1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov March 15, 2017Health Benefits for United Mine Workers of America RetireesSection 167 of P.L. 114-254 (H.R. 2028, Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017) contained provisions that (1) expanded eligibility for calendar year 2017 for a plan t
2、hat provides health benefits for eligible retired members of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), a labor union that primarily represents coal mine workers and (2) authorized federal financial assistance to the plan through April 30, 2017, to pay for the benefits of the newly eligible retirees
3、. On March 1, 2017, the UMWA sent notices to these newly eligible retirees that their benefits would end on April 30, 2017. Legislation proposed in the 115th Congress would permanently extend eligibility for the health plan and for the transfer of federal financial assistance to the plan to pay the
4、benefits of the newly eligible retirees. This In Focus provides background on the issue of health benefits for UMWA retirees. For information on pension benefits for UMWA retirees, see CRS In Focus IF10617, Pension Benefits for United Mine Workers of America Retirees. UMWA Retiree Health Plans Eligi