News
News
3 Simple Steps to Improve Your Financial Well-Being in 2015
-Study after study shows that Americans aren't taking charge of their financial futures. Most people aren't saving nearly enough, and many continue to live paycheck to paycheck. A 2014 survey by the Federal Reserve Board found that nearly one-third of U.S. households have no retirement savings whatsoever, and 25% of… read more...
Aetna Dental Plan – Orthodontia Benefit Enhancement
Effective immediately (retroactive to 10/1/14), the Aetna dental plan will now include coverage for orthodontia treatment that was started prior to October 1, 2014. What does this mean? Orthodontic treatment that started before your Aetna coverage began may be eligible for a prorated benefit. You are responsible for the portion… read more...
March Vacation Checks Update
Some participants have recently called the Benefit Funds to inquire about March vacation checks. To help answer your questions, we have prepared the following update: The vacation checks (covering the 4th quarter of 2014), will be mailed on Friday, March 6, 2015. If you wish to know how much you… read more...
Don’t Forget to Eat Your Green Veggies in March and on St. Patrick’s Day
On St. Patrick's Day, it is customary to wear green… So, why not eat green too? (And we’re not talking about just using green food dye to turn everything you eat green!)… Put away your green food coloring, and try eating some green veggies instead! Popeye was right… Spinach… read more...
Participant Letter from the NYCDCC Benefit Funds Concerning Anthem/Empire Cyber-Attack
As a result of the cyber-attack that recently took place against Anthem, member data was potentially breached. This news affects those of you who participate in the NYCDCC Welfare Fund because Anthem is the parent company of Empire BlueCross BlueShield, the company used by the Fund to provide you access… read more...
Anthem/Empire Offering Free Identity Theft Protection for Two Years
As you have probably heard or read recently, a significant amount of information has been released concerning the hacking of Anthem's (the parent company of Empire BlueCross BlueShield), member data system. As a result of this hack, Anthem/Empire BlueCross BlueShield is now offering all members free identity theft protection for… read more...
New Anthem/Empire Cyber Attack FAQ
The NYCDCC Benefit Funds just received the following new update from Anthem/Empire concerning the recent cyber attack that took place against them. Please note that while this FAQ document is meant for clients and brokers, all of the questions and answers are relevant to you as a participant. Anthem… read more...
Update Concerning Recent Cyber Attack on Anthem/Empire
Please read the following update concerning the recent cyber attack on Anthem/Empire. Cyber Attack Facts: Anthem/Empire was the target of a very sophisticated external cyber attack. These cyber attackers gained unauthorized access to Anthem/Empire’s Information Technology (IT) system and have obtained personal information from its current and former members such… read more...
Healthy Candy Choices for Valentine’s Day and Throughout the Year
It’s a day of indulging in love, celebration, and SWEETS! And we don’t mean sweets as in the nickname you have for your significant other… We mean the caloric kind! We believe that all of our members, as well as their families, should indulge and enjoy this holiday of… read more...
Important Vision Benefit Provider Information
As the NYCDCC Benefit Funds previously reported, vision benefits for eligible participants and/or dependents was restored effective January 1, 2015. Your two network providers are GVS and CPS. To view more information about each provider, including covered services, vision care provider lists, and contact information, you can click the respective… read more...
How to Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions in 2015
With each New Year brings new beginnings and new resolutions to be a healthier and better you. How many of us have vowed to lose weight, go to the gym, be less stressed, quit smoking/drinking, or start saving money? We’re going to guess a large majority of us fall… read more...
Understanding Important Welfare Coverage Terms
When using your NYCDCC Welfare Fund coverage, it is important to understand the terms that are used in your Summary Plan Description (SPD) and your Explanation of Benefits (EOBs). Three terms that you will often see when using your coverage are “Co-payment,” “Co-insurance,” and “Deductible.” In the leaflet below, we… read more...
The NYCDCC Benefit Funds is on the Web… Don’t Forget to Spread the Word!
Don't forget to tell your fellow members that the NYCDCC Benefit Funds is on the web and on Facebook. The quickest way to get breaking news about your benefits is to check us out at www.nyccbf.org and www.facebook.com/nycdccbf. Feel free to print out the leaflet below and help us spread… read more...
Cost Savings, Investment Gains Result in Extra Money for Participants’ Annuity Accounts
Great news! The Board of Trustees of the New York City District Council of Carpenters Annuity Plan is pleased to announce that a disbursement of assets from the Plan’s administrative account will soon be added to its participants’ accounts. Thanks to cost savings and investment gains, the administrative account of… read more...
New SMM- Restoration of Vision Benefits to the NYCDCC Welfare Fund
As the NYCDCC Benefit Funds recently announced via our website (www.nyccbf.org) and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nycdccbf), effective January 1, 2015, vision benefits for eligible NYCDCC Welfare Fund participants will be restored. In our initial announcement, we stated that we would soon follow up with more detailed information. As a result,… read more...
December Vacation Checks Update
Some participants have recently called 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 2014), will be mailed by Monday, December 8, 2014. If you wish to know how much you… read more...
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month
‘Tis the Season of gift giving! The holiday season is upon us, and that means the hustle and bustle of shopping and finding the “perfect” gift begins. In the United States, December is observed as "Safe Toys and Gifts Month" to help us be more mindful when making our toy… read more...
NYCDCC Welfare Fund Restores Vision Benefits
Great news! On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund is pleased to announce that a plan was approved for the restoration of your vision benefits, effective January 1, 2015. Basically, the “switch” that was turned off for your vision benefits in June of 2012 is now… read more...
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...
