Category: News

  • Men Ages 45 & Older – Schedule a Prostate Screening

    Fact: About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Prostate cancer often develops before symptoms occur. When symptoms appear, they may include:

    –  Difficulty starting or stopping urination
    –  Weak/slow urine flow
    –  Pain during urination
    –  Blood in urine or semen
    –  Erectile Dysfunction

    Get Screened at 45

    Men 45 and older should discuss screening with their doctor.

    A PSA test is a blood test that measures your level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein made in the prostate gland.

    Why Getting Screened Matters

    –  The results are a good predictor of your lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer
    –  If you are at higher risk, your doctor can monitor you more closely
    –  Prostate cancer is more curable when it’s caught early.

    No-Cost Screening for Eligible NYCDCC Members

    Eligible NYCDCC members and dependents who meet applicable screening guidelines may receive recommended in-network cancer screenings at no cost.

    Schedule a Screening Today

    Need help finding a provider or scheduling an appointment?

    Active NYCDCC members and dependents – find a provider through Independence Administrators here

    Medicare-Eligible retirees and dependents – find a provider through UnitedHealthcare here

    You can also request an appointment through MSK here

    Learn More

    The NYCDCC Benefit Funds has launched the “This Is Not A Drill” Cancer Screening campaign to help NYCDCC families live longer, healthier lives.

    Visit nyccbf.org/cancer to learn about available cancer screenings, determine which screenings may be appropriate for you, and find information on how to schedule them.

    Note: Screening recommendations may vary based on an individual’s medical history or other risk factors, and members should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

    Preventive screening services are generally covered under the Fund’s health benefits. Please reach out to Member Services with any questions about coverage.

     

  • Friendly Reminder: Please Complete Your Dependent Eligibility Verification

    Thank you to everyone who has already completed the Secova dependent eligibility verification. If you still need to complete your verification, or if Secova did not accept a previous submission, please take a few minutes to review the information below and submit the required documents as soon as possible. Completing this step helps protect your dependent coverage and avoid unnecessary delays.

    Please complete your verification by Friday, September 11, 2026. This is especially important if you need to submit proof of marriage or if your earlier documents were not accepted. To make the process easier, we have listed the acceptable documents below.

    Acceptable Proof of Marriage

    If you are verifying a spouse, please provide both:

    • Proof of Marriage, and
    • Current document for proof that marriage remains in effect
    Proof of MarriageANDCurrent document for proof marriage remains in effect
    Marriage certificate – must be issued by a state, county, or vital records office;

    OR

    Page 1 of the participant’s 2025 federal income tax return, together with proof of electronic filing, showing the spouse and current address.

    (If you submit a tax return, please remember to redact Social Security numbers, financial information, and any other information Secova does not need.)    		A document dated within the past six months, such as a:

    – mortgage statement,
    – lease,
    – car loan statement,
    – utility bill,
    – credit-card statement
    – bank statement, or
    – property-tax document.  

    If the document lists only the spouse, the address must match the participant’s address on file.

    If you are verifying a stepchild under age 26, please provide both:

    • Proof of Marriage, and
    • The stepchild’s birth certificate
    Proof of MarriageANDStepchild’s Birth Certificate
    A marriage certificate showing that the participant is married to the stepchild’s biological parent.The stepchild’s birth certificate, issued by a state, county or vital records office, listing the participant’s spouse as a parent.

    Additional document submission instructions are available HERE

    How to Submit Your Information

    The quickest and easiest way to submit your information is through Secova’s secure portal using your UBC number: https://member.secova.com/NYCDCC. You will be guided through each step of the process and prompted to provide any required information.

    Questions or Need Help?

    If you have questions, need help logging in, or are unsure which documents to submit, Secova is available to assist you.

    Please call (877) 652-0382, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or email NYCDCCSupport@secova.com.

    Please complete your verification by Friday, September 11, 2026, so your dependent coverage can continue without unnecessary delays.

  • Hello Heart Available for Eligible NYCDCC Members Beginning September 1st

    Beginning September 1st, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund will partner with Hello Heart to support the heart health of our members and their dependents.

    What is Hello Heart?

    The Hello Heart app helps you track your blood pressure and easily manage your heart health all in one place.

