The UMWA 1993 Benefit Plan (“1993 Benefit Plan”) was established under the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement (NNCWA”) of 1993. The 1993 Benefit Plan contracts with the UMWA 1974 Pension Trust for administrative services.
Generally, the 1993 Benefit Plan provides health benefits to certain eligible retired mine workers and disabled mine workers who would have been eligible for benefits under the 1950 or 1974 Benefit Plans but for the passage of the Coal Act, and are not eligible for benefits under the Coal Act; and retirees under the 1974 Pension Plan whose last employer was obligated to contribute and contributed to the 1993 Benefit Plan, but would cease to receive health benefits because the employer is “no longer in business.”
All major policy decisions for the 1993 Benefit Plan are made by a board of four trustees. The duties of the trustees include collecting funds owed to the 1993 Benefit Plan, interpreting the provisions of the plan, and investing the assets of the trust.
The UMWA and the BCOA each appoint Trustees. Micheal W. Buckner has been appointed by the UMWA, and Trustees Michael O. McKown and Joseph R. Reschini have been appointed by the BCOA. Mr. Buckner is Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
