A New Partner in Healthcare
On January 1, 2021, Carpenters Health Plan will begin its partnership with Cigna Healthcare as the Plan’s health plan network. Healthcare costs in the U.S. are on an upward trend with no end in sight. The Plan knows that the best way to manage your healthcare dollars is to take action to make sure you are getting the best benefits for your money. As a result, the St. Louis – Kansas City Carpenters Regional Health Plan’s City Board of Trustees approved a change in health plan network to help shift the focus from not only healthcare spending but wellness initiatives…
Bringing warmth to the world
…has a profound effect in many ways. It can give us a sense of purpose, reduce stress, increase social connectedness, and offers numerous health benefits. Finding something that you are passionate about is essential for these benefits to come to fruition. Additionally, at the very least, you are making the world a better place, and that may give you something to smile about. Volunteer opportunities are everywhere. Here’s just a few that may spark your interest: Habitat for Humanity Big Brothers Big Sisters Local animal shelter Senior living center Local hospital Food pantry other charity organizations Sources: APA.org, NIH.gov, MayoClinic.org…
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…
What’s in Your Wallet?
…of the sickest. Carpenters Health Plan is on mission to help you learn the ins and the outs of your health benefits, not only what these benefits include, but how you can take care of your healthcare needs, spend wisely and make a positive impact on your wallet and on the Plan’s bottom line. Shop first. You likely wouldn’t pay $100 for an American-made hammer from your local hardware store that you knew you could get at another local store for just $42.88. In this case, you likely knew the price difference because you did your homework in advance and…
MetLife Financial Education Workshops
Our partner for life insurance benefits, MetLife, also offers “living benefits” to our participants and their families, including financial education and retirement planning opportunities, which are now available to help you prepare for retirement. There are 3 different virtual financial education opportunities available beginning in July, running through November. Begin with a single workshop, complete the 4-week Retirewise workshop series, or try them all! Message us at [email protected] to see more of these financial education workshops on our calendar! MetLife’s financial educational opportunities: Get Retirement Ready – single workshop: Employees will learn how to prepare for decisions they must make as they…
Eye Health: Healthy Habits for Better Vision
…the car, at work, and in a few spots around the house ensure that they’re always available when needed. Eating Well A healthy nutritional diet has vision health benefits, too. Beta-carotene has long been touted as beneficial to eye health, resulting in jokes about rabbits and carrots and eyesight. However, many vitamins and nutrients can improve and maintain vision health, specifically vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. They can be found in a variety of foods, from fish to nuts to colorful vegetables to oranges, all of which have health benefits for the whole body too….
Vacation Redemption Dues Deduction Error
…Plan Year to be properly deducted from your benefit payment. What You Need to Do: To receive your Vacation Benefit payment, you must re-authorize your 2025 Vacation statement: Visit carpdc.org Complete the authorization process again. Why This Is Important: This ensures you receive your Vacation Benefit on or around June 2. Your union dues for the upcoming plan year will be properly deducted. If You Take No Action: You will not receive your payment at this time. Any unredeemed Vacation Benefits will be paid the week of August 4, provided you authorize your benefits before August 1. If you have…
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…
Annuity Distributions Begin May 2022
…least age 55 with 100% vested benefit in the Annuity Plan.* *There may be additional tax liability for any benefits received before reaching age 59 1/2. In addition, participants who have experienced an immediate and heavy financial need may be eligible for an annuity hardship distribution if certain criteria are met. Criteria for hardship withdrawals include the following requirements: Have a need that is one of the following (select one): Medical: Expenses of at least $5,000 which the Participant is obligated to pay; or Burial or Funeral: Expenses of up to the lesser of $13,000 or 25% of the Participant’s…
