News
News
Take Advantage of Empire’s Complimentary Health & Wellness Programs
As an eligible participant in the NYCDCC Welfare Fund (the “Welfare Fund”), you have access to health coverage administered by Empire BlueCross BlueShield (“Empire”). However, it’s important for you to know that the programs you can take advantage of as a result of being eligible for Welfare Fund coverage administered… read more...
The Worst Autumn Health Habits
Autumn is the time of year when colder weather approaches and days become shorter. It’s also the time of year when people pick up the worst health habits. It’s easy to feel the need to stay bundled up in your house when the temperature goes down, but before you know… read more...
NYCDCC Welfare Fund to Reduce Annual Deductibles by Fifty Percent
The Board of Trustees of the NYCDCC Welfare Fund (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2017, annual deductibles for all In-Network services provided by Empire BlueCross BlueShield will be reduced by fifty percent (50%) for active and retired participants and their eligible dependents. This reduction will… read more...
The Importance of Vision and Dental Health
Staying healthy isn’t just about making sure you eat right, take vitamins, and exercise daily. As a matter of fact, many people seem to forget about two of the most important aspects of their health. That is, vision and dental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention… read more...
The NYCDCC Benefit Funds Expands its Social Media Presence to Twitter
[caption id="attachment_7152" align="alignright" width="295"] Click to Visit Twitter Page[/caption] In a continued effort to connect and communicate with members in as many ways as possible, the New York City District Council of Carpenters (“NYCDCC”) Benefit Funds has now expanded its social media presence to the world of Twitter! Just as… read more...
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...
