Current Trust Members

Plan Administrator - BIAW - Frequently Asked Questions

How does my company join?
Employers do not have to wait for their current plan’s renewal or anniversary date. Simply fill out a quote request form or contact a Trust consultant at Capital Benefits Services to get information about Trust benefit plans.

When will my insurance become effective?
If you have 2 or more eligible full-time employees you may enroll the first of any month. Your enrollment applications must be complete prior to the 20th of the month.

Do I have to belong to BIAW to purchase health insurance through the Trust?
Your company must be a member of BIAW (Building Industry Association of Washington) or OBIA (Oregon Building Industry Association). If you are a building or construction industry related company and a member of any local homebuilders association in Washington or Oregon you may be eligible to purchase insurance. If you are not already a member, we will likely be able to save you much more than the cost of a membership when you purchase insurance through the Trust.

Can I get an insurance quote for my company before I join?
Yes. Simply fill out a quote request form or contact a Trust consultant at Capital Benefits Services to get started. Many companies save much more than the cost of a membership when they purchase insurance through the Trust.

Do I have to have a minimum number of employees to join?
Companies with 5 or more full-time eligible employees (20-40 hours per week) have access to all BIAW Trust medical plans. Companies with fewer than 5 full-time eligible employees may have access to the Small Company Health Plan.

Who should I contact with other questions about joining?

Please phone, fax or e-mail a BIAW Sales Consultant at:
Capital Benefits Services, Inc.
15375 SE 30th Place, Suite 380
Bellevue, WA 98007
phone (425) 641-8093 or 1-800-545-7011 extension 6
fax 425-643-6728
e-mail sales@epkbenefits.com

Are we required to cover all employees?
Companies with 2 to 5 eligible full-time employees must have 100% participation. Companies with 6 to 10 eligible full-time employees may allow one otherwise eligible person to waive coverage. Companies with 11 or more eligible full-time employees must have 80% or greater participation (e.g. a company of 11 eligible full-time employees must enroll a minimum of 9 employees).

Do I have to enroll all my employees in the same plan?
Companies with 10 or more eligible full-time employees may offer up to 2 medical plans. Under this “Dual Choice” option, eligible employees may chose between one Preferred or Traditional plan and a Managed Care plan. Companies with 5-9 eligible employees may choose 1 plan from among any available in their area. Companies with 2-4 eligible employees may choose one of the plans offered through the Small Company Health Plan.

How can I obtain a list of doctors covered by the medical plan(s) I choose?
The most up-to-date list of providers can be accessed at the insurance company’s website:
Regence BlueShield www.regence.com
Asuris Northwest Health www.asurisnorthwesthealth.com
Group Health www.ghc.org
You may also request printed directories from the customer service departments at Regence 206-389-6731 or 1-800-330-7206, Asuris 509-525-5220 or 1-800-344-5587, or Group Health 1-800-542-9172.

Are there waiting periods on BIAW medical plans?
There is a 3 month waiting period for pre-existing conditions and a 12 month waiting period for transplant-related expenses. A credit for pre-existing waiting periods may be available in accordance with State and Federal Portability regulations.

Are prescription drugs covered on the BIAW plans?
Yes, but the method of payment varies according to plan. Preferred and Traditional plan members pay for prescriptions up front and are reimbursed according to plan benefits. Selections, and Group Health plan members have copay drug cards (employees pay a flat copay amount at the pharmacy). All Regence plan members have a mail order drug benefit which allows them to buy a 90-day supply.

Is maternity care coverage included on BIAW Plans?
Maternity care is covered the same as any other condition.

Is coverage available for Alternative Care Providers on BIAW plans (e.g. naturopaths or acupuncturists)?
Yes, alternative coverage is included on all BIAW plans. Alternative services include acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition counseling, chiropractic care, and naturopathy. Benefits may be limited to a specific number of visits annually.

Are dental and vision plans available through the BIAW Trust?
Yes, companies with 5 or more covered employees may add group dental and/or vision plans to their BIAW benefit package. Dental and/or Vision Plan enrollment must match Medical Plan enrollment.

Are there waiting periods on BIAW dental plans?
Preventive and basic dentistry have no waiting period. There is a six-month waiting period for major dentistry (e.g. crowns, bridges, and dentures). Groups that previously had a "group" dental plan may receive credit toward this waiting period. Contact the Trust Consultants for more information.

Are my employees covered if they work or travel out of state?
Employees covered by Regence BlueShield may access participating health care providers worldwide who contract with local BlueCross BlueShield plans. For the most up-to-date information about participating providers call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or go to www.bluecares.com. Asuris Northwest and Group Health Options also have out-of-area service. Call Group Health Customer Service at 1-800-542-9172 or go to www.ghc.org. Call Asuris Customer Service at 1-344-5587 or go to www.asurisnorthwesthealth.com.

Does the BIAW Trust offer coverage for domestic partners?
The BIAW Trust offers, on a group-by-group basis, Domestic Partner Benefits. This benefit will be available only to those groups of 20 or more employees or groups who have a “qualifying” contract with a governmental entity (state, county or city) that requires that this benefit be offered as part of its contracting process. If you have any questions about the availability and requirements needed to offer this benefit, contact the BIAW Trust Consultants at (425) 641-8093 or 1-800-545-7011 extension 6.

Does the BIAW Trust offer my employees the opportunity to buy more life insurance than the company provides?
Eligible employees can apply for up to $300,000 of Additional Term Life Insurance. This insurance is at reasonable rates, and it can be paid through payroll deductions. Employees of companies with 10 or more participants, who apply for Additional Term Life Insurance within the first 30 days of their company’s effective date with the BIAW Trust, will be guaranteed a minimum of $50,000 of coverage regardless of health conditions.

What is COBRA and how is it handled?
COBRA is the federal law affecting continuation of employers-based health benefit coverage beyond the point when termination would normally occur. BIAW Trust companies subject to federal COBRA Continuation Coverage regulations (generally, companies with 20 or more full and part-time employees) are provided with COBRA administration services at no extra charge. The BIAW Administrator handles all COBRA obligations with the exception of the company's initial Notification Requirements.