News
News
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Medicare Enrollment Responsibilities and YOU
If you and/or your covered dependents are eligible for Medicare, or become eligible for Medicare, and your current Fund eligibility is not based upon your (or a family member’s) bank hours, please note that Medicare will have the primary responsibility for your claims. Because of this, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund… read more...
Announcement Concerning Express Scripts & Medco Merger
As you may already know, Express Scripts and Medco merged into one company in April 2012. However, while Express Scripts has nearly finished updating their systems so all materials reflect their name and brand, you may still see “Medco” or “Medco Pharmacy” in some instances over the next few months.… read more...
Introducing Accredo, Express Scripts’ Specialty Pharmacy
Here at the NYCDCC Benefit Funds, we understand that taking a specialty medication and managing a complex health condition can be stressful. Fortunately, your Pharmacy Benefit Manager, Express Scripts, understands this too. This is why, through Accredo, their specialty pharmacy, Express Scripts offers you the individual care and attention you… read more...
November is National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a… read more...
Correction: Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship Application Due Date is December 15th
In the October 2014 edition of "Benefits Toolbox," it was stated that applications for the Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship are due by November 15th. This was printed in error. The applications are actually due by December 15th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If you have… read more...
In the News: Ebola, Enterovirus D68 Dominate Recent Medical Headlines
Over the past several months, you have most likely noticed that two viruses, Ebola and Enterovirus D68, have dominated recent medical headlines. While the deadly Ebola virus has ravaged West Africa and slowly crept its way to the United States (although in a limited capacity), Enterovirus D68 has maintained a… read more...
NYCDCC Welfare Fund Now Fully Covers Preventive Breast Cancer Medications
As of October 1, 2014, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund is pleased to inform you that all preventive breast cancer medications have a $0 copay, if you are an eligible female participant or dependent who is age 35 or older. According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the NYCDCC Welfare Fund… read more...
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 232,340 women were newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2013. Additionally, although it’s considered rare, an estimated 2,240 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 as well. These alarming statistics prove that breast cancer continues to be a major threat… read more...
New SMM- Changes to Disqualifying Employment Rules Concerning NYCDCC Retiree Welfare Coverage
Effective December 1, 2014, there will be changes to disqualifying employment rules concerning NYCDCC retiree welfare coverage. These rule changes, along with an FAQ to help participants understand the changes, will soon be sent out in the mail. If you would like to read about these rule changes before you… read more...
Announcement Concerning Continued Use of Metrodent Discount Plan
Beginning October 1, 2014, NYCDCC Welfare Fund participants will still have the option of continuing to access the Metrodent Dental Network that serviced the Fund prior to the implementation of the new Aetna Dental DMO. Participants can purchase plans at the specially negotiated rates of $35/year for an individual,… read more...
September Vacation Checks Update
A number of members have recently called the Benefit Funds to inquire about your upcoming September vacation checks. To help answer your questions, we have prepared the following update: The vacation checks (covering the 2nd quarter of 2014), will be mailed Friday, September 5, 2014. If you wish to know… read more...
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every September there is a renewed commitment to curing childhood cancer. Cancer is a word that no parent ever wants associated with their child, and is something that no child should ever have to endure. Sadly, thousands are diagnosed each year, and it… read more...
Don’t Miss the Benefits Fair September 13th at Cunningham Park!
In addition to the family picnic and charity softball tournament that is being hosted by the District Council on Saturday, September 13th, at Cunningham Park in Queens, the Benefit Funds will have a Benefits Fair available for you and your family from 10AM-3PM. Please join us and your vendors for… read more...
Reminder to Select a Primary Care Dentist
[caption id="attachment_4053" align="alignright" width="379"] You will soon receive this postcard in the mail if you have not yet selected a Primary Care Dentist.[/caption] If you haven't already done so, you (and your eligible dependents), must select a Primary Care Dentist (PCD) to be able to access dental care through Aetna… read more...
New Aetna Mailing- Selecting a Primary Care Dentist
Over the next week, eligible NYCDCC Welfare Fund participants will be receiving a secondary mailing from the Benefit Funds concerning dental coverage through Aetna DMO, effective October 1, 2014. This mailing describes how eligible participants can select a Primary Care Dentist (PCD) in Aetna’s network for themselves, as well as… read more...
Information Concerning Restoration of Dental Coverage through Aetna DMO
By early next week, eligible NYCDCC Welfare Fund participants will be receiving a mailing from the Benefit Funds concerning the restoration of dental benefits through Aetna DMO, effective October 1, 2014. The mailing recaps the general details of the new dental plan and stresses that participants MUST select a Primary… read more...
Update Concerning Vacation Checks and Assessments
Per the communication from the District Council sent with your Q4 2013 assessment bill, assessment invoices are no longer being mailed to you with your vacation checks by the Benefit Funds. Your assessments are being sent to you by the District Council in a separately mailing on a monthly basis.… read more...
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Are you keeping yourself and your loved ones protected from diseases that can be avoided through immunization? If for any reason you aren’t, it may be time to do so! Immunizations are one of the key ways to staying healthy and preventing illness. This… read more...
NYCDCC Welfare Fund to Restore Dental Coverage, Reduce Retiree Premiums by Fifty Percent
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund is pleased to announce that a plan has been approved for the restoration of dental coverage, as well as a fifty percent reduction in retiree premiums. The reduction of retiree premiums will take effect September 1, 2014, while… read more...
NYCDCC Welfare Fund Switches Life Insurance Provider to Guardian
After undertaking a competitive bidding process that featured an in-depth financial analysis of offers from several companies, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund’s Board of Trustees recently approved a switch in the Fund’s life insurance provider from Metlife to The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian). As a result of this… read more...
