Spotlight on Your Funds

October 2023

Benefit Funds Engage Members to Get Their Flu Shot and COVID-19 Booster

The Benefit Funds have launched their annual campaign to encourage 1199SEIU members to get vaccinated against the flu, as well as to get the latest COVID-19 booster (as new variants circulate), to protect themselves, their families and their clients from the viruses. Flu shots are being offered this month at the Benefit Funds’ Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Hicksville sites. Members may make an appointment for a flu shot by visiting the Wellness Program scheduler and completing the form or by calling (646) 473-8960, option 2. The Benefit Funds are reaching out to members through all-member email reminders, educational videos on the Benefit Funds’ website, social media channels and the fall issue of the member magazine, For Your Benefit. As a reminder, members enrolled in health coverage through the Benefit Funds may also receive the vaccinations from their participating provider or pharmacy with no out-of-pocket costs.

Home Care Benefit Fund Assists Members Enrolling in Healthfirst Essential Plan

As you know, the Home Care Benefit Fund (HCBF) asked members to complete a brief household income survey as part of new eligibility requirements that will help ensure their access to health coverage either through the HCBF or through individual coverage, like an Essential Plan with our partner Healthfirst. Qualified members with incomes at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level are beginning to enroll in the Healthfirst Essential Plan, while their children may be covered by Child Health Plus or their own Essential Plan.

Members in the Essential Plan will continue to receive HCBF additional benefits—such as life insurance, Wellness Member Assistance programs and citizenship services. Members will receive a letter asking them to schedule an appointment to enroll in the Healthfirst Essential Plan. The Benefit Fund’s Outreach Coordinators and Member Services Representatives are standing by to offer assistance and answer questions. For more information, please email the Employer Services Unit at [email protected] or call (646) 473-6413.  

Training and Employment Funds Launch Community Health Worker Registered Apprenticeship Programs 

The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) are partnering with LaGuardia Community College on a three-year initiative to establish Community Health Worker Registered Apprenticeship programs, which will help address changes in the healthcare industry by offering customizable training for in-demand occupations and roles. The first program, launched in September 2023, is a labor–management collaboration among TEF, VNS Health and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. Apprentices will receive both on-the-job training at VNS Health and academic instruction at LaGuardia Community College. The program will include three cohorts over three years, with 16 participants in each cohort, and is available in New York City, Suffolk County and Westchester County. If you are interested in learning more about establishing a Community Health Worker Registered Apprenticeship program at your agency, please contact Jing Su, Workforce Development Manager, at [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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