    Along with blood pressure, you can track cholesterol, weight, and activity to better understand how daily habits may affect your heart health. Plus, you can choose to share detailed, private reports with your doctor.

    This benefit is offered at no cost to eligible members and includes a no-cost Hello Heart blood pressure monitor that pairs directly with your smartphone.

    Who is Eligible for Hello Heart?

    All active members, pre-Medicare retirees, spouses, and adult dependents (18+) enrolled in the NYCDCC Welfare fund with blood pressure readings of 130/80 mmHg or above, those taking blood pressure medication, those who are taking medication for high cholesterol, or women ages 52+ that are going through or have gone through menopause, are eligible to enroll. Each eligible family member should enroll separately.

    Sign Up

    After September 1st, visit join.helloheart.com and enter NYCDCC Welfare Fund.

    Hello Heart is not a substitute for a licensed medical professional. Talk to your doctor to make sure you are diagnosed and treated properly.

    Learn More

    Visit our Hello Heart website page here:

    https://nyccbf.org/helloheart/

  • Helpful Video Resources from Empower’s Learning Center

    Smart financial planning is essential to achieving your goals, providing for your family, and saving for your retirement. NYCDCC members have access to Empower’s Learning Center, which helps you make the most of your individual Annuity Fund account and manage your finances.

    Empower Retirement’s Learning Center offers resources to help you:

    – Track your savings and income

    – Create and stick to a budget

    – Plan your financial and retirement goals

    – Prepare for life events (buying a home, starting a family, caring for aging parents)

    – Manage your investments

    – And more

    Below are a few of the videos you will find on the Learning Center:

    Money Questions: How To Build A Financial Plan

    4 Rollover Options When Leaving Covered Employment

    Who’s your beneficiary?

    Thinking of Taking a Loan?

    We encourage NYCDCC members and dependents to visit Empower’s Learning Center at https://www.empower.com/learning_center/index.shtml#/

  • Quarterly Vacation Payments for September to be Distributed on or about September 1st

    Please be advised that your “September” vacation payments, regardless of whether you are being paid via rapid! PayCard or direct deposit, will be issued on or about Tuesday, September 1st. You should check your balance by end-of-day on the 1st to confirm receipt of your payment. You can do so in the following ways:

    • rapid! PayCard- Call (877) 380-0980, or create/log into your rapid! PayCard account online at www.rapidfs.com.
    • Direct Deposit- Contact your banking institution by phone or through its website/app.

     

    Please note that if you are currently receiving your vacation payments via rapid! PayCard and would like to switch, or you are newly eligible to receive vacation payments, you can sign up for direct deposit through our Member Portal. For this current pay cycle, you can make changes to your account up until Wednesday, August 19th.

    If you have any general questions about your vacation payment, you can contact our Member Services Department at (800) 529-FUND (3863) or (212) 366-7373. For questions or concerns directly related to rapid! PayCard, you can reach them via phone at (877) 380-0980 or by visiting their website at www.rapidfs.com.

  • NYCDCC Benefit Funds to Launch Redesigned Website Featuring Modern Look and Improved Access

    Our website just got a makeover and we’re ready to launch it on Monday, August 17th!

    We redesigned the NYCDCC Benefit Funds website to make it better to look at and easier to use.

    Here’s what’s new:

    • Fresh design with simpler navigation
    • Rotating carousel with breaking news and important updates front and center
    • Better mobile access and formatting so it works great on your phone

    You can still find everything you need on the site: benefits news, plan updates, FAQs, important documents, SPDs, SMMs, and more.

    Additionally, the Member Log-In area is still readily available to check your personal benefits information.

    Check it out at www.nyccbf.org and let your fellow members know too!

  • Important Notice: Dependent Eligibility Verification Beginning August 12

    The New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund has engaged Secova to conduct a dependent eligibility verification for certain enrolled dependents.

    Periodically, verifying dependent eligibility helps ensure that benefits are provided only to eligible family members and protects Fund assets for all participants.

    If you currently cover a spouse and/or stepchild(ren) under the Fund, you may receive a verification packet from Secova beginning Wednesday, August 12.

