2/3/2010 - Disabled Employees/Workers' Compensation

Despite the efforts of staff of the Trust Funds Administrative Office to make known unique Health Plan benefits we have recently recognized after speaking with numerous Plan participants that the Plan provisions governing the crediting of hours for periods of time you are receiving Workers' Compensation benefits as a result of an occupational injury, which occurred while working for a signatory Employer to this Health Plan are not widely known. Click here for the full article.

1/15/2010 - Revised FAQs Re: Anthem Blue Cross Physical Therapy Network

Recently Anthem Blue Cross announced it was making changes to its physical therapy network (including physical, occupational and speech therapy), effective February 1, 2010.

Since that notification, the Internal and External FAQs have been revised. Please refer to the attached updated versions. Click here for the full article.

1/4/2010 - The Trust Bulletin for Active Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter, which covers the following topics: New Year's Resolutions Can Bring Lasting Lifestyle Changes, De-Stress Your Holiday To-Do List, and more! Click here for the full article.

1/4/2010 - The Trust Bulletin for Retiree Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter, which covers the following topics: Tips to Recognize and Prevent Holliday Stress and Depression, Healthcare Help for You and Your Family, and more! Click here for the full article.

12/30/2009 - COBRA Changes

Federal legislation enacted into law on Monday, December 21, 2009 will permit benefit changes related to subsidized COBRA premiums. Click here for the full article.

12/29/2009 - Chiropractic Visit Copayment Reduction

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that the copayment for chiropractic visits under the PacifiCare HMO plan is being reduced from $15 per visit to $5 per visit effective January 1, 2010. Click here for the full article.

12/17/2009 - Important Changes to Anthem Blue Cross Physical Therapy Network

Anthem Blue Cross ("Anthem") is making significant changes to its provider network for physical therapy services effective February 1, 2010. Click here for the full article.

12/9/2009 - Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health

What do you think about taking a look at your drinking habits and how they may affect your health? Rethinking Drinking can help you get started. Click here for the full article.

11/13/2009 - Fight Breast Cancer with HealthAdvocate

Health Advocate, a program available to all Health Participants, provides access to many resources such as Your Guide to Breast Health. To access your guide or to order your free booklet, please click "Full Article" below. Click here for the full article.

10/29/2009 - Important Information About Your Pension Plan

Information for Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Plan participants regarding the funding status of the Plan. Click here for the full article.

10/12/2009 - The Trust Bulletin for Active Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter, which covers the following topics: Dreaming Naps Dramatically Improve Performance, Helping Your Student Manage School Stress, Extended Life Insurance Coverage for Disabled Active Employees, and more! Click here for the full article.

10/12/2009 - The Trust Bulletin for Retiree Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter, which covers the following topics: Concerns Over H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Virus, Foods That Fight The Cold And Flu, Healthy Effects Of Diet And Exercise Add Up, and more! Click here for the full article.

10/1/2009 - Expanded Life Insurance Benefit Options

ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS ONLY—the Life Insurance benefit has been expanded. For more information regarding this Active participant benefit, please click "Full Article" below. Click here for the full article.

9/8/2009 - Health Advocate Assistance for California Wildfire Victims

As the California wildfires rage on, impacting a growing number of people, we wanted to let our clients know of the ways Health Advocate might be of special assistance to your employees or their family members who live and work in the affected area. While we are sending this special message to emphasize the immediate needs of the fire victims, clearly we also encourage any of your employees who need our help to call us as well. Click here for the full article.

8/25/2009 - HealthAdvocate: Summer 2009 Newsletter Now Online

@Your Service, the semi-annual HealthAdvocate newsletter, is now available online. Click here for the full article.

8/11/2009 - Board Announces New Benefit

The Board has engaged HealthAdvocate to provide advocacy and assistance services to all participants and their family members. With this new service, HealthAdvocate's Personal Health Advocates (PHAs), typically registered nurses, supported by medical directors and benefit specialists will work with you one-on-one in your efforts to find physicians, medical specialists and other providers, assist in the understanding and resolution of billing for medical, dental and professional services, facilitate referrals for covered services, clarify health plan coverage, transfer medical records, and help locate eldercare. This video gives an overview of the new services available. You will need to submit this form to authorize release of personal health information in order to use the new service. Click here to read the HealthAdvocate Summer '09 newsletter. Click here for the full article.

