Fill out the registration form on the website.

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Membership in Freelancers Union is free. The only fees we have are associated with enrollment in group insurance products. This fee covers the cost of administering the group plans.

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Our membership is open to independent workers—freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, temps, part-timers, contingent employees and the self-employed.The eligibility requirements we have are only for the insurance products we offer. See the How to Apply page for more information.

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As a member of Freelancers Union you can:

- Create a profile and get listed in the Freelancers Yellow Pages
- Access discounts
- Post a project or gig
- Contribute to the resources
- Find and apply for a gig
- Manage your account and update your contact info
- Apply for insurance products
- Sign up to receive e-newsletters
- Network with other freelancers
- Get involved in advocacy so your voice is heard
- Attend a popular Freelancers Union event

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We offer health insurance in 31 states, dental, life and disability insurance nationwide. Freelancers across the country are welcome to become members of Freelancers Union in order to take advantage these and other benefits, such as discounts. Join now! To learn more about insurance available in your area, go to Insurance.

If something isn't available in your state, tell us! Complete a short survey and help us bring health insurance to your state!

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We do not issue Freelancers Union membership cards. Membership in Freelancers Union offers a number of benefits, including corporate and member-to-member discounts. In order to access these discounts you may be required to show a Proof of Membership letter, which you can print directly from our website by signing in.

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Visit our Contact Us page.

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See the events page on the website for regular updates, or contact our events department at events@freelancersunion.org

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Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer legal advice. Please see the New York State Department of Labor’s website for further information.

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Freelancers Union is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization that provides its members with education, resources, and, subject to eligibility requirements, access to health, life, dental, and disability insurance. It is affiliated with Working Today, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which was founded in 1995 and launched a Portable Benefits Network for independent workers in 2001. The PBN was renamed Freelancers Union in 2003, and in 2008 Freelancers Union became a separate but affiliated entity with 501(c)(4) nonprofit status, which has enabled it expand its public policy work to include lobbying.

To read more about our organization, our founder, and what we're working on, see the About Us section of the website.

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Unfortunately we cannot accommodate walk-ins, but you may drop off your application at the drop-box in the front of the office. Contact Member Services either by phone or by email if you have any questions.

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Member Services works as quickly as possible within the given time frame to process documents, answer telephone calls and review applications. Occasionally there is a hold time as we may have a high volume of incoming calls and we answer all inquiries as thoroughly as possible. You may leave a voicemail or send an email, and a Member Services associate will respond as quickly as possible.

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Sign in to the FreelancersUnion.org website and click on Account Information to update your email address or password.

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Your username is the email address you choose to register with. If you forget your password you can have it reset by clicking Password Help, under the Sign In box, and following the instructions to create a new password. We’ll send you a validation email to confirm the change, so you must be able to access the inbox for the email address we have on file for you in order to receive the validation link. Once you’ve clicked on the validation link, you may then sign in to your account using your new password.

Note: It will take up to 24 hours for your password to be updated in our group insurance billing system.

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If your address changes, sign in to the FreelancersUnion.org website and click on Account Information to update your account info.

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Freelancers Union offers members both group insurance plans and individual market insurance plans.

Group plans offer members an opportunity to join together to purchase plans at a group rate. For group plans, Freelancers Union holds the group policy and all enrollees have access to our selection of plans. We charge nominal fees in order to cover the cost of administering these plans. To be eligible for one of our group plans, members must go through the Freelancers Union application process.

Individual market plans are plans where members deal directly with the insurance company for everything from application to paying monthly premiums and checking up on claims. Members can qualify for individual market health insurance plans through Golden Rule in 30 states. Freelancers Union doesn’t determine eligibility for individual market plans, but, depending on the rules in your state, rates and coverage can vary depending on your medical history. See the below table for group and individual market plans in your area.

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Follow the steps in the insurance section of this website.

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There are eligibility requirements for all of the group insurance plans. Eligibility requirements are based on industry/occupation, hours worked, and/or earnings. Please go to the How to Apply page to see if you qualify for group insurance benefits through Freelancers Union.

The plans we offer through Golden Rule are individual market plans, which means that you'll deal directly with the insurance company for everything from application to paying your monthly premium and checking up on claims. Freelancers Union doesn't determine eligibility for the Golden Rule plans, but, depending on the rules in your state, rates and coverage can vary depending on your medical history.

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For health insurance cards:

Call Empire BlueCross BlueShield: 800.563.0319
Call PerfectHealth: 718.370.5380
Call Golden Rule: 800.657.8205

For dental insurance cards:

If you are on the Guardian MDG or HMO dental plan, contact Guardian directly:
New York: 888.618.2016
California and Texas: 800.273.3330
Florida, Illinois, and Michigan:866.494.4542

If you are on the Guardian PPO dental plan, contact our administrative office at benefits@freelancersunion.org

There are no cards for life and disability insurance.

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Freelancers Union open enrollment is a period when you can make changes to your enrollment in group insurance plans. Please note that Open Enrollment does not apply to individual market plans through Golden Rule. Open enrollment takes place once a year and is a specified period of time when you can switch from one health or dental plan to another, and add or drop dependents from coverage.

You may purchase life or disability insurance coverage for the first time at any time during the year; however, certain rules apply if you wish to make changes to your existing plan.

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For group health insurance plans in New York State through Freelancers Insurance Company, you will be able to enroll if you meet the Freelancers Union insurance eligibility requirements and your application is complete. There are no health-related questions or tests involved in the application for health or dental insurance.

For enrollment in life and/or disability insurance plans, you must meet the Freelancers Union insurance eligibility requirements, and your application must be reviewed and approved by the carrier.

Enrollment in individual market plans is pending review and approval of your application by the carrier. To learn more about the application process for plans provided through Golden Rule, contact Golden Rule.

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Choosing health insurance is a very personal decision and one that you should research well. Make sure you select a plan that covers your unique needs.
* For a list health insurance resources, see our resources.
* For help decoding insurance terms, see our glossary.

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Our Freelancers Insurance Company insurance plans in New York, as well as the Guardian dental, life, and disability insurance, are group plans which means that Freelancers Union holds the group policy and all enrollees have access to our selection of plans. In order to enroll in one of these group plans, you must meet our group's eligibility rules.

The plans we offer through Golden Rule are individual market plans, which means that you'll deal directly with the insurance company for everything from enrollment to paying monthly premiums and checking up on claims. Freelancers Union doesn't have any eligibility requirements for the Golden Rule plans, but, depending on the rules in your state, rates and coverage can vary depending on your medical history.

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We work hard to provide a variety of the most robust plans at the lowest possible rates for our members. With health insurance, cost is not always the bottom line. Plans vary greatly according to the insurer. Some may have a small price tag, but also limited coverage, high out-of- pocket costs, a small network of doctors or lesser-ranked hospitals. Others aren't insurance at all, but merely discounts on full-priced health services. Make sure you investigate each option thoroughly before choosing what is right for you.

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Your primary care physician, the hospital network and affiliated doctors will determine and provide your medical care. The insurance company is there to help pay the costs.

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A pre-existing condition is an injury or sickness that you have been diagnosed with or treated for in the last 6 months. If you consulted with a doctor, took medicine, or received other medical care or advice for the injury or sickness during the 6 months prior to becoming insured, your condition is considered pre-existing. Waiting periods may apply before you will be covered for further treatment or consultation.

