FOR YOUR BENEFIT...Page 2Special Benefits Edition Spring 2011 For Your Benefit is the official...

Take control ofyour health!

FOR YOUR BENEFITSpecial Benefits Edition Spring 2011

UFCW & Employer s Benef i t Tr ustP.O. Box 8086Walnut Creek, CA 94598-8086

Prsrt StdUS Postage

PAIDPermit #89

San Ramon CA

• Disease Management program• EMAP• MedExpertALSO IN THIS

I S S U E

Health care is your re-sponsibility. You havethe ability to makechanges to your life

that can help create a healthier,happier world.

But where can you start? Participants of the UFCW &Employers Benefit Trust havemany options available to im-prove their overall health. Thisnewsletter highlights many of

the benefits that can help youtake control of your wellbeingand focuses on some of yourresources that are available.

Taking control of your healthhas far-reaching positive effects.Eliminating unnecessary hospi-tal visits and claims keeps the Trust Fund strong for everyonewho uses it and helps ensurethat future generations will be

(Continued on page 2)

For Your Benefit is a newsletter designed to keep all members informed

about how to use their benefits most effectively.

Members also may contact their Union’s Benefit Clerks or call the Trust Fund office directly:

(800) 552-2400Phone hours for the Trust Fund’s Member Services Department are

7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

www.ufcwtrust.com

Special Benefits Edition Spring 2011

For Your Benefit is the official publication of the UFCW & Employers

Benefit Trust. This bulletin describes particular benefits and doesnot include all governing provisions,

limitations and exclusions, which mayvary from plan to plan. Refer to the

Summary Plan Description and Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure

Form for governing information.

1277 Treat Blvd., 10th FloorWalnut Creek, CA 94597

2200 Professional Dr., Suite 200Roseville, CA 95661

(800) 552-2400

www.ufcwtrust.com

Immunizations are an importantpart of staying healthy. Individ-uals of all ages should keepcurrent on all of their shots,

during flu season and beyond. Some of the immunizations that

are recommended, in addition to anannual flu shot, include:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Measles, mumps, rubella

• Hepatitis A and B

• Shingles

• Chicken pox

Check your Summary Plan Description for details on what im-munizations are important forwhich age groups and for coverageinformation.

ImmunizationsIt’s not just your flu shot — keep upwith all scheduled immunizations

Know your benefits!

(Continued from front page)

able to count on the samebenefits we enjoy today.

There are more programsthan listed in this newsletter.Please refer to the SummaryPlan Description (SPD) fordetails on all of the benefitsavailable.

Don’t wait to get edu-cated about the benefits thatare available and start takingcontrol of your health.

Start today!

Active participants covered under the2007 collective bargaining agree-ment who are enrolled in the PPOMedical Plan now have access to

the new Disease Management program aspart of their benefits.

This program, which helps manage healthand wellbeing, is free and completelyconfidential. It features one-on-one tele-phone support from a nurse or other healthcare professional, tailored to each specificsituation.

Participation in the Disease Managementprogram is by invitation only. It will be used

to help participants suffering from asthma,coronary artery disease (CAD) and dia-betes. These conditions have one very im-portant thing in common: an individual hasthe power to take an active role in under-standing and managing their conditions andrelated care.

This program is designed to improve thequality of life for these individuals by prevent-ing or minimizing the effects of their disease.It will support the relationships and treatmentplans they have with their doctors and help re-duce unnecessary hospitalizations, absencesfrom work and health care costs.

Participants who are invited to take ad-vantage of this program via phone or mailhave the opportunity to save money and im-prove their health. Their decisions to enroll,and all information from the program, areconfidential and will not be shared withthe Union Locals or Employers.

The Disease Management program willhelp the Fund save money for all participants,since a significant portion of the Fund’s med-ical claims are paid for asthma, CAD and di-abetes. The program is proven to reducemedical and prescription drug claims costsover time.

Participants who have recently moved orchanged their telephone numbers should up-date their contact information with the Fundto ensure that those eligible can be reached.Call the Fund at (800) 552-2400 to request aChange of Contact Information form or visitwww.ufcwtrust.com (click on the ResourceTab and Forms to download the form).


Disease Management

Vision benefits

The Trust Fund works with Vi-sion Service Plan (VSP) EyeHealth Management program toensure that eligible participants

who have vision coverage receive earlytreatment and coordinated care of eyeconditions and related health problems.

