SAFETY & HEALTH

QUIT FOR LIFE......

Quit for Life®

For those of you that have a plan of attack to fight that tobacco habit, look at our great benefits!

Quitting tobacco may be the best thing you can do for your health. Make 2014 the year you stop

using tobacco. Enroll today in our FREE Quit for Life® Program. Call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE

(1-866-784-8454), or log on to www.quitnow.net/nalc for details to enroll. Expert Quit Coaches

will help you create and follow a tailored Quitting Plan. You’ll have their support via unlimited

one-on-one coaching by phone, 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.
By joining the Quit for Life® Program, you will also receive (at no cost):

• A printed Quit Guide to track your custom-developed Quitting Plan and help you through
any difficult situations.
• Advice on which type, dose, and duration of nicotine substitute or medication is right for you.
• Free nicotine replacement therapy products, like the patches, gum, or lozenges.
• Membership to Web Coach, a private, online community where you can complete activities,
  watch videos, track your progress, and join discussions with other participants and coaches.

WeightTalk®

Year after year, the resolution is the same lose weight. But the results don’t last, leaving you disappointed

and feeling unsure about your chances next time. Don’t let your resolution drive your goals this year. Instead,

let Weight Talk® show you how to lose weight for life, not just for the NewYear.

Joining Weight Talk® provides access to:

• Unlimited calls with your own dedicated coach: you will receive a series of twelve phone calls from

your coach and anytime you want to talk to a coach, you can just pick up the phone and call.

• An online support community and tools to help you succeed: Our exclusive online community allows you
  to connect with other Weight Talk® participants and ask questions of coaches. If you’re looking for answers
  
or ideas to help you with a specific concern, the articles and videos on the site can help you navigate any challenge.

• A welcome kit, including written guidebook and FitBit® Zip™ wireless activity monitor:


• The written guide walks you through the 10 Essential Practices of weight loss, and the food journal
• helps you keep track of your healthy diet. The FitBit® Zip™ counts every step you take toward your

weight loss goal.

 

Weight Talk® can help you make your New Year’s resolution last more than a month or two. It can show you

how losing weight can be a part of your everyday life, not a one-time change that lacks long term results.

Let 2014 be the year you find yourself again.
Enroll for FREE at www.weighttalk.net, or call 1-855-WGT-TALK (1-855-948-8255).

Sincerely,

Brian Hellman
Director, Health Benefit Plan

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NALC HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN INFORMATION

2014 NALC Health Plan Benefit Info

 

2014 Brochure

 

Publications and Forms

 Caremark Publications and Forms

 Claim Forms

 Medicare Publications and Forms

 Photo Release Form

 Privacy Forms

 2013 High Option Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

 2014 High Option Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

 2014 CDHP Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

 2014 Value Option Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)

 Uniform Glossary

 

 

Here are some important numbers to keep for reference:
 

PPO Network Providers/Cigna HealthCare                                             1-877-220-6252
(To confirm your provider’s participation or to locate a hospital)
 

Pre-certify a Hospital Admission                                                             1-877-220-6265
(Prior to your medical hospitalization, pre-certify to avoid a penalty)   
 

24-Hour Nurse Help Line                                                                       1-877-220-6265
(To speak with a registered nurse regarding medical needs)
 

Prescription Services / CVS / CareMark                                                  1-800-933-6265
(To locate network retail pharmacies, request mail order refills or to check the status of an order)
 

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            2012 NALC Plan Prescription Drugs

SPECIALTY DRUGS

Specialty drugs are generally considered high-cost injectable, infused, oral or inhaled drugs that require close supervision and monitoring. You must purchase specialty drugs, including biotech, biological, biopharmaceutical, and oral chemotherapy drugs, through the Caremark Specialty Pharmacy Services.

All specialty drugs require prior approval to ensure appropriate treatment therapies for chronic complex conditions. Call CVS Caremark toll-free at 1-800-237-2767 for specific medications available through CVS Caremark Specialty Pharmacy, or to obtain prior approval. Specialty drugs available through CVS Caremark Specialty Pharmacy are subject to change.

NALC PREFERRED GENERICS

In 2014, we continue making 90-day fills of thousands of generic drugs available through the CVS Maintenance Choice Program and through our Caremark mail order program for only $7.99 when we are your primary payor, and for only $4 when Medicare Part B is the primary payor. Call Caremark at 1-800-933-NALC (6252) to find out if your generic medication is currently available on our NALCPreferred generics list.

COST-FREE GENERICS AT RETAIL WHEN MEDICARE PART B IS PRIMARY

Our 2014 NALCSenior Antibiotic generic list offers prescription generic medications at no cost when a 30-day supply is purchased at a local NALC Preferred or CareSelect pharmacy, and Medicare Part B is the primary payor.

