Publication of New Jersey Carpenters Funds December 2015 The trustees of the NJ Carpenters Funds, the Empire State Carpenters Funds and the Albany/Adirondack Carpenters Funds have announced the merger of all their benefit funds, effective January 1, 2016. The joint administration of the pension, annuity and training funds will take effect immediately, while the joint administration of the health plans will be phased-in gradually over the coming year. George R. Laufenberg, administrator of the NJ Carpenters Funds, said the merger will affect approximately 30,000 union carpenters in the New Jersey, Long Island and upper New York State areas. The new name of the merged funds will be the Northeast Carpenters Funds. “The merger of the four benefit funds will lead to operational and admin- istrative efficiencies that will reduce expenses and enhance their financial stability,” said Laufenberg who will serve as director of the newly created Northeast Carpenters Funds. “A new board of trustees will be named with members representing each of the three geographical areas being merged.” In addition to providing substantial savings on administrative expenses, Laufenberg said the merger will have no impact on current retirees and that pension credits earned prior to the date of the merger will not be affected. Also, the “Rule of 85” will remain in effect, and members will be eligible for unreduced pension at age 62. Laufenberg said the membership will receive timely notifications about the merger process and any changes in the funds’ benefit struc- ture and/or regulations through the mail and in the next edition of the Benefits Watch. New Jersey & New York Carpenters Funds Announce Merger of Pension, Annuity, Health & Training Funds John Ballantyne* William Banfield* Michael Capelli* Scott Colton Michael DeRosa David Haines* Paul Leo Alex Lopez Thomas Mairs James Malcolm Andrew Pacifico* Robert Satriano Michael Shanahan William Sproule* Frederick Swayze, Jr. Robert Tarby Anthony Verrelli Peter Woodward John DeLollis* Robert Epifano* Glenn Garlatti Earl R. Hall Mark Hall* Todd Helfrich* Aaron Hilger* Eric Jensen Frank Jones Brad Jorrey Jack Kocsis* James Logan Brian McGlone John O’Hare F. Matthew Pepe Robert Polisano Adam Schmit Alan Seidman Northeast Carpenters Funds Newly Appointed Board of Trustees LABOR TRUSTEES MANAGEMENT TRUSTEES George R. Laufenberg, Funds Director *Designates member of the Executive Finance Committee David B. Stewart, Assistant Funds Director Co-Chairman will be named at Reorganization Meeting, January 7, 2016.
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Publication of New Jersey Carpenters Funds December 2015
The trustees of the NJCarpenters Funds, the EmpireState Carpenters Funds and the
Albany/Adirondack Carpenters Funds have announced the merger of alltheir benefit funds, effective January 1, 2016. The joint administration of the pension, annuity and training funds will take effect immediately,while the joint administration of the health plans will be phased-in graduallyover the coming year.
George R. Laufenberg, administrator of the NJ Carpenters Funds, saidthe merger will affect approximately 30,000 union carpenters in the NewJersey, Long Island and upper New York State areas. The new name ofthe merged funds will be the Northeast Carpenters Funds.
“The merger of the four benefit funds will lead to operational and admin-
istrative efficiencies that will reduce expenses and enhance their financialstability,” said Laufenberg who will serve as director of the newly createdNortheast Carpenters Funds. “A new board of trustees will be named withmembers representing each of the three geographical areas being merged.”
In addition to providing substantial savings on administrative expenses,Laufenberg said the merger will have no impact on current retirees andthat pension credits earned prior to the date of the merger will not beaffected. Also, the “Rule of 85” will remain in effect, and members will be eligible for unreduced pension at age 62.
Laufenberg said the membership will receive timely notificationsabout the merger process and any changes in the funds’ benefit struc-ture and/or regulations through the mail and in the next edition of theBenefits Watch.
