BENEFITS
by Bob Love, Oct
2007 Beacon
United Resource Networks
This is a company that provides products and services that
support safe, successful and cost-effective management of patients
with complex health conditions. It is ont a health insurance provider.
They provide information on choosing the right health care provider,
clinic, or medical center. They also provide information on transplantations,
cancer, chronic kidney disease, congenital heart disease, infertility,
neonatology, obesity, pregnancy, and women's health services. You
can contact the United Resources Network at 1-800-847-2050 or through
their website, www.urnweb.com.
I have heard very good things about their Cancer
Resource Services.
The number for the Cancer Resource Services is 1-866-936-6002.
Updating Your Coverage
Ask yourself, "Have any changes happened in my life that I should
have let Human Resources know about?" They're good over there,
but they're not psychic. So, if you think a change has occurred
that might affect your benefits, let Human Resources and the Union
know in writing. A few examples are:
-
your marital status - married, divorced, widowed
-
your dependents - new eligible, no longer eligible
-
you or your dependent(s) become eligible for Medicare benefits,
whether you turn 65 or are under age 65 with a disability. You
must register for Part B of Medicare through Social Security
three months before age 65. Failure to do so will impact your
health coverage.
-
If your address changed
Any changed you have should be hand delivered to Human Resources
at the Hines Building. If you can not deliver it yourself the mailing
address is Eastern Suffolk BOCES, 201 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue,
NY 11772, attn: Human Resources. The address for the Union is BOCES
Educator's of Eastern Suffolk, 440 Waverly Ave, Building 4, Suite
12, Patchogue, NY 11772, attn: Marje Strawbridge.
FSA Enrollment
Here's that November deadline again. But this time you can save some
money. FSA, Flexible Spending Account, allows you to use pre-tax
dollars to pay for certain health care and dependent care expenses.
BUT, you need to know your expenses. If your expenses don't equal
up to the amount you contribute you will lose your unspent contributions.
The money you can save from the tax advantage can be well worth
the effort of researching your expenses in calculating how much
you should contribute. My suggestion would be to start out small
and increase your contribution each year as you learn how the FSA
plan works. Your building should be receiving information sheets
and enrollment forms about the beginning of November. Some OTC
medical purchases are now eligible expenses. Check with the plan
advisor for specifics. Remember you will need an original receipt
when submitting for reimbursement.
NYS Employee's Retirement System Planning Resources
http://www.osc.state.ny.us/retire
Preparing for Retirement - a new seven part series is now available
on the website in video, slide shows or text versions
Members of the NYSERS can visit the website to explore their retirement
options.
Contact the Consultation Site Office toll-free at 1-866-805-0990
to schedule an appointment at the Hauppauge office.