Different health insurance carriers and plans handle diagnoses differently. If you think you have a pre-existing condition, we recommend that you check with your carrier to determine if the specialists you see and the medications you take are covered.

More detailed information about how Freelancers Insurance Company deals with pre-existing conditions can be found below. For individual market plans through Golden Rule, rates and coverage can vary depending on your medical history. This will depend on the rules in your state.

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The decision to cover any prescription medication, whether it’s a brand-name drug or the generic alternative, is at the discretion of the insurance company. The list of drugs that are covered is called a formulary. This formulary is subject to change without notice.

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A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account that you can use to pay for qualifying medical expenses to supplement a high-deductible health plan. There is a maximum you can contribute on an annual basis, but the account rolls over from year to year.

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If you have an HSA-qualified high-deductible insurance plan, you can open an HSA at most banks and credit unions.

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To choose an HSA provider that best meets your needs, look closely at their features and fees. A few specific things to look for are:

Debit card: A debit card can be a convenient way to pay for eligible health care expenses, but not all providers offer them. If you're looking for an HSA with a debit card, make sure that it's offered by the sponsoring bank or credit union.

Fees: Most HSAs have some standard fees, but the frequency and amount of these fees can vary dramatically. Before opening an account, confirm what sort of fees you'll be paying and when they are charged.

Investment option: Some HSAs feature investment options in mutual funds and the like. If you're interested in an investment option, make sure to check on the account features, rules, and restrictions.

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The law limits how much you can deposit into your HSA each year. In 2009, individuals can deposit $3,000 and families can deposit $5,950. The 2009 catch-up contribution for those over 55 years old is $1000. In 2010, individuals can deposit $3,050 and families can deposit $6,150. The 2010 catch-up contribution for those over 55 years old is $1000.

You can contribute the maximum amount of yearly savings even if your deductible is not that high. For instance, a family with a deductible of just $2,000 can still put in the maximum, plus a catch-up provision for those over 55 years.

If you deposit more than allowed, you must withdraw the amount over the limit, plus any earnings on that amount, before April 15th of the next year. If you don't withdraw the amount over the limit, you will be taxed 6% on that amount and its earnings.

A one-time FSA/HRA/IRA rollover can be made into an HSA. You can only rollover the maximum contribution for that year.

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Anyone can put money into your account - you, family members, employers - but once in the account, the money belongs to you and you receive both the gained interest and the tax benefit on those contributions.

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You can withdraw money immediately for qualified medical expenses as recognized by the IRS, allow them to accumulate interest or dividends for spending in future years, or keep them in a traditional bank account. All gains accumulate tax-free and tax-deferred until your retirement, death, or disability.

Unfortunately, there is no definitive list of medical expenses recognized by the IRS. The best guide is IRS publication 502, which is updated yearly and available at the IRS website.

There are no restrictions on how large the balance can grow as you make deposits and earn interest and dividends from year to year.

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You can deduct your HSA deposits on your income taxes, even if you don't itemize and even if the deposits are made by someone else. If you obtain a qualifying insurance plan in mid-year, you are able to take the full yearly deduction.

If you take money out of your HSA to pay for something other than medical expenses before you turn 65, the amount withdrawn is taxed and you pay a 10% penalty on it. After age 65, any money you withdraw and use for non-qualifying expenses is taxed at the normal rate for investment income. Money used for qualifying medical expenses later in life— such as nursing home costs— can still be withdrawn tax-free.

You can learn more about the expenses that the IRS allows you to pay for with money from your HSA on their website.

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If you terminate your insurance plan, you can still keep your HSA and the remaining funds in the account will continue to accrue interest. You can continue to save the money in your account or use it to pay for qualified medical expenses, but you cannot make any further deposits to your HSA until you enroll in a new HSA-qualified high deductible health plan.

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- IRS Publication 969 explains the rules regarding HSAs

- For FAQs about HSAs visit the U.S. Treasury

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You have three payment options. Your chosen payment method determines how you receive your invoice. You can change your preferences after signing in to our billing and enrollment website.

The options for payment are:

1. Recurring EFT

   You will receive an email reminder on the 4th business day of the month that your invoice is available to be viewed on the billing and enrollment website. On the 15th of the month before your coverage month, the amount you owe will be automatically and conveniently deducted from your bank account.

2. E-Bill

   You will receive an email reminder on the 4th business day of the month that your invoice is available to be viewed on the billing and enrollment website. You'll need to either make a one-time electronic payment on the billing and enrollment website or pay over the phone.

3. Paper billing

   You will receive a paper invoice by mail that contains a payment coupon. You can pay by paper check by mailing your check with the payment coupon located at the top of your payment invoice, by one-time electronic payment on the billing and enrollment website, or by phone.

   Note that there is a $2 monthly fee to receive paper invoices in order to cover the cost of the creation, printing, processing, and mailing of paper bills.

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In order to pay by check, you'll need to include a payment coupon from your paper invoice. There is a $2 fee to cover the cost of the creation, printing, processing, and mailing of paper bills.

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Sign in to the Freelancers Union website and select Pay Your Bill. You'll be taken to the billing and enrollment website. From there, select Billing History from the Billing menu.

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Once you've made a payment on our billing and enrollment website, you'll receive a confirmation message. You'll receive an email once your payment has been processed.

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Yes. There is a $75 annual access fee to access any of our insurance benefits. This fee covers the costs of administering your insurance plan(s). This fee also helps to offset the costs of providing customer service, which will be available to you as long as you are a member. It will appear on your invoice once a year, for as long as you remain on any type of insurance coverage.

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If you wish to enroll a dependent in one or more of your insurance plans, you may need to submit documents to verify that your dependent is eligible for coverage. The documentation you'll need to provide depends on the type of insurance coverage, when the dependent was added, and the type of dependent. Please see the dependent verification page for specifics.

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See the How to Apply page for detailed information about the insurance eligibility requirements and instructions on how to apply.

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With the launch of our insurance products in 2001 we were able to offer the insurance benefits to only one industry. Over time we have been able to offer these benefits to a greater number of industries and continue to work with our insurance carriers to meet the growing needs of our membership.

If your industry is not currently eligible please let us know by filling out our survey (even if you do live in New York State), and sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for important notifications.

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If you recently started freelancing you may be able to apply. You would still need to demonstrate that you’ve worked a minimum of 20 hours per week for the last 8 weeks or that you’ve earned $10,000 for work done in the last six-month period within one of the eligible industries. Earnings may be shown from a previous job (granted it was also in one of the eligible industries) even if it was full-time. However, you must show that you’ve been paid at least once as a freelancer.See the How to Apply page for more information.

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First, make sure you're a Freelancers Union member (it's free!). Then, explore the plans that are available in your area by entering your ZIP code. After you've decided which plans you'd like, you'll need to apply to become part of the Freelancers Union insurance group.

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Freelancers Union will contact you no less than 7 business days of receiving your eligibility application. If your application is missing anything, we will contact you by email. If your application is complete, you will receive an approval notification via email that will contain detailed enrollment instructions. Once your application is approved, you will be able to enroll in insurance.

