Mahopac Teachers Association Benefit Fund
  • Home
  • Accountability
  • Blog: News 4 U
  • Dental
  • Financial Counseling
  • Hearing
  • Leave of Absence
  • Legal
  • Life Insurance
  • Major Medical
  • New Hires
    • New Hires 2020 - 2021
  • NYSUT
  • Preferred
  • Retirement
    • 2021 UPSEU
    • 2021 MTA
  • Variable Benefit
  • Vision

.

12/22/2020

 
Picture

Major Medical Reminder

12/10/2020

 
Picture
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


Financial Wellness Review

12/9/2020

 
Picture
 The Financial Wellness Review, a newsletter from Stacey Braun Associates, Inc. the provider of our Financial Counseling Program includes educational articles related to financial planning as well as some information regarding the Financial Counseling Program. 
Read the 1st issue here:
https://mailchi.mp/05caf6aef853/stacey-braun-october-newsletter-3574164
 

Upcoming Change to Major Medical

11/23/2020

 
Picture
​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.


November is National Gratitude Month

11/3/2020

 
Picture
​Did you know that showing gratitude can be helpful in reducing stress, increasing positivity, and enhancing your overall wellbeing? 

​Practicing gratitude or reflecting on what you’re grateful for has been proven to generate a positive impact in psychological, physical and interpersonal wellbeing. People express how reflecting and feeling grateful for their blessings is a beneficial way to deal with chaotic, stressful and tense life moments.
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.

Final Benefits Refresher Zoom Meeting November 1oth @ 4:30pm.

10/28/2020

 
Picture

Join the MTABF on November 1oth @ 4:30pm.


If you missed the building meetings in October, here's another chance to learn about your benefits, brush up on what you already know, trustees available to answer questions.
​






​Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87043073122?pwd=a0VGSzBxVTFpWFNKRzlmc0lTbUQyUT09

Meeting ID: 870 4307 3122
Passcode: 591962
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,87043073122#,,,,,,0#,,591962# US (New York)
+13017158592,,87043073122#,,,,,,0#,,591962# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 870 4307 3122
Passcode: 591962
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kda9hrqaKl


OCTOBER is Review Your BenEFITS MONTH

10/4/2020

 
Picture
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.

10.6.2020 at 3:40 - To join the video meeting, click this link: meet.google.com/qmw-mfsq-hwm

10.8.2020 at 2:10 - To Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84042693277?pwd=QzZNRW9nRjJwaHFEVDc3OHk4WnMyQT09

Meeting ID: 840 4269 3277
Passcode: 578680
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,84042693277#,,,,,,0#,,578680# US (New York)
+13126266799,,84042693277#,,,,,,0#,,578680# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 840 4269 3277
Passcode: 578680
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcrHzPobNt

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

Update: Teladoc services provided through Aetna

9/23/2020

 
Picture

Take Advantage of the Group Financial Counseling Program from Stacey Braun Associates

9/16/2020

 
Picture
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:
Picture

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

Picture

Financial Counseling 2020

9/4/2020

 
In light of covid-19 developments Stacey Braun is suspending the face to face consultation component of the Financial Counseling Program until further notice.  In the interim they are offering consultations via web conferencing or phone consultations. ​Stacey Braun has engaged an encrypted and very user friendly web conferencing service.  Members can also continue to access their website (which has been recently upgraded) using the same user ID and password that was assigned when your group began the Program.
Picture
Members who take advantage of web meetings, will still be able to have in person one on one meetings later once Stacey Braun resumes offering them.  By offering a web meeting and face to face meeting later Stacey Braun hopes to prevent member’s from using the change to procrastinate or delay their use of the program and mitigate consultation bottle-necks down the road.

Call Stacey Braun @ Telephone: (888) 949-1925
More Info on Financial Counseling:  
https://www.mtabenefitfund.org/financial-counseling.html

Home Title Fraud

9/4/2020

 
Picture
Mirkin & Gordon recently learned of an uptick in a scam known as home title fraud, wherein someone steals another person’s identity to obtain title to their home and use it to secure loans using the homeowner’s equity, as collateral. 

This has also sparked an increase in advertisements for service providers claiming to be able to protect homeowners from this scam.
 To help increase your awareness of home title fraud, how to avoid it and what to do if they think they have been victimized, please read the attached informational article.

Under our legal services program, our firm’s attorneys, Mirkin & Gordon, are available for consultation for members who think they have been victimized.
home_title_fraud_.pdf
File Size: 84 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


LEAVE of ABSENCE

9/2/2020

 
Picture
If you are going out on LEAVE  or know someone who is...

... the MTABF needs to know.  Benefits are NOT the same as they are when you are working.  You may need to enroll in COBRA or you could end up losing some/all of your MTABF Benefits.  Contact Christine at mtaBenefitfund@gmail.com

DO a GOOD DEED!  HELP OUT a NEWBIE!

9/2/2020

 
Picture
We were all NEW to MCSD at one time or another.
​
​If you see a NEW HIRE - they were invited to join a virtual training that would help them enroll in the benefits that are contractually provided to them.  Let them know if they missed it, or need additional help enrolling, please contact Christine @ mtabenefitfund@gmail.com.

CHECK YOUR DENTAL BILLS

8/13/2020

 
Picture
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.


COVERAGE OF TELEMEDICINE VISITS

7/2/2020

 
Picture

ACCOUNTABILITY

6/22/2020

 
Picture
​If YOU are moving, getting married (or divorced), or expecting a new arrival from the stork, etc.,  it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to update the MTABF. Fill out a new enrollment form and check the box that says change of status. Include a copy of the needed documentation.

Without this information you will not be able to file for claims reimbursement.


Telemedicine Coverage & AETNA

6/18/2020

 
Picture

Important Reminders for June

6/9/2020

 
Picture
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.


CARES Act

5/20/2020

 
Picture
The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American industries.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Everything you need to know is provided in a half-hour webinar that was prepared by the financial planners at Stacey Braun Associates, Inc., the firm that offers our Financial Counseling Program.  Learn what the government has made available to you during these stressful times and know what your options are to keep your personal finances in order.

You can access the webinar at:
​
https://vimeo.com/414045605/bca7bdc26e

Are You Retiring this Spring (or know someone who is)???????

5/19/2020

 
Picture
MTABF has knowledge of 16 people RETIRING THIS SPRING. 
 
We want to make sure everyone gets the info to continue their MTABF BENEFITS.... which are DIFFERENT FROM & IN ADDITION TO what MCSD offers you.

If you are RETIRING (or know someone who is) please contact Christine at: MTABenefitFund@gmail.com   

Forms & virtual meetings will be forthcoming in June.

<<Previous
    Picture
    MTABF
    P.O. Box # 656
    Baldwin Place, NY 10505
    ​
    Phone: 845.380.8629


    Picture

    MTABF Events Calendar

    Find out what's going on & what deadlines you don't want to miss.

    Picture
    Picture

    MTA Web Site

    NEWS Archive

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    October 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    September 2012
    May 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Damian Gadal
  • Home
  • Accountability
  • Blog: News 4 U
  • Dental
  • Financial Counseling
  • Hearing
  • Leave of Absence
  • Legal
  • Life Insurance
  • Major Medical
  • New Hires
    • New Hires 2020 - 2021
  • NYSUT
  • Preferred
  • Retirement
    • 2021 UPSEU
    • 2021 MTA
  • Variable Benefit
  • Vision