New Jersey & New York Carpenters FundsAnnounce Merger of Pension, Annuity, Health & Training Funds
John Ballantyne* William Banfield*Michael Capelli*Scott Colton Michael DeRosaDavid Haines*Paul Leo Alex LopezThomas Mairs
James MalcolmAndrew Pacifico*Robert SatrianoMichael ShanahanWilliam Sproule*Frederick Swayze, Jr. Robert Tarby Anthony Verrelli Peter Woodward
John DeLollis*Robert Epifano* Glenn GarlattiEarl R. HallMark Hall* Todd Helfrich* Aaron Hilger* Eric JensenFrank Jones
Brad JorreyJack Kocsis*James Logan Brian McGloneJohn O’Hare F. Matthew PepeRobert PolisanoAdam Schmit Alan Seidman
Northeast Carpenters FundsNewly Appointed Board of Trustees
LABOR TRUSTEES MANAGEMENT TRUSTEES
George R. Laufenberg, Funds Director *Designates member of the Executive Finance CommitteeDavid B. Stewart, Assistant Funds Director Co-Chairman will be named at Reorganization Meeting, January 7, 2016.
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20152
This Summary of Material Modification (SMM) describes a modifi-cation to the exclusion sections of the Summary Plan Descriptions(SPDs) for the NJ Commercial/Active Carpenters Health Plan (pages 49-53), the NJ Shop Carpenters HRA Plan (pages 44-49), and the NJCarpenters Retired Health Plan (pages 37-41). This modificationbecame effective as of September 17, 2015. Please read this SMMcarefully and retain it with your SPD for future reference. It reads
as follows:Under each of the Carpenters’ Plans, massage therapy is not listed
as an Eligible Medical Expense and therefore has not been coveredbased on the Plans’ respective exclusions for “Services and Supplies not listed as Eligible Medical Expenses.” To clarify the Plans’ exclusionof massage therapy, the trustees have modified each of the Plans’ SPDsto expressly exclude “Any charges for massage therapy services.”
SMM on Excluding “Massage Therapy Services”
As you should be aware, New Jersey Carpenter Behavioral HealthBenefits are not provided through the Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shieldnetwork of providers. Rather, the Carpenters Health Fund has contractedwith a number of Behavioral Health specialists who will provide ourmembers with any necessary substance abuse, mental health, etc. servicesand treatments they require at reduced rates for any out-of-pocket costs
they may incur.As always, we encourage members to utilize one of our participating
providers. You can access a list of preferred providers by logging into the NJ Carpenters Funds website at NJCF.org and clicking onto the BehavioralHealth Provider link. Or call the Funds office at (800) 624-3096 and askto be connected to the Behavioral Health Department.
Utilize Participating Providers for Behavioral Health Services
The New Jersey Carpenters Health Plan is a multiemployer plan and,per IRS regulations, employers that contribute to a multiemployer plan
pursuant to a collective bargainingagreement may qualify for relieffrom the Employer SharedResponsibility provisions ofthe Affordable Care Act (ACA).This relief provision is commonlyreferred to as the MultiemployerSafe Harbor. It provides that anApplicable Large Employer (ALE)is not subject to a tax penalty with
respect to an employee covered by a collective bargaining agreementwhich requires contributions to a multiemployer plan so long as the planoffers affordable and minimum value coverage to all employees who
satisfy its eligibility conditions (and offers some form of coverage to the employee’s dependents). For more detail regarding this safe harbor,please review 79 Fed. Reg. 8576 (Section E, February 12, 2014).
This notice confirms that the Health Plan you are contributing tooffers the following:
• Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) as defined by the ACA• Affordable coverage as defined by the ACA• Dependent coverage for any eligible participant as defined by
the ACAThe Fund is providing this information as a courtesy. If you are an ALE,
it is your obligation (not the Fund’s) to complete and distribute the requiredforms to your employees and the IRS. The Fund will not be preparing theseForms for ALEs. You should consult with your tax and other advisors forassistance. For further information about the ACA employer reportingrequirements, please go to http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act/Employers.
Important Notice to Contributing Employers
The pension, annuity, health care and training programs administeredthrough the New Jersey Carpenters Funds are among the most valuableservices that our Carpenters’ Union provides for the membership. Thesuccess of these benefit programs and the important role they play inimproving the quality of life of our members is due in large measure tothe selfless dedication and hard work of the carpenters and contractorswho volunteer their time and talents to serve on the Board of Trusteesof the NJ Carpenters Funds.
