How does the JFBT make decisions about our coverage?

Prior to the establishment of the JFBT, FBA benefit plan provisions were determined through collective bargaining. As of April 1, 2017, the JFBT Trustees took on the responsibility of managing the benefit plan to ensure it is administered fairly, equitably, effectively, and cost-efficiently. The Trustees must balance the cost of providing a comprehensive benefits plan with the available funding to ensure the sustainability of a fully funded plan.

The JFBT Trustees conduct regular reviews of the health benefit plan. While the trust continually looks for opportunities to improve benefits for members, a key factor in decisions is whether there is sufficient funding in the trust to make sustainable changes to benefits. If there is more funding in the trust than is needed to pay for existing and future benefits, the trust is seen to be in a surplus position. In this case, the trustees can look at opportunities to add coverage or increase limits. However, if the opposite occurs and the cost of benefit claims is more than the trust has funding for, the trust may be in a deficit position and decisions may have to be made to adjust benefits.

The JFBT has established a Benefit Design Review Committee (BDRC) to carry out reviews of the benefits plan including potential plan design changes for consideration by the trustees. The BDRC reviews member feedback, conducts benefit surveys, and makes recommendations to the JFBT Trustees. In addition, the JFBT Trustees work closely with the Facilities Bargaining Association to administer special funding initiatives related to health and welfare benefits.