Early detection of vision disorders iscritical, especially for children. Morethan 30 percent of children’s commonvision disorders are missed in schoolvision screening and health fairs. And25 percent of school-age children havevision problems.

Several systemic and chronic dis-eases that affect people of all ages canbe detected by an eye doctor during acomprehensive eye exam.

Some of the more common disor-ders found during an eye exam are di-abetes, glaucoma, cata racts, maculardegeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.These are directly related to serioushealth conditions such as hypertensionand high cholesterol.

Call VSP at (800) 877-7195 or visitthe VSP website, www.vsp.com, tofind a VSP network provider.

Common disorders can be detected by an eye doctor — get checked!

A bold new initiative from the Fund to helpat-risk participants improve overall health

All personal informationshared with

Disease Management representatives is

confidential and will not beshared with a member’s

union or employer.


In general, all eligible participants and their spouse/domestic partner enrolledin the PPO medical plan and covered under a 2007 collective bargainingagreement can receive up to a $250 credit in their Health ReimbursementAccount (HRA) by completing the Health Risk Question naire (HRQ) an-

nually by the deadline.The HRQ is designed to help identify potential health risks early so partici-

pants can seek proper care and make necessary lifestyle changes.

Strictly confidentialThe HRQ contains basic questions about health history and life style, as well as

questions that address specific health issues for men and for women.The results of the HRQ are confidential and are available only to you. Results

are not available to the Trust Fund office, your employer or your union. Resultsfrom your completed HRQ will not affect your eligibility or benefit payments.Personal and health information will not be sold to other organizations, such asthird party marketers or mailing lists.

Cash incentivesEach year, when you complete and return your HRQ by the deadline, Pre mier

participants who have individual coverage will receive a $200 credit to their HealthReimbursement Account (HRA) and Ultra participants who have individual cov-erage will receive $150; members at both plan levels will receive a credit of $50if their enrolled spouse or domestic partner also completes the HRQ by the dead-line. Standard participants who return the HRQ will get an additional $150.

To get the maximum HRA credit, both you and your enrolled spouse or do-mestic partner must complete the HRQ by the deadline.

What is an HRQ?

An HRQ is a Health Risk Question-naire. This is a confidential list of ques-tions created by health care experts tohelp identify potential health risksearly so you can receive proper carebefore they be come more serioushealth issues.

What kinds of questions are contained inthe HRQ?

There are questions about your healthhistory and lifestyle as well as ques-tions that address specific health issuesfor men and for women.

Are my HRQ answers confidential?

Yes, the results of the HRQ are confidential, and your employer, theTrust Fund office and your union willnot receive this confidential infor -mation.

Why should I complete and return theHRQ?

In addition to alerting you to potentialfuture health prob lems, Premier partic-ipants will receive an additional $200credit to their Health ReimbursementAccount (or $250 if a spouse or domes-tic partner also completes the HRQ);Ultra participants will receive an addi-tional $150 (or $200 if a spouse or do -mestic partner also completes theHRQ); and Standard participants willreceive an additional $150. You mustsubmit your HRQ by the deadline inorder to receive the credit.

How do I get an HRQ?

All eligible members enrolled in thePPO Medical Plan and their enrolledspouse or domestic partner enrolled inthe PPO Plan will automatically re-ceive an HRQ annually.

How can I make sure that I receive themaximum amount each year in my HealthReimbursement Account (HRA)?

To get the maximum credit to yourHRA each year, both you and your en-rolled spouse/domestic partner mustcomplete and return the HRQ annually.

Health Risk Questionnaire (HRQ)Health tips at no cost to participants

Q&A about the HRQ(2007 collective bargaining

agreements only)

Years of wear and tear can be hardon your feet, especially if youhave a job that keeps you stand-ing all day.

Many things can affect your feet, in-cluding bad circulation, poorly-trimmedtoenails and wearing shoes that fit in-correctly.

Good foot care is especially impor-tant if you have diabetes or peripheralartery disease. Both diseases cause poorblood flow to the feet. Scrapes orbruises can become infected. Be sureyour doctor checks your feet.

Foot care and regular foot checks arean important part of your overall health.

For podiatry services in California:if you are covered under the PPO Plan,it is important to use the Podiatry Planof California (PPOC) network of con-tracted providers to receive the PPOlevel of benefits. If you use a non-PPOC doctor, even if it is a Blue Shieldprovider, the PPOC contract rate willapply and you will be responsible forthe remaining balance.

