Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The limited summary information on this page is provided for your convenience. The benefit plans are governed by official plan documents that apply in the case of discrepancy. See the Benefits Handbook (login required for hyperlink to be active) for more details about benefit plans and company policies.

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General FAQs

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  • What is my username and password for CoalBenefits.com?

    Please ask your local Human Resources Representative for the username and password that applies for your work location.

  • How do I log in to the 401(k) website?

    If you have already created your own User ID and Password and are unable to access your account, contact NestEgg U at 866-412-9026. 

    If you have not yet created your own User ID and Password, you may do so at any time after your first paycheck with a 401(k) contribution. Click on the "Access account" or "NestEgg U" links to go to the 401(k) website, and enter your Social Security number as your User ID and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number as your Password. You will be guided through the steps to create your own User ID and Password. If you need help, contact NestEgg U at 866-412-9026.

Family Events

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  • I just got married. Does this mean I need to change something regarding my benefits? If so, what do I do?

    Within 31 days of the date of your marriage, you can:

    • Add your spouse to your health care coverage,
    • Elect optional Spouse Life insurance, and
    • Start or increase the amount of your contributions to a Health Care Reimbursement Account (if available at your location).

    You may want to change the beneficiary designation on your life insurance coverage and/or your Profit Sharing and Savings Account. You may also want to change your payroll exemptions.

    Click here for more information and links to forms for changes related to marriage.

  • My child just turned 21. What do I do?

    See the Family Events page for instructions on the actions you should take before your child's 21st birthday, or no later than 31 days afterwards.

  • My child just turned 26. What do I do?

    See the Family Events page for instructions on the actions you should take before your child's 26th birthday, or no later than 31 days afterwards.

  • How do I add a dependent to my health care coverage?

    To enroll an dependent, complete and submit a Benefit Election Form to your local HR representative along with evidence of eligible dependent status such as a marriage license or birth certificate.

    To add a new dependent to your coverage (i.e., after a marriage, birth, or adoption), you must enroll your new dependent within 31 days of the date he or she became eligible. Coverage for the dependent will then be effective as of the date he or she became your dependent. 

    If you do not meet this enrollment deadline, the dependent will not be covered by the Plan until you enroll the dependent during the next annual Open Enrollment period or following another qualified status change. During Open Enrollment, add your dependents to your information on the online enrollment system; then complete and submit the Benefit Election Form as described above.

  • My child is getting married. Is he/she still eligible for health care coverage?

    Yes. Your children, married or unmarried, are eligible for coverage until their 26th birthday.

    However, keep in mind that the medical plan does not cover pregnancy-related services for dependent children.

Career Events

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  • I want to retire next month. What do I need to do?

    Consider meeting with one of our NestEgg U financial coaches to review your options for your 401(k) account as you approach retirement. See the Benefits Handbook Retirement section for additional details a about the options available to you and the steps you need to take to prepare for retirement. Also, review the information in Benefit Plan Options for Employees Leaving the Company about health coverage and other company benefits. Be sure to work closely with your local HR representative to ensure all arrangements are in place prior to your last day of work.

  • I am leaving the Company. What are my benefit options?

    As you leave the company, you probably have questions about health coverage, such as what’s available through the Health Insurance Marketplace or through Alliance Coal. And you may have questions about options to continue or replace other company benefits. See Benefit Plan Options for Employees Leaving the Company. This document includes a summary of your options and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make decisions regarding health coverage, life insurance, and 401(k) savings.

  • Bill’s last day was today. Who do we need to notify?

    Contact your local HR representative right away.

Health Care

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  • Can I get Care Coordination services even if I do not have a complex health condition?

    Yes! Regardless of whether a complex or chronic condition is involved, you and your covered family members are always welcome to call the Care Coordination team for assistance. This valuable benefit helps you receive safe, efficient treatment from your health care providers—and avoid complications or gaps in care that could hurt your health.

    Call Member Services at (855) 979-5192 and ask to speak with a Care Coordination nurse.

  • How can I find out if my doctor or hospital is in the network?

    To see which providers are In-Network Plus and In-Network, see the Provider Directories

  • Can I add a step-child to my health coverage?

    Yes, for health benefits you can cover your natural children, legally adopted children, children placed for adoption, step-children, and children for whom you are the court-appointed guardian or for whom you have been assigned financial responsibility by a QMCSO to provide health care coverage. An order of paternity is required for natural children born out-of-wedlock. For more information, see "Coverage for Your Dependents."

  • My grandson lives with us. Is he covered by our health care plan?

    If you are the court-appointed guardian for your grandson, or if he is your legally adopted child (or has been placed with you for adoption), then he is an eligible dependent under the Health Care Program.

  • How do I add a dependent to my health care coverage?

    To enroll an dependent, complete and submit a Benefit Election Form to your local HR representative along with evidence of eligible dependent status such as a marriage license or birth certificate.

    To add a new dependent to your coverage (i.e., after a marriage, birth, or adoption), you must enroll your new dependent within 31 days of the date he or she became eligible. Coverage for the dependent will then be effective as of the date he or she became your dependent. 

    If you do not meet this enrollment deadline, the dependent will not be covered by the Plan until you enroll the dependent during the next annual Open Enrollment period or following another qualified status change. During Open Enrollment, add your dependents to your information on the online enrollment system; then complete and submit the Benefit Election Form as described above.

  • My child is getting married. Is he/she still eligible for health care coverage?

