
he Mountaineer Park HBPA Benevolent Trust was established in April 1998 out of a general concern for the welfare and well being of those individuals who are not employed by the racetrack but whose primary source of income is derived from racing, training and care of thoroughbred race horses. This trust provides certain benevolence benefits to eligible horsemen (Owner/trainers, assistant trainers, grooms, hot walkers, pony people and exercise riders).
The Mountaineer Park HBPA Health and Welfare Plan was adopted by the Trustees of the Trust to help defray the cost of medical and other expenses incurred by eligible individuals.
Since the trust had no funds available, the Mountaineer HBPA passed a motion that owners would contribute $3.00 per start to be used exclusively for the Health and Welfare Plan. At that time, the general membership was notified that this start fee would be abolished after additional funding was secured.
The $3.00 start fee was abolished effective Jan 1, 2001.
The Trust is funded exclusively from a percentage of the purses awarded at the Track. The percentage of purses contributed to the Trust is established pursuant to an agreement between the Trust and Management.
In July 1998, the HBPA had to amend their agreement with Mountaineer Race Track to agree to fund the Trust with 1% of total purses paid. This amendment was in effect until December 31, 2000. Mountaineer has signed agreements to fund the trust 1 ½% of purses paid effective January 1, 2001 thru December 31, 2009.
MOUNTAINEER PARK HBPA
BENEVOLENT TRUST
2008
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE:
To become eligible to apply for the Trust, participant must have been licensed for the previous five (5) months at Mountaineer and, if a trainer, must start at least three (3) times every three (3) months and a total of 16 starts per year. If you do not have 16 starts and you have been eligible and on the trust for the previous 5 years you will need only 12 starts per year (3) times every (3) months. If you do not have 16 starts by the end of the year, you will not be eligible for the trust the next year until you have reached the 16 starts. (If you do not start any horses in the five (5) month waiting period you will not be eligible until you have three (3) starts.) If you are already covered as a groom, etc., and you get a trainers license or if you are covered as a trainer and get a groom, etc. license, you will be covered without the waiting period. To continue coverage, you must then start at least (3) times every (3) months and a total of 16 starts per year (unless you qualify under the (12) starts.).
Trainers must meet above requirement in order to qualify their employees. 75% of trainer’s starts must be at Mountaineer Park.
Number of grooms who will be covered under a trainer will be on a sliding scale. (1 groom per 16 starts, 2 grooms per 32 starts, etc.)
Assistant trainers must be visibly working at Mountaineer full time (for an eligible trainer) to be covered under the Trust.
Participants are required to list the type(s) of license they hold (exercise rider, pony, groom/hot walker, assistant trainer.) The number of hours you work at that job or jobs must be shown on your application. Seventy-five percent (75%) of your working hours must be on this job.
If any participant leaves to race or work at another racetrack/training center, or any employment, for 60 days or more and returns to Mountaineer, eligibility must be re-established. If you just leave the area for 60 days or more and you do not work elsewhere, you will receive no benefits after 60 days until you return to Mountaineer and reach the required number of starts.
Participants, other than trainer, must show proof of employment (An affidavit of employment and affidavit of earnings that must be signed by the trainer and updated every three (3) months.)
ELIGIBLE LICENSEES:
Trainer, assistant trainer, groom/hot walker, pony person & exercise rider.
Anyone who exercises horses must have an exercise rider license.
OWNERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE TRUST OR THE HMO.
LIMITS OF COVERAGE:
TOTAL BENEFIT PER YEAR IS $4,000.00. (After becoming eligible, your benefits will be prorated beginning in the month you became eligible.)
TOTAL BENEFIT PER EACH CHILD OF APPLICANT IS $1000.00. (Can be used only for actual child medical/dental expenses; not parents medical insurance)
Regardless of age college students are only eligible for $1,000 in benefits.
Dental: $1,500.00 (within the $4,000.00 total)
Prescription Glasses: $ 300.00 (within the $4,000.00 total)
Chiropractic(7.1.02) $ 750.00 (within the $4,000.00 total)
Prescription medication will be monitored for abuse and may be limited.
CARELINK HMO:
If you are on the Carelink HMO, you are not eligible for any dental or glasses. Under this trust your insurance premiums are being subsidized in the amount of $4,000.00.
FORT DEARBORN LIFE INSURANCE:
Life insurance is available to Eligible Licensees. It is your responsibility to apply for this policy. Applications are available in the trust office. The cost is deducted from your $4,000.00 per year.
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