The remaining balance is the differ-ence between the PPOC contract rate,which is lower, and the charges billed bythe non-PPOC podiatry provider. You cancontact PPOC to locate a provider or forany foot care questions at (800) 367-7762or by visiting www.podiatryplan.com.

For HMO participants, podiatry serv-ices are provided by your HMO, notthrough PPOC.

For podiatry services outside ofCalifornia: you must use a BlueCardPPO podiatrist to receive PPO-levelbenefits. Participants who use a Blue-Card PPO podiatrist will have a lowerout-of-pocket expense.

Please refer to your Summary PlanDescription booklet for specific infor-mation regarding your podiatry carebenefits.

Podiatry benefitsHealthy feet for exercise, comfort

Dental health promotes overall wellness

Dental benefits

Dental health is a strong indica-tor of overall health. Studiesshow that a clean, healthymouth can help prevent heart

disease and other problems.Participants have many options

when it comes to dental benefits. De-pending on your level of coverage, theFund’s dental program covers servicesrelated to diagnostic, preventive,restorative, endodontic, periodontic,prosthodontic and orthodontic proce-dures, as well as oral surgery, crowns,onlays and other covered majorrestorations. (See Summary Plan De-

scription, or SPD, for details.)Before you obtain any dental serv-

ices, verify that your chosen dentist isan in-network provider for the planyou have selected. Use of a networkdentist is required for the LibertyDental plan, and if you enroll in theIndemnity Dental program, your out-of-pocket will in most cases be lowerwhen you use a network provider.

You can go to the Trust Fund web-site at www.ufcwtrust.com to locate acontracted provider by clicking on theResources tab and selecting ProviderContacts.


Liberty Dental (888) 703-6999

www.libertydentalplan.com

Delta Dental (800) 765-6003

www.deltadentalca.org

Safeguard (800) 880-1800

www.safeguard.net/

Premier Access (866) 341-2377

www.ufcwdental.com


Do you need help with a sub-stance abuse problem, a majorlife transition or coping withthe loss of a loved one? Do you

have questions about a child’s develop-ment?

The Trust Fund’s health managementwebsite, www.hmc-emap.com, may beable to help. It provides useful informa-tion about a wide range of health prob-lems and services that help peoplecontrol them. (Please note: HMC au-thorization is required for any treatmentand is available to active PPO partici-pants.)

The site can help in coping with parenting issues, including adoption; caring for infants, toddlers and adoles-cents; education and more.

For members who have aging par-

ents, there are sections on senior health,aging well, adults with disabilities,housing options for seniors, home care,and grief and loss.

Personal growth topics covered in-clude communication skills, families,relationships, grief and loss, mentalhealth, and addiction and recovery.

The site also has links on preventivemedicine including:

• Thriving

• Health tools

• Living healthy

• Healthy eating

• Medical care

There are also separate links onwomen’s health, men’s health and seniors’ health.

Other links contain information onhow to be an accomplished employee,career development and transition, work-place diversity, productivity and safety.

There are even sections on consumertips, home improvement, home buyingor selling and moving. Log on towww.hmc-emap.com and enter thecode UFCWEBT.

For HMO participants, mental healthand chemical dependency treatment isprovided by your HMO, not throughHMC.

HMO participants have access to a wealth of re-sources online to help them with their health-re-lated and personal goals.

Health Net participants can explore the It’s YourLife-Wellsite, accessible through www.healthnet.com.Users are able to enter their information to set and monitorhealth goals, view their medical records and prescriptiondetails, access research and get independent analysis onhospital performance.

Participants who visit the site will also be able to enrollin wellness programs dealing with pregnancy, smokingcessation and nutrition, as well as access a private healthcoach through the Decision Power program.

Kaiser participants can also improve their health by set-ting up an appointment with a wellness coach. These ses-sions can help participants realize their goals of gettingmore active, losing weight, managing stress and eatinghealthier.

Once registered on www.kp.org, Kaiser participantshave 24-hour access to the time-saving features of the My

HMO participantsWebsites offer lifestyle tips

If life gets overwhelming, EMAP can help

Employee Member Assistance Program (EMAP)

All personal informationshared with EMAP is confidential and will not be shared

with a participant’s union or employer.

Health Manager program. These tools can be used toemail doctors, schedule appointments, order prescrip-tion refills, view most lab results and more. Partici-pants can also take advantage of programs to loseweight, reduce stress, stop smoking, develop healthyeating habits as well as other programs.


MedExpert is a benefit thatcan help Trust Fund par-ticipants and their familiesget the best health care

possible at no extra cost to them.MedExpert is like having a personal

doctor whom you can call wheneveryou have a question about your fam-ily’s health or your health plan.