8/6/2009 - New COBRA/Self-Pay Rates Effective 10/1/09 through 9/30/10

The COBRA and Retiree Health Plan self-pay rates are changing, effective October 1, 2009.

Participants in the Retiree Health Plan please also note: the Annual Open Enrollment period for making changes to your choice of available retirement plans runs through August 15, 2009. Click here for the full article.

4/24/2009 - Health Plan Amendments

The Board of Trustees for the SC IBEW-NECA Health Fund recently approved the following amendments to the Active Health Plan: Amendment No. 40, regarding Lifetime Maximum, and Amendment No. 41, regarding Specialized Footwear Benefit. Click here for the full article.

4/17/2009 - HIPPA Privacy

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The Southern California IBEW-NECA Health Plan may use the limited quantity of private health information available, that is, information that constitutes protected health information as defined in the Privacy Rule of the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), for purposes of making or obtaining payment for your care and conducting health care operations. Health Plan has established a policy to guard against unnecessary disclosure of your health information. The Trust Fund's HIPAA security practices encompass administrative, physical and technical safeguards.

4/9/2009 - Delta Dental PPO

The Board of Trustees recently announced the replacement of the Self-Funded IBEW-NECA Dental Plan with the new Delta Dental PPO Plan. The Delta Dental PPO Plan should not be confused with the DeltaCare USA Plan, which is a dental health maintenance organization. Click here for the full article.

4/8/2009 - The Trust Bulletin for Active Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter that covers the following topics: Prescription Safety Glasses, Out-of-Area Emergency Coverage for HMO Plan Participants, From the Desk of the Fund Administrator, and more! Click here for the full article.

4/8/2009 - The Trust Bulletin for Retiree Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter that covers the following topics: Credit Card Debt, Out-of-Area Emergency Coverage, The Latest News on the Benefits of Vitamin D, Smart Nutritional Choices, and more! Click here for the full article.

4/1/2009 - Participant's Tax Ramifications on Defaulted Loans

A Plan loan, which is in default, will be treated as a deemed distribution for tax purposes. The deemed distribution (defaulted loan) will be included in income on the plan participant's tax return. In addition to the income taxes on the deemed distribution (defaulted loan), it might also be subject to the penalty tax on early distributions. Click here for the full article.

3/30/2009 - Getting the Most out of the Delta Dental PPO Plan

Beginning on January 1, 2009, the Southern California IBEW-NECA Health Plan - Active replaced the self-funded dental plan with a new dental PPO plan administered by Delta Dental of California. Changing to Delta Dental PPO provides access to the largest dental network in California and increases the maximum annual dental benefit from $2,000 to $2,500 when you use dentists who are part of the Delta Dental PPO network. The Delta Dental PPO plan is different from the prior self-funded dental plan in some significant ways. Click here for the full article.

3/25/2009 - Stimulus Act Subsidized COBRA (SASCOBRA)

Staff of the Trust Fund's Administrative Office is working to finalize and mail COBRA notices that will incorporate the new provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Although the deadline for issuing the revised COBRA notices is April 18, 2009, it is anticipated the revised COBRA notices will be issued in advance of that date. Click here for the full article.

3/13/2009 - Health Plan Amendments

The SC IBEW-NECA Trust Funds recently mailed out amendments to the Active Health Plan. Click here for the full article.

1/29/2009 - DC Plan Amendment

The Board of Trustees has adopted a new amendment to the SC IBEW-NECA Defined Contribution Plan to include a definition of "spouse" consistent with the federal law applicable to the Plan. Click here for the full article.

1/29/2009 - Health Plan Amendments

A number of benefits for Active and Retiree Health Plan participants and dependents have been improved. Click here for the full article.

1/26/2009 - Defined Benefit Plan Amendments

The SC IBEW-NECA Trust Funds recently mailed out the new changes to Defined Benefit Plan Document: Click here for the full article.