The employer and employee representatives who serve on the boardassume great responsibilities and obligations for the welfare of ourunion and its members, and they often serve for many years in relativeanonymity, and at no recompense, expertly managing and directing thefinancial and legal obligations of the benefit funds.
As we prepare for the merger of the New Jersey and New York
benefit funds, the editors of the Benefits Watch and the remainingmembers of the newly organized Northeast Carpenters Funds Board of Trustees recognize and commend the following recently retiredtrustees of the New Jersey Carpenters Funds for their invaluable andexemplary contributions to our union:
We hold these dedicated contractors and union officials in thehighest esteem and wish them continued success and happiness inthe coming years.
In Grateful Recognition of Services Rendered
LABOR TRUSTEESWilliam Michalowski
William ButtinoLeonard PennucciDennis Garbowski
MANAGEMENT TRUSTEESAlfonso DaloisioRobert Gariepy
Robert Partyka, Jr.Darlene Regina
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20153
Below you will find a state-by-state listing of the NJ Carpenters HealthPlan’s participating laboratory testing facilities through the BlueCross/Blue Shield network. Depending upon the state in which services arerendered, you may be able to receive laboratory testing services at eitherLabCorp and/or Quest Diagnostics facilities.
In New Jersey, LabCorp is considered to be in the BC/BS participatingnetwork, but Quest is not. However, the Carpenters Health Fund has a
direct contract with Quest in New Jersey, so our members may utilizeeither testing facility. In Florida, where many of our retirees reside, onlyQuest labs are considered in-network.
The final determination as to whether a particular lab is in network ornot depends upon the state in which you receive the service. To avoid anyout-of-pocket lab costs, always verify the in-network status of the lab priorto services being rendered, and also advise your physician.
Participating Laboratory Testing Facilitiesin NJ Carpenters Health Plan
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20154
The NJ Carpenters Apprentice Training & Educational Fund heldgraduation ceremonies, October 15th, for some 54 graduates of its state-of-the-art apprentice training program. The ceremonies took place at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, NJ, and featured graduates from both the Kenilworth and Hammonton training centers.
Ridgelely Hutchinson, executive director of the Training Fund, saidthe group of apprentices represents the first graduating class of theCarpenters recently instituted five-year training program. He said thisyear’s graduating class was somewhat smaller than in other years due to the nationwide recession and financial crisis, which served to limit the number of applicants seeking to join the building trades in 2010.
Guests and dignitaries attending the ceremonies included BernardTreml III, NJ State Director of the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship; John Ballantyne, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters; Jack Kocsis, CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of NJ, and Robert Epifano, Co-Chairman of the NJ Carpenters Funds Board of Trustees and Presidentof Epic Construction. Epifano also served as guest speaker for the event.
NJ Carpenters Apprentice ProgramGraduates 1st Five-Year Class
LOCAL 715, MILLWRIGHTSJohn J. DelconteRichard PorcelloJeffrey A. Prell, Jr.Miles Trengrove
LOCAL 251, FLOORLAYERSJustin GuzmanFrank HandKyle KaenzigRadion KovalevKenneth Tillman
LOCAL 252, MILLCABINETRandy JurgensenJose RomeroThomas Zorn
LOCAL 253, CARPENTERSMarc BarrettChristian BartolomeoRobert E. Dobson, Jr.Lloyd HassellScott MartinDavid MatthewsPawel MazurekRolando MendozaJake PerezPeter PetrozzinoMartha RamirezJustin D. ScalesMichael Taddio, Jr.Daniel TrippJose VerdejoCesar A. Zavala
LOCAL 254, CARPENTERSEric CifelliJeremy ClarkAlbert D. DanielsFrank FerraraChristine GlasgowPablo GonzalezYvon JusmaSteven MaDoug McWilliamsMichael MonteroDaniel MoschellaDaniel MuzzioMark NapolitanoMichael OsmanLuke ParinGregory PellegriniPeter RaoJoseph J. Soden, IIIJoseph Sypniewski, IIIRyan SzilvassyYajaira Torres
LOCAL 255, CARPENTERSJoseph Feriozzi, Jr.Joseph HledikJason LovemanRonald MilaneMarc Ricks
2015 GraduatesNJ Carpenters Apprentice Training Program
Guest Speaker Robert Epifano(See additional photo on back page.)