All insurance (health, life, disability, and dental) can begin on the first of any given month. We must receive your complete application by the 10th of the month in order for you to enroll in insurance by the first of the next month. We will review your application and may contact the client(s) on your Proof of Work Form(s) to verify your application materials.

If we determine that your application is not complete, we will contact you by email no sooner than 7 business days from the date we received your application to request additional documentation.

If you are asked to submit additional documents and we receive them after the 10th of the month (even if we received your initial documents by the 10th) your application was not complete by the 10th and you will be unable to enroll in insurance beginning on the 1st of the next month.

Approval and Enrollment: You will be notified by email when your application is approved, no sooner than 7 business days from the date we received your complete application. Your approval email will contain instructions for insurance enrollment. You must enroll in insurance within 30 days of your eligibility approval. If you do not enroll within 30 days you may have to complete the application process again.

If you're applying for life and/or disability insurance, the same general timeline applies, except that enrollment by the 1st of the following month is pending review and approval of your application by the carrier.

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No. Our eligibility requirement necessitate that we look at earnings for a specific time frame and unfortunately these documents do not allow for this. We will consider pay stubs, bank deposits, copies of checks, cancelled checks or an official letter written from a client/employer as acceptable earnings documents.

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Include only the clients for whom you are submitting documentation of work and earnings. If this includes more than one client, you should submit ONE Proof of Work, for up to five clients. If your documentation will include more than five clients, please submit one form with five of the clients’/ employers’ information. You will still need to submit documents for the unlisted clients/employers to show you meet the eligibility requirements.

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If you qualify in more than one industry it doesn’t matter which you select on your application, as the hours and earnings requirements are the same for every industry. If you need to choose two industries because you’re showing documentation from both to meet earning/hours requirements, then you should select both industries on your application.

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You can submit documentation from any combination of industries and occupations to prove your eligibility for the health insurance group. On theProof of Work Form, you should select all industries for which you are proving earnings and hours in your application.

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If you work for an agency, include where you work on the Proof of Work Form. There's also a space for you to provide the contact information for your agency.

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You must first register to become a member of Freelancers Union (it's free to join). Then you'll need to complete the Personal Information Form and submit the Proof of Work Form with acceptable supporting documents.

For more information, visit the How to Apply page.

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Freelancers Union will contact you within no less than 7 business days of receiving your eligibility application. If your application is missing anything, we will contact you by email. If your application is complete, you will receive an approval notification via email that will contain detailed enrollment instructions. Once your application is approved, you will be able to enroll in insurance.

All insurance (health, life, disability, and dental) can begin on the first of any given month. We must receive your complete application by the 10th of the month in order for you to enroll in insurance by the first of the next month. We will review your application and may contact the client(s) on your Proof of Work Form(s) to verify your application materials.

If we determine that your application is not complete, we will contact you by email no sooner than 7 business days from the date we received your application to request additional documentation.

If you are asked to submit additional documents and we receive them after the 10th of the month (even if we received your initial documents by the 10th) your application was not complete by the 10th and you will be unable to enroll in insurance beginning on the 1st of the next month.

You will be notified by email when your application is approved, no sooner than 7 business days from the date we received your complete application. Your approval email will contain instructions for insurance enrollment. You must enroll in insurance within 30 days of your eligibility approval. If you do not enroll within 30 days you may have to complete the application process again.

If you're applying for life and/or disability insurance, the same general timeline applies, except that enrollment by the 1st of the following month is pending review and approval of your application by the carrier.

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Our eligibility requirements necessitate that we look at earnings for a specific time frame and unfortunately these documents do not allow for this. We will consider pay stubs, bank deposits, copies of checks, cancelled checks or an official letter written from a client/employer as acceptable earnings documents.

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Include only the clients for whom you are submitting documentation of work and earnings. If this includes more than one client, you should submit one Proof of Work Form, for up to five clients. If your documentation will include more than five clients, please submit one form with five of the clients’/ employers’ information. You will still need to submit documents for the unlisted clients/employers to show you meet the eligibility requirements.

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You can submit documentation from any combination of industries and occupations to prove your eligibility for the health insurance group. On theProof of Work Form, you should select all industries for which you are proving earnings and hours in your application.

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You can list either the workplace or the agency, as long as it meets the occupation or industry requirement.

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You will receive detailed enrollment instructions in your approval notification email. In order to get health insurance, you will need to complete the online enrollment process and submit a payment for your first two months of coverage, the $75 annual access fee, and the $50 set up fee.

Note: Additional fees apply for paper enrollment in health insurance.

You will have 30 days (from the date of your approval) to enroll in any of the benefits plans. If you do not enroll within that 30-day period, you will have to submit additional eligibility materials.

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You have 30 days to enroll after being approved and will have the option of selecting either of the next 2 months as a coverage start date on the enrollment form. If you decide not to elect coverage when you first become eligible, you may be required to re-prove your eligibility when you do decide to enroll in any of the insurance products.

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Freelancers Union health insurance plans have been designed to encourage long-term participation. Therefore, if you terminate your coverage, you may be subject to a 9-month waiting period and fees if you choose to re-enroll.

If it has been less than 9 months since you terminated and you want to re-enroll:

We will waive the 9-month waiting period only if you can show that you have been continuously covered by a comparable health insurance plan. Such coverage must have commenced immediately upon dropping your coverage with Freelancers Union, and must have been terminated no more than 60 days before your new application for eligibility. As proof of prior coverage, you must provide a HIPAA Certificate or other written proof from the insurance company. You will be charged an Application Fee. You will also be charged the annual Access Fee if it has been more than one year since you last paid an Access Fee.

OR

If you have not been continuously covered by a comparable health insurance plan during the entire period between dropping your coverage with Freelancers Union to no more than 60 days from when you start the eligibility application, you will be subject to the 9-month waiting period before you can re-enroll.

If it has been more than 9 months since you terminated:

You have satisfied the 9-month waiting period. If you choose to re-enroll, you will need to complete the eligibility application again and you will be charged an Application Fee. You will also be charged the annual Access Fee if it has been more than one year since you last paid an Access Fee.

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You will receive an e-mail confirmation when your enrollment in the insurance plans has been processed. You will receive your health insurance and/or dental insurance ID card(s) and insurance materials approximately 2-3 weeks after you complete the enrollment forms. You will not receive ID cards for life or disability insurance.

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A limited amount of letters can be displayed for each name on your insurance card, so some names may be shortened. If a name is shortened on your ID card, benefits will not be impacted in any way.

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Freelancers Union offers members both group insurance plans and individual market insurance plans. Group plans offer members an opportunity to join together to purchase plans at a group rate. For group plans, Freelancers Union holds the group policy and all enrollees have access to our selection of plans. We charge nominal fees in order to cover the cost of administering these plans. To be eligible for one of our group plans, members must qualify and complete the Freelancers Union application process.

Individual market plans are plans where members deal directly with the insurance company for everything from application to paying monthly premiums and checking up on claims. Members can qualify for individual market health insurance plans through Golden Rule in 30 states. Freelancers Union doesn't determine eligibility for individual market plans, but, depending on the rules in your state, rates and coverage can vary depending on your medical history. See the below table for group and individual market plans in your area.

* Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

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For health insurance cards:

Freelancers Insurance Company: Please go to the "Medical" tab of the FIC website
Golden Rule: call 800.657.8205

For dental insurance cards:

If you are on the Guardian MDG or HMO dental plan, contact Guardian directly:
New York: 888.618.2016
California and Texas: 800.273.3330
Florida, Illinois, and Michigan: 866.494.4542

If you are on the Guardian PPO dental plan, contact our administrative office at benefits@freelancersunion.org.

There are no cards for life and disability insurance.

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Domestic partner coverage is available on the group health plans we offer through Freelancers Insurance Company and the dental plans we offer through The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. See the Rules & Procedures section of the website for detailed instructions on how to add a domestic partner to your dental or health coverage.

For individual market plans, you will need to check directly with the carrier (contact Golden Rule.) Domestic partnership coverage is not currently available on our life and disability plans.

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For group health insurance plans in New York State through Freelancers Insurance Company, you will be able to enroll if you meet the Freelancers Union insurance eligibility requirements and your application is complete. There are no health-related questions or tests involved in the application for health or dental insurance.

For enrollment in life and/or disability insurance plans, you must meet the Freelancers Union insurance eligibility requirements, and your application must be reviewed and approved by the carrier.

Enrollment in individual market plans is pending review and approval of your application by the carrier. To learn more about the application process for plans provided through Golden Rule, contact Golden Rule.

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Our Freelancers Insurance Company (FIC) insurance plans in New York, as well as the Guardian dental, life, and disability insurance, are group plans which means that Freelancers Union holds the group policy and all enrollees have access to our selection of plans. In order to enroll in one of these group plans, you must meet our group's eligibility rules.

The plans we offer through Golden Rule are individual market plans, which means that you'll deal directly with the insurance company for everything from enrollment to paying monthly premiums and checking up on claims. Freelancers Union doesn't have any eligibility requirements for the Golden Rule plans, but, depending on the rules in your state, rates and coverage can vary depending on your medical history.

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After you've enrolled in a plan, you can download a benefits booklet from the FIC website. You can also request a paper copy by contacting FIC customer service.

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When you go to the doctor or hospital, show your insurance ID card. The provider will call FIC to determine the appropriate charge for your visit. All in-network providers are responsible for submitting the claim for you.

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When you go to the doctor or hospital, show your insurance ID card. The provider may call FIC to determine the level of out-of-network benefits available on your plan. Many out-of-network providers will also file a claim for you. If you have to pay the provider directly, you can file a claim with FIC for reimbursement. More information about filing a claim is available on the FIC website.

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Call Freelancers Union Member Services at 800.856.9981.

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All in-network providers are responsible for submitting the claim for you. Many out-of-network providers will also file a claim for you. If you have to pay the provider directly, you can file a claim with FIC for reimbursement . More information about filing a claim is available on the FIC website.

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Mental health services are covered on all of the health plans offered by FIC, but the coverage is not the same on every plan. Please see the summary of benefits, located in the insurance section, for more information on the plans.

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A pre-existing condition is any physical or mental condition, disease, or ailment for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was actually recommended by or received from a licensed health care provider within the six-month period preceding your enrollment date.

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If you were enrolled in a plan through Freelancers Union in December 2008 and you begin your FIC coverage in January 2009, the pre-existing condition rule does not apply to you.

For new enrollees, most pre-existing conditions aren't covered until you've been on the plan for 12 months. However, any time you spent on a previous insurance plan without a gap in coverage of more than 63 days will be credited toward that 12-month waiting period. (This is known as "creditable coverage.")

If you file a claim that may be the result of a pre-existing condition, you will receive a letter from FIC requesting proof of prior health insurance coverage. If you did not have prior coverage, you must list all treatment received during the six months before your FIC coverage began, along with the providers’ names and contact information. FIC will contact your providers to determine if the claim was the result of a pre-existing condition, and if so, you will be responsible for the cost of the claim.

Certain conditions, such as the following, are NOT subject to a pre-existing condition limitation:

• Pregnancy
• Any condition affecting a newborn who has had creditable coverage from within 30 days of birth, provided that there has not been a continuous lapse of more than 63 days between the end of the creditable coverage and the child's enrollment date in an FIC plan.
• Any condition afflicting an adopted child under age 18 who has had creditable coverage from within 30 days of adoption or placement for adoption, provided that there has not been a continuous lapse of more than 63 days between the end of the creditable coverage and the child's enrollment date in an FIC plan.
• Genetic information, including gene products; inherited characteristics that may derive from the individual or family member, including information regarding carrier status and information derived from lab tests that identify mutations in specific genes or chromosomes; physical medical examinations; family histories; and direct analysis of genes or chromosomes.  However, if, within the six-month period prior to enrolling in an FIC plan, you have been diagnosed with and have received medical advice or treatment for the condition indicated by the genetic information, the pre-existing condition waiting period will apply.

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The following dependents are eligible for health coverage:

Spouse: Legal spouse (unless legally separated) and common-law spouse where legally recognized by the state.

Dependent Child: A qualifying dependent child is eligible through the end of the month he/she turns 26. Qualifying dependents include:

• Your natural child
• Your legally adopted child
• Your stepchild
• A child under your legal guardianship
• A child of your qualified domestic partner, who is living with you and your domestic partner, in a parent-child relationship

Domestic Partner: Your domestic partner may be eligible for coverage. A domestic partner is an unmarried adult who is not related to you by blood in a manner that would bar marriage under applicable state laws, and who resides with you in a continuous relationship of indefinite duration in which you both have responsibility for each other's welfare and financial well-being.

Child(ren) of a domestic partner: Your covered domestic partner's dependent child(ren) may also be eligible. Dependent children are governed by the same terms and conditions that apply to your child(ren).

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To cancel your insurance coverage, send the request in writing to benefits@freelancersunion.org. Discontinuations can only be processed for the last day of any given month. Please note that if you terminate your coverage, you may be subject to a waiting period and required to demonstrate your eligibility before you can re-enroll. See the Manage Your Plans section for more information.

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The BlueCard PPO® network is national. Any provider in the national BlueCard PPO® is considered in-network. If traveling abroad, you should pay out-of-pocket for the service received, then file a claim for reimbursement. You can do this by logging in to the FIC website, go to the "Forms" section and print the claim form. Complete the form and mail it with the requested documentation to the address listed on the form.

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To end your coverage, sign in to the billing and enrollment website and follow the instructions listed under the Coverage menu.

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You can end your coverage for any reason at any time. Once coverage begins, the first month's premiums and fees are non-refundable, but any payments you've made for future months of coverage will be refunded.

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If you meet the eligibility requirements, your first step is to apply to join the Insurance and Benefits Group in your area.

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• If you were previously enrolled in health coverage, you'll need to wait nine months before you can re-enroll. We'll waive the nine month waiting period if you can show that you've been continuously covered by another comparable health plan, as long as there wasn't more than a 60-day gap between that plan ending and you applying for coverage with Freelancers Union.
• If it has been less than nine months since your previous health insurance with Freelancers Union, please include proof of continuous health coverage from the prior insurance company (such as a Certificate of Coverage or a HIPAA Certificate) with your insurance eligibility application documents.

