Premium Plan – Vision Plan Improvements

Effective January 1, 2026 Vision Benefits under the Premium Plan just got better! For a full Schedule of Benefits, including benefits for non-VSP providers, visit our website at here. An overview of the updates when using a VSP provider are reflected below. Significant changes are shaded in green. For questions about your vision coverage, please contact Participant Services at 314.644.4802, option 1….

New Maternity Leave Benefit

…beyond the 26-week maximum? No, 26 is the maximum – up to 13 weeks before the expected delivery date and up to 13 weeks after the expected delivery date. Does this work in tandem with Short Term Disability (STD)? No, the new Maternity Leave Benefit replaces Short Term Disability Benefits for the same pregnancy—you cannot receive both. Are there any exclusions? Yes, Non-Bargained Office, In-House Employees, and participants covered under COBRA are excluded from this benefit. Contact Mid-America Carpenters Benefits if you have any questions. STLKC Southern Region: (314) 644-4802, Option 1 *Physician certification required to be eligible for the benefit….

Use them or lose them

Use Your Vision Benefits Before They Expire Have new or unused vision benefits? Follow these three tips to get the most out of your vision plan. That means low out-of-pocket costs while seeing your eye doctor and getting high-quality eyewear. 1. Know what your plan covers. To find out what your vision plan covers, simply log in to your vision plan account for your detailed benefit information.  2. Get an annual eye exam. An annual eye exam is your yearly check-up of your vision and eye health. An eye exam can also uncover early signs of serious health conditions such…

Medical Out-of-Pocket Changes & New ID Cards

…medical ID cards were mailed April 18 to all individuals covered under the St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Health Plan on 5/1/2023. The new card includes a QR code, which allows additional copay and coinsurance detail to be included on the ID card. By scanning the QR code with a smartphone, participants and providers will access the health plan’s current copays and coinsurance, including site of care incentivized benefits. (For more information on site of care incentivized benefits, view the article on our website.) Participant copays and coinsurance may also be accessed through this link: qrco.de/stlkccopays SAMPLE Medical ID FRONT…

Direct Access Physical Therapy

There’s a new way to access physical therapy benefits in Missouri. In August 2023, a new law went into effect in Missouri which allows anyone to schedule an appointment with a licensed physical therapist without the need for a physician’s referral. Patients must still provide proof of insurance for claims to be paid by your health plan, but this new law gives individuals seeking improved health outcomes the freedom to take charge of your health and wellbeing by directly accessing the expert care and guidance of skilled physical therapists. Remember that seeing an in-network physical therapy provider will offer you…