Date :
September 12, 2006
To: I.B.T. Local No. 145 Health Services & Insurance Plan
Membership
Re: Improvement to Plan Coverage Preventive Care at 100%
As you are aware, the Trustees and Fund have been working hard to make sure that the stability of the Fund is secure and that all of your member contributions are being used wisely.
Back on March 1, 2006, we
were able to announce the improvement in the pharmacy benefit. The Fund
reduced the generic co-pay from $10 to $5 for a 30-day supply. We hope
that you have benefited from this change, and also hope that you have tried
to utilize the mail order program to increase your savings.
The Fund will be encouraging our membership to be proactive in taking care
of your own health. It is incredibly important for you to obtain a
comprehensive physical, along with the age and gender-appropriate health
screenings.
To help encourage you to do so, Effective October 1, 2006, the Fund will start covering eligible preventive care office visits and health screenings at 100%, with NO up-front deductibles and/or cost sharing for members using Anthem PPO NETWORK participating providers.
The specific benefits that will now be covered at 100% include :
■ Health Examinations Birth to 1 year : 6 exams annually
1 5 years : 6 exams annually
6 10 years : 1 exam every 2 years
11 21 years : 1 exam annually
22 29 years : 1 exam every 5 years
30 39 years : 1 exam every 3 years
40 49 years : 1 exam every 2 years
Over 50 : 1 exam annually
■ Routine GYN 1 routine exam per calendar year
■ Routine Mammography Age 35 39 1 baseline screening
Age 40+ 1 screening annually
Additional benefits that will now be covered at 100% include :
■ Routine Hearing Screening 1 exam every 2 calendar years
■ Select Preventive Immunizations / Vaccines
■ Colonoscopies Physician/Surgical Charges
* Note that related anesthesia is covered after annual deductible and coinsurance
■ Prostate Screening Tests (PSA)
In addition, because oral health is closely connected to physical health, the Fund is encouraging the membership to build a relationship with a dentist and be sure to have your preventive exams and cleanings (2x/annually). Effective October 1, 2006, these benefits will be paid at 100% of the Usual & Customary rate. X-rays will continue to be paid in accordance with the fee schedule.
**** Please take your heath and preventive care seriously as early detection and care is the best way to avoid future health complications. ****
We also want to remind you of the following programs offered with Anthem :
Through Anthem Rewards, you earn points for every day that youre physically active. Accumulate points and redeem them for merchandise at the online Rewards Store. Go to www.anthemrewards.com to learn more and sign up.
Go to www.anthem.com and click on MyHealth@Anthem to find a medical dictionary, personalized Health Assessments to help you identify your medical risks and a number of quality and cost comparison tools.
Visit www.anthem.com and click on SpecialOffers@Anthem to obtain discounts on health-related products and services. Some examples of these services include discounts on contacts, vitamins and health-related products, as well as special pricing for eldercare assistance and medical ID bracelets.
The Board of Trustees constantly reviews the benefits program and strives to make changes to ensure the long-term stability of the Plan and to keep the hourly contribution rates affordable. Members are encouraged to learn about the programs, and to use the Plan sensibly. Feel free to contact the Plan Office if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Board of Trustees