2014 NALCSELECT GENERIC LIST  
               
When a generic medication is appropriate, ask your physician to prescribe a generic drug from our NALCSelect genericlist. The amount you pay for a 90-day supply of an NALCSelect generic medication purchased through our mail order program, or at a CVS Caremark Pharmacy, including Longs Drugs, through our Maintenance Choice Program is just $5 or $4 when Medicare Part B is your primary carrier.   

SMOKING CESSATION

When you’re ready to quit smoking the Plan can help.  You will pay nothing for FDA-approved prescription medications prescribed for smoking cessation.  These medications will be available to you at any NALC Preferred or NALC CareSelect retail pharmacy or through our Caremark mail order program. 

DRUG PROGRAM —
For Your Short-Term And Immediate Prescription Drug Needs

The NALC CareSelect Network is a nationwide pharmacy network that offers over 68,000 retail pharmacies which includes over 18,000 NALC Preferred retail pharmacies. Our network includes most large retail chain drug stores. In many cases, your current pharmacy already participates. Locating a participating pharmacy near you is easy—simply call 1-800-933-NALC (6252).

There are no claim forms to file and no waiting for reimbursement when you purchase your prescriptions at a network pharmacy. Using your NALC Health Benefit Plan identification card, you can purchase up to a 30-day supply of covered medication, plus one refill. You will pay 20% of cost for generic medications and 30% of cost for formulary brand medications. When Medicare Part B is your primary payor, you will pay nothing for (up to) 30-day fills of generic drugs available on our NALCSenior Antibiotic generic list, and just 10% of cost of other generic medications and 20% for formulary brand medications. There is no deductible associated with our Prescription Drug program.

Preferred NALC Retail Pharmacies—

Consider using a Preferred NALC Retail Pharmacy Network. From our broad network of participating pharmacies, the following pharmacies have stepped up to offer members of the NALC Health Benefit Plan an additional discount. When you fill your prescription at one of the following preferred pharmacies, out-of-pocket expense will be reduced:

These preferred pharmacies recognize the value of the NALC Health Benefit Plan's retail business and have agreed to lower prices. This means our members will typically see lower priced brand name drugs at these pharmacies.

If you request a name brand drug when a generic drug is available, you will have to pay the difference in cost between the name brand and the generic.

You may choose to continue to purchase your prescriptions at your local participating or non-participating pharmacy, but benefits will be reduced. You will need to file a claim for reimbursement.

Mail Order Drug Program—
For Your Long-Term And Ongoing Prescription Drug Needs

Your savings begin with the very first prescription you order because there are NO claim forms to submit, and NO waiting for reimbursement. For prescriptions that are not listed on either our NALCPreferred or NALCSelect generic lists, you pay $8 generic and $43 brand name for up to a 60-day supply.  You pay $5 for a 90-day supply of NALCSelect generics or just $7.99 for a 90-day supply of NALCPreferred generics.  You pay $12 for other generics and $65 brand name for up to a 90-day supply.

When Medicare Part B is your primary payor, you pay $7 generic and $37 brand name for a 60-day supply.  You pay $4 for a 90-day supply of NALCSelect or NALCPreferred generics. You pay $10 for other generics and $55 brand name for a 90-day supply.

Maintenance Choice Program—

You may purchase up to a 90-day supply (84-day minimum) of covered drugs and supplies at a CVS/Caremark Pharmacy or Longs Drugs through our Maintenance Choice Program. You will pay the applicable mail order copayment for each prescription purchased.

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                      DEFENSIVE  DRIVING

More than 41,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year and over two million more suffer disabling injuries, according to the National Safety Council. The triple threat of high speeds, impaired or careless driving and not using occupant restraints threatens every driver—regardless of how careful or how skilled. Driving defensively means not only taking responsibility for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on "the other guy." The National Safety Council suggests the following guidelines to help reduce your risks on the road.

Always wear your safety belt when driving and insist that your passengers wear a safety belt, too. Wearing a safety belt is required by law in every state, except New Hampshire. In some states, passengers also are required by law to wear a safety belt.

• Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol slows your reaction time, blurs and distorts vision, and impairs your judgment about distance.
• Never use illegal drugs.
• Read the labels on all prescription medications for warnings; consult your physician about how your medications or over-the-counter drugs could affect your driving.

Source: Defensive Driving: The Best Offense, National Safety Council

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                 DOG BITE AWARENESS
                     

                                                 Even cute and sweet looking dogs can bite.

