Winter 2018 Issue of Spotlight on Benefits Available Now

The Winter 2018 issue of the Pension and Health Plans’ newsletter, Spotlight on Benefits, is now available.

In this issue:

Read about important Health Plan changes:

Effective immediately, the time allowed to provide additional information on a medical claim that has been denied pending receipt of such information will be extended from 45 days to 180 days, providing you more time to gather and submit any necessary information.
Beginning January 1, 2019, the Health Plan’s All-Inclusive Network Out-of-Pocket Limit will increase from $7,350 per individual and $14,700 per family to $7,900 per individual and $15,800 per family.

Learn more about the flu and shingles vaccines:

Flu vaccines: With several types of flu vaccines available, choosing the best one for your needs can be confusing. Learn about the types of vaccines available and the groups for which each is recommended. The Health Plan pays 100% of the cost of flu vaccination when obtained from a network provider or Express Scripts participating pharmacy, regardless of the type of flu vaccine.
Shingles vaccine: Healthy adults age 50 and over are recommended to get two doses of the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. Shingrix is the first shingles vaccine approved by the FDA in more than ten years and is up to 90% effective. Learn what you need to know about this important vaccine, including when to take it and how to find locations where Shingrix might be available. The Health Plan covers Shingrix for participants 50 years and older at 100% when provided by a network provider or a participating Express Scripts pharmacy.

Also included:

The 2017 Summary Annual Report of assets and liabilities for the Supplemental Pension Plan and the Health Plan, including the administrative expenses incurred by each plan; the amount of benefits paid; and the total value of each plan’s assets, for the year ending December 31, 2017.
An annual notice of Women’s Health and Cancer Rights for participants seeking reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment.
A list of the top six most difficult New Year’s resolutions, tips on how to stick with them, and how your health and pension benefits can help you achieve these goals.
A recap and thank you for all those who attended the Plans’ Health Fairs and Free Flu Shot Clinics this October in Los Angeles and New York City.

Read the full newsletter here.