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Coverage for in-network versus out-of-network doctors is specific to each plan. All FIC plans use the BlueCross Blue Shield network of doctors. Any doctor participating in this network will be considered “in-network.” You can see the summary of benefits for each plan in the insurance section of this website.

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You are not required to select a primary care physician on any of the FIC plans.

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You can search for doctors and hospitals by going to Provider Search tab on the FIC website.

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No, you don't need a referral to see a specialist on any of the FIC plans.

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Your first step is to apply to join the Insurance and Benefits Group. Once you're approved, you'll have 30 days to enroll in dental insurance. If you don't enroll during that period, you'll need to wait until the next dental open enrollment period (typically in November or December of each year).

If you've had dental insurance from Freelancers Union before, you'll need to wait 12 months from the date your coverage ended to re-enroll in dental insurance.

If you're enrolled in health, life, or disability insurance and you want to re-enroll in dental insurance, you'll need to wait until the first open enrollment period after you've met the 12 month waiting period.

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Once your coverage begins, you can switch plans only during the annual open enrollment period.

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If you don't add your dependent when you initially enroll in a plan, you can add them during the annual open enrollment period or as the result of a qualifying event. If you add a dependent after a qualifying event, you may need to verify your dependent's eligibility and relation to you.

Qualifying events include:

• Marriage
• New domestic partnership
• Loss of other coverage (due to loss of employment, end of the plan or contract, or loss of eligibility for a government-sponsored plan)
• New child (by birth or adoption; dependent children of domestic partners are governed by the same rules as a member's children)

If you're enrolled in the MDG plan, you can remove dependents only during the annual open enrollment period or within 30 days of a qualifying event. You can remove dependents from the PPO plan at any time.

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The following dependents are eligible for dental coverage:

Spouse: Legal spouse (unless legally separated) and common-law spouse where legally recognized by the state.

Dependent Child: A qualifying dependent child is eligible through the end of the month he/she turns 20. Qualifying dependents include:

• Your natural child
• Your legally adopted child
• Your stepchild
• A child under your legal guardianship
• A child of your qualified domestic partner living with you and your domestic partner in a parent-child relationship
• Full-time Student: Any of your unmarried children described above who are:
• Over age 20 and under age 26;
• Enrolled in an accredited school as a full-time student; and
• Primarily supported by the member.

Dental coverage ends at the end of the calendar year in which your dependent turns 26.

Domestic Partner: Your domestic partner may be eligible for coverage. A domestic partner is an unmarried adult who is not related to you by blood in a manner that would bar marriage under applicable state laws, and who resides with you in a continuous relationship of indefinite duration in which you both have responsibility for each other's welfare and financial well-being. NOTE: A Domestic Partner cannot be added if either you or your domestic partner has been part of another domestic partnership within the last 6 months. All persons added under this section will be considered family members.

Child(ren) of a Domestic Partner: Your covered domestic partner's dependent child(ren) may also be eligible. Dependent children are governed by the same terms and conditions that apply to your child(ren).

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Your dental insurance will start the first of the month indicated on the enrollment form, or the first of the month after open enrollment, or the first of the month following the birth or adoption of a child.

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To end your coverage, sign in to the billing and enrollment website and follow the instructions listed under the Coverage menu.

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You can end your coverage for any reason at any time. Once coverage begins, the first month's premiums and fees are non-refundable, but any payments you've made for future months of coverage will be refunded.

Your coverage will end on the last day of the month you make your request and can't be made retroactively. Ending your coverage will also end coverage for any and all of your dependents.

If you end your dental coverage, please note that you must wait 12 months from the date your coverage ended to re-apply.

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Perform a dental provider search on Guardian's website. Select DHMO/Prepaid from the plan dropdown menu and then follow the prompts to complete your search.

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To have your dental services covered, you must go to the dental office that you choose when you enroll. You can find a conveniently located dentist in the MDG or HMO Directory of Participating General Dentists, or on the Guardian website. All of your dental care will be provided by, or arranged by, your selected dental office. For more information about the services covered in the MDG plan, see the Benefit Summary for your plan.

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You can change dental offices just by calling Guardian. The change will be effective on the first day of the next month, as long as you call before the 20th day of the month.
There’s no limit to the number of times you can change dental offices, but selections are always effective from the first day of a month to the last day of a month. Any services started at one dental office must be completed by that office, and your account with the first office must be paid in full before a transfer can be processed.To contact Guardian:

- New York: 888.618.2016

- California and Texas: 800.273.3330

- Florida, Illinois, and Michigan: 866.494.4542

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Each family member can enroll with a different dental office.

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The MDG or HMO network includes oral surgeons, periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists and pediatric dental specialists. If you need dental services that only a specialist can provide, your primary care dental office will request authorization from Guardian for you to see a participating specialist. (Usually your dental office will have the referral authorized within ten days; if it’s an emergency, it is faster.) You will be responsible for the patient charge shown in your booklet for any covered services performed by a specialist dentist.

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Your child must first be seen by a general dentist at your selected dental office. If a child under age six is unmanageable, a referral to a pediatric dental specialist may be made. After the child’s sixth birthday, pediatric specialty services will not be covered.

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With the MDG or HMO plan, most diagnostic and preventive services are covered at no cost to you. However, for basic, major and some preventive services, you will pay a certain amount -- which is referred to as a patient charge -- for each covered service you receive. The patient charges for your MDG or HMO plan are listed in your certificate of coverage booklet, so you’ll always know what you’ll have to pay for services you need. With The Guardian MDG or HMO plan, there are no deductibles, annual maximums or co-insurance, plus pre-treatment reviews are not required for services provided by your participating general dentist.

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No. Under the plan, any necessary paperwork for services from participating dentists is handled by your selected dental office. You just show your MDG or HMO ID card.

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Call MDG or HMO Member Services and discuss your problem with the representative. He or she will work with you to help you resolve your problem. If you are still unsatisfied, you can submit a grievance form explaining the matter. Guardian Member Services or your dental office can provide a form for you to use. Guardian keeps track of all grievances and regularly reviews grievance reports to identify potential problem areas.To contact Guardian:

- New York: 888.618.2016

- California and Texas: 800.273.3330

- Florida, Illinois, and Michigan:866.494.4542

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Freelancers Union will notify you by email when your coverage takes effect.

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A deductible is the dollar amount of covered dental expenses you must pay during the year before benefits are paid by Guardian. This is generally based on the calendar year. Deductibles apply to each covered person. The deductible for the Guardian PPO plan is $50.00 per person (3 per family).

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Perform a dental provider search on Guardian's website. Select PPO from the plan dropdown menu and then follow the prompts to complete your search.

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If you visit a Guardian PPO Network Provider, the benefits described in the Benefit Summary will be paid based on a reduced fee schedule (this will mean lower out-of-pocket expenses). The network provider cannot charge in excess of the fee schedule, so you can receive more services with your yearly maximum. If you go to an out-of-network dentist, the benefits will be based on usual, customary and reasonable rates for a given area.

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An annual maximum is the maximum amount your dental plan will pay in benefits during the year. Both are generally based on the calendar year. Deductibles and annual maximums apply to each covered person. The annual maximum for the Guardian PPO plan is $1,000 per person.