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20155
Members are reminded that they must use the Health Fund’s manda-tory mail order program when filling a prescription for maintenancemedication or face the possibility of being responsible for 100% of the cost of the medication.
As instituted by the Board of Trustees in 2009, the mandatory mailorder program requires that maintenance drugs, such as blood pressure orcholesterol medication, be filled through the Express Scripts Mail OrderPharmacy, following a three-refill grace period.
If you do not switch to the Express Scripts Mail Order Pharmacyprior to your fourth refill, you will be held responsible for the full costof the medication. If you have a question about whether the prescriptionsyou are taking are considered “maintenance medication,” please consultwww.express-scripts.com for individual drug information.
Also remember, you can only fill a maximum 30-day supply of any med-ication at retail pharmacies. If you have any questions concerning the NJCarpenters drug care coverage, contact the Funds Office at 1-800-624-3096.
Use Mail Order Programfor Maintenance Medication
Under federal law, group health plans, insurers, and HMOs that providemedical and surgical benefits in connection with a mastectomy mustprovide benefits for certain reconstructive surgery, effective for thefirst plan year beginning on or after October 21, 1998. In the case of a participant or beneficiary who is receiving benefits under the plan in connection with a mastectomy and who elects breast reconstruction,federal law requires coverage in a manner determined in consultationwith the attending physician and the patients, for:
• Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed.
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance, and
• Prostheses and treatment of physical complications at all stages of the mastectomy, including lymphedemas.
This coverage is subject to the plan’s annual deductibles and coinsur-ance provisions. If you have any questions about your plan coverage formastectomies or reconstructive surgery, please contact the CarpentersHealth Fund at 1-800-624-3096.
Womens’ Health & Cancer Rights Act
A collaborative patient safety program beingconducted among New Jersey hospitals seemsto be bearing significant clinical and financialbenefits.
In September, the NJ Hospital Association(NJHA) reported that the three-year Partnershipfor Patients-New Jersey, part of a nationwideproject spearheaded by the Centers for Medicareand Medicaid Services, has resulted in some13,730 instances where patient harm wasdiverted, and a total savings of $120 Millionin healthcare costs.
Among the improvements stemming fromthe patient safety initiative:
• Adverse drug events dropped 37.9%• Hospital readmissions within 30 days
declined 7.7%• Central line-associated bloodstream
infections dropped 23.5%• Surgical site infections from colon
surgery dropped 53.6%• Pressure ulcers declined by 27.1%“We are thrilled with these results because
they represent real lives positively impacted by the focus and commitment of our hospitalteams,” said NJHA CEO Betsy Ryan. “Reducedcosts for our healthcare system is icing onthe cake.”
Although the initiative has concluded, theNJHA says it will continue to encourage hospi-tals to better engage patients and their familiesto ensure that the highest quality care is beingdelivered. The association says that one of itspriorities is to reduce the current sepsis mortalityrate of 30% by 20%.
NJ Hospitals Patient Safety Initiative Saves Lives and Money
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20156
Drug Class Excluded Medications Preferred Alternatives
The excluded medications shown below are not covered onthe Express Scripts drug list, effective January 1, 2016. ExpressScripts manages the NJ Carpenters Health Plan’s prescriptiondrugs benefit program. If you are currently using one of theexcluded medications, you will receive a letter from ExpressScripts explaining how you and your doctor can switch to oneof the preferred alternatives on the accompanying list. If amember fills a prescription for one of the excluded drugs, inmost cases he or she will pay the full retail price. Take theappropriate action to avoid paying full price.
2016 PreferredDrug List Exclusions
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20157
Known as the “silent killer” because it does not always produceobvious symptoms, type 2 Diabetes is caused by elevated blood sugarlevels (glucose) that can lead to serious medical problems. Often diag-nosed when a doctor orders blood tests for a patient, the condition canbest be managed through regular testing of blood sugar levels, and byadopting certain lifestyle habits, including a) being physically active, b) making smart food choices, and c) taking medicines exactly as prescribed by your physician.
