While your Benefit Fund health coverage typically covers most services with no out-of-pocket costs to you, there are times when you may need to file a claim to be reimbursed for payments you made for a covered expense—such as a new pair of eyeglasses, bills from non-participating providers and certain secondary expenses for your family members. Now, you can submit your claim form online and upload documents through MyAccount, which means you will be reimbursed quicker. Log in to MyAccount. Click on the “Health” tab and then click on “Request a Medical Claim Reimbursement” from the dropdown menu, and MyAccount will walk you through the process. If you need assistance submitting a claim, call us at (646) 473-9200 and a Member Services Representative will be happy to assist you.
Blog
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New Pair of Eyeglasses? Now You Can File Online for Claims Reimbursement
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Check Out the Benefit and Pension Funds on Instagram!
Did you know the Benefit and Pension Funds are on Instagram? Now you have another way to keep up to date on all Funds programs, services and news that can help you improve your health, plan for your retirement and more. Just follow us #1199SEIUBenefits.
Our Facebook page is another way to find out about our latest wellness workshops, health fairs, citizenship services and more. Go to Facebook.com/1199SEIUBenefitFunds today, and don’t forget to “Like” us. Be sure to check out our Training and Employment and Child Care Funds’ pages too!
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Your Rights Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
If you are battling breast cancer, your 1199SEIU Benefit Fund is here to support you every step of the way. Your health benefits give you access to quality oncology care with many of the top cancer treatment centers in the New York metropolitan area, so you won’t have to go outside of your network for care.Your Benefit Fund also provides coverage for reconstructive surgery, prostheses and other mastectomy-related services.
According to your doctor’s treatment plan, you are covered for:
- Reconstruction of the breast on which a mastectomy was performed;
- Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to achieve a symmetrical appearance;
- Prostheses; and
- Treatment for physical complications associated with all stages of the mastectomy, including lymphedemas.
No Rx or Referral Required for Annual Mammogram Screening
Your Benefit Fund does not require a prescription or a referral for your annual mammogram. You only need to give your radiologist the name and contact information for your physician, who will receive the mammogram results. If you are turned away or your radiologist has questions, call Member Services right away at (646) 473-9200.
These benefits are provided under the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund and the 1199SEIU Greater New York Benefit Fund. Coverage is subject to benefit rules, exclusions and limitations that may apply under the Plan, as permitted by law.
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Marcella Smart: Member Profile
Marcella Smart
Marcella Smart credits her benefits with protecting her health, and our wellness workshops with helping her maintain a healthy weight.
Marcella Smart, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation, knows how fortunate she is not to have any serious medical issues, such as diabetes or hypertension. To ensure she remains in good health, she has turned to her Benefit Fund for a little extra help.
Since 2016, Marcella has been attending the Fund’s quarterly wellness workshops, held at Fund Headquarters, for tips on eating right and reducing stress. “I’m not overweight,” said Marcella, “but the workshops taught me all about the best food choices, as well as portion control, which helps me keep my weight in check.” Working the night shift makes eating healthfully a challenge, but the workshops have shown Marcella how to plan meals that best suit her schedule, including eating earlier in the evening before she leaves home.
I get regular checkups every year to make sure I’m on the right track.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation
In addition to her nontraditional hours, working in a nursing home can be stressful, and Marcella has learned strategies at the workshops to ease tension and cope better with the demands of her job. “I really like finding out about ways to become calmer, including learning how to meditate,” she said. Exercise is also an important part of her wellness plan. Since she lives close to a park near her home in the Bronx, Marcella walks there for fitness one day during the week and on weekends for about half an hour each time. She’s sometimes joined by friends, depending on their schedules. And getting out in nature—especially when living and working in the city—is also a great stress reducer. “I have a busy schedule,” she said, “but I’ve learned to find the time to just do it, because I know it’s important for my health.”
Marcella is grateful for the benefits she has as an 1199SEIU member, including having peace of mind in knowing she can visit her healthcare providers and get the care she needs with no out-of-pocket costs. “I get regular checkups every year to make sure I’m on the right track,” she said. Marcella’s goal is to maintain her weight and stay healthy, and with the help of her benefits, she plans to do just that.
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CCC Needs Assessment Survey Results Highlight Successes
CCC Needs Assessment Survey Results Highlight Successes
In our continued effort to improve programming and measure the impact of current offerings, the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation (CCC) conducted a comprehensive needs assessment survey last fall. The survey was designed to measure the impact of 1199SEIU Child Care Funds (CCF) programming and gain insight into the scope and diversity of members’ needs and their experiences with the programs. The results culled from 4,359 benefit registrants who participated in the survey will help us identify programming opportunities and areas for future development.
The core mission of the CCF is to provide members peace of mind that their children are cared for and safe. We are happy to report that 90 percent of survey respondents said the CCF programs not only did just that but also helped their children develop social skills, have greater academic motivation and take advantage of opportunities for positive new lie experiences. Other findings:
- 82 percent of respondents said our current child-care options were very satisfactory or satisfactory.
- 90 percent of repsondents said their needs were partially or fully met by the programs they used.
- 86 percent said they would recommend a CCF benefit program to a friend or colleague.
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Student Spotlight: Anita Dos Santos
Student Spotlight: Anita Dos Santos
Long interested in serving her community through engagement and organizing, recent CUNY Queens College graduate Anita Dos Santos has hit the ground running, landing a position as a Constituent Services Specialist with Churches United for Fair Housing (CUFFH). As a Latin American Studies major, Anita immersed herself in the history of Latin American culture, and worked on food sustainability and community outreach projects. Anita received support from JTSP for all four years of study, which she said was essential to obtaining her degree. “When you’re unable to work as a full-time student, it gives you flexibility, cushion and time to focus on your studies without having to worry about money,” Anita said.