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For some services, you may share in the cost of your dental expenses. This is represented as a percentage of the usual, customary and reasonable level (if a non-network dentist is used) or a percentage of the negotiated fee for covered services (if a network dentist is used). The percentage of co-insurance usually depends on the type of service received: Preventive, Basic or Major. See the Benefit Summary for the co- insurance amounts for the Guardian PPO plan.

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This refers to the set maximum fees for services that have been negotiated with our contracted network dentists and specialists. These average 30% less than the fees they usually charge.

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For all courses of treatment expected to exceed $300, your dentist should submit a report to Guardian describing the proposed treatment and itemizing expected charges. Guardian will review the report and send the dentist an estimate of benefits they will pay. Emergency treatment, oral examination, cleanings, and x-rays may be performed before the review is prepared.

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Network dentists have contracted with Guardian to submit claim forms and accept benefits directly from Guardian. Some non-network dentists may submit claims directly to Guardian. More often, however, non-network dentists will require that you pay for services at the time they are rendered. Afterwards, complete a claim form and forward it to Guardian along with a copy of your payment receipt.

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No. If they wanted to, every family member could go to a different network or non-network dentist or specialist, every time they need care.

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Usual, customary, and reasonable (UCR) charges for covered services are determined by using the usual level of charges made by the majority of dentists in the same geographic area for the same service. If your dentist’s fee is lower than the UCR charge, the plan will pay benefits based on the actual fee. If the fee is higher, the plan will pay benefits based only on the UCR charge, and you are responsible for any amount above the UCR limit.

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Call PPO Member Services (1.800.541.7846) and discuss your problem with the representative. He or she will work with you to help you resolve your problem. If you are still unsatisfied, you can submit a grievance form explaining the matter. Guardian Member Services or your dental office can provide a form for you to use. Guardian keeps track of all grievances, and regularly reviews grievance reports to identify potential problem areas.

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Freelancers Union will notify you by email when your coverage takes effect.

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People who work independently stand to lose the most in the case of sickness or injury. Protecting yourself with disability insurance to cover unexpected costs and lost wages is a smart move. Investing in good life insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the people who depend on you are taken care of, should anything happen to you. We selected Guardian as our life and disability insurance provider based on their 146-year history. As the fourth-largest mutual life insurance company in the country, Guardian can afford to make a long-term commitment to Freelancers Union and our members.

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Health-related questions are not asked in the eligibility application, nor are they a part of the enrollment for health or dental insurance. If you're applying for life or disability insurance, you will be asked qualifying questions about your health and medical background.

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Everyone has his or her own life insurance needs and budget, but the rule of thumb is that you should have 3 to 5 times your annual salary in life insurance coverage.

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Participant and spouse rates are based on age, gender and tobacco usage.

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Yes, but any increase is subject to providing evidence of insurability, and approval is not guaranteed.

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Rates are grouped in five-year age bands and will change as you move from one age band to the next. Generally, premiums are adjusted on the group policy's anniversary date.

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There are no ID cards for life insurance, but you will receive an email confirmation once your enrollment is complete. You will receive a copy of the benefit booklet for your life insurance plan in the mail; this can also be downloaded from our website for your records. If there is any discrepancy between the summary of benefits on our website and your Guardian benefit booklet, the benefit booklet prevails.

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People who work independently stand to lose the most in the case of sickness or injury. Protecting yourself with disability insurance to cover unexpected costs and lost wages is a smart move. Investing in good life insurance will give you the peace of mind of knowing that the people who depend on you are taken care of, should anything happen to you. We selected Guardian as our life and disability insurance provider based on their 146-year history. As the fourth-largest mutual life insurance company in the country, Guardian can afford to make a long-term commitment to Freelancers Union and our members.

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Voluntary disability is an insurance program that allows you to protect your income at a low group rate.

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Your plan will cover a portion of your income if you suffer from a disabling accident, illness, or pregnancy or disabling complications of pregnancy.

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Worker's Compensation covers you only if you are an employee injured on the job, and does not cover an illness unless it is work-related. Social Security disability coverage is not guaranteed and rarely provides enough coverage to maintain your lifestyle.

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Yes. To the extent that benefits you receive from Worker's Compensation exceed 66-2/3% of your income, it will be deducted from your Guardian benefit check.

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Disability benefits are not payable for any disability caused by 1) war or any act of war (including service in the armed forces); 2) committing a felony or taking part in a riot or civil disorder; and 3) intentionally injuring yourself or attempting suicide while sane or insane. No benefits are payable for any period during which you are confined to a correctional facility, are not under the care of a doctor, or are experiencing a loss of earnings not solely due to disability. This plan may or may not cover a pre-existing condition; check your Summary Plan Description for more information. This plan provides disability income insurance only. It does not provide "Basic Hospital," "Basic Medical," or "Major Medical" insurance as defined by the New York State Insurance Department.

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No health-related questions are asked in the eligibility application, nor are they a part of the enrollment for health or dental insurance. If you're applying for life or disability insurance, you will be asked qualifying questions about your health and medical background.

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There is an initial period of time following the start of a disability, called the elimination period, when benefits are not payable. If you are eligible to receive a disability benefit, the benefit will be paid after this elimination period has elapsed.

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Yes, your premium payments will be waived once you satisfy the elimination period and are eligible to receive a benefit.

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Depending on how your disability plan is administered, your benefit check could be taxable. If you pay your plan premiums with pre-tax dollars, your benefit checks will be taxable. Any applicable Social Security or FICA taxes are automatically withheld from your checks. If, however, you pay 100% of your premiums with post-tax dollars, your benefit checks may be tax-free.

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Long-term disability checks are paid monthly.

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Yes, your disability benefit may be reduced if you receive other sources of income you receive due to your disability, such as Worker's Compensation and Social Security.

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There are no ID cards for disability insurance, but you will receive an email confirmation once your enrollment is complete. You will receive a copy of the benefit booklet for your disability plan in the mail; this can also be downloaded from our website for your records. If there is any discrepancy between the summary of benefits on our website and your Guardian benefit booklet, the benefit booklet prevails.

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Rates are grouped in five-year age bands and will change as you move from one age band to the next. Generally, premiums are adjusted on the group policy's anniversary date.

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It is very similar, with advantages shared by employer 401(k) plans: quick enrollment, streamlined administration, vetted investments, and potentially higher annual contributions. The difference is that it's been designed specifically for self-employed individuals who receive 1099 earnings. One of the biggest differences is that your contributions are not made through a payroll. Instead, you can opt for automatic monthly contributions from your bank account or contribution by check.

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When you adopt the Freelancers Retirement Plan, you are the "employer" establishing and sponsoring this 401(k) plan. So while no one else is going to give you a match, you do have the option to make "employer" contributions – in this case called profit sharing contributions. Depending on your business income for the year, these may greatly increase the total amount you can save this year.

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Freelancers Union partners with Milliman, Inc. to provide our members with the Retirement Plan along with online financial planning resources to help you prepare for retirement. Milliman provides retirement services for more than 3,000 retirement plans representing 2 million participants. Milliman makes available the website for account management and convenient participant services. In addition, Charles Schwab Trust Company services as the Trustee of the Freelancers Retirement Plan.

