawyers, accountants, actuaries or other professional consultants, will review the appeal. You will receive the Trustees' decision with specific reasons for the decision and specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based.

The Trustees must give you a written decision on your appeal no later than 60 days (or 120 days under special circumstances) after receipt of the request for review. If your claim is again denied, the Trustees must give you the specific reasons for the denial and cite the specific Plan provisions on which the denial is based.