    Yes. Your children, married or unmarried, are eligible for coverage until their 26th birthday.

    However, keep in mind that the medical plan does not cover pregnancy-related services for dependent children.

  • I'm a new employee; when will I receive my medical-prescription ID card?

    A few weeks after submitting your Benefit Election Form, you will receive your medical-prescription ID card from your HR Representative. You and your covered dependents can use the ID card for medical services and prescription drugs. You can also print a Health ID card from the Member Portal. If you have any questions about accessing your card, call Member Services at (855) 979-5192.

Income Security

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  • Can I continue my life insurance if I leave the company or retire? Can my dependents continue their life insurance coverage, too??

    You or your dependent may also be eligible to purchase continued coverage issued by MetLife when your insurance would otherwise end. Certain options exist for converting term life insurance into permanent life insurance (called "conversion"). If you are eligible, MetLife will provide the forms and information. 

    You must complete an application for conversion and apply for these options within 31 days of your coverage termination.

    To obtain an application, please contact MetLife at (877) 275-6387. Please provide the contract number – 154622-1-G – when calling. If you are using a telecommunications device for the hearing impaired (TDD), please call (800) 855-2880. Representatives are available to assist you Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET.

    For more information, visit the Benefit Handbook's Life Insurance section.

  • How do I apply for short-term disability?

    You do not have to apply for short-term disability benefits; however, you must immediately notify your supervisor of your disability. It is your supervisor's responsibility to file any required forms in connection with your short-term disability benefits. Medical evidence will be required.

  • How do I change the beneficiary for my Life Insurance coverage?

    Go to the Forms Directory at coalbenefits.com and select "Benefit Election Form." Print the form, complete the beneficiary information in the life insurance section, and submit the form to your HR Representative.

    For more information, visit the Benefit Handbook's Life Insurance section.

  • Can I name a Trust as a beneficiary for my Life Insurance coverage?

    Yes. Complete the beneficiary information in the life insurance section of the Benefit Election Form. In the space where a name and other information would be entered, write "To [name of your Trustee], or the successor Trustee of the [name of the Trust] dated [date of the Trust], including any amendments to the Trust." The Plan Administrator will contact you for additional information needed to complete the beneficiary designation.

Retirement

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  • I want to retire next month. What do I need to do?

    Consider meeting with one of our NestEgg U financial coaches to review your options for your 401(k) account as you approach retirement. See the Benefits Handbook Retirement section for additional details a about the options available to you and the steps you need to take to prepare for retirement. Also, review the information in Benefit Plan Options for Employees Leaving the Company about health coverage and other company benefits. Be sure to work closely with your local HR representative to ensure all arrangements are in place prior to your last day of work.

  • Can I name my children as beneficiaries for PSSP?

    Yes. However, if you are married, and want to name anyone other than your spouse as primary beneficiary, your spouse must sign a written, notarized consent on your PSSP Beneficiary Designation form.

  • Do we have retiree health care?

    No. The Company only provides health care coverage for active employees and their dependents.

    You become eligible for Medicare coverage at age 65. If you apply three months prior to your 65th birthday, your coverage will begin on the first day of the month that you turn 65.

    If you are not yet eligible for Medicare when you retire, you should consider continuing coverage for yourself and your dependents temporarily through COBRA, at a cost to you of 102% of the Company’s cost. For more information about COBRA coverage, see "Continuing Coverage" in your benefits handbook. To ensure you receive an election form, contact Member Services at (855) 979-5192, or talk with your local HR representative. Under the law, to be eligible for COBRA coverage you must send your completed election form to the COBRA Administrator postmarked within 60 days of your last day of work or the date you receive your COBRA election package, if later.

    After COBRA ends, you should be able to obtain insurance on an individual basis from an insurer or your state's "HIPAA" coverage pool, even if you have health problems. For more information, contact your state's insurance department.

  • If I'm still working at Alliance, do I have to take my money out of the PSSP by a certain age?

    Generally, you can leave your money in the Plan while you are still working at Alliance. See the Benefits Handbook for more information.

  • How do I add a beneficiary to my 401(k) account?

    Change the beneficiary designation on your Profit Sharing and Savings account (your 401(k) account) by completing a PSSP Beneficiary Designation form.

  • Where can I find information about Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) procedures for the 401(k) Plan?

    A description of the QDRO procedures can be found in the Benefits Handbook. After logging in, visit Retirement > Profit Sharing and Savings Plan > Appendix: QDRO Procedures.

  • Can I name a Trust as a beneficiary to my 401(k) account?

    Yes. Complete a PSSP Beneficiary Designation form. In the space where a name and relationship would be entered, write "To [name of your Trustee], or the successor Trustee of the [name of the Trust] dated [date of the Trust], including any amendments to the Trust." The Plan Administrator will contact you for additional information needed to complete the beneficiary designation. If you are married, and if you are designating the Trust as your primary beneficiary, your spouse must sign a written, notarized consent on the form, allowing you the make the Trust your primary beneficiary. 

Special Benefits

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  • What time off is granted in the event of a death in the family?

    In case of death in your immediate family, you will generally be allowed necessary time off, not to exceed a total of three scheduled work days. For information about the specific rules at your location, contact your local HR representative.

  • Can I save up my vacation and use it next year?

    No. Generally, vacation days are not cumulative from year to year and cannot be carried forward. For information about the specific rules at your location, contact your local HR representative.

Other Questions?

Have a question not listed here? Contact Member Services.