When to File That Claim? A Guide for Members
Q: How long do I have to submit a claim after a healthcare expense?
A: Under the Active Plan, you have up to 18 months from the date of service to submit most healthcare claims. If you’re submitting electronically, the deadline is 12 months from the date of service.
Tom’s colleague, Lisa, had recently undergone a minor surgery and was focused on her recovery. A few weeks later, she realized she hadn’t submitted her claim for the expenses yet and started to worry she might have missed the deadline. She reached out to Tom, knowing he was well-versed in navigating the union’s benefits.
“Don’t stress, Lisa,” Tom reassured her when they met up for coffee. “For most healthcare expenses under the Active Plan, you have up to 18 months from the date of service to submit a claim. But if you're submitting it electronically, the deadline is 12 months, so it’s good to get on it sooner rather than later.”
He also shared a practical tip: keep all receipts in a dedicated folder or scan them to create digital backups. “That way, even if you can’t file a claim right away, you’ll have everything ready when you’re able to,” he said.
Lisa felt relieved and thanked Tom for the guidance. For Tom, it was a simple but meaningful reminder of how supporting fellow union members can make a big difference—especially when it comes to making the most of their hard-earned benefits.