The Local 1014 Health Line - Winter 2020

ISSUE 12 Winter 2020

THE 1014 HEALTH LINE

THE FLU SEASON GUIDE Photo by Chris Conkle

Board of Trustees Message Farewell to Mark Bartholomew Flu vs. COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccination Benefit COVID-19 Testing Benefits Flu Preparedness Kit

INSIDE

Protecting Firefighters & Their Families...FOR LIFE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

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

In this edition of the Health Line, we have provided a comprehensive guide to flu season for our members and their families including a guide to the differences between COVID-19 and the flu, getting your home ready for flu season, an explanation of the new pharmacy vaccination benefit and COVID-19 testing benefit. With the increasing impact of COVID-19 on our members and our families and the rising cases as we enter flu season, it has never been more important to take care of yourself and your family.

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 they continue to fight on the frontlines of COVID-19. As the nation begins rolling out the new COVID-19 vaccine, it is critical that our members continue to take every precaution and safeguard your immune system by preventing flu and other illnesses. We know these precautions and practices can be daunting especially during the holidays, but it is critical that you take these precautions seriously. GET YOUR VACCINATIONS, WEAR A MASK, WASH YOUR HANDS, AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. Finally, we would like to welcome our newest Trustee Jason Cervantes to The Local 1014 Health Trust. As a 29-year veteran of LACOFD, a Fire Captain, and Local 1014 Union Executive Board Director, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge regarding workers’ compensation to the Trust. We are excited to welcome him and thank him for his service to our members and their families.

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. We wish you a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Board Members Xavier "X" Campos, Chairman xcampos@local1014.org John Bishop, Trustee jbishop@local1014.org Jason Cervantes, Trustee jcervantes@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

With the increasing impact of COVID-19 on our members and our families and the rising cases as we enter flu season, it has never been more important to take care of yourself and your family.�

FAREWELL

FAREWELL TO TRUSTEE MARK BARTHOLOMEW Last month, we said farewell to our longtime 1014 Health Trust Trustee Mark Bartholomew. Mark is retiring from the 1014 Health Trust after over 20 years serving as a Trustee. His steadfast dedication to our members and their families has helped push the Local 1014 Health Plan to where it is today. During his time as a Trustee we have added dental coverage, vision and hearing coverage, increased our fertility benefits and added hospice care. We have also expended our plan to become to the #1 choice for Firefighters and their families.

Always fastidious and thoughtful in his advocacy for the members and their families, he will be greatly missed on the Trust but his legacy of service will continue. We wish him well as he continues to enjoy his retirement.

FLU VS. COVID-19 Continued

THE FLU VS. COVID-19 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? HOW CAN WE PREVENT THE SPREAD OF BOTH VIRUSES? The winter months are the prime flu season. This year, we expect to see a significant increase in COVID-19 and flu cases as we enter the colder months. COVID-19 has similar symptoms to the annual flu. For your reference we have included short FAQ below from John Hopkins Medicine* on the difference between the flu and the COVID-19 virus.

Flu and Coronavirus Symptoms: How do I tell them apart?

You can’t. If you come down with any kind of illness, the best thing to do is call your doctor, explain your symptoms and self-quarantine until you know what’s going on.

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is a new germ we haven’t encountered before, and symptoms can vary from one person to the next.

Because some coronavirus symptoms are similar to those of bronchitis, the common cold, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), this year it is likely that a test will be necessary to tell the difference.

Can you have the coronavirus and the flu at the same time?

Unfortunately, yes — and if you have the coronavirus and the flu at the same time, the resulting impact could be even more severe than having either infection alone. By this fall, some areas may have a test available that can look for both the coronavirus and flu viruses so you only need one test.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Call your doctor. If you or your child has a fever, cough, congestion, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or any other symptoms of infectious illness, stay home, call your doctor and follow his or her recommendation. It is likely that he or she will recommend that you are tested for the flu and COVID-19.

What can I do to prevent the flu?

Get a flu shot. Even if you usually skip a flu shot, this is the year to make sure you get one. It is safe for you to go to the doctor for a flu shot. Ask your doctor if you should get a pneumonia shot, too.

Don’t forget the kids. It’s important to ensure your children (over 6 months old) get flu shots — and any other vaccines they need.

Care for yourself and your family with good nutrition, plenty of rest, proper hydration, regular exercise and stress management. And always stay home if you don’t feel well. *Information taken from John Hopkins Medicine, “Flu Season and the Coronavirus: How to Prepare” by Lisa Lockerd Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H.; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/flu-seasonand-the-coronavirus-how-to-prepare

*Chart courtesy of John Hopkins Medicine: Flu Prevention During Coronavirus Pandemic: Infographic; https:// www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Health/Conditions-and-Diseases/Coronavirus/Flu-Prevention-And-Coronavirus-Infographic

BENEFITS

Continued

NEW PHARMACY VACCINATION BENEFIT It has never been more important to vaccinate your family against the flu. As the nation continues to make progress toward distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, we want to remind our members that there are vaccines available NOW that can help bolster your immune systems against the flu virus and other illness.

The Local 1014 Health Plan has partnered with Express Scripts to provide an enhanced Pharmacy Vaccination Program. This program saves our members money by allowing pharmacists to administer vaccinations at a reduced cost. As we continue to grapple with COVID-19, it is more important than ever to ensure that our members have convenient affordable access to vaccinations.

ENHANCED COVID-19 TESTING BENEFITS We have expanded our out-of-network cap for COVID-19 testing from $200 to $2,000 so our members have increased access to the quickest most convenient testing for them and their families. Additionally, we have waived the members’ cost share, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, for diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, as well as for the in-network visit associated with COVID-19 testing whether it takes place at a doctor’s office or emergency department.

Photo by Randy Johanson

THE FLU BY THE NUMBERS

ASSEMBLE A FLU PREPAREDNESS KIT

Getting sick can hit quickly. Be sure your home is stocked with the following items in case you or a family member gets sick. o o o o o o o o

Tissues Water Hand Sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) Disinfecting Wipes Thermometer Electrolytes (like Pedialyte or Coconut Water) Lozenges Protective Mask (use disposables or be sure to wash your cloth masks regularly) o Home Cleaning Products o Fever- Reducing Medicine (like Tylenol)

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

Photo by Bernie Deyo