Health & Welfare

NEW MOBILE APP FOR THE WELFARE FUND
Automatic Sprinkler Local 281, U.A. Welfare Fund is partnering with Viveka Health to bring a Mobile App to the Participants of the Fund. With the Viveka Health App, you will have instant access to your eligibility, medical information, and a whole lot more:

Get started! It’s Simple.  Click on "Viveka" below link to scan the QR code 

Viveka  

Health and Welfare History

Automatic Sprinkler Local 281, U.A. Welfare Fund was established November 12, 1952.

The original agreement and Declaration of Trust entered into on the 12th day of November 1952 by and between National Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Control Association of New York and Chicago Journeymen Sprinkler Fitters and Apprentices Local Union 281 of the United Association, was established to provide health insurance for “eligible employees” under the Jurisdiction of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.


L.U. 281 Trustees
Bryan LaRoche - Chairman
Neal McLaughlin - Trustee
Employer Trustees
Joshua Savitz - Secretary
Joshua Faulkner - Trustee

Staff
Tim Morrin - Welfare Fund Administrator
Kelly Jo Lavko - Assistant Fund Administrator
Katie Hummer - Claims Manager
Mary Mitchell - Fund Representative
Erica Veugeler - Fund Representative
Max Garcia - Fund Representative

The term “eligible employee” shall include:

  1. All employees and dependents of employers
  2. Retired employees
  3. Union employees.
At the time of the original agreement, there were 350 members, and the funding mechanism was 7-1/2 cents per hour for each man- hour of work.

To say we have come “a long way” would be an understatement. The current membership has grown to over 1480 members and the contribution rate is $15.45 per man- hours worked.

“The Fund” is totally self- insured and administered from our office at 11900 S. Laramie, Alsip, IL. “The Fund” includes medical, prescription, dental and eye care.

Fund Office inquiries (708) 597-1832
Fund Office fax number (708) 371-7562

Benefits News

New Health and Welfare App - (6/29/2026)

Click Here for Flyer

Click Here for Quick Start Guide

Automatic Sprinkler Local 281, U.A. Welfare Fund (the Fund) will launch a new version of its mobile app on July 1, 2026. Below is a summary of the steps needed for a smooth transition. The new app will no longer appear in the app stores under Viveka Health. Instead, search for UA Local 281 Health Fund in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This notice includes a promotional flyer with a QR code.

Existing users may transition from the Viveka Health app to the UA Local 281 Health Fund app. Beginning July 1, 2026, participant logins will be supported only through the UA Local 281 Health Fund app. Participants currently registered with the Viveka Health app will see a splash screen message when they open it, directing them to download and use the new UA Local 281 Health Fund app. Example below:

This transition message will automatically guide existing Participants to the new app.

For those Participants already enrolled in the Viveka Health mobile app, if you have any issues transitioning to the new UA Local 281 Health Fund mobile app, contact Erica Veugeler in the Fund Office (708) 597-1832.  Additionally, for previous mobile app users, once you have enrolled in the new UA Local 281 Health Fund mobile app, be sure to delete the Viveka Health app from your mobile phone.

For Participants not previously enrolled in the mobile app, you will need to download the UA Local 281 Health Fund app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The enclosed flyer, and QR code included, will help Participants enroll in the UA Local 281 Health Fund app.  A user guide with more details can be found on the Local 281 website at www.sprinklerfitterchicago.org.  

With the UA Local 281 Health Fund app you can have 24/7 access to your health information. Download the updated app today and have instant information to the following and more:

 

·         Estimated Medical Costs

·         Eligibility Information

·         Medical Claims

·         Digital Insurance Cards

·         Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums

·         Provider Finder

·         Up to Date Information Regarding Benefits

·         Access to Fund Service Provider Contact Information

 

Your Security Is Our Priority.  The UA Local 281 Health Fund app uses advanced AI-powered identity verification and biometric authentication, the same technology trusted by federal agencies such as the IRS, to protect your personal health information. Your data is encrypted end-to-end and the app is fully compliant with HIPAA regulations and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) digital identity guidelines, ensuring only you can access your benefits information.

 


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