If you think you may have Diabetes, seek treatment as soon as possible.The better you manage Diabetes over time, the less likely you are to devel-op serious complications. Below are 11 symptoms of type 2 Diabetes aslisted on the HealthLiving.today website:
• Frequent need to urinate. When blood sugar levels are elevated, glucose can leak into the urine. The kidneys must work harder toeliminate more water and dilute the urine.
• Increased thirst. This symptom goes hand-in-hand with the need tourinate. As the body becomes dehydrated through frequent urination,it needs more water which in turn creates the need to urinate.
• Increased hunger. The body also loses calories through frequent urination, resulting in an uncomfortable feeling of hunger.
• Vision problems. Diabetics sometimes experience blurred visionbecause high levels of glucose pull fluid from bodily tissues,including lenses of the eyes. If not treated, it can result in diabetic retinopathy, which can complicate with vision loss or even blindness.
• Weakness, tingling and numbness. Excess sugar in the blood canresult in nerve damage. If a single nerve is affected, the arm or legmay feel weak. If many nerves are affected (Diabetic Polyneuropathy),individuals may lose sensation in their hands and feet and feel atingling. Others may experience burning pain in the arms, hands,legs and feet.
• Swollen, tender gums. This condition and various infections can all be symptoms of diabetes, which weakens the body’s ability to fight germs and increases the risk of infections. The gums pullaway from the teeth, which may become loose, and sores or pocketsof pus may develop.
• Sores, ulcers and gangrene. Slow healing sores occur when blood ves-sels are affected by high sugar levels, disrupting the body’s ability toheal. Because skin nerves can be affected, diabetics may injure them-selves without feeling it. These injuries can progress into deeper lesions(skin ulcers) which can turn into gangrene and result in amputations.
• Heart attack and stroke. Both conditions are possible long-termcomplications of diabetes, especially when not properly managed.These life threatening conditions develop because fatty materialbuilds-up and blocks major arteries that supply blood to the heartand brain.
• Kidney problems. This is a possible long-term complication thatcan develop slowly over a period of years. Blood vessels in thekidney start to malfunction as they become thicker, blood is notfiltered properly and protein leaks into the urine.
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It has been shown that diabetic men willdevelop ED some 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes.Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood vessels that control erection.Even if a diabetic man has normal sexual desire and healthy levelsof testosterone, he may be unable to achieve erection because ofnerve and blood vessel damage.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition manifests throughweakness, numbness and tingling as well as pain in the thumb,index and middle fingers, which typically worsens at night. Thecondition develops because glucose is not being properly used by the body, making connective tissues thicken or contract.Dupuytren’s Contracture is another condition likely to affectdiabetics. The affected tissues are under the skin of the palm and a hand deformity develops over the years as knots of tissuebuild-up under the skin, causing a thick cord that pulls the fingersinto a bent position.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20158
REMINDER:Christ Hospital No Longer In-Network
Members are again advised that Christ Hospital inJersey City has been dropped from the list of the NJCarpenters Health Plan’s in-network hospitals. The hospital no longer participates with Horizon Blue Cross –Blue Shield of NJ, which means that any members
receiving care at Christ Hospital will only be reimbursedat the level of the Health Plan’s out-of-network fee schedule.Members will be responsible for any difference betweenthe amount charged by the hospital and the HealthPlan’s fee schedule.
A stroll down the toothpaste aisle at yourlocal drug store or supermarket instantly revealsthat having whiter, healthier teeth is a 21stCentury obsession. But today, even though wecan choose from literally thousands of productsto polish, cleanse and protect our teeth, most ofus are no better than our ancient ancestors wereat avoiding decay and periodontal disease. That’sthe contention of two well-known health careexperts: TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz andMike Roizen, chairman of the Wellness Instituteat Cleveland Clinic.
In a recent column, Dr. Oz and Roizen offeredtips on how to improve your dental care.
