Skip the Trip to the ER
When it’s not an emergency, you have another option with Teladoc. Their doctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone or video. Teladoc joined the Plan on July 1, 2020. This FREE benefit will be available for all Active, Retired and NonMedicare participants covered under the Plan.
Teladoc offers a quick and convenient option for your general medicine needs without leaving your home. Their licensed doctors can help you if you have a cold, strep throat, flu, rash, etc.
When you use telemedicine services provided by Teladoc, these services will not be subject to a co-pay, deductible or co-insurance. However, if you use telemedicine services through your doctor, those visits will be subject to co-pays, deductible and co-insurance (unless directly related to an order for a COVID test).
You can access the Teladoc benefit online at www.teladoc.com, by calling 1-800-835-2362 or you can download their app. Look for the flyer inside the Buzz for more information on the Teladoc app. For questions regarding this benefit or other benefits, please call the Benefit Office at 314-644.2777 ext. 2.
PENSIONbuzz
Pension Wall of Fame
Eric Gerdes
After retirement, he is planning on doing whatever he wants!
Congratulations on your Retirement!
-Laborers’ Benefit Office
Medicare Eligibility
We understand that Medicare can be confusing and overwhelming for almost everyone.
Most people may associate Medicare eligibility with turning age 65. However, there are ther ways to become eligible for Medicare. Two of those ways are:
Being deemed totally and permanently disabled by Social Security.
Having End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
What if you become eligible for Medicare before age 65?
You should notify the Benefit Office immediately so we can provide you with your Medicare options.
Does my insurance change when I become eligible for Medicare?
Yes, under our Plan, once you become eligible for Medicare, you are no longer eligible for the Retiree Plan. However, we do offer three different Medicare supplement plans that you may choose from:
Laborers’ Advantra HMO
Laborers’ Gold HMO
Laborers’ Aetna Medicare PPO
Does Medicare A & B cost?
Medicare Part A is generally free and is for hospitalization coverage. Medicare Part B does have a cost and generally covers other medical services. You would need to check with Medicare to find out the cost of the Part B premium. The Part B premium will be automatically withheld from your Social Security check unless you have declined Part B coverage or are not yet receiving a check from Social Security. Before you decline the Part B coverage, you must speak with the Benefit Office because this could seriously impact your insurance coverage with the Laborers!
The most important thing you need to remember is to contact the Benefit Office at 314-644-2777 ext. 2 when you become eligible for Medicare or have any questions regarding Medicare eligibility.
WELLNESS PROGRAM
Time is running out to participate in the Wellness Program!
The Wellness Program is available to all eligible members and covered spouses, who complete both the FREE, one-time H&H Wellness Screening and Wellness Survey. Remember, you must be covered under the Plan to participate. If you complete the Wellness Program no later than December 15, 2020, you will receive a $100 Gift Card* for participating.
If you already participated in the 2020 Wellness Program through Interactive Health, you will not be eligible to participate again until 2021. If you participated through Interactive Health but have not received your results or gift card, please call our office as soon as possible.
Test at a Lab is NOW OPEN!
Participate at an approved clinic & complete your wellness survey by December 15, 2020.
Register online at wellness.hhhealthassociates.com
New User Code: LABORERS
Members and spouses will receive a $100 gift card!*
*Only one card per person per year will be awarded.
Members and spouses must be covered under the Plan to be eligible to participate.
Please note: Due to the current COVID 19 situation, all on-site events have been canceled for 2020. Stay tuned for 2021 event dates!
Have you seen Buzz?
Since we are all spending more time at home lately, we thought it would be a good time to hide Buzz. This time we are hiding him in three places throughout the newsletter.
Keep in mind, Baby Buzz will be a smaller version of Buzz below.
Once you find all three, send us an email at benefits@stllaborers.com and tell us everywhere baby Buzz was hiding! You can also circle them on the newsletter and mail it to our office. At the end of December, we will put all the entries in a drawing to win a $25 gift card.
Benefit Spotlight: MAP
This month we are we are featuring the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
The MAP has counselors and other specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for you and your family. If you feel like you need to talk to someone or are overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn, call Optum Behavioral Health at 800-617-0858. They want to help and they know how to help. Members can access 6 FREE MAP visits per issue per the calendar year. If your issue needs additional visits, you can continue using your behavioral health benefit.
Here are just a few of the reasons to reach out.
Stress Management
Alcohol/Drug Issues
Grief Counseling
Financial/Legal Concerns
Family Counseling
Don’t feel like talking? No problem. Optum Behavioral Health also has a useful website that allows you to search for doctors, use virtual help centers to find information for many everyday work and life issues, access financial calculators and participate in self-improvement programs. Just visit liveandworkwell.com and use the access code of laborers.
*This benefit is for all Active and Non-Medicare eligible membes.
2357 59th Street - St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 644-2777 (800) 489-0228
Fax: (314) 646-4440
www.stllaborers.com
Phone Hours
Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Office Hours
Monday-Friday
7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
This newsletter is a brief summary of your benefits. The Plan Document has final authority in the case of any conflicts or confusion as to Plan benefits.
