To All Currently Enrolled Retirees,
PREFERRED IS LATE MAILING RETIREMENT Re-ENROLLLMENT INFO. 
You should have it this week.
​
Please wait for the paperwork to come to you.  Do not send in any money.  Your benefits will not be impacted.

As an enrolled member of the MTABF Dental Plan, you may choose whichever dentist you like.

However, the MTABF has a list of "Preferred Providers," dentists who have agreed to take MTABF dental rates.  This list is updated as needed.

If you choose NOT to go to a preferred provider your dental costs will be reimbursed up to what the MTABF rates cover. 
For example, if MTABF pays $100.00 for a filling & a non-provider charges $125.00, the first $100.oo is covered by the MTABF & the member is responsible for the remaining$25.00
​
If the dentist you are going to is not on the Preferred Provider List, you can ask them if they would like to become a member.  If they do, please give their contact information to your building trustee.

UPDATE - IMPORTANT NOTICE
Based on the latest guidance on COVID-19 NYS mandate from the NYSDFS, the plan will cover
all Teladoc and other Telemedicine visits (including CareMount or any other provider group
Telemedicine visits) at a zero dollar copay only until April 4, 2021. This only applies to all in-
network telemedicine services. Deductible and coinsurance will apply for all out of network
telemedicine services.

However, after April 4, 2021, if there is no additional guidance from the NYSDFS, all three
Teladoc Services (General Medicine, Dermatology and Behavioral Health) will revert back to a
$10 copay and all other Telemedicine visits outside of Teladoc (e.g. CareMount or any other
provider group Telemedicine visits) will NOT be covered.

The Plan will continue to waive co-pays for all in-network diagnostic testing related to COVID-19
until April 4, 2021.
​
This only applies to members enrolled in the Aetna Commercial Plan.

Many public employees have been confronted with an identity theft scam involving the filing of fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits in their names.  To help others who may be victimized, the MTABF Lawyers,  Mirkin & Gordon,  thought it would be useful to refresh and update a past article they wrote on identity theft.  The article includes information about unemployment benefits fraud and steps that can be taken by victims of identity theft, including contacting the law firm for assistance under the Fund’s plan of legal services benefits.

March is the month to enroll/reenroll  dependent(s)/ family for dental coverage.  Please remember that you, the member, are covered at no additional charge.  If you are covering a spouse or other eligible dependents, you must enroll them every year.  The cost for dental during the plan year that runs July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 will be the same as last year. 

Enrolling a dependent(s) can only be done during the enrollment period of March 1 – 31. Dependents will be covered from July 1 - June 30.   If you don’t re-enroll each year, you are electing to drop coverage for your dependent(s). Your dependent(s) must then wait 3 years to re-enter the dental plan. Dependent children are eligible for coverage from birth to their 26th birthday if they are not eligible for dental coverage under another plan.​

Please note that you use your variable benefit for the same year as the dental coverage is in effect, so you will be utilizing next year’s variable for next year’s dental coverage.  A Variable Benefit Claim Form must be submitted w/ your dental enrollment.  If you are planning on retiring, you are NOT eligible to utilize the Variable Benefit and may need to pay depending on the retirement plan you elect to participate in.
​

• Additional information about your dental benefits can be found on the MTABF DENTAL PAGE.
• ​Questions about your benefits should be directed to the trustee from your building.

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
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