• The average American uses a toothbrushfor 9 months before discarding it. Butdentists recommend replacing your tooth-brush every 2 months, or as soon as thebristles start wearing out. New bristlesremove at least three times more plaquethan older ones.
• Some 85% of men and 65% of women do not floss daily. Daily flossing helpsbreak-up colonies of below-the-gum linebacteria before they cause periodontaldisease (infection that can lead to toothand bone loss and is associated with heartdisease and Type 2 diabetes). If you can’tget the hang of winding floss around yourfingers and wiggling it between your teeth,try one of the floss holding tools availablein drugstores.
• You are at increased risk for heart dis-ease, if you don’t brush twice a day andfloss once. Gum disease can also boostlevels of body-wide inflammation, whichis also associated with diabetes, COPD,
chronic kidney disease, rheumatoidarthritis, memory problems, obesity, cancer and depression.
• Some 36% of Americans do not see a dentist at least once a year. Regular visits to the dentist can help you avoidserious gum disease and reduce your riskfor heart attack, stroke, chest pain andcongestive heart failure. Dental schoolsoften offer low cost care, and your localhealth department may have informationabout other affordable options.
• It takes only about 30 seconds for soda,sports drinks or even juice to damage toothenamel. In a recent study, dental expertsfound that high acid drinks etch the surfaceof teeth almost immediately. For strongerteeth, sip water or herbal tea instead of sodaor sports drinks. Instead of juice, munchwhole fruit.
• A recent survey found that official adviceabout the best way to brush is all over themap. Dr. Oz and Roizen say to just makesure you brush for at least two minutesand reach all of your teeth from all sides –front, back and chewing surfaces.
As members are aware, the NJ CarpentersFunds discontinued dental coverage as of 2010.However, members may be reimbursed for den-tal care premiums and/or payments through theirHRA Supplemental Account, if it is sufficientlyfunded. They can also take advantage of severalvoluntary, self-payment dental coverage pro-grams which the Carpenters Health Fund hasevaluated as offering substantial value for thecost. For information on these programs, refer tothe April 2015 edition of the Benefits Watch.
Protecting Your Teeth is Worth the Time and Effort
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 20159
Members are reminded that there will be no increasein employer contributions for either Level #1 or Level #2health care coverage during the 2015 Calendar Year.
This means that the contractor contributions neededfor a member to receive Level #2 coverage for the BenefitYear (beginning April 1, 2016) will remain at $10,500,and contributions for Level #1 coverage will remain at$7,500. Based on the current contribution rate that anemployer pays on your behalf, members have to work
approximately 1,000 hours, or half a year, in 2015 toreceive the highest level of health care coverage for the next Benefit Year.
The trustees noted that it’s the first time in severalyears that contributions for both levels of coverageremained the same as the previous year and attributedit to strong management efficiencies and increasedemployment and a subsequent rise in employercontributions.
Contribution Rates Unchanged for CarpentersCommercial/Active Health Plan Coverage
A recent report issued by the Institute of Medicineindicates that most people will experience at least onediagnostic error in their lifetime, sometimes with devas-tating consequences.
The lengthy report (“Improving Diagnosis in HealthCare”) calls correct diagnosis a critical aspect of healthcare, but notes that diagnostic errors receive little attentionbecause of scant data, few reliable measuring criteria, andthe fact that clinicians often do not know a mistake hasoccurred or learn about it only in retrospect.
While there are few reliable numbers on how manydiagnostic errors occur, recent research concludes thatdoctors typically make 12 million outpatient diagnosticerrors annually – or about one in every 20 diagnosis.
To reduce diagnostic errors, researchers say the industrymust advocate more effective teamwork among cliniciansand patients; improve training and education for health-care professionals; create a payment and care deliveryenvironment that supports the diagnostic process, andplace a dedicated focus on new research.
One healthcare expert who reviewed the extensivereport said one reason for diagnostic errors is the pres-sure clinicians are under to avoid unnecessary tests and to control health care costs. According to Dr. HardeepSingh, chief of Health Policy, Quality and Informatics atthe DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, cliniciansmust balance the need for additional tests to confirm an uncertain diagnosis with fear of “over-testing” and“over-diagnosis,” as well as potential malpractice suits.“Many doctors are afraid of missing something and get-ting sued,” he says.
