Continuing Eligibility Rules: Quarterly Test Updated
This information is intended for Active participants & pre-Medicare retirees. As you know, in recent years benefits were reduced to help strengthen the health plan. Good news: The health plan is growing stronger! For this reason, in their March 2024 meeting, our health plan trustees determined that an improvement to our eligibility tests is possible. With hours worked beginning May 1, 2024, the QUARTERLY RULE ELIGIBILITY TEST is improved. What does this mean? Less hours will be required per quarter to continue eligibility. Details: QUARTERLY RULE TEST Effective with hours worked May 1 or after, a participant who works at…
Cigna’s January VitaMin
Vital health information in a minute Working Together: Benefits of Building Positive Relationships at Work Everyone has ups and downs at work. When you have the support of your co-workers, it’s easier to manage the workload and maintain a positive outlook. Cultivating good relationships at work can benefit you in a number of ways, both personally and professionally. 1. Manage stress. Working with a team can help you handle stressful situations more effectively. Just being able to talk about your stress to someone who understands the situation can make a difference. 2. Get support. Sometimes it’s hard to admit when you…
Participant Benefit: Orthopedic Health Support
for Active participants & Pre-Medicare retirees UMR offers Optum’s Orthopedic Health Support (OHS) program, which connects those with diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions to specialized nurses and quality providers. If you’re looking for information and support to relieve back, knee, or hip pain, OHS can help. It’s already a part of your benefits, so there’s no extra cost. Get the quality care you need, so that you can get back to your favorite activities. Even more, when you participate in the OHS program through a center of excellence, your coinsurance will decrease from 20% (standard in-network coinsurance) to 10%. This benefit is…
Cigna’s March VitaMin
Vital health information in a minute Declutter your life – Be happy and healthy Having too much clutter in your life can be a burden. A cluttered living space can zap your energy at home. A disorganized desk or digital life can be distracting. An overbooked calendar can be exhausting to maintain. Clutter in any shape or form can ramp up your stress without you even realizing it. You have the power to declutter your life and choose what makes you happy. And doing so may actually improve your health and boost your mood. Here are some benefits of decluttering…
Stating the Case for Dietary Fiber
The benefits of eating an adequate amount of fiber are limitless. Studies have shown that eating a high-fiber diet likely reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. Consuming high-fiber foods can also help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Fiber-rich foods generally include beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating the right amount of fiber can also promote regular bowel movements and maintain overall digestive health. It is recommended that adult females consume about 25 grams of fiber per day, and adult males consume about 38 grams of fiber per day. Foods that can help you achieve this fiber intake goal include…
Finding an In-Network Provider
…navigation or type UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus into the search box For Medical, select View Providers For Behavioral Heath, select Behavioral Health Directory Who can I contact for help? Carpenters’ Participant Services is available to serve you during our regular business hours. After January 1, UMR customer service will be available before and after hours for support Monday – Friday, 7am – 8am, and 4:30pm – 7pm. Simply call Carpenters’ Participant Services and follow the prompts for assistance with medical claims and benefits outside normal business hours. How to contact us Phone: Call Carpenters’ Participant Services, 877.232.3863, option 1 Website: umr.com…
Building Resilience for 2023
…remember the tips above to help you persevere. Becoming more resilient takes time and practice. Consider talking to a mental health professional. With guidance, you can improve your resiliency and mental well-being. If you feel like your stress is becoming a problem, reach out to a healthcare professional. A medical provider will be able to assess your symptoms and create a healthcare plan that is right for you. Carpenters Wellness Center is an excellent place to start the process (call 314.955.9355) or check out your UMR and Mercy MAP mental health benefits on our website. Sources: NIH.gov, PositivePsychology.com, WebMD.com, MayoClinic.org…
Medical Insurance ID Cards Coming Soon
…below is the critical information you would need, should you need to access your benefits prior to receiving your card. To use your UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Network coverage effective 1/1/2023, you will need: Issuer ID: (80840) 911-39026-02 Group: 76-415833 Your Member ID: 371-[your current Member ID] Your new Member ID will be the same for you and your covered dependents. For your UHC ID, you will use the numbers “371” prior to your current Member ID. Your current Member ID can be found on your current medical ID card. SAMPLE Medical ID FRONT of card effective 1/1/23, *card does not…
New Medical and Behavioral Health Network coming January 1, 2023
…transition. PLEASE OPEN THIS LETTER FROM UMR AND READ IT IN ITS ENTIRETY. You will have access to a new member portal with UMR to help you know your medical plan of benefits and how to best use them for you and your family. Is the Plan design staying the same in 2023 with UMR/UHC? Yes, good news! Your plan design continues to be the same as it was in 2022 but you will be using the new Choice Plus network with UMR/UHC. Carpenters Health Plan will mail you new ID cards in December. If you have coverage under the…
Why You Need An Annual Physical
…can discuss when it’s time to start mammograms. Are you a man over 40 years old? Your nurse or doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screenings. Screenings help identify health concerns before they are advanced and complicated which often leads to a less invasive, less costly treatment, less time off work and most importantly, better health outcomes! #4 Disease Management It’s hard to predict when we may get sick; in the event of an illness, having an established health care provider helps ensure that you get care in a timely manner with someone who knows you….