It doesn’t matter what health planyou use or what your current healthstatus is. MedExpert will take the timeto answer your medical questions andhelp you navigate your health plan.

When one Trust Fund participantdiscovered that he had a blood clotin his lung, he and his wife, who wasseveral months pregnant, were natu-rally concerned.

“The MedExpert doctor made asignificant difference,” he said. “Hetook a personal interest and helpedto put us at ease.”

The doctor helped them interpret

test results and utilized MedExpert’sworldwide resources on their behalf.

MedExpert has access to theworld’s top health experts and medicalresearch. Its qualified staff is happy tohelp trust fund participants with allhealth matters, large and small.

“The MedExpert physician wasour link to physicians around theworld,” the participant said.

“To know you have a valuable re-source like this at your disposal is in-valuable. It enabled my wife and meto make decisions regarding mytreatment based on facts.”

Persons who speak languagesother than English can use MedEx-pert’s services as well.

MedExpert can be reached at(800) 999-1999.

MedExpert is not a substitute fortreatment, but it is a valuable re-source to use in conjunction with atreating physician.

‘I owe it all toMedExpert’

One participant found that somesimple advice from a MedEx-pert physician made a signifi-cant difference.

She had severe, recurrent dizzyspells and consulted a MedExpert doctor.

“He was congenial and caring,” shesaid. “He seemed genuinely concernedabout my case, and you don’t find thattoo often these days, if you can evenget to speak with a doctor on thephone.”

After the MedExpert physician re-ceived some of the participant’s med-ical files, he called to ask her somequestions about her medical history. Hethen said he would consult with Med-Expert’s top physicians in neurologyaround the world.

“He called back five days later andsaid that they had come up with thecause of the dizzy spells and a way totreat my condition,” she said. “Onceagain, I was struck by his compassion.”

The doctor said her condition wasthe result of chronic dehydration. Hesuggested she drink at least eightglasses of water a day and cut back onher consumption of salt.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said. “Itworked. Now, I only have problems onthe days I forget to drink enough water.The days I do, I’m fine.

“I owe it all to MedExpert. Theycame through. It’s like having access toan old fashioned family doctor whoknows you and cares about you, onlywith worldwide resources. I feel thatwith MedExpert, I have the best medicalexperts in the world at my fingertips.”

Please note: MedExpert is not a sub-stitute for treatment, but it is a valuableresource to use in conjunction with atreating physician.

MedExpertThese doctors are always on call

It’s like having accessto an old-fashionedfamily doctor.

Taking advantage of the benefitprograms listed in this newslet-ter, as well as many others thatare available to participants

(consult your Summary Plan Descrip-tion for a complete list), is essential tostaying healthy.

The following is a testimonial froma participant who made the most of thebenefits available to her, which turnedout to be a life-saving decision:

“I made sure I got my annual mam-mogram every year. But after my hus-band passed away, I was still grievingwhen I was due for another one.

“A few years passed, and I noticed alarge, hard lump on my right breast. Iwent to my doctor immediately and shesent me for a mammogram the same day.

“Her office called me back the nextmorning and asked me to come in for anultrasound. Based on what they saw, they

recommended an immediate biopsy.“The result was positive for breast

cancer. “I saw a surgeon the next day and he

said he was going to schedule me forsurgery. This all happened within athree-day period, so it made me feel asif my head was spinning.

“The surgeon explained that hewould take out the lump as well as alymph node to test it to determine if thecancer had spread.

“Because of the kind of cancer I had,a type that affects only one in every fourcases, I also had to have radiation ther-apy for three months once my chemo

was finished. I also had to have addi-tional IV drug treatments to prevent thecancer from coming back.

“I was grateful that my lifesavingtreatments were covered by my healthbenefits. There was no way I could haveafforded the care I received withoutthem.

“I had to have a PET, CT and bonescan every three months for the firstthree years after I completed my initialtreatments, as well as blood tests tocheck for tumor markers. And, ofcourse, I get a mammogram every year.

“Through the grace of God, I amnow cancer-free.

“If I hadn’t missed getting mammo-grams for two years, my cancer mighthave been caught earlier and I couldhave possibly avoided chemotherapy.”

Annual mammograms are a coveredbenefit within the Plan guidelines —consult your Summary Plan Descrip-tion booklet for details.


Take control and be wellUsing benefits wisely can be a lifesaver

I was grateful that mytreatments were covered.

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