12/30/2008 - Delta Dental PPO Plan

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the replacement of the Self-Funded IBEW-NECA Dental Plan with the new Delta Dental PPO Plan. The new Delta Dental PPO Plan will be effective January 1, 2009 and all participants currently enrolled in the Self-Funded IBEW-NECA Dental Plan will be enrolled automatically in the new Delta Dental PPO Plan. Click here for the full article.

12/30/2008 - Dependent Life Insurance

As a result of the action taken by the Board of Trustees of the Southern California IBEW-NECA Health Plan life insurance amounts for the dependents of active, eligible participants will increase effective January 1, 2009. Amounts for your spouse or domestic partner increase from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00. Amounts for children change from $100 from birth to age 6 months and $500 from age 6 months to age 21 (22 for students), to $750 for children to age 19 (age 25 for students).

12/30/2008 - The Trust Bulletin for Active Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter that covers the following topics: Enhanced Coverage for Health Fund Benefits, Body Scan benefit, Health Matters, and more! Click here for the full article.

12/30/2008 - The Trust Bulletin for Retiree Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter that covers the following topics: Enhanced Coverage for Health Fund Benefits, Knowing Your Prescription Drug Benefit, Boost Your Memory Power, and more! Click here for the full article.

10/1/2008 - New ID Cards from Anthem/Blue Cross

On or about October 7th new identification cards for eligible participants and their dependent spouse, same sex spouse or domestic partner or opposite sex domestic partner will be issued by Anthem/Blue Cross. Click here for the full article.

9/18/2008 - Defined Contribution Investment Returns

The Plan has prepared a chart showing the investment rate of return for the Defined Contribution Pension Plan from July, 1998 through March, 2008. Click here for the full article.

9/16/2008 - HIPPA Privacy Notice

The Southern California IBEW-NECA Health Plan may use the limited quantity of private health information available, that is, information that constitutes protected health information as defined in the Privacy Rule of the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), for purposes of making or obtaining payment for your care and conducting health care operations. Click here for the full article.

8/20/2008 - Prescription Solutions website release notice

Prescription Solutions, a prescription drug vendor, announces the release of their new www.PrescriptionSolutions.com website. Click here for the full article.

7/24/2008 - Student Eligibility

Now's the time to address your dependent child's continued eligibility for benefits from the Southern California IBEW-NECA Health Plan. Click here for the full article.

7/11/2008 - Kaiser - Early Retiree Prescription Drug Copayment

This memorandum will notify you of procedures that will allow you to be reimbursed for copayments that were incorrectly charged by Kaiser Permanente for brand name prescription medications purchased between February 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008. Click here for the full article.

7/2/2008 - Benefit Enhancements

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce benefit enhancements which become effective July 1, 2008. A number of Health Fund benefits for Active and Retiree Health Plan participants and dependents have been improved as follows... Click here for the full article.

7/2/2008 - Healthy Solutions from Anthem Blue Cross

Anthem Blue Cross has made their Healthy Solutions magazine available to the SC IBEW-NECA Health Plan participants online. Click here for the full article.

6/18/2008 - New Prescription Solutions ID cards

Prescription Solutions, the prescription benefit manager for the Health Fund, is issuing new ID cards to eligible IBEW Local 11 participants the week of June 16, 2008. Click here for the full article.

6/11/2008 - Anthem Care Comparison

Blue Cross of California, now known as Anthem Blue Cross, is urging enrolled participants to visit their website in order that you may compare how different hospitals may charge different prices for the same services. Anthem Care Comparison from Anthem Blue Cross clearly lists what those price ranges are - right down to the procedure and hospital - so you can make informed decisions about your care. Click here for the full article.

6/2/2008 - Allied Administrators Enhances Customer Service

Allied Administrators now has customer service representatives available to help the membership during the lunch hour (12:00 - 1:00), Monday through Friday. Click here for the full article.

