Spotlight on Your Funds

May 2026

Members’ Experiences Drive Conversation on Diabetes and Weight Loss at CUNY Panel

1199SEIU members living with diabetes and prediabetes—and the supports for improving their health—were the focus of an April 27 online panel, Better Benefits, Better Health: Tackling Diabetes & Obesity. Hosted by The City University of New York (CUNY) in partnership with the Benefit Funds, the discussion focused on what members are experiencing in real life and what it takes to help them achieve lasting health improvements.

The panel highlighted new findings from a joint Benefit Funds-CUNY study examining how providing a Weight Watchers® (WW) membership at no cost to members supports their efforts to manage weight and diabetes. Drawing on clinical data and member participation, the research demonstrates the program’s meaningful impact—showing how sustained engagement drives measurable improvements in BMI and diabetes control and positioning these outcomes as a powerful complement to emerging treatments such as GLP-1 medications.

Speakers reflected on what they have heard from members about the challenges and successes of making lifestyle changes, and what that means for designing benefits that truly meet people where they are.

The panel was moderated by Nevin Cohen, PhD, of the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute. Donna Rey, EdD, Executive Director of the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds and CEO of Administrative Operations, delivered the keynote, with additional perspectives from experts in research, population health and behavioral science. View the panel discussion here.

Benefit Funds Begin Eligibility Verification Program

The Benefit Funds have launched their 2026 Eligibility Verification Program, conducted by HMS, a firm that specializes in healthcare eligibility verification. The program verifies the marital status of the spouses of 1199SEIU members and retirees to protect benefit dollars and help ensure they and their eligible spouses continue to receive quality healthcare coverage. If members have questions about the program, they may contact HMS at (844) 489-5346 to avoid interruption in their spouses’ coverage.

TEF Preparation Programs Support Members on the Path to U.S. Citizenship

The 1199SEIU Citizenship Program, jointly administered by the Benefit and Pension Funds (BPF) and the Training and Employment Funds (TEF), provides members and their families with the tools and support needed to navigate the path to U.S. citizenship.

Through TEF’s Citizenship for English Language Learners (CELL) courses, participants receive English language instruction alongside civics and U.S. history preparation—building the knowledge and skills needed for the naturalization process. The program also offers interview preparation workshops to help members approach their citizenship interviews with confidence. In addition, legal assistance is available through BPF to help members manage the often-complex application requirements.

Since its inception, the program has supported 15,000 Union members and their families on their path to citizenship. This year marks the program’s 25th anniversary, reflecting the strength of the partnership between BPF and TEF and its lasting impact on members.

Members interested in participating can email 1199SEIUCitizenship.Program@1199Funds.org or call (646) 473-8915. To enroll in TEF’s CELL courses, members can email Sara.Sabetay@1199Funds.org or call (212) 284-9231, ext. 1231.

Registration for 2027 Child Care Funds Programs Begins in August

The registration period for Child Care Funds (CCF) 2027 programs begins on Wednesday, August 19. Eligible members can register online through MyAccount for day care and after-school care reimbursement, holiday sleep-away and summer day camps, academic prep courses, cultural arts programs and more. They can also register virtually by appointment only, as well as in person. Before registering, members are encouraged to ensure their MyAccount profile information is up to date and verify that all eligible dependents have been added to their account. Additional information regarding upcoming registration kick-off events will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about CCF programs, members can visit the registration information page or the CCF website.

The Institute for Continuing Education Presents Upcoming Programs

The Training and Employment Funds’ Institute for Continuing Education strengthens the healthcare delivery system by offering 1199SEIU members training and education programs designed to help improve patient outcomes and provide quality care. Please share these opportunities with members at your institution or facility. (The full schedule is available on the program calendar.) 

Neurological Diseases: Assessment, Management and Emerging Advances (Alzheimer’s and Dementia)

Sunday, May 17

8:45 am to 4:30 pm

This interprofessional symposium will focus on advances in neurological assessment and early diagnosis, as well as the management of acute and chronic neurological conditions, including pharmacological management, nutrition and psychosocial support.

For more information, members should visit the Institute for Continuing Education’s web page, call (212) 894-4390 or email Institute@1199Funds.org.

Check Out Our Podcast

Health Is the Key is dedicated to 1199SEIU members—healthcare workers who, all too often, put the health and well-being of others ahead of their own.

Meet Our Featured Member

Pedro Bosque from Sodexo

Why did Pedro Bosque begin his health journey?

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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2026.

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