Latest Benefit News
September 18, 2009

Benefits Renewal is Coming!

October 15-28, 2009


Beginning October 1, 2009 - Call Verizon Benefit Center (VBC)  877-489-2367, for Health Plan Comparison Charts (HPCC)
If you do not have your password, do not allow the rep to mail your password, that will delay the process and you will not have the materials in time for BR. Insist that the VBC rep "authenticate " your identity" . VBC rep can reset your password while you are on the line, and mail out your HPCCs. Mail time is approx 10 days from call---so call early!

Verizon is terminating /consolidating/ freezing a large number  of medical plans (HMOs) for 2010.
Example : Healthnet, Horizon, Keystone East and Amerihealth are "frozen", many Medicare HMOs are being terminated.
Letters to affected members will be mailed to you by VZ if your plan is terminated.

Vz is not sending out HPCCs for all available plans if you are affected----
Vz is sending out only one plan, the one that they want you to go into  (Anthem EPO).
The MCN is available to all members in NJ and many areas of NY , PA, and DE

The Union bargained for plans are not affected MCN (Aetna Choice POS II) and the MEP/PPO (Aetna). The MCN is an outstanding plan...but only if your doctor participates.

Request HPCCs to see what plan fits your needs. Know your Plan co-pays. All HMO have co-pays for such things as hospital  ($150 per confinement), Lab work and therapies ($15), possible limits for chiropractic services etc.

I will be attending General Membership meetings across the state to explain Benefits Renewal in detail.
This link will be updated with more complete information in October.

************************************

FREE FLU SHOTS-- October 2009

Verizon is making free flu shots available at several company locations in October.
This is the basic flu shot.
There is no co-pay required.
Available to Active employees only
Must be done on your own time ( before/after tour, during break or lunch)
Appointments are encouraged, limited "walk ins" will be available.
If your are located near one of these sites, it is a great opportunity.
More info is available on company web, "About You" or by contacting your Local Unit Office

Robbinsville (Horizon Drive):  October 1
Freehold (Main Street):  October 5
Madison (Park Avenue):  October 13
Newark (Broad Street):  October 21

****************************************
2009 Fall RETIREE MEETINGS are coming in October

I look forward to seeing all of our retirees. Please check your schedules and attend any location.
Locations and times are on the web, in postcards that are mailed, and available through your Unit offices and HQ

October 1- Raritan
October 2- Hudson/Bergen
October 7- Essex
October 9- Northern
October 15- Central
October 16- Southern

Bring a friend or two!

********************************************

Free Generic Drug Program - October 1- December 31, 2009

Medco Pharmacy will run this program again this year from October 1- December 31, 2009
This is a great opportunity for members to lower their out of pocket expenses and to try a generic drug at no cost.
This program provides a free generic prescriptions via mail order.
As always, discuss with your physician if generics are appropriate for you. This is a great way for members to save money.
Watch your mail for additional

In Unity,
Karen

Karen Lane
Health Care Benefits Coordinator
Local 827 IBEW
800-870-6354
570-424-5110 (Fax)
karen.s.lane@verizon.com