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Members of Freelancers Union who actively work independently as self-employed individuals receiving Form 1099 income are eligible.

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In short, because the government says so. Recent federal regulations have facilitated the use of "stand-alone" profit-sharing plans for self-employed individuals as a way to adopt a 401(k) plan as an alternative to IRAs and SEPs.

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If you have both 1099 and other kinds of income, you are eligible for the plan. However, only 1099 income may be used to fund your account, up to the individual contribution limit. And yes, this is the kind of thing the IRS monitors.

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• Visit www.FreelancersUnion.org.
• Click "Get Started Now" in the Retirement section and fill out the online form.
• You'll be automatically signed up for a target-date retirement model based on your date of birth. If you prefer to choose your own investments, you can make those changes at any time through the plan administration website.
• Download and print the Participation Agreement and ACH Debit forms. You'll need to complete and return these forms (along with a voided check) before you can begin paying into the plan. These forms are an important step in adopting the plan and setting up your online contributions. Send them to:
  
  Milliman, Inc.
  c/o FUN Retirement Team
  1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 300
  Denver, CO 80202
  
  or
  
  Fax to: (303) 299-9018
  
  or
  
  Scan and e-mail to: funteam@milliman.com

Within 48 hours you will receive a confirmation email from our administrative partner, Milliman. That email will contain a link and login information for the secure website where you can manage your plan. This is where you can:

• Change the amount of your contribution
• Designate your beneficiary (you will need to provide your beneficiary's Social Security number and date of birth)
• Change your investment options

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Your Social Security number serves several purposes. It is used as your tax ID number when you adopt the 401(k) plan and submit the p articipation agreement. It's required for tracking your earnings, before-tax contributions and any distributions from the plan for your federal income tax records. Your Social Security number is required to conduct electronic fund transfers from your bank account to your Freelancers Retirement Plan account. It is also used to ensure legitimate, secure access to your plan information when you use the Retirement Plan telephone hotline, Benefits Service Center or access your account through Milliman's retirement website.

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If you have already completed enrollment, Milliman customer service can handle most of your customer service needs. Their number is 866.767.1212. Personal assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time; the automated telephone hotline is available 24/7. Bilingual support is available.

You can also email Milliman customer services at funteam@milliman.com If you need help enrolling on the Freelancers Union site, or if you have a question about the downloadable forms on our site, please contact Freelancers Union Member Services.

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Call the Benefits Service Center at 866.767.1212 and follow the prompts to speak to a customer service representative.

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Call the Benefits Service Center at 866.767.1212 and follow the prompts to speak to a customer service representative.

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Once you've received your confirmation email, you can sign in to MillimanBenefits.com. You'll need to enter your Social Security number. If you have already accessed the telephone hotline, enter your PIN when prompted for your password. Otherwise, enter your month and year of birth (MMYY). The first time you log in, you'll be prompted to change your password to a 6-to 12-digit code made of letters and numbers. For example: da4vid. You'll also be asked to enter an answer to a security question to protect your account information.

You can also call Milliman customer services and make the following changes over the phone:

• Account balance information
• Participant contributions
• Investment funds and direction
• Loans / withdrawal requests
• Request forms
• Change your PIN

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There are two ways you can access your plan money: through loans and in-service withdrawals.

Loans
To get a loan, you can call the automated telephone hotline or the Benefits Service Center, both at 866.767.1212, or log on to MillimanBenefits.com. Using the loan modeling process, you can explore the loan amount and repayment schedule that you want.

Loans are available according to the following guidelines:

• There is a $1,000 minimum loan amount.
• The maximum loan amount is the lesser of 50% of your account balance or $50,000.
• The maximum loan term is five years (10 years for a primary residence).
• The interest rate will be the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal plus 1%.

See the website or call customer service for more details on loan fees, distribution, repayment, defaults, and more.

In-Service Withdrawals
You can take money from the plan for several different reasons. A $35 processing fee is deducted from your distribution when you make an in- service withdrawal.

• Rollover account. You may withdraw money you rolled into this plan at any time.
• Age 59 and 1/2. Once you reach age 59 and 1/2, you may request a withdrawal of your account balance from your before-tax contribution and Roth after-tax accounts for any reason.
• Financial hardship. At any time, you may apply for a financial hardship withdrawal from your before-tax contributions (excludes Roth after-tax contributions). Financial hardship withdrawals are strictly governed by IRS rules and must meet the guidelines for specific cases of immediate and heavy financial need.

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You can change your investment elections by logging on to MillimanBenefits.com, calling the telephone hotline to use the automated system, or calling the Benefits Service Center at 866.767.1212.

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If you are married, your spouse is automatically your beneficiary. If you wish to designate someone else as your beneficiary, you will need your spouse's approval in writing. If you are single, you may designate anyone as your beneficiary. You can get a beneficiary form by logging on to MillimanBenefits.com, calling the telephone hotline, or calling the Benefits Service Center at 866.767.1212.

You may designate your beneficiary(ies) online unless your spouse's signature is required. You will also need your designated beneficiary's Social Security number and date of birth to complete the form. You can also download the appropriate form from Milliman's website, should you need to obtain your spouse's signature.

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Log on to MillimanBenefits.com or call the Benefits Service Center at 866.767.1212 to request the proper forms. The online forms are available under the Communications tab (View Plan Documents).

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There are two convenient ways to save. When you enroll, you may take advantage of automatic monthly savings or contribute by check during two periods a year - it's your choice. When you elect automatic savings, you will designate a specific dollar amount to be electronically transferred from your bank account and deposited to the plan once a month.

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You may contribute by check during two periods a year, in July and from December 15 through March 15 (only profit-sharing contributions can be sent in after December 31 for the prior year). Always attach a contribution payment coupon (available at MillimanBenefits.com only during the appropriate time periods).

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You can elect monthly contributions that will automatically be transferred to the plan from your savings or checking account. Contributions will be transferred on the 17th of each month (or following business day if the 17th is a non-business day). You may change your contribution amount at any time, up to 3 business days before the electronic fund transfer occurs.

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If you choose to set up monthly, automatic contributions, you may choose to set your contribution amount to $0.00 and change that amount whenever you wish to contribute. Funds will be withdrawn from your account just one day a month: the 17th or next business day (if the 17th is a non-business day). Alternatively, you may choose to contribute by check two times a year, in July and from December 15 through March 15.

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You may need to adjust your contribution each month based on your expected income and comfort level. If it's necessary to change your contribution amount, be sure to adjust your contribution election at least three business days before the electronic fund transfer is scheduled to occur that month. Then, if you have additional income and are comfortable contributing a higher amount, you can make additional contributions to the plan using checks. You may contribute by check two times a year, in July and from December 15 through March 15 (only Profit Sharing contributions can be sent in after December 31 for the prior year). Always attach a contribution payment coupon (available at MillimanBenefits.com).

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You can save from 1% to 100% of your 1099 eligible income through your 401(k) before-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions or a combination of both, subject to the IRS annual limit. In 2009, the IRS annual contribution limit is $16,500. If you will be age 50 or older this year, you can save up to $22,000. In addition, you may be able to make a profit sharing contribution to the Freelancers Retirement Plan each year, subject to IRS limits.

