News

Health Coverage Tax Document - IRS Form 1095-B Available Upon Request

Your IRS Form 1095-B is available upon request.

The IRS Form 1095-B provides important tax information about your health coverage. However, several years ago, the federal penalty for failing to enroll in health insurance was discontinued and, as a result, you are no longer required to submit an IRS Form 1095-B when filing your federal tax return (e.g. Form 1040). Later, Congress changed federal law to state that health plans are no longer required to mail copies of Form 1095-B to participants.

As a result, Local 94 Health and Benefit Fund participants will no longer automatically receive a paper copy of Form 1095-B in the mail, except if required by state law, such as in New Jersey. Any Local 94 Health and Benefit Fund participants who want to receive a paper copy of Form 1095-B may follow the process set forth below to request a copy to be provided by mail. Please note, all participants may access the 1095-B Form online via an email from Online Form Retrieval with the subject: IMPORTANT TAX RETURN DOCUMENT AVAILABLE. Read the full notice.

How to request your Form 1095-B

A request for a Form 1095-B can be submitted in one of two ways:
1. Complete the 1095B Paper Request Form (pdf) and email it to Local 94 Health and Benefit Fund at the email address listed on the request form,OR
2. Complete the 1095B Paper Request Form (pdf) and mail it to Local 94 Health and Benefit Fund at the address listed on the request form.
If you submit a request in one of the ways listed above, a Form 1095-B will be mailed to the address on file within 30 days of the date of receipt of your request. If you have any questions about Form 1095-B, please contact Local 94 Health and Benefit Fund at 212-331-1800.
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.
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.
9/11 Asbestos Debris Lawsuits Cleared by NY Appeals Court

The state’s top court cleared the way for a group of 9/11 cleanup workers who became ill after cleaning up asbestos-laden debris to pursue legal claims against the Battery Park City Authority. Read the NY Daily News article.
NYS Paid Family Leave Law - Effective January 1, 2018

There is a new, state mandated family paid leave rights and benefits available under the NYS Paid Family Leave Law which will take effect January 1, 2018. Learn more.
Buy American – The Clear Path To Job Creation!

Thanks to your advocacy Buy American legislation is closer than ever to passing. The feedback from Legislators was very good, but as talks on the budget heat up we know that they need to hear directly from you. That is why we are asking you to take the next step to call and speak with your legislator.

Take action now! Text “BUY USA” to 877877 or visit nysaflcio.org/BuyAmerican and sign the petition to make sure your tax dollars are used to BUY AMERICAN.