About Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is available to everyone who is eligible for Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B.
If you are currently taking prescription medication, or think you may in the future, you should explore your Part D options. Medicare Part D is a voluntary program that  may save you money on your prescription drugs.

Medicare offers insurance coverage for prescription drugs through Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and other health plan options.  You must choose a plan to get this coverage. You will need to pay a monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, you may get this coverage for little or no cost.

All Medicare Part D plans must provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare and some plans may offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.  Note that the Medicare Part D prescription drug program is NOT a benefit provided through the Southern California Pipe Trades Health & Welfare Fund (Active Plan) or the Pensioners & Surviving Spouses Health Fund.  It is provided through Medicare and is marketed by various Medicare-approved “Prescription Drug Providers” (PDPs).  If you are eligible for Medicare, you will have a chance to enroll in a Medicare-approved Part D plan from dates for when an eligible participant can elect Part D coverage.

Certificated of Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage

On the right side of this page you will find links to the annual Certificates of Creditable Coverage for the Southern California Pipe Trades Health & Welfare Fund and Pensioners & Surviving Spouses Health Fund.

These notices of creditable coverage were previously mailed to affected Plan Participants.  Be sure to read them carefully and keep them in a safe place where you can find them.  You may also obtain copies of these notices from the Trust Fund Office at (800) 595-7473, or request a copy in writing from Southern California Pipe Trades Administrative Corporation, 501 Shatto Place, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90020.  Updated versions of these notices will be sent annually.

When you enroll in one of the Medicare- approved Part D prescription plans, you may need to give a copy of these notices when you join to show that you are not required to pay a higher premium.
You should compare the benefits (including which drugs are covered) and costs of the Part D plans available in your area.  The Fund cannot provide you with a comparison of such available plans, but we urge you to carefully review any descriptions you may obtain.