All Major Medical Deductible claims for 2020 need to be completed by January 30th. This would be for any out of pocket medical expenses you have incurred for out of network physicians or for medical deductibles you have paid out under a health care plan.   The major medical benefit is $750.00 to match the amount for the district’s Aetna healthcare plan.
Only claims for the calendar year 2020 are eligible ( Jan. 1st  through Dec. 31st  2020).
Please submit your claim form with proper documentation to The Preferred Group.
All claims must be postmarked no later than January 30, 2021.
 
This is not the variable benefit (reimbursement for copays and prescriptions).  That is a separate claim due by July 31st.
 
Claim forms and additional information can be found on the Benefit Fund website: http://www.mtabenefitfund.org/major-medical.html

​UPCOMING CHANGE TO BENEFIT
The MTABF Board of Trustees have determined it necessary to do away with the Major Medical Deductible Reimbursement.  In an attempt to minimize the effect of this change, this benefit will be phased out over the next two years.  The benefit for 2020 will remain at $650.
The maximum reimbursement for 2021 will be $500.00, $250.00 in 2022 and discontinued after that.  Please contact your building trustee if you have any questions.

To reduce the impact of this change, members may want to consider utilizing the district provided Preferred Flex Plan .  Enrollment and plan information was sent in an email sent by Michele Bellantoni on October 30, 2020.  The deadline for enrollment or changes to the Flex Plan is November 30th.

The benefits of gratitude impact individuals in a physical, psychological and social matter, according to a study from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. ​People that practice gratitude on a daily basis tend to have:

• Fewer feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• A stronger immune system.
• Better sleep.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• Reduced anxiety and depression.
• Reduction in body aches and pains.
• More forgiveness.
• Increased satisfaction at work/school.

So, a slight change in mental attitude can positively affect us in many ways. 

For the month of November, why not take a few moments to appreciate yourself and others in the MCSD community.

October is REVIEW YOUR BENEFITS MONTH
​Each year during the month of October, the MTABF hosts a series of meetings to REVIEW the BENEFITS allow members to ask questions & get general help with anything benefits related. 

This year we are hosting all 5 meetings  via either Zoom or GOOGLE MEETS.  Choose any or all of the following sessions, log in & educate yourself.

10.14.2020 at 2:40  - To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/egm-ycax-unf

10.14.2020 at 3:30 -  ​To join the video meeting, click this link: meet.google.com/gas-tyjy-vhh

10.21.2020 at 3 pm - To join the video meeting, click this link:  https://meet.google.com/pfb-qjef-tzw

As a member of the MTABF your are entitled to a fully paid, confidential financial review with a certified financial planner from Stacey Braun Associates. Stacey Braun Associates is committed to discussing your financial concerns & are offering financial consultations via phone or secure Zoom sessions.

They will be available for these consultations on the following dates:

If these dates do not work for you, you can still contact Stacey Braun & they will work with you to find a mutually convenient time.

Phone: 888.949.1925

• Additional virtual informational webinars may be available to participate in.  Contact Stacey Braun to find out more.
  
• Financial Planning tools are available for free in the MEMBERS CONTENT area of the Stacey Braun Web Site.  Take advantage of planing for every stage of life.
  

Web: www.staceybraun.com
Log in: mahopac
PW: money

Please be aware that the NYS Department of Financial Services has advised that patients are NOT TO BE CHARGED for personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and gowns, (collectively “PPE”) by dentists who participate in an insurer’s participating provider network

Additionally,  healthcare providers are to REFUND fees charged to patients.

CHANGE OF STATUS
If you are getting married (or divorced) this summer or expecting a new arrival from the stork, moving, et al., it is your responsibility to update the benefit fund.  Fill out a update enrollment form and check the box that says change of status. Include a copy of the needed documentation.

Also don’t forget…..

If you are submitting a claim form for The Variable Fund benefit, the plan year ends June 30th. Claims must be filed and postmarked no later than July 31st, 2020.  Claims that are not properly completed or filed after July 31st will be returned to the member.  The plan year runs from July 1 2019-June 30, 2020.

Please fill in the  claim form and submit it with proper documentation to The Preferred Group. If you are not sure if you have used up your variable benefit please contact Preferred 518-641-0321.

The Variable Fund provides reimbursement up to $650.00 for all in network medical co-pays, prescriptions, optical, and charges in excess of the dental plan fee schedule.  Please visit the website www.mtabenefitfund.org for a complete list of  benefits.