X TEAMSTERS DROPS WALGREENS FROM ITS PHARMACY NETWORK EFFECTIVE 4/1/14

Walgreens has terminated its package delivery contract with UPS and is now contracted with Federal Express, a non-union carrier.

As you are aware, Federal Express is a Non-Union Company and employees of UPS, a Union Carrier, make up a large portion of the Health Fund’s membership. For this reason, and also based on financial considerations, as the Fund will realize some savings by making this change, Walgreens will no longer be a Network Pharmacy for our Fund.

The Trustees are constantly reviewing the Fund’s service providers to find savings while maximizing benefits. The Trustees have determined that as of APRIL 1, 2014, the Health Fund will not approve payment for prescriptions filled at Walgreens Retail Drug Stores.

All you need to do: Ask your New Pharmacy (i.e. CVS, Rite Aid, Stop and Shop, and many others) to call over to Walgreens and have your prescriptions transferred for you.

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The Trustees continue to explore ways to improve the quality of care available to all Participants. The Trustees looked into the pricing of several Medical Provider Networks and in doing so found that by switching to Anthem from Aetna we could receive the same quality care and receive even larger discounts than we have in the past. Therefore, the Trustees have decided to use the Anthem Network of medical Providers Effective July 1, 2014. The existing benefit structure, including co-pays, deductibles, limitations and exclusions will remain the same. In addition, because of Anthem’s extensive network, it is almost certain that your doctors and other providers will be in the Anthem network. With your help, the Trustees will continue to search for new ways to ensure you receive the highest level of healthcare possible.

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As of July 1, 2017 your continued eligibility will be based on a total of 640 hours in contributions in four (4) consecutive months. Prior to July 1, 2017, your continued eligibility was based on a total of 384 hours in contributions in three (3) consecutive months.

Therefore, the average number of hours you will need to work to maintain eligibility has been increased from 128 hours per month to 160 hours per month. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that each four-week month period will include at least one five-week month.

Click here to view the full Summary of Material Modification letter that was sent to all Gold Plus Full-Time Participants

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As of July 1, 2014, your dependent children will be covered under your Active Plan up to their 26th birthday even if they have other employer sponsored group health coverage available to them. The Plan has extended coverage to your eligible dependent children up to the end of the month in which the child attains age 26. Prior to July 1, 2014, the Plan did not extend coverage to your dependent children between the ages of 19-26 if they had employer sponsored group health insurance available to them other than through a parent. As of July 1, 2014, this limitation will no longer apply.

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Affects all active members who retire after July 1, 2017. Call the Fund Office to see if you qualify for Retiree Coverage under the Retiree Eligibility Rules, the Eligibility Rules to qualify for the Retiree Plan remain the same. The monthly rates for retire coverage are based on Plan years of participation in the Teamsters Local Union 671 Health Service and Insurance Plan’s for Gold and Gold Plus Plans based on active employment.
Click here to view the full Notice of Changes and the monthly rates for Retiree Coverage under the Teamsters Local 671 Retiree Plan.

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Who: Medical Plan eligible retirees and spouses
When: Tuesday, October 17, 2017; 9am & 10am
Where: Teamsters Local 671 Union Hall
How: You must call 860-243-0671 after 10/1/17 to reserve your vaccine
Cost: one or more nonperishable food items for local pantry

Click here for Full Notice