Get Answers by Using Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s Secure Message Center
Do you have questions about your coverage, a claim, or a program? If so, Empire BlueCross BlueShield has a Message Center available on its website to answer those questions! Empire BlueCross BlueShield’s Message Center is an easy way to ask a question and get the answer you need. There’s no…
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December Vacation Checks Update
Some participants have recently contacted the Benefit Funds to inquire about December vacation checks. To help answer your questions, we have prepared the following update: The vacation checks (covering the 3rd quarter of 2015), will be mailed on Monday, December 7, 2015. If you wish to know how much you…
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Managing Stress During the Holiday Season
‘Tis the season… the holiday season that is! And while the holiday season is a time of joy with family and friends, it can also be an extremely stressful time. Between parties, family gatherings, special events, and shopping for the “perfect” gifts, you can end up feeling drained, concerned about…
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Compliance and Ethics “No Gift” Policy
The New York City District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds is committed to a work environment in which the highest standards of ethics and conduct are maintained in all aspects of our operations. As the holiday season is approaching, we want to remind all members that the Benefit Funds’ Compliance…
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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
November is officially Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer has a survival rate of 15% and is currently the leading cause of cancer death. It is the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates about 221,200…
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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…
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Dependents’ Social Security Numbers Needed for IRS Reporting Requirements
Some of you may soon receive a mailing from the NYCDCC Benefit Funds requesting Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for one or more of your dependents covered by the Welfare Fund. This mailing is scheduled to only be sent to members for whom the Welfare Fund does not have all of…
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Save Time and Money by Knowing All Your Quick Care Options
What do you do when you’re sick and your doctor isn’t in? Most people end up spending a fortune on health care by going to the emergency room to get treated when they need care right away. Is that your only option? The answer is no. There are other quick…
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October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month was launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in October 2004. It was created as a joint effort between government and industry to make sure that every American has the resources they need to…
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Participant Responsibilities to the NYCDCC Welfare Fund Concerning Divorces
As an active participant in the NYCDCC Welfare Fund, it is important to remember that you have a responsibility to notify the Fund Office if you make a decision to divorce your spouse. Specifically, failure to notify the Fund Office of your divorce within 60 days of its occurrence could…
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Express Scripts’ Ask the Pharmacist: Back-to-School Tips
If your child has a chronic medical condition such as asthma or diabetes, your back-to-school preparation involves more than new backpacks and glue sticks. Many of you have been busy these past few weeks getting your kids ready for the school year. If your child is one of the 6.5…
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September Vacation Checks Update
Some participants have recently contacted the Benefit Funds to inquire about September vacation checks. To help answer your questions, we have prepared the following update: The vacation checks (covering the 2nd quarter of 2015), will be mailed on Friday, September 4, 2015. If you wish to know how much…
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September is National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month, also known as, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. It is a national observance that promotes awareness and educates Americans on the various issues that many of those with addiction face, and the different treatment options available to them. Its main goal is to…
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Update Regarding Recent Prudential Mailing to Participants
Over the last several days, participants in the Annuity Fund may have received a mailing from Prudential which contains incorrect first names within the address information. Please note that the NYCDCC Benefit Funds has been in contact with Prudential, and we have been assured that the mistakes were simply made…
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Save the Date: Picnic, Charity Softball Tournament, and Benefits Fair September 19th at Cunningham Park!
On Saturday, September 19th, the NYCDCC District Council 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 and your vendors (Express…
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New SPDs Explaining Aetna Dental Coverage Now Posted on Website
New Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) explaining what your Aetna dental plan covers and how the benefits are paid have just been posted on our website in all relevant Welfare subcategories. To view the SPDs, you can visit your respective subcategory (Active NYCDC Carpenters, Retired NYCDC Carpenters, etc.), or you…
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August is American Adventures Month
American Adventures month was founded by its spokesperson, American Adventurer Peter Kulkkula. It is the celebration of vacationing in the Americas. It is a time to explore the vast landscapes of North, South, and Central America. Many of us often take for granted the great amount of activities and adventures…
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Summer Prevention Tips- Skin Cancer Awareness
Now that the dog days of summer are here, remember that too much sun, especially without protection, can pose a serious health risk - skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is usually caused by overexposure to the sun’s dangerous UV…
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July is National Grilling Month
Get outside and start the grill- It’s National Grilling Month! Not only do you get to experience being outside in the sunshine while you cook, you also get to enjoy the health benefits that result from grilling your food. Grilled foods are known to be healthier than foods cooked…
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Be Sure to Keep your Beneficiary Designations Up to Date
Life changes often result in the need to update beneficiary designations for your Welfare, Pension, Annuity and Vacation benefits. You should be certain that your beneficiary designations on file at the Benefit Funds Office and Prudential reflect your current wishes. It is not uncommon for people to mistakenly believe…
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