Researchers also found that nearly 8% of abnormaltest results are “lost to follow-up”. Dr. Singh says theindustry needs an effective backup system to catch theseabnormalities and recommends the use of electronic“trigger-based” interventions to identify the medicalrecords of patients with a potential delay in diagnosis forcancer and have no documented follow-up on abnormal or suspicious findings within a specific time frame.
“When you walk into a physician’s outpatient practice,most patients don’t think of it as an opportunity for greatharm to befall them,” said Dr. Kedar Mate, senior vicepresident with the Institute for Healthcare Development.He added that the chance of error is great because aprovider could prescribe the wrong medication, fail toorder a necessary test, miss a diagnosis, or fail to make the necessary referral to a specialist.
The newly formed Coalition to Improve Diagnosis,comprised of leaders from healthcare organizations andmedical societies, has been established to deal with theissues raised by the Institute of Medicine report. It isworking with a board of certified physicians to develop a curricular approach for new and existing physiciansand is also collaborating with patients to develop con-sumer tools to reduce diagnostic errors.
Diagnostic Errors More Common than Assumed
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 201510
Mr. John Mackay,
I not only wanted, but needed to drop a line thanking you for everythingyou and the UBC have done for me. You were the one who originally inter-viewed me and brought me into the Union, the Apprentice Program and theTraining Center. My trip to the International Training Center in Las Vegaswas not only inspirational, motivating and career changing, it was, honestly,life changing.
It opened my eyes to everything the UBC is and has to offer to me aswell as to the entire membership. The direction the UBC is going and all thetraining, education, experience and potential it offers me and my family isLIFE CHANGING. I’ve never been prouder to be a member of the UBCthan I am today.
I was already “on board” as a union brother and motivated towards my future as a UBC member. My visit to Las Vegas, in plain English,“blew my mind” with all it has to offer. I’ve never been more driven anddetermined than I am after returning. I’m on fire. I have no intention ofstopping until I’ve achieved everything expected of me by the UBC.
Upon returning to work on Monday, November 9th, I shared my experi-ence with everyone at my job site, all my friends and co-workers in myphone, and, in a nut shell, everyone who would listen. I received nothing butpositive feedback and questions as to where the UBC is headed in the future.
“Thank you” alone is not enough. The UBC has changed my life for theBest! Please feel free to call on me for anything. The UBC has changedmy life in positive ways I could never have imagined possible. I lookforward to my future.
Sincerely,John Raimondo,Proud Local #254 UBC member
We Get Letters
Determining how much money an individual or married couple needsin retirement to cover health insurance premiums and health care expensesis a complicated process. The amount of money a person needs depends on the age at which he or she retires; length of life after retirement; theavailability and source of health insurance coverage to supplementMedicare; health status and out-of-pocket expenses; the rate at whichhealth care costs increase, and interest rates and other rates of return oninvestments. In addition, public policy that changes any of the abovefactors also affects spending on health care in retirement.
A recent report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)says the amount of savings needed for health expenses for people eligiblefor Medicare is increasing. The latest statistics available reveal that in2012, Medicare covered 60% of the cost of health services for Medicarebeneficiaries ages 65 and older, while out-of-pocket spending accountedfor 13% and private insurance covered 15%.
In 2015, it’s estimated that a 65-year-old man with median prescriptiondrug expenses needs $68,000 in savings to have a 50% chance of havingenough money saved to cover his health care expenses in retirement. A65-year-old woman will need $89,000. To have a 90% chance of havingenough savings, $124,000 is needed by the man and $140,000 is neededfor the woman.
Meanwhile, a couple both with median drug expenses needs $158,000 in savings to have a 50% chance of having enough money to cover healthexpenses in retirement. They need $213,000 to have a 75% chance of cover-ing their expenses and $259,000 to have a 90% chance of covering expenses.The savings targets increased 6 to 21 percent between 2014 and 2015.
