The Local 1014 Health Line - Summer 2020

ISSUE 11 Summer 2020

THE 1014 HEALTH LINE Photo by Austin Gebhardt

Board of Trustees Message Open Enrollment Reminder Vaccination Program Medicare Vision Care LiveHealth

INSIDE

Protecting Firefighters & Their Families...FOR LIFE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

OPEN ENROLLMENT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

The Local 1014 Health Trust is pleased to present the Summer 2020 Edition of The Health Line.

OPEN ENROLLMENT REMINDER: This year is moving quickly and we are already nearing the LA County Choices Open Enrollment Period, October 1-31, 2020.

Among the most comprehensive plans available to Firefighters anywhere in the nation, The Local 1014 Health Plan is the only health plan offered in the County that you can take with you "as is" into retirement and maintain FOR LIFE. (Reminder: You must enroll in The 1014 Health Plan 5 years prior to retirement in order to take it with you into retirement) It has never been more important for our members to review your healthcare options and ensure that you have the best coverage available for you and your family.

In this edition of the Health Line, we have included an explanation of our expanded benefits including our enhanced vaccination program, provided you with a brief explanation of how to sign up for Medicare Part B with The Local 1014 Health Plan as well as a comparison between our 1014 vision benefits and LACERA vision benefits.

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, health insurance choices are more important than ever for first responders and their families. The ONLY health plan that is FOR FIREFIGHTERS BY FIREFIGHTERS, The Local 1014 Health Plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of our members and their families. We know that our members are at higher risk than the general population. That is why we continue to push for the best and most appropriate care for our members as the fight on the frontlines of COVID-19. Don’t wait until October to review our expanded benefits and share with your fellow Firefighters and families the benefits of being a 1014 Health Plan member.

As always, thank you for placing your trust in us and we look forward to continuing to work together to create a healthy and bright future for our members and their families.

Board Members Xavier "X" Campos, Chairman xcampos@local1014.org Mark Bartholomew, Trustee mbartholomew@local1014.org John Bishop, Trustee jbishop@local1014.org Dave Gillotte, Trustee daveg@local1014.org Don Lassig, Secretary dlassig@local1014.org David Morse, Trustee dmorse@local1014.org Gerardo Silva, Trustee gerrysilva@local1014.org Reg Cyrus, Plan Manager rcyrus@local1014.org

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, health insurance choices are more important than ever for first responders and their families."

LA County Choices Open Enrollment 2021

October 1- 31, 2020 Did you know that

82% 96%

of our Active Members and of our Retired Members

choose The Local 1014 Health Plan for their families?

VACCINATION PROGRAMContinued

MEDICARE

ENHANCED PHARMACY VACCINATION PROGRAM

SIGNING UP FOR 1014 MEDICARE PART B

The Local 1014 Health Plan is proud to announce our enhanced Pharmacy Vaccination Program through Express Scripts.

This program saves our members money by allowing pharmacists to administer vaccinations.

You can choose which vaccines you want to cover at the pharmacy setting. The most common are flu, Pneumonia, and Zoster/Shingles. See estimated price comparison chart below.

Vaccination

Physician Vaccine cost + office visit + admin fee1

Pharmacy Vaccine cost + disp fee + admin fee (PSF)2

Average cost savings at pharmacy

Diphtheria/ Tetanus/ Pertussis

$100.58

Flu

$57.91

$30.80

$27.11

Hepatitis

$105.39

$79.67

$25.72

$58.73

$41.85

When you become eligible for Medicare benefits, the benefits payable under our Plan will be calculated as though you have Medicare medical insurance (Part B).

Why should I sign up for Part B coverage?

Source: https://www.bluecrossmn.com/shop-plans/medicare-plans/ understanding-medicare-you-age

Signing up for Part B is advantageous for you because the Plan no longer charges deductibles and co-insurance expenses. NOT signing up for Part B means that in most cases, the Plan will only pay 20% of the billed medical charges you incur that are otherwise allowable expenses under the Plan.

In addition, not signing up for Medicare may subject you to permanent late enrollment fees levied by Medicare. The Plan will not reimburse any late fees.

When should I apply for Part B coverage?

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE 6 to 8 weeks prior to your 65th birthday.

HPV

$200.13

$167.10

$33.03

Pneumonia

$188.37

$117.96

$70.41

Zoster/Shingles

$247.88

$200.39

$47.49

As we continue to grapple with COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure that our members have convenient affordable access to all vaccinations.

How do I use my Part B coverage?

For those retired members and dependents that are covered by Medicare, your medical claims (other than prescription drugs) should be submitted to Medicare first for payment.

Then submit the itemized bill and a copy of Medicare’s statement.

Do I need to let 1014 know I signed up for Medicare?

Yes. As soon as you receive your Medicare card, please send or fax (fax number 626-401-2521), a copy to our Membership Department so that we can update our records.

If you have any questions at this time regarding how your entitlement to Medicare affects your coverage under our plan, please let us know.

Photo by Dave Mills

VISION CARE

LIVE HEALTH

Continued

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VISION CARE PLAN IN RETIREMENT

Over the last several months we have been receiving calls from members asking about the differences between The Local 1014 VSP® Plan and the LACERA VSP Plan. As you enter retirement the choice is clear, The Local 1014 Health Plan is the plan that give you the most flexibility and the largest dollar value.

Benefit

LACERA VSP Plan

Local 1014 VSP Plan

Frames

- $50 allowance for frames in-network - Every 24 months

- $300 allowance for a wide selection of frames - $320 allowance for featured frame brands - 20% savings on the amount over your allowance - $165 Costco® frame allowance - Every 12 months

Contacts

- Hard Lenses $180 allowance - Soft Lenses $230 allowance - One lifetime maximum

- $300 allowance for contact lenses - Every 12 months

We are continuing to provide access to our Live Health Online in order to make healthcare more convenient for you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit with a doctor 24/7 and get prescriptions if needed—ALL ONLINE! See a doctor without take the risk of traveling to the urgent care or doctor’s office.

For a full list of Local 1014 VSP benefits visit www.local1014medical.org The Local 1014 VSP plan offers an unmatched $300 allowance for frames every 12 months. Choose from featured frame brands like bebe®, Calvin Klein, Cole Haan, Flexon®, Lacoste, Nike, Nine West, and more.

Plus, save up to 40% on popular lens enhancements. Prefer to shop online? Check out all of the brands at eyeconic.com®, VSP’s preferred online eyewear store.

The choice is clear, 1014’s VSP Plan is the one you need!

ENHANCED VISION CARE BENEFITS FOR ACTIVE MEMBERS: PRESCRIPTION LENSES FOR BREATHING APPARATUS The Local 1014 Health Plan is truly tailored to meet the need of Firefighters. Through our provider, VSP Local 1014 Health Plan members are eligible to receive a FREE prescription lens insert for the department issued breathing apparatus. These inserts allow anyone to use prescription eyeglasses inside their breathing apparatus without compromising the seal.

Each member is eligible for one prescription face mask insert every 12 months, allowing the prescription to be adjusted as your prescription eyeglasses are adjusted.

To find out more about this unique benefit contact VSP today at 800-877-7195.

REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST COVID-19 WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS…STAY VIGILANT AND STAY HEALTHY.

CONTACT INFORMATION: The Local 1014 Health Plan 3460 Fletcher Avenue El Monte, CA 91731 800-660-1014 medicalplan@local1014.org local1014medical.org

Photo by Austin’s Photography