March 29, 1983
(Opinion issued in letter form; name and address deleted)
Re: Opinion of Trustees
Resolution of Dispute
Case No. 81-95
Pursuant to Article IX of the United Mine Workers of America 1950 Benefit Plan and Trust, and under the authority of an exemption granted by the United States Department of Labor, the Trustees have reviewed your Request for Advisory Opinion concerning coverage of charges for anesthesia services in connection with your spouse’s oral surgery.
Question 5 of Q&A #81-76, attached hereto, provides that physician services, including anesthesia services, are a covered benefit only when they are for the treatment of a medical condition for which benefits would otherwise be provided. Because the anesthesia was administered in connection with your spouse’s dental procedure and not an otherwise covered medical condition, your Employer is not responsible for the payment of charges for anesthesia services under the Employer Benefit Plan,
Sincerely,
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Harrison Combs, Chairman
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John J. O’Connell, Trustee
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Paul R. Dean, Trustee
Attachment