News
News
Be Sure to Always Use the Most Current ID Cards Issued by your Vendors
There are times when new ID cards are issued to you and/or your spouse by the various service providers retained by the NYCDCC Welfare Fund (e.g. Empire BlueCross, BlueShield, Express Scripts, Aetna, etc.). If you receive a new ID card, it is very important that you immediately destroy the expiring… read more...
September is Healthy Aging Month
As we get older, we tend to become less motivated and forget about the importance of staying healthy… not only physically, but more importantly, mentally and emotionally. Healthy Aging Month is an annual health observance that was founded by Carolyn Worthington over 20 years ago to help spread awareness and… read more...
NYCDCC Benefit Funds Launches Members Education and Network for Dependency (“MEND”) Program
As a part of its focus on fostering a healthy work and life-balance for its members and their dependents, the New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds has launched the Member Education and Network for Dependency (“MEND”) Program, which gives participants and their dependents access to confidential treatment… read more...
Introducing: The Empire Anywhere App
In today’s world, many of us are forced to be on the go 24/7. Unfortunately though, whether you enjoy this fast-paced environment or not, there’s no doubt that living this kind of hectic lifestyle can make it difficult for you to find time to manage your health. Luckily for you,… read more...
Introducing LiveHealth Online: A New Way to Visit a Doctor without even going to the Doctor’s Office
We have great news for NYCDCC members who are eligible participants in the Welfare Fund. Effective September 1, 2016, you will have the ability to “visit” a doctor without even going to a doctor’s office! This new Pilot Program, which will be made available via Empire BlueCross BlueShield through LiveHealth… read more...
Save the Date: Picnic, Charity Softball Tournament, and Benefits Fair September 17th at Cunningham Park!
On Saturday, September 17th, the New York City District Council of Carpenters will be hosting a family picnic and charity softball tournament at Cunningham Park in Queens from 9:30AM-6:00PM. Additionally, the NYCDCC Benefit Funds will have a Benefits Fair available for you and your family from 10:00AM-2:00PM. Please join us… read more...
Coming Soon: Launch of Members Education and Network for Dependency (“MEND”) Program
The New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds will soon be offering an exclusive substance abuse program for active participants and their eligible dependents who are facing substance abuse issues and other related problems. This program, which will be called the Members Education and Network for Dependency (“MEND”),… read more...
The Dangers of Heat Exposure
Heat is one of the top weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. In fact, in an average year, studies show that approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat. [1] Additionally, many more people also suffer from a variety of non-fatal heat-related illnesses, especially… read more...
Deciding Between Urgent Care Centers and Emergency Rooms
In the past, we have written articles for you about when it is appropriate to use an Emergency Room (“ER”) versus other options such as Urgent Care Centers or Clinics. Our ultimate goal was to save you the time and money it costs to go to an ER. We made… read more...
2016-17 Scholarship Winners Honored at Luncheon in Manhattan
On Thursday, June 30th, 2016, twenty-five winners of the Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship were honored in Manhattan as guests of the NYCDCC Welfare Fund’s Board of Trustees. For those who may not be aware, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund offers a Scholarship Program (known as the “Charles Johnson… read more...
Tips for Staying Healthy on the Job
As a carpenter, or someone who has a job related to the industry, work can easily get in the way of your health. Putting in those long hours can take a toll on your body. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction laborers… read more...
The NYCDCC Benefit Funds Welcomes New Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer
After an exhaustive year-long search, the NYCDCC Benefit Funds, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, is pleased to announce the hiring of David Stewart as the new Executive Director of the Funds, and Robert “Bert” Lesniewski as the Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") of the Funds, effective June 20, 2016.… read more...
Highlights of the NYCDCC Pension Plan for “Regular Retirement”
Participating in a pension plan is one of the best ways to keep yourself, as well as your family, financially stable after retirement. Luckily, if you are a member of the New York City District Council of Carpenters (“NYCDCC”), you may become eligible to participate in the NYCDCC Pension Fund… read more...
June Vacation Checks Update
Some participants have recently contacted the Benefit Funds to inquire about June vacation checks. To help answer your questions, we have prepared the following update: The vacation checks (covering the 1st quarter of 2016), will be mailed on Monday, June 6, 2016. If you wish to know how much… read more...
Consider Bicycling as a Mode of Transportation to Improve your Health
Whether it’s to increase your exercise regimen, lose weight, or simply lower the cost of transportation, bicycling is a great way to improve your health. Not only is riding a bicycle fun for all ages and good for the environment, but it’s also a healthy lifestyle change. In fact, riding… read more...
The Importance of Filing Benefit Shortages
If you are an Active Carpenter working for a Contributing Employer in Covered Employment, it is important to ensure that all of the hours you work are being properly reported. If your proper amount of hours are not being reported by your employer, you will not receive the amount of… read more...
Preventing Exercise Injuries
Summer will be here before you know it, which leaves you with just a short amount of time to get “beach body” ready. Before rushing into intense workouts though, it’s important to make sure your body is prepared for that kind of muscle strain. Readying your body for exercising is… read more...
Congratulations to the 2016-2017 Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship Winners
Twenty-five students were recently awarded the Charles Johnson Jr. Memorial Scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year. Each student will now receive a $3,500.00 per year scholarship, which is renewable up to four years at an accredited college or university. The NYCDCC Benefit Funds would like to extend our sincerest congratulations… read more...
To Go to the Emergency Room or Not… That is the Question
Emergencies can happen any time and at any moment. This goes for whether you accidently cut your finger while making dinner, or your child develops a fever in the middle of the night. When these circumstances come up, how do you know if it’s a true emergency? Should you go… read more...
Let Empire BlueCross BlueShield Help you Lose Weight
Losing weight doesn’t have to be an awful task. In fact, Empire BlueCross BlueShield has provided a useful tool to help you get rid of those unwanted pounds. Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s Weight Center will not only help you lose weight, but also save money too! Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s Weight Center… read more...
