Fund Info

Trustees Recognize Plan Manager Charles “Chuck” Besocke

The Board of Trustees recently recognized Plan Manager Charles “Chuck” Besocke during his final Board of Trustees meeting in appreciation of his dedicated service to the Automotive Industries Trust Funds.

Chuck joined the Trust Funds in August 2018 and, throughout his tenure as Plan Manager, worked closely with the Board of Trustees, Trust Fund staff, participating employers, and professional service providers to support the administration of the Trust Funds and the benefits relied upon by members, retirees, and their families. Known for his extensive knowledge of the industry, engaged leadership, and collaborative approach, Chuck earned the respect of both the Board and the Trust Fund team.

To recognize his contributions, the Trustees presented Chuck with a commemorative award featuring interlocking gears, a fitting tribute to the automotive industry and the teamwork, dedication, and collaboration that support the Trust Funds and the members they serve.

As Chuck embarks on an exciting new professional opportunity, the Board of Trustees thanks him for his dedication, leadership, and many contributions over the past eight years and wishes him continued success.

Nick King Joins Automotive Industries Trust Funds as Plan Manager

Nick joined the Trust Fund Office in May and has been working closely with the Board of Trustees and the experienced Trust Fund staff to ensure a smooth transition while continuing the high level of service members, retirees, participating employers, and business partners have come to expect.

While new to the Automotive Industries Trust Funds, Nick brings more than two decades of experience in administering multiemployer employee benefit plans, including operations, compliance, and member services. He looks forward to building on the strong foundation established by the Trustees, Trust Fund staff, and those who have served the membership over the years.

We look forward to sharing more about Nick and the team in the next issue of the Sparkplug.

Trustees Approve 2027 Health Plan Rates

The Board of Trustees has completed its annual review of health plan funding and approved the 2027 Health Plan rates.

Like health funds across the country, the Automotive Industries Welfare Fund continues to experience rising healthcare costs. After reviewing projected costs and the long-term financial position of the Fund, the Trustees strategically applied a portion of the Fund’s accumulated reserves to help moderate this year’s rate adjustments.

Participants enrolled in Plan A will see a 3.4% rate increase. Plan A uses a single blended (composite) rate that combines the costs of both the Self-Funded Anthem and Kaiser options. Under Plan C, where Anthem and Kaiser rates are determined separately, the Anthem rate will increase 3.2%, while the Kaiser rate will remain unchanged.

Rates for the specifically Kaiser-only plan options will also remain unchanged. The Trustees strive to balance today’s affordability with tomorrow’s financial stability by strategically using reserves over time. This thoughtful approach helps reduce the impact of year-to-year healthcare cost increases while preserving financial flexibility for future challenges.

How Plan Reserves Help Moderate Future Rate Changes

Plan reserves help protect the long-term stability of the Welfare Fund while providing the Trustees with flexibility to help moderate the impact of healthcare cost increases from year to year. By strategically applying a portion of accumulated reserves over time, rather than exhausting them in a single year, the Trustees seek to reduce sharp fluctuations in future rate changes while maintaining the financial strength of the Fund.

Take Care of Your Health and Save on Your 2027 Deductible

Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health. An annual physical gives you and your healthcare provider an opportunity to discuss your overall health, identify potential concerns early, and stay on track with recommended screenings and preventive care.

As an added benefit, eligible participants and their covered spouses or registered domestic partners who complete an annual physical during 2026 will qualify for a reduced deductible during the 2027 calendar year under the eligible Anthem Blue Cross Self-Funded Plan options.

To receive the reduced deductible, both you and your covered spouse or registered domestic partner (if enrolled) must complete an annual physical by December 31, 2026, and submit the required certification form, available on the Trust Fund website at AITrustFunds.org.

Healthcare at Your Fingertips

Many of your Trust Fund benefits are available online or through convenient mobile apps. Anthem Blue Cross PPO participants can use the Sydney Health app to access digital ID cards, review claims, locate in-network providers, view Explanation of Benefits information, and connect with Member Services.

Kaiser Permanente members can use  kp. org  or the Kaiser Permanente mobile app to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, message their care team, review test results, and access their digital ID card.

Your Employee Assistance Program is available through Uprise Health. Some members may still recognize the HMC HealthWorks name that appears in certain materials and website addresses. Uprise provides confidential counseling, legal and financial resources, self-assessments, training resources, and an online health library, all available from your computer or mobile device, at hmc.personaladvantage.com; use access code AUTOMOTIVE.

Take a few minutes to register today so your benefits are ready whenever you need them.

Nor Cal Pension Seminar in September

If you are starting to think about retirement, plan to come to the Pension Seminar on September 12 at Local 1546 (see ad on Page 8).

You’ll need to register in advance so that the pension consultants can upload your paperwork. Bring your spouse, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and learn about what you can expect and what you need to do to prepare for retirement day. (Note: a similar program will be held in So Cal at a later date.)

Pension Plan Searching for Former Participants

The Automotive Industries Pension Plan continues to search for former participants who may be eligible for pension benefits.

If you know someone who worked in the automotive industry and has not yet applied for a pension, encourage them to contact the Trust Fund Office. A quick phone call could help reconnect someone with benefits they have earned.