Findhelp When You Need It

Life’s needs can be unexpected, but you can always count on getting support at findhelp.1199SEIUBenefits.org, your Benefit Fund’s curated search engine that locates free and low-cost community services and programs wherever you and your loved ones live. Search for assistance with transportation, emotional well-being, nutritional and food programs, financial and legal assistance and more. Although we are pleased to share these resources with you, the services offered through findhelp are not benefits covered by your Benefit Fund.

Visit findhelp.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

The Healthy Living Resource Center Is Your Wellness Toolkit!

If you want to get and keep your health on track, your Benefit Fund has you covered. The Healthy Living Resource Center gives you info, expert insights and wellness tools, split into five channels covering the pillars of a healthy lifestyle: Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Hearts, Healthy Eating and Healthy Provider Relationships. Browse each section for nutrition tips, health trackers, interactive exercise videos and screening guidelines. Healthy Living will be updated frequently with new information about upcoming programs and partnerships, so be sure to check back often.

Starting in 2024, Healthy Home Visits Will Be Scheduled Through Signify Health

If you are enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, your 2024 Healthy Home Visits will be scheduled through Signify Health. But don’t worry, your benefit isn’t changing! A Healthy Home Visit is a one-hour at-home checkup and is in addition to your annual Medicare wellness visit and annual physical. During this visit, a licensed clinician will review your medications and medical history. They will also check your vital signs, look for safety risks and answer your health questions. This visit does not replace your regular doctor visits or change your health plan. To schedule a Healthy Home Visit, call (855) 746-8709.

Have You Joined Our Retired Members’ Online Community Yet?

Stay connected and get the latest information about your benefits and programs with our 1199SEIU Retired Members Facebook group. That’s where you can find the latest news, learn about upcoming meetings and talk with fellow retirees. Join the group today and invite other retired members.

Remember: We are stronger together!

Protect Your Health this Winter by Getting Vaccinated

The winter is a great time to boost your immunity and protect yourself and others from viruses like the flu and COVID-19. Health experts caution that COVID-19 can still pose a risk and have recommended the updated booster shot. Additionally, the flu vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of severe illness should you be exposed to the virus. Vaccinations offer widespread protection for you and your loved ones, so if you are eligible, we encourage you to get your shots as soon as possible. Visit your doctor or participating pharmacy to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Support Your Emotional Health with Aetna’s MDLIVE

A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Now, retirees enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan can get support for their emotional well-being through MDLIVE, an online resource. With MDLIVE, you can connect with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist by phone or video chat from the comfort of your home on your schedule. To get started, visit www.MDLIVE.com/AetnaMedicareBH and follow the prompts to create an account. To learn more about MDLIVE, call (888) 865-0729.

Learn New Skills and Explore Interests with Continuing Education Programs

Is there a subject you’ve always wanted to study or a topic you want to learn more about? 1199SEIU retirees can access free and low-cost educational opportunities, including in-person courses at colleges throughout New York and online classes offered nationwide.

Stay Connected with Online Chapter Meetings

We hope you are enjoying these meetings, using them to connect with friendly faces and get updates on Funds news and information about your retiree benefits. As we continue to keep an eye on health recommendations and guidelines, we have decided to resume holding in-person chapter meetings at several locations in the New York area. All other chapters will continue to meet online via Zoom. Take a look at the listings below and plan to attend your in-person meeting, or simply join your chapter meeting by typing the Zoom link listed below into your Internet browser and entering the meeting ID and passcode when prompted. You can also join your meeting using the phone number listed below your chapter.

Exercise Your Mind and Body with Tai Chi, Mindful Meditation and Chair Yoga

The Retired Members Division has again partnered with Mind Over Matter Fitness to bring you classes for your mental and physical well-being. View the class descriptions and join the classes online via Zoom at the links listed below. For more information, please call (646) 473-8761.

Cooking for Your Health

Let’s get cooking! We’re excited to get in the kitchen to show you how to prepare healthy meals and share tips for better eating. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below and will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Jamie. Take a look at the tasty off erings you’ll cook up this month!

Stay Informed with Aetna Online Health Presentations

Through our partnership with Aetna, you can stay up to date on important health and wellness topics by viewing monthly online presentations. Aetna will present a 30-minute live webinar from an Aetna registered nurse, who will review each month’s health topic and provide resources. The video will be available on the Aetna website at the start of each month, allowing you to watch whenever it fits your schedule.

Upcoming Topics

November: Memory Loss/Dementia, Aetna Support Programs, Staying Connected During the Holidays

HCEPF and GNYPF Retirees: Verify Your Information to Protect Your Pension

The Pension Verification Program for retirees in the Health Care Employees Pension Fund (HCEPF) and the Greater New York Pension Fund (GNYPF) protects your earned pension benefit from forgeries and fraudulent practices. If you received a letter from your Pension Fund and HMS, the firm we’ve hired to conduct the verification program, it is important that you reply as soon as possible. Please follow the steps detailed in the letter to verify your pension benefit information and avoid any disruption in your pension payments.