News

• New Health and Prescription Providers beginning 1/1/2025

  Aetna and Caremark will replace Anthem BlueCross and OptumRx on January 1. There are no changes in the current co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles. Please read the notice that was mailed to you, which can also be found here. Here are answers to some common questions in this FAQ. Additional information will be made available over the coming weeks. Please call the Fund Office at (212) 331-1800 if you have questions about your benefits.   

       

• 911 Health Watch

  9/11 Health Watch is dedicated to making sure our nation remembers and cares for the heroes and survivors of 9/11. If you are a responder who was there, a survivor, or a supporter, join us to keep informed about the programs created by the Zadroga Act.

  Here are some helpful resources:

  What is 9/11 Health Watch?

  Are you eligible for responder care?

  Learn about the different September 11th Assistance programs

   

• NYSC IUOE License Plates!

  Consider purchasing a NYSC IUOE custom plate for any car for you, your family, staff, etc. registered in New York State. These plates can be personalized as well.

  The initial cost of the custom plate is $60.00 with a renewal fee of $31.25 each year. If you wish to personalize this plate, the cost is $91.25 per plate with a renewal fee of $62.50 each year. (Your vehicle registration is a separate cost).

  You can purchase the plates and learn more at the Department of Motor Vehicles site.

   

• RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY ALERT IN NYC BOROUGHS

  We have been notified by the NYPD that a recent rash of burglaries has occurred across New York City’s five boroughs. The point of entry is usually in rear windows with air conditioners being pushed in or rear windows left unlocked. Please follow these important safety tips: 

  • Window Air Conditioners - Air conditioners should be properly secured to the window opening to prevent from being pushed in or pulled out.
  • Fire Escape Windows – Install Fire Department approved safety gate.
  • Window Locking Procedures - All windows should be closed and locked.
  • Opened Windows - Avoid sleeping with your windows open. If you can’t, secure the windows so they cannot be opened to allow access to a person.
  • Suspicious Persons - If strangers are seen in the building, on the rooftops, or on the fire escapes: PLEASE CALL 911. 

  Other Safety Tips:

  • Door Buzzer - Do not buzz people into your building unless you are absolutely sure of the visitor’s identity.
  • Piggybacking - Do not hold the lobby door open for a stranger.
  • Door Locks - Equip your door with a deadbolt or deadbolt lock. The lock should have a highly pick-resistant cylinder protected with a metal cylinder guard plate.
  • Door Viewer - Never automatically open your door to strangers. Use a wide-angle peephole. Do not open your door even with the chain latch. A chain latch provides a false sense of security and can easily be defeated by kicking the door.
  • Suspicious Persons - If strangers are seen in the building, on the rooftops, or on the fire escapes: PLEASE CALL 911.
  • Security Survey - An NYPD Crime Prevention Specialist will visit your home to conduct a free security survey and provide a written report with recommendations to improve the existing security of your premise.

   

• Reminder: Union Dues

  Please note, effective January 1, 2020, the maximum monthly dues are $95.68. Dues for 40 hour contracted work weeks are calculated by multiplying the hourly rate x 2.50; for 35 hour contracted work week hourly rate x $2.20; for 37 1/2 hour contracted work week hourly rate x $2.36, up to a maximum of $95.68. When the hourly rate increases, the dues increase, up to the maximum monthly dues. 

  Please be sure you have properly adjusted the withholding amount for dues effective January 1, 2020.

  If you have any questions, please call the Union Office at 212-245-7040.

   

• The Cutting Edge -Fall 2019

  Read the most recent newsletter.

   

• Greedy contractors are trying to destroy the IUOE Apprenticeship Program - Don't Let Them

  The IUOE invests $180 million every year creating the best-trained workforce in the world. IUOE apprenticeship programs produce highly skilled apprentices who deliver projects on time and under-budget.

  But greedy anti-union contractors want to destroy our apprenticeship programs. They are determined to lower our standards, cut corners, and boost profits on the backs of their workers.

  Unscrupulous contractors have been using apprenticeship as a way to evade federal and state prevailing-wage laws for years. They lie about whether an apprentice is actually registered. It’s the only way a worker on a public-works project can be paid less than the prevailing wage. If this rule allows industry-registered apprenticeship programs into construction, there will be a massive hole blown in prevailing-wage laws. We cannot allow this back-door attack on prevailing wages and apprenticeship.

  It’s time to make our voices heard and stop the assault on our training.

  Send an email right now to the Department of Labor: Visit the saveiuoeapprenticeships.org website to learn more and to send your message

  Tell them to protect IUOE apprenticeships.

   

• IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION FOR NEW YORK STATE UNION MEMBERS

  Effective January 1, 2019, Union members in the state of New York will have the opportunity to deduct their union dues from their state income tax.  Learn more.

   

• GET INVOLVED --LET YOUR LOCAL POLITICIANS KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE MEDICAL DEBACLE WE ARE FACING IN AMERICA

  For you convenience, we have developed a letter that you can send to your local politicians letting them know how concerned you are about the serious problems we are all facing with our medical coverage system in the United States.

  Here is a link that you can refer to for political contact information.

   

• OptumRx - Effective January 1, 2019

  Effective January 1, 2019, the prescription benefit portion of your health plan will be administered by OptumRx. You can visit the OptumRx website at www.optumrx.com. Each prescription drug company has its own list of prescribed medications that are allowed for their safety, cost and effectiveness. You and your doctor should consult the Formulary List to help you select the most cost-effective prescription medications for your needs. To find out more about your prescription drug benefits, please visit the How the Prescription Drug Plan Works section of our website.