An important update to the benefits eligibility rules will take effect on October 1, 2025. Please review the summary of the updated rule below.
What is changing and when?
The Board of Trustees are modifying the eligibility rule for benefits under the Supplemental and Benefit Trusts as follows:
Starting October 1, care providers will need to consistently work at least 40 hours per month to maintain benefits eligibility. Specifically, you must work at least 40 bargaining unit hours per month for 2 months in a row or benefits will end 1 month after you work less than 40 hours per month for 2 months in a row.
For example, if you work less than 40 hours in October, but you work 40 hours or more in November, you will maintain benefits eligibility. However, if you work less than 40 hours in October and also work less than 40 hours in November, you would lose benefits eligibility as of January 1, 2026.
Why is this change happening?
The Board of Trustees are managers of the Supplemental and Benefit Trusts’ funds and are making this change:
- To ensure the long-term availability of the Healthcare Cost Assistance and Dental, Vision + Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program (DVE) benefits.
- To fund benefits enhancements including a new rule that allows care providers to keep their benefits eligibility while on Paid Leave Oregon.
- To explore other benefits enhancements that meet the needs of care providers.
- To ensure the Trusts’ funds are used to support the greatest number of care providers possible. A priority is those whose primary job is working as a homecare worker, personal support worker, or personal care attendant and who may not have access to benefits elsewhere.
The Board of Trustees made this decision after analyzing several years of data. They determined that most care providers who receive benefits through the Supplemental and Benefit Trusts work more than 40 hours most months and will not lose eligibility under the new rule.
Resources
Carewell SEIU 503 offers resources to help you navigate your benefits eligibility.
Check your reported work hours
Check your reported work hours using MyCarewell503. MyCarewell503 is an online tool to securely manage your Carewell benefits. MyCarewell503 is available in English currently.
Find care jobs on Carina
Carina is a free online tool from Carewell SEIU 503 that helps you find full-time, part-time, and temporary care jobs in your area. Use Carina to search and match with verified in-home care consumers.
Need additional support?
If you have any questions or need more information or support, call us at 1-844-503-7348, Monday-Friday, 8 am–6 pm PST or email us at CarewellSEIU503Benefits@risepartnership.com. We are available to help in your preferred language.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will this change take effect?
The new eligibility rule takes effect on October 1, 2025. All care providers need to meet the new requirement of working at least 40 hours per month to maintain eligibility starting on this date.
What happens if I work less than 40 hours for 2 months in a row?
If you work less than 40 hours of bargaining unit work for 2 months in a row, you will lose your eligibility for benefits under the Supplemental and Benefit Trusts. Your benefits will end 1 month after you work less than 40 hours per month for 2 months in a row.
For example, if you work less than 40 hours in October, but you work 40 hours or more in November, you will maintain benefits eligibility. However, if you work less than 40 hours in October and also work less than 40 hours in November, you would lose benefits eligibility as of January 1, 2026.
How can I get more hours?
Carina is a free online tool from Carewell SEIU 503 that helps you find full-time, part-time, and temporary care jobs in your area. Use Carina to search and match with verified in-home care consumers. Visit Carina.
What can I do if I work less than 40 hours per month for 2 months in a row and lose my Dental, Vision, Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program benefits?
With Carewell Benefits, you have the option to elect COBRA that covers your Dental, Vision, Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program premiums for $40.67 per month in 2025.
What can I do if I work less than 40 hours per month for 2 months in a row and lose my Healthcare Cost Assistance for my Marketplace plan?
If you’re working less than 40 hours per month and your household income is less than $2,500 per month, you are likely eligible for the new Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Bridge plan. Click here for more information about the OHP Bridge plan.
Even if the reduction in your hours is temporary, it’s important to pay your health insurance premiums yourself after you lose eligibility for Healthcare Cost Assistance. If you don’t, you could lose your health insurance coverage. Once you have worked at least 40 hours of bargaining unit work for 2 months in a row, after a 1-month waiting period while the State reports your hours to Carewell SEIU 503, your benefits begin. At this time, your Benefit Convenience Card will be turned back on.
For example, if you work 40 hours every month in January and February, you will be covered under the Trusts effective April 1.
Why are the eligibility requirements changing ? What additional considerations did the Board of Trustees take when making this decision?
The Board of Trustees are managers of the Supplemental and Benefit Trusts’ funds and are making this change:
- To ensure the long-term availability of the Healthcare Cost Assistance and Dental, Vision + Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program (DVE) benefits.
- To fund setting up benefits enhancements including a new rule that allows care providers to keep their benefits eligibility while on Paid Leave Oregon.
- To allow research of other benefits enhancements that meet the needs of care providers.
- To ensure the Trusts’ funds are used to support the greatest number of care providers possible. A priority is those whose primary job is working as a homecare worker, personal support worker, or personal care attendant and who may not have access to benefits elsewhere.
The Board of Trustees made this decision after analyzing several years of data. They determined that most care providers who receive benefits through the Supplemental and Benefit Trusts work more than 40 hours most months and will not lose eligibility under the new rule.