	Dog attacks and bites start rising in February, peak in June
		NALC joins the Postal Service in calling attention to one of the nation's most commonly reported public health problems: Dog Bites. The National Dog Bite Prevention Week in mid-May provides an opportunity for all NALC and Postal Service leaders to remind letter carriers, customers, and community representatives of our joint responsibility to do everything possible to prevent animal attacks. But don't wait until May to be on the lookout for dangerous animals. Be sure to carry dog spray and use dog letters and dog warning cards as the weather turns warmer.
	Why it's important to you
		An average of 10 letter carriers suffer from dog-related injuries every delivery day. NALC Director of Safety & Health Brian Hellman urges NALC branches to alert members that as spring arrives, dogs are outside more often. Now is the time to include dog bite awareness information in your safety and health awareness program. Hellman says the members need to be reminded that preventing dog bites is important to the safety and health of every letter carrier, every day.  As soon you get out on the street, you are immediately exposed to potential harm from dangerous animals. Remember, in many instances, carriers are badly wounded despite pet owners' insistence the their dog would never bite anyone. The Humane Society of the United States reports that small children, the elderly, and USPS Letter Carriers — in that order — are the most frequent victims of dog bites. In fact, recent statistics show the annual number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps combined. Dog Bite victims account for up to five percent of emergency room visits. Medical expenses, workers' compensation, legal costs, delivery curtailment, carrier replacement, and other costs associated with dog bite accidents are estimated to exceed $25 million annually for the Postal Service. The cost in employee pain and suffering cannot be measured.
	Helpful Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
		Tips to help letter carriers:  How to avoid being bitten  Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and catch prey. If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined. While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people who choose to pet dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.                     Tips for dog owners:  How to be a responsible dog owner Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation. When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room, or on a leash. Don't let your child take mail from the letter carrier in the presence of your dog. Your dog's instinct is to protect the family. Spay or neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. HSUS statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs. Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.

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           C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s

       MILLION MILE AWARD RECIPIENTS!   

On Friday June 12th the Postal Service recognized eleven Branch 193 members and
Driver Instructor Bob Neitro as the newest members of the National Safety Council's
Million Mile Club.  These members have driven postal vehicles for over thirty years
without an "at fault" accident.  They have demonstrated a commitment to their safety
and the safety of those around them as they went about the delivery of the mail.
Paying attention to your surroundings and focusing on safety were the main reasons
given for their success. Congratulations to all who received this award. We are proud of you. 

                                                                       - Danny Laffan, Branch 193 President

Top Row: Danny Laffan Branch 193 President , Mel Taira, Ben Navarrete, Bonafacio Yabut & Roger Hanson 

Bottom Row: Sammy Vasquez Postmaster San Jose, Mike Francisco, Joe Rosa, Joe Lozano

   Bonafacio Yabut & Mike Francisco - Westgate         Driver Instructor Bob Neitro Former Branch 193 member

                                                    Trustee Joe Rosa & Manager Mark Cole - Foothill

                            Awards Winners not at Ceremony

                                                                 Glen Nakamatsu - Willow Glen

                                                                 Patricia Packer - Hillview

                                                                 Henry Kung - Parkmoor 

                                                                 Michael Hughes - Retiree

Click Photo for Bio NALC President: Fredric V. Rolando     Executive Vice President: Timothy C. O'Malley     Vice President: Lew Drass   NATIONAL LINKS NALC Homepage Latest News National Archived Bulletin Contract Administration City Delivery Legislation and Political Action NALC Health Benefit Plan Safety & Health Department of Retirees Postal Record Contact National ____________________ Click on Carrier Guide, COR & Route Inspection book to Read   Click on Postal Records to read cover story.

Current NALC Bulletin

Find and Contact Your
Local Congressman
or
US Senator

"NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN
NOR HEAT NOR GLOOM OF
NIGHT, STAYS THESE COURIERS
FROM THE SWIFT COMPLETION
OF THEIR APPOINTED ROUNDS."

DISCLAIMER:

This website is offered to all Branch 193 Letter Carriers as a "Resource" and "Reference" Guide only.
DO NOT always rely on what you read as things can easily be misinterpreted or mislead you into thinking differently.
DO NOT take matters into your own hands to resolve issues. ALWAYS contact your Union Steward, President or Vice President to handle contract disputes or other issues. Use this information to help you work smarter not harder and to become more knowledgeable on your job functions and rights as a Letter Carrier. Branch 193, it's Web Designers or Web Maintenance Personnel hold no liability for mis-information on this website or it's links. Website information is linked to the NALC website, Branch 193 Bulletin as well as other websites.  We are not liable nor condone questionable material or information posted on other websites. As with any Internet site, websites can be hacked into and information changed or modified.  ALL security measures have been taken to the best of our abilities with Yahoo and PSG Web Services. ANYONE with questions regarding information posted on this website are encouraged to contact the local branch office. All photos and information on this website are property of Branch 193, National and other Union websites. Any Branch or Union member wishing to copy photos or information may do so as long as credit is given to Branch 193  as well as obtaining permission without violating copyright laws.

Contact  NALC Branch 193 at: 408-288-8138

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