K-Ply mill workers might be eligible for health coverage, other benefits

Meeting scheduled for May 9 to explain benefits, check for eligibility

May 2, 2008

OLYMPIA – State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege’s office is urging laid off K-Ply mill workers to apply for reduced health care coverage made available through the federal government.

There is a meeting scheduled for former employees to explain what benefits are available and who is eligible to receive them. Van De Wege’s office helped coordinate for state Health Care Authority representatives to attend and also helping with community outreach.

“Access to health care is important for every person and this benefit might help some families stay covered during current hard times,” said Van De Wege, D-Sequim. “It’s important for everyone to apply and see if they are eligible.”

The meeting will be held May 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Peninsula College’s Little Theatre.

The federal Department of Labor needed to certify that K-Ply workers were eligible for this assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. Once that certification came through late last week workers became eligible for several new benefits. Among the benefits workers might receive is access to the Basic Health Plan, requiring them to only pay 35 percent of that plan.

To enroll in the Health Coverage Tax Credit Basic Health Program, applicants must submit a:

• Completed and signed HCTC-Basic Health application; and 
   
• A copy of their HCTC candidate letter, which they receive with their HCTC program kit.  Applicants must choose a health plan which is available in their county of residence. 

Representatives from the State Health Care Authority and other state and Federal agencies will be on hand at the meeting to help determine eligibility for workers and get them signed up for benefits.

People unable to attend the meeting should contact Bill Messenger, with the Washington State Labor Council, at 360-357-8736.

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