5/14/2008 - Body Scan Benefit for Active Eligible Participants

The Body Scan International mobile trailer will be on the site of the Electrical Training Institute located at 6023 Garfield Avenue, Commerce for the period of July 14th-July 21st. Appointments may be scheduled by telephoning (888) 724-VIEW.

4/25/2008 - Announcement to all Plan Participants

The trustees are happy to present this new comprehensive website with complete information and tools to help you get the most out of your benefit programs. Click here for the full article.

4/24/2008 - The Trust Bulletin for Active Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter that covers the following topics: Newly Redesigned IBEW Website, On the Job Hearing Loss, Body Scan-Late Cancellations, and more! Click here for the full article.

4/24/2008 - The Trust Bulletin for Retired Health Fund Participants

See the latest newsletter that covers the following topics: the Newly Redesigned IBEW Website, Making the Most of your Benefits, Sleep-Mood and Health, and more! Click here for the full article.

2/27/2008 - New Service Provider for DC Pension Plan

When you retire every path is open to you and every destination is a possibility. Your retirement plan can help you get there. We're improving the Southern California IBEW-NECA Defined Contribution Plan by offering you additional services and access to your Plan account. To bring you those improvements, we've partnered with New York Life. Please review the enclosed material carefully, as it contains important information about the transition to New York Life. Click here for the full article.

2/18/2008 - Sleepless Nights - How They Affect Your Mood and Health

The occasional night of tossing and turning is a nuisance, plain and simple. The morning after a sleepless night generally brings with it a foggy mind and a lethargic body. Whether this inability to get ample sleep is the result of a lifestyle decision or a sleep disorder, it is likely to negatively impact your mood and your health. Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

2/18/2008 - Tips for Keeping a Young Mind and Body

Staying young has less to do with the potions we use, and more with practical, time-tested strategies that work over the long haul. There may not be a fountain of youth, but we can live longer and more energetically than ever before. Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

2/18/2008 - Home Sweet Home

The quality of your family life depends upon the quality of your relationships. Every family has problems, misunderstandings, and personality differences. Family dynamics are always complex. By following some simple strategies you can help your family communicate better, tackle problems as a team, and develop solutions that keep the peace. Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

8/2/2007 - USERRA Notice

This notice contains information on how service in the uniformed services affects your rights as a participant under the Southern California IBEW-NECA health plan, pension plan and defined contribution plan pursuant to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act ("USERRA"). Click here for the full article.

8/1/2007 - Help Kids Surf Safely

Your kid continually begs for more screen time, but you're nervous about how to ensure her safety - and for good reason. Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

7/1/2007 - Hot Under The Collar - Managing Your Anger

In the past twenty-four hours something has bothered or even angered you - perhaps it was an inconsiderate driver on your commute last night, a burned dinner, or maybe your spouse did not do a chore as promised... Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

6/1/2007 - Depression, Is it Different for Men?

Depression affects millions of people each year, but men account for only about one in 10 diagnosed cases... Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

5/14/2007 - Announcement to all Plan Participants

Feature Article: New Website

The trustees are happy to present this new comprehensive website with comprehensive information and tools to help you get the most out of your benefit programs.

• Our BenefitTabs™ provide summaries of your benefits for each Plan.
• The Forms section for each plan contains almost all the forms you will require to submit claims, change address, designate a beneficiary or retire. You can fill these out online and print out the completed forms for mailing to the Plan Office.
• The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) section has lots of common questions answered in plain language.
• The LIfeEvents section will tell you everything you need to do regarding benefits when any major event happens in your life; positive events such as Marriage, Birth, or Retirement and negative events such as Death, Disabilty, Unemployment or Divorce. In addition, the section contains general financial planning information your might want to be aeware of and links to external sites that might be of interest to you if you want to do further research about the event affecting you.
• The Links sections connect you with resources avaailable on external websites such as plan carriers, government agencies, health and retirement information sites.

5/1/2007 - Keeping Kids Safe (Without Stress)

The world is changing all the time, and each day means new things to watch out for when parents consider how to keep their children safe... Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)

4/1/2007 - None for the Road, Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Consistent use of low levels of alcohol does not cause long term health problems... Click here for the full article. (Also available in espanol)