It should be noted that this analysis does not factor-in the savingsneeded to cover long-term care expenses, and that many individualsfor one reason or another may need more in savings than the amountscited in this report.
Need to Increase Savings for Retiree Health Care Costs
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchDECEMBER 201511
In compliance with a decision made by the Board of Trustees in 2014,there will be a modest $10 increase in premium rates for Medicare-eligibleretired members, and for Medicare-eligible retirees who are covered underour Disability Health Provision and participate in the NJ CarpentersMedicare Retired Supplemental Plan.
Beginning January 1, 2016, monthly premiums to participate inthe Medicare Supplemental Plan will increase from $190 to $200 perperson per month, and from $380 to $400 per month for a retiredmember and spouse.
Election forms must have been completed and returned to the FundsOffice by December 15, 2015 in order to continue coverage in the retiredMedicare Supplemental Plan. If your completed election form is notreceived, your benefits will be terminated as of December 31, 2015, and you will forfeit your right to participate in the Medicare SupplementalPlan in the future.
Members may choose to have their self-payment automatically deductedfrom their monthly pension provided that their pension amount exceedsthe monthly premium payment. Otherwise, you must pay the premium bycheck. The NJ Carpenters Medicare Supplemental Plan premium rates arethe same regardless of a member’s age.
Services not covered by Medicare are ineligible under the limits of theSupplemental Plan. If you have not received an election form in the mail,or if you have questions regarding the rate increase or the MedicareSupplemental Plan, please contact the Funds Office at 1-800-624-3096.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug PlanMembers are reminded that unlike most other supplemental plans,
retirees and pensioners who participate in the Carpenters MedicareRetired Supplemental Plan are also eligible to participate in the NJCarpenters Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan program. The programhas been administered by Aetna Insurance since January1st of this year.
Under the program, the Carpenters Health Fund pays a monthly premiumper individual to Aetna, which administers a fully insured Medicare Part D
program. The premium is paid in full by the Health Fund. While there areno deductibles levied against participating retirees as part of the program,there are co-pays imposed for varying supplies of generic, preferred brand,or non-preferred brand name drugs purchased either through a retail phar-macy or mail order house.
Although generic drugs covered under Part D are subject to the samebasic co-pay amounts while a participant is in the so-called “donut hole”coverage gap, brand name drugs are not covered within the “donut hole.”However, the pharmaceutical industry and Aetna Part D will assist bycovering 55% of brand name costs.
Once a participant’s out-of-pocket prescription drug costs reach $3,310in a given year, he or she is considered to have entered the “donut hole.” If or when they spend enough to pass through the “donut hole” (approxi-mately $4,850 this year), they will pay only 5% of all remaining drugcosts for the year.
“Our Carpenters’ Medicare Retired Supplemental Plan and MedicarePart D Prescription Drug Plan are two of the most important benefits weprovide for our members,” said Funds Administrator George R. Laufenberg.“They equal or surpass the plans provided by most other trade unions interms of affordability and comprehensive coverage.”
It is important for all members to be informed consumers regarding thepurchase of prescription drugs. Retail chain pharmacies periodically offerdiscounts on certain prescription drugs. As always, if you have any ques-tions, please contact the Health Fund at 1-800-624-3096.
Board of Trustees AuthorizeIncrease in MedicareSupplemental Plan Premiums
New Jersey CARPENTERS Benefits WatchRaritan Plaza II, P.O. Box 7818Edison, New Jersey 08818-7818
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GRADS AND GUESTS – 2015 graduates of the NJ Carpenters Apprentice Training Program gather with visiting guests following graduation ceremonies at Galloping Hill GolfCourse in Kenilworth, NJ, October 15th. Guests included (standing 5th from right to far right): Jack Kocsis, CEO, Associated Construction Contractors of NJ; Robert Epifano,Co-Chairman of Board of Trustees of the NJ Carpenters Funds and President, EPIC Construction; John Ballantyne, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Northeast RegionalCouncil of Carpenters; Bernard Treml III, NJ State Director of the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, and Ridgeley Hutchinson, Executive Director of the NJCarpenters Apprentice Training & Educational Fund.
