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:
- All employees and dependents of employers
- Retired employees
- 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 Services from Included Health - (6/1/2026)
The Automatic Sprinkler Local 281, U.A. Welfare Fund (“Fund”) is pleased to announce an expansion of its partnership with Included Health to encompass telemedicine services effective June 1, 2026. As a result, MDLive will no longer be available for telemedicine services after May 31, 2026.
Current Services Offered by Included Health
Included Health was retained to provide personalized assistance to you and your family when making healthcare decisions and navigating the healthcare system, at no cost to you. Currently, Included Health can help you find top in-network doctors in your neighborhood, get second opinions, and navigate the Fund’s zero-cost programs offered through Pivot (Smoking Cessation), Hinge Health (Virtual Physical Therapy), Absolute Solutions (Imaging Network), and Employee Resource Systems (Member Assistance Program).
Included Health is Replacing MDLive for Telemedicine Services Effective June 1, 2026
Effective June 1, 2026, Included Health is replacing MDLive as the Fund’s telemedicine service provider. Accordingly, moving forward, eligible participants (actives, pre-Medicare retirees, COBRA recipients) and their pre-Medicare eligible dependents can get the care they need virtually, through the Included Health app, at no out-of-pocket cost. For example, eligible participants can use the Included Health app to:
? Consult with a dedicated primary care physician for annual screenings and treatment for chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
? See a licensed therapist online for mental health support as needed.
? Visit with a board-certified psychiatrist for medical management, new diagnoses, and more.
? Get prescriptions sent to the local pharmacy of their choice.
Once you are set up with Included Health, you can connect with a provider virtually within minutes from your phone or computer. Visit includedhealth.com/Local281Fund or call 1-833-201-1235 to get registered today.
Click Here for New Telemedicine Details
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