In 1979, members of I.A.T.S.E. Local 784 established a Trust Fund for health insurance. The first year, there was only one contributor – Mendenhall & Assoc, with a total contribution of $14.38. The Fund grew and in 1983 we were able to establish coverage through Kaiser and with Delta Dental. Through the years, benefits were added and expanded to include prescriptions, vision, chiropractic and a death benefit.

In recent years, due to the increasing costs of coverage the length of time required to become eligible as well as the growing amount of the copayments, the amount of members covered by the plan has been steadily shrinking.

As far back as two years ago the Health Fund Trustees began seriously looking into other plan options that could be of greater benefit to the membership. And at a Special Meeting held on Sept. 21st, they brought the Flex Plan to the membership for their consideration.

In a historic move, the membership overwhelmingly approved to close the Local 784 Health and Welfare Plan and go into the Entertainment Industry Flex Plan.

The change will take place effective immediately with contributions going to the Flex Plan starting October 1st, 2009.

The Local 784 Fund will continue through the end of the year to guarantee a smooth transition to the new plan.

Once your eligibility has been reached under the Flex Plan (after $100.00 of employer contributions are received), you will receive the enrollment packet from the Flex Plan.

We understand that there will be many questions during this transition. For general transition questions contact the office, for specific coverage issues contact the Local 784 Plan and to learn more about the Flex Plan go to http://www.flexplan.com.