Spotlight on Your Funds

July 2023

Benefit and Pension Funds’ Boards of Trustees Met in June 

The 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds’ Boards of Trustees held their annual meetings on Wednesday, June 14, and Thursday, June 15. At the Joint Boards of Trustees meeting, Executive Director Donna Rey, EdD, presented the Funds’ 2022 year in review and highlights from the first quarter of 2023, featuring the Funds’ new MyAccount mobile app, an advanced search function for the provider directory and the introduction of Zocdoc links into the Funds’ provider network. Dr. Rey focused on the Funds’ ongoing initiatives to support better outcomes for 1199SEIU members’ emotional and physical well-being through new programs, collaborations and engaging the members in a Healthy Living campaign. At the meeting, Trustees were able to scan QR codes with their smart phones to hear from members themselves, through “Members’ Voices,” an interactive video display in which 1199SEIU members shared their “why”—their personal motivations that inspire them on their individual health journeys. Visit this link to view a video of one of these members, Edwin Torres, a home health aide at Personal-Touch Home Care, whose story was part of the display. Dr. Rey gave Trustees a preview of the new Benefit Funds podcast, “Health Is the Key,” expected to launch later this year, which will further help inform and engage members on their health journeys.

Trustees Vote to Create New Eligibility Criterion

At the Home Care Benefit Fund (HCBF) Trustees’ Meeting, Trustees voted to create a new household income eligibility criterion in addition to the 100-hour rule to preserve health benefits for members and help ensure the Fund’s long-term sustainability. The new eligibility requirements will ensure health coverage for members either through the HCBF directly or through individual coverage (like the 1199SEIU Essential Health Plan Partnership, Medicare or Medicaid) with supplemental benefits from the HCBF. The Benefit Fund sent a letter to all employers explaining the changes and enclosed a copy of the letter that was sent to members.

For more information, please contact Tom Grimes, Assistant Director of Eligibility/Employer Services, at [email protected]. 

Training and Employment Funds’ Prep Academy Helps Members Further Their Education and Advance Their Healthcare Careers

The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds’ Prep Academy program offers a variety of courses to help members obtain the education and skills they need to enroll in college-level courses or certificate programs and advance in their careers. The program includes classes for those preparing to enter college; students currently enrolled in college who need additional foundational support; and those preparing to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam, which evaluates a student's readiness for college programs in the health sciences, primarily nursing. Classes offered include English, Math, Tech Skills for College and TEAS Prep. All classes meet one to three times per week, over 11 to 14 weeks, in the spring and fall semesters. TEAS Prep classes are also offered during the summer term. Currently, all classes are held online via Zoom. For more information about Prep Academy, please call Bianca Maldonado at (212) 494-0521 or Lorraine Allyson-Govan at (646) 261-0224, or email [email protected].

Meet Our Featured Member

Patricia McAlmont from People Care

Why did Patricia McAlmont begin her health journey? Read For Your Benefit online to find out!

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1199SEIU Funds News is a monthly email produced by the 1199SEIU Funds. Copyright 2023.

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