In her work with CUFFH, Anita provides one-on-one support to the New York City immigrant community by educating them about resources and services available to help improve their housing situation. Her long-term goal is to earn an advanced degree in education and social work. She is inspired to continue working in historically underserved communities and empowering them through education and improved financial literacy. Anita’s father, Admilson, echoed her sentiments about the impact of JTSP for their family. “I’m thankful she was able to have the assistance that allowed her to study and support her education,” he said.
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Members Access the MyAccount Mobile App!
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Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: 2024 Care for Kids Gala Recap
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Students Pave the Way for Bright Futures with WorkForce 2000 & the Pre-RN Program
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FALC Celebrates Science, Sports and Success!
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Youth Mentoring and Teen Programs Help Children Explore Interests and Prepare for Academic Success
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Cultural Arts Stipend Program (CASP)
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Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program Helps Make Dreams Come True
Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program Helps Make Dreams Come True
A college education can be the key to career success, but growing financial costs can make it an expensive and often burdensome venture. The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program (JTSP), funded by the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund and administered by the 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, works to ease the financial pressure on 1199SEIU members who want to send their children to college. Financial awards vary based on need, and can help students with tuition, books and other expenses that can arise when pursuing a college degree. More than 8,000 students have been assisted by JTSP, and have graduated from programs at Cornell University, Howard University, SUNY Binghamton and Columbia University.
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Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program Celebrates 40 Years with Farm & Wilderness Camps
The Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program Celebrates 40 Years with Farm & Wilderness Camps
Through our camp programs, the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Corporation (CCC) has formed many lasting bonds with like-minded organizations that are committed to supporting the education and development of children of 1199SEIU members, through memorable experiences. In the fall of 2018, the CCC celebrated 40 years of collaboration with one of them; the Farm & Wilderness Camps (F&W) in Vermont. At the event, held at Funds Headquarters, alumni and parents of former campers shared personal stories about the impact of their camp experiences. Blake Stewart, an F&W Trustee and parent of two alumni, talked about the positive impact of the camp on his family and expressed “the joy felt in having my two ‘families’ brought together at this event.” CCC Vice President Rossmery Dais and F&W Executive Director Rebecca Geart spoke about the importance of camp and their excitement in seeing this special relationship continue to grow.
F&W camps approach educational exploration and personal development in natural settings that are virtually technology- and electricity-free. Participants escape city life and are immersed in activities such as organic farming, and collaborative arts and music experiences. The true impact of a program is often seen only in hindsight, and staff and participants of the past and present were gratified to reflect on their experiences and see how they all fit into the history of this enduring collaboration.
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FALC Silver Anniversary: Investing in Our Future, One Child at a Time
FALC Silver Anniversary: Investing in Our Future, One Child at a Time
This year, the Child Care Corporation is celebrating 25 years of the Future of America Learning Center (FALC). Since the day it opened on October 3, 1993, FALC has provided nearly 9,000 children of 1199SEIU members and the community with the opportunity to build and enhance their physical, emotional, cognitive and cultural growth. Our program serves children ages 18 months to 5 years, culminating in a Universal Pre-K ceremony each year. This summer, we celebrated 46 students graduating from the program. The ceremony was complete with song and dance performances, well wishes from instructors and heartfelt testimonials from parents about FALC’s nurturing environment.
FALC also holds other events throughout the year, including an annual Father’s Day breakfast, community outreach activities and educational field trips to museums around New York City. The annual FALC Science Fair is an exciting opportunity for students to take part in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) projects. Students are able to learn the value of science while expressing their creativity among peers, teachers and family.
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Don’t Let Stress Put You at Risk for Hypertension
Don’t Let Stress Put You at Risk for Hypertension
Stress is part of everyday life, but the way you handle it—or don’t—can put your health at risk. Many reactions to stress, such as poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, can raise your risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure). Of course, creating a plan to lower your stress level can help you avoid hypertension altogether, or better manage it if you already have the condition.
Know Your Risk
Hypertension often does not have symptoms, which means you may not know you have the condition until you are screened by a doctor. You should have your blood pressure measured at least once a year, especially if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Family history of hypertension
- Excess weight
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension is Hazardous to Your Health
If left unchecked, hypertension can lead to a number of serious—sometimes life-threatening—conditions, such as:
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Vision impairment
- Sexual dysfunction
- Bone loss
News You Can Use
Stress Tied to Heart Disease, Especially in People Under Age 50
Stress may increase the risk for heart disease, especially in people under age 50. A recent study in The BMJ found that a person with a stress disorder was 29 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than his or her sibling without a stress disorder, and 37 percent more likely than those in the general population.
Veggies, Fruits and Grains Keep Your Heart Pumping
Using health data from some 16,000 people, a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found those who ate plant-based diets reduced their chance of developing heart failure by 41 percent. Those who ate diets high in meat, fried and processed foods had a 72 percent increased risk of heart failure.
Exercise Is Key to Maintaining Weight Loss
People who have lost weight and want to keep it off need regular physical activity, according to a study in Obesity. Three groups of people were analyzed: those who lost 30 pounds or more and kept it off for more than a year; those who were of normal weight; and those who were overweight or obese. The study found that the people who had lost weight and kept it off walked about 12,000 steps per day; normal-weight adults registered about 9,000 steps per day; and those who were overweight or obese walked about 6,500 steps per day.