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If you are self-employed or a sole proprietor, you may be able to make profit sharing contributions to the Retirement Plan-in addition to your 401(k) before-tax and Roth after-tax contributions. The regulations governing the eligibility of profit sharing contributions are complex and you should obtain assistance from a tax specialist before making any profit sharing contributions.

You will find a special profit sharing contribution calculator to help you determine your eligibility to make profit sharing contributions to the Retirement Plan and the maximum allowable amount of those additional contributions.

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When you enroll in the new plan, you can elect to roll over any existing qualified retirement plan assets (403(b), 401(k), 457 plans, IRAs, etc.) into the Retirement Plan. By doing so, you combine your retirement savings in one place and your account can continue to grow tax- deferred. When you elect a rollover, you decide how your rollover account balance will be invested in the new plan's investment options. The rollover form is available at MillimanBenefits.com under the Contribution tab.

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The difference between these two contribution types is when your money is taxed: now or later. You postpone income taxes on all pre-tax money in your account, along with any investment earnings on your account-until you get a payout from the plan.

If you choose to make Roth after-tax contributions, investment earnings on your Roth after-tax contributions can be distributed tax-free after age 59½, or if you die or become disabled, as long as your first Roth after-tax contributions have been in your account for at least five years.

The first $16,500 that you save ($22,000 if you are age 50 or older) for 2009 may be before-tax, Roth after-tax or a combination of the two. Once a contribution has been made, you may not change the way that it was contributed. For future contributions, you may switch between the contribution types.

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The federal government (and most states) doesn't tax your 401(k) before-tax and profit sharing contributions to the plan because that money comes "off the top" of your total earnings. Here's an example of how it works.

Suppose you earn $30,000 a year-or $7,500 per calendar quarter-and set aside $300 a month in 401(k) before-tax contributions into the plan, or $900 each calendar quarter. Your savings are deposited into your Retirement Plan account before income taxes are calculated, so the amount of taxable wages you would enter on your Form 941 Quarterly Federal Tax Return isn't $7,500 any more-it's $6,600. You put this lower amount on your tax return... so when you get to the bottom line, you pay less in taxes.

All the money in your account-your savings and any investment earnings-is tax-deferred as long as it stays in the plan. This means you postpone paying income taxes on this money until it's paid out.

If you make Roth contributions, the tax advantages are different. Instead of subtracting the amount you contribute now from your taxable income, you can receive your withdrawals when you retire without paying as much in taxes. Investment earnings on your Roth after-tax contributions can be distributed tax-free after age 59½, or if you die or become disabled, as long as your first Roth after-tax contributions have been in your account for at least five years.

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In certain cases, earnings on your Roth after-tax contributions may be subject to taxes even if you meet the qualified rules (e.g., if you receive money from your Roth after-tax account as part of a hardship withdrawal). Please consult with a tax advisor for more details.

Please Note: There are some exceptions to these distribution rules, e.g., in the event of disability, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), etc.

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The more you contribute to the plan, the more you save on taxes-it's that simple. Both the MillimanBenefits.com and Freelancersunion.org websites offer modeling tools and an online calculator to help you determine the savings and investment approach to meet your personal needs.

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Generally, assets in a qualified retirement savings plan are held "in trust" and cannot be used for anything, or by anyone, other than the plan and its participants. Charles Schwab Trust Company is the trustee and is a financially strong and reputable institution.

The assets of the trust-your contributions and earnings-are usually invested in mutual funds, which carry Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance. SIPC insurance protects your cash and securities from fraud and other illegal acts of the brokerage or securities firm for up to $500,000 in account balance, including a $100,000 limit for cash. It is important to understand that SIPC insurance does not protect against losses caused by a decline in the market value of your securities.

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We cannot advise you if you wish to customize your default target retirement model; you will need to obtain advice from an independent financial advisor.

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Target Retirement Models are designed to take the confusion out of investing. They provide diversified investment mixes that are considered by many investment advisers to be appropriate for different target retirement dates. Target Retirement Models are customized portfolios composed of the underlying investment fund options in the plan. The models will change investments over time, becoming more conservative as you get closer to your retirement date.

Of course, you have the option to create a custom portfolio by investing in the plan's other investment funds, including two socially responsible stock funds, or changing the distribution of the plans in your current defaulted model.

For further information about this default fund, be sure to read the Default Investment Model Notice (PDF).

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Target Retirement Models provide diversified investment mixes that are appropriate for different target retirement dates. If you prefer a simple approach to investing, all you need to do is select the Target Retirement Model year closest to your expected retirement year. For example, if you expect to retire in 2032, you could invest 100% of your account in the Target Retirement 2030 model. Target Retirement Models will be customized portfolios composed of the underlying investment fund options in the plan. The models will change investments over time, becoming more conservative as you get closer to your retirement date.

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The plan offers a variety of investment funds, monitored by independent investment professionals, with risk/return objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive – including two socially responsible funds invested in the stocks of companies following a socially responsible business model. You can invest percentages of your account across any combination of the plan's investment options. The plan offers two approaches to investing. See the funds currently available here.

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Yes, the plan offers two Socially Responsible investment fund options: the PIMCO Total Return III Institutional Fund and the New Alternatives Fund. More investment fund information is available at MillimanBenefits.com.

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The plan's investment fund options are monitored by an advisory committee that meets periodically to make decisions regarding the operation of the plan as well as the available investment options. This committee is responsible for determining whether the funds continue to meet defined objectives and are appropriate as ongoing investments for plan participants.

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You decide how to invest your contributions and account balance among the plan's available investment fund options, including the Target Retirement Models. The first step you may want to consider is to log on to MillimanBenefits.com and complete the Investor Profile Quiz to help determine your risk/return tolerance.

Here are a few investing tips suggested by many investment advisers to consider:

• Develop a retirement savings strategy for the long term.
• Long-term investing means staying in the market during down cycles.
• Remain confident in your financial game plan.
• Over the long haul, asset allocation (diversification), not market timing, is the key to success.
• Consider auto-rebalancing your account at least once a year.

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Not at this time, but it's an investment option that may be offered in the future.

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There is a one-time $40 application fee to create your account and an $11 monthly administration fee. Charles Schwab Trust Company will charge an annual trustee fee of 3 basis points (taken monthly), and the individual funds also charge a management fee ("expense ratio"). These range from less than a half of a percent to 1.6%, and a very small percentage of that percentage is set aside as an allowance to Freelancers Union to help pay other plan expenses.

The services these fees provide for our members include:

• Educational and enrollment seminars
• Legal and IRS compliance testing, keeping plan current with tax law changes, etc.
• Website, telephone hotline, Benefit Service Center
• Communications
• Daily update of accounts
• Monthly transfers/deposits and investments of contributions

Other related fees for administration include:

• $50 loan initiation fee/$48 annual maintenance fee
• $35 check/1099-R fee
• $700 for Qualified Domestic Relations Order processing

*Each mutual fund charges fees that will vary depending on the investments chosen

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Making refunds usually necessitates re-filing legally required contribution reports. Due to this administrative burden, full refunds for PAC contributions will not be given; however, if you have made an unintended over-payment, we will always consider your requests for a partial refund. To report such an error, please contact Member Services.

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