The Fund pays the cost of prescription drug option premiums on behalf of Medicare-eligible retirees (and their Medicare-eligible spouse or domestic partner) enrolled in a qualified Medicare HMO plan, where such cost would otherwise be paid directly by the member through pension deductions.

Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses/domestic partners enrolled in a qualified Medicare HMO plan are eligible for this benefit. 

The Fund pays the monthly premium directly to the HMO on behalf of the member. The Medicare HMO member, however, is still responsible for co-payments for office visits and drug prescriptions.