Health & Welfare News

COVID-19 At-Home Test Reimbursement

Eligible members can get reimbursed for the cost of FDA-authorized, at-home COVID-19 tests. Members can request
reimbursement for up to eight tests each month, for purchases made on or after January 15, 2022. Submit a separate form for each covered member, including dependents.

Effective January 1, 2022 we are pleased to announce that our new vision provider is EyeMed.

EyeMed – Benefit Summary Effective 1.1.2022

EyeMed – Safety – Benefit Summary Effective 1.1.2022

EyeMed – Out of Network Claim Form

Freedom Pass Plus

Coronavirus

We know that the coronavirus is a health concern for everyone. We’re here for you and want you to know that our priority is to ensure you have access to uninterrupted care.
What we’re doing to help protect your health and safety:

• You can get care by phone (telephonic) or video (telehealth): You are covered with no copayment, co-insurance, or deductibles for visits by phone and video visits (telehealth} with any doctor or health care provider for any medical or behavioral health care you need. For example, these visits can be done as a phone call or any video technology, including FaceTime or Skype.
• Coronavirus care with no out-of-pocket cost: We are removing copayments, co-insurance, or deductibles for all outpatient, medically necessary coronavirus testing, counseling, supportive care, and treatment. If you think you need coronavirus testing or care, call your doctor or other health care provider. Note: You will still be responsible for your usual out-of-pocket costs for in-person care that is not for coronavirus.
• We will cover a coronavirus vaccine at no cost: Although a vaccine is not yet available, we will cover it when one becomes available.
• If you have Blue Cross prescription benefits: We are allowing early prescription refills.
• Prior authorizations and referrals: You don’t need to get authorization or referrals for outpatient coronavirus care.

These changes will stay in effect until the state of emergency is lifted.
Questions?
We care about you and are here if you need us.
Call our dedicated coronavirus help line at 1-888-372-1970
with questions about benefits, prescriptions,
or if you want to talk to a nurse for free 24/7.
For the latest updates on coronavirus and a short message from our President & CEO, Andrew Dreyfus, visit our regularly updated resource center.

 

Visit our Resource center

 

We want to make you aware that Blue Cross Blue Shield has added a new “Opioid Resource Center”  to their website which can be found at www.bluecrossma.com. The intent is to create awareness and address the stigma. The site provides guidance for treatment, interventions and recovery. There are several support tools, contact information and resources available to you. –

Did you know that you have access to quicker, less expense choices for quality care?

You should always go to the nearest emergency room in a life-threatening situation. However, for other situations, including urgent care, you have options that can save you time and money. Please see the  following  link for a list of care options available to you and your dependents covered under the Local 98 health plan.

Emergency Room Alternatives

 

 

As a participant in the Health and Welfare Plan of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 98, you are covered by various benefit plans. These plans are designed to provide coverage for all eligible participants and their eligible dependents.

If you have any doubts about your eligibility or you question your coverage under the various plans, we trust that you will contact the Fund Office.

For further information, contact the Benefits Office at 413-998-3230.

The benefit package currently includes: medical and prescription coverage with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, dental coverage with BCBS, optical benefits with Davis Vision, a hearing aid benefit, a Non-Occupational Disability Income Plan, Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage and reimbursement for Department of Transportation examinations.

I.U.O.E. Local 98 Health and Welfare Fund Privacy Notice

Documents

Health & Welfare SPD – Health and Welfare Summary Plan Description is the document that explains your Health and Welfare Fund.

BCBS Summary of Benefits – Summary of Benefits

BCBS Dental Blue Freedom Summary of Benefits – Summary Of Benefits

Forms

Please send any of the below documents to:  IOUE Local 98 Funds Office, PO Box 1290, Southwick, MA 01077.

Appointment of Personal Representative

Beneficiary Designation Form

Benefit Enrollment Form

Change of Address Form

Central Pension Fund Data Form

The following forms are to be mailed to the providers directly.

Davis Vision Out of Network Claim Form

Gym Membership Reimbursement Form

Weight Loss Benefit Reimbursement Form

Notices

SMM – July 2021

Summary of Benefits and Coverage