    If you receive a packet, please open it promptly and carefully follow the instructions provided. The packet will explain any documentation that may be required and the deadline for responding. Note that there will be several ways of completing and returning the documentation, but utilizing the Secova website portal will be the quickest and most efficient. 

    Please do not disregard this mailing. Timely responding to the verification request will help avoid unnecessary delays or interruptions in dependent coverage.

    Click HERE to view the complete announcement and additional information.

    Need Assistance?

    • Questions about your Fund eligibility or benefits: Member Services – (800) 529-FUND (3863)

  • Cervical Cancer: Start Getting Screened at 21

    Fact: Cervical cancer tests take 2 minutes, and can catch cancer when it is most treatable.

    When Should I Get Screened?

    Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) recommends women at average risk start getting screened at age 21.

    Age 21-29 – Have a Pap test every 3 years.

    Age 30-65 – Follow one of these guidelines:

    – Have a Pap test every 3 years

    – Have a Pap test with an HPV test every 5 years

    – Have an HPV test every 5 years

    Age 65 & Older – You do not need cervical cancer screening if you followed screening guidelines earlier.

    Lowering Your Risk of Cervical Cancer

    – Follow Pap smear guidelines to screen for any changes in the cells of the cervix

    – Use condoms and dental dams every time you have sex

    – Get the HPV vaccine

    No-Cost Screening for Eligible NYCDCC Members

    Eligible NYCDCC members and dependents who meet applicable screening guidelines may receive recommended in-network cancer screenings at no cost.

    Schedule a Screening Today

    Need help finding a provider or scheduling an appointment?

    Active NYCDCC members and dependents – find a provider through Independence Administrators here

    Medicare-Eligible retirees and dependents – find a provider through UnitedHealthcare here

    You can also request an appointment through MSK here

    Learn More

    The NYCDCC Benefit Funds has launched the “This Is Not A Drill” Cancer Screening campaign to help NYCDCC families live longer, healthier lives.

    Visit nyccbf.org/cancer to learn about available cancer screenings, determine which screenings may be appropriate for you, and find information on how to schedule them.

    Note: Screening recommendations may vary based on an individual’s medical history or other risk factors, and members should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations.

    Preventive screening services are generally covered under the Fund’s health benefits. Please reach out to Member Services with any questions about coverage.

  • SAVE THE DATE: Picnic, Charity Softball Tournament, and Benefits Fair September 26th at Cunningham Park!

    Mark your calendars, NYCDCC!

    On Saturday, September 26th, 2026, the New York City District Council of Carpenters will host their annual family picnic and charity softball tournament at Cunningham Park (Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY, 11366) beginning at 9:00 AM. Additionally, the NYCDCC Benefit Funds will be holding a Benefits Fair for you and your family beginning at 10:00 AM.

    Please join us and your providers (including Independence Administrators, UnitedHealthcare, Empower, GVS, CPS, the MEND Program, MSK Direct, and more) for important benefits information and giveaways. Look for the providers’ tent and check it out!

  • Prescription Drug Benefit: Save More with Generics and 90-Day Supplies

    Generic drugs offer the same quality, safety, and effectiveness as brand-name medications—at a much lower cost.

    Pay Less with Generics
    Under the NYCDCC Welfare Fund Prescription Drug Plan through Express Scripts:

    • $15 – Generic
    • $25 – Preferred brand
    • $40 – Non-preferred brand

    Choosing generics is the fastest way to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

    Save Even More with A 90-Day Supply
    If you take medication regularly, switching to mail order can significantly increase your savings.

    Get a full 90-day supply (3 months) for:
    • $25 – Generic
    • $45 – Preferred brand
    • $75 – Non-preferred brand

    That means 3 months of medication for close to the cost of just 1–2 retail fills.

    Same Quality, Lower Price
    Generic drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and must meet the same strict standards as brand-name drugs. You get the same results—at a better price.

    Making Smart Health Choices
    Using generics and 90-day supplies helps:
    • Lower your personal costs
    • Keep the plan sustainable
    • Ensure continued access to high-quality care

    The Bottom Line
    Ask for generics. Choose a 90-day supply when possible. Save more—without sacrificing quality.

    To learn more about your plan, visit www.express-scripts.com or call (800) 939-2091.

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