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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
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

Your 2014 Drug Cost-Share When NALC is Primary Carrier |
Generic Drug*: |
You Pay: |
Network Retail |
up to 30 day supply |
20% of Cost |
Mail Order |
up to 60 day supply |
$8 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$12 |
Formulary Brand Drug: |
You Pay: |
Network Retail |
up to 30 day supply |
30% of Cost |
Mail Order |
up to 60 day supply |
$43 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$65 |
Non-Formulary Brand Drug: |
You Pay: |
Network Retail |
up to 30 day supply |
45% of Cost |
Mail Order |
up to 60 day supply |
$58 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$80 |
Specialty Drugs: Require Prior Approval
(Available only through Caremark Specialty Pharmacy Mail Order) |
You Pay: |
Mail Order |
up to 30 day supply |
$150 |
Mail Order |
31 - 60 day supply |
$250 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$350 |
* Generic drug coverage shown above for those generic drugs not available at a reduced cost as listed on our NALCSelect, NALCPreferred, or NALCSenior Generic Drug Lists. |
Your 2014 Drug Cost-Share When Medicare Part B is Primary |
Generic Drug*: |
You Pay: |
Network Retail |
up to 30 day supply |
10% of Cost |
Mail Order |
up to 60 day supply |
$7 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$10 |
Formulary Brand Drug: |
You Pay: |
Network Retail |
up to 30 day supply |
20% of Cost |
Mail Order |
up to 60 day supply |
$37 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$55 |
Non-Formulary Brand Drug: |
You Pay: |
Network Retail |
up to 30 day supply |
30% of Cost |
Mail Order |
up to 60 day supply |
$52 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$70 |
Specialty Drugs: Require Prior Approval
(Available only through Caremark Specialty Pharmacy Mail Order) |
You Pay: |
Mail Order |
up to 30 day supply |
$150 |
Mail Order |
31 - 60 day supply |
$250 |
Mail Order |
61 - 90 day supply |
$350 |
* Generic drug coverage shown above for those generic drugs not available at a reduced cost as listed on our NALCSelect, NALCPreferred, or NALCSenior Generic Drug Lists. |
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
NALC Participating Network Pharmacies—
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:
Baker’s Pharmacy |
Giant Pharmacy |
QFC Pharmacy |
Bi-Lo Pharmacy |
Jay C Plus Pharmacy |
Ralphs Pharmacy |
Care Plus CVS Pharmacy |
Kessel Pharmacy |
Randalls Pharmacy |
Carrs-Gottstein Foods |
King Soopers Pharmacy |
Rite Aid Pharmacy |
City Market Pharmacy |
Kmart Pharmacy |
Safeway Pharmacy |
CVS Pharmacy |
Kroger Drugstore |
Scotts Pharmacy |
Dillon Pharmacy |
Kroger Food & Drug |
Smith’s Pharmacy |
Dominicks Pharmacy |
Kroger Sav-on |
Stop & Shop Pharmacy |
Eagle Pharmacy |
Longs Drug Stores |
Super G Discount Drug |
Food 4 Less Pharmacy |
Martins Pharmacy |
Target Pharmacy |
Fred Meyer Pharmacy |
Owen's Pharmacy |
Tom Thumb Pharmacy |
Fry’s Food & Drug Store |
Pavilions Pharmacy |
Vons Pharmacy |
Genuardis Pharmacy |
Payless Pharmacy |
Wellness Works Pharmacy |
Gerbes Pharmacy |
Postal Prescription Svcs |
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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.
Speed
- Never exceed the posted speed limit. Weather conditions permitting,
always maintain the legal speed limit.
- To maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead, keep a
following distance of at least two seconds. Add one second for each adverse
driving condition such as bad weather.
Intersections
- When approaching a green light, be prepared for it to turn red. It may
have been green for a long time.
- When stopped at a red light and it turns green, proceed slowly. Look
left and right before you drive through the intersection.
- Yellow lights mean proceed with caution, not speed up to get through the
intersection before the light turns red.
- Turning right at a red light is not permitted in every state. Even in
states where it is permitted, turning right is not allowed in some
intersections. Watch for signs at the intersection.
Passing
- Make sure you are in a passing zone.
- Be certain that there is no oncoming traffic.
- Look at all mirrors carefully before you make a lane change.
- Look behind you for any vehicles that might be trying to pass you.
- Be aware of any blind spots. Once the lane is clear, signal your move.
- Move into the passing lane, and accelerate to pass the car in front of
you.
Know Your Environment
- Never look directly at an approaching car's headlights. Use the right
edge of the pavement as a lane guide until the other car has passed.
- Be aware of any potential road hazards. Watch for cars that suddenly
swerve from their lanes to avoid pot holes, construction barriers, or
stalled vehicles.
- Bad weather such as rain, snow, or fog can make driving difficult.
Always watch for difficult conditions and be prepared to take defensive
action. Follow these bad weather tips:
- The tires on your car can lose traction on wet roads. Slow down if the
roads are wet.
- Snow and ice can make roads slippery. If your car goes into a skid, do
not push down hard on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and
turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Do not turn
sharply. Use moderate turns of the wheel until you come out of the skid.
- Slow down as you approach shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses in
winter. These areas freeze first and stay frozen longer.
- When driving on a highway, always be prepared for drivers to changes
lanes suddenly in order to exit.
- Do not let your emotions dominate your driving.
- Do not drive when you are tired. If you feel tired, pull off the road
for some exercise and fresh air or a cup of coffee.
Maintain Your Vehicle
- Cooling system (radiator, radiator cap, thermostat, and hoses)
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Belts (fan, alternator, and air conditioning)
- Tires
- Engine fluids (motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant)
- Lights
- Wiper blades
Source: Defensive Driving: The Best Offense, National
Safety Council
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DOG BITE AWARENESS

Even cute and sweet looking dogs can bite.
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Dog attacks and bites start rising in February,
peak in June |
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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. |
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Why it's important to you |
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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. |
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Helpful Tips to Prevent
Dog Bites |
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Tips to help letter carriers:
How to avoid being
bitten |
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Don't run past a dog. The dog's natural instinct is to chase and
catch prey. |
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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. |
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Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or
confined. |
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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. |
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Tips for dog owners:
How to be a responsible dog owner |
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Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners
control their dog in any situation. |
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When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside,
away from the door, in another room, or on a leash. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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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
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Bonafacio Yabut & Mike Francisco - Westgate Driver Instructor Bob Neitro Former Branch 193 member
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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
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Heart Attack Warning Signs
That Could Save Your Life!
The NALC joins the Postal Service in asking Letter
Carriers to the know and heed the warning signs of heart attacks.
NALC Director of Safety & Health Brian Hellman urges letter carriers
to,
"Know the warning signs, because being alert to the symptoms can
save your life and the lives of your coworkers. Too many victims
wait too long to seek help, so please don't ignore the telltale
signs."
Three simple facts you should know:
1. Heart Disease is the nation’s number one cause
of death, half caused by a heart attack.
2. Half of all heart attack victims wait more than
two hours before seeking help.
3. If you feel a warning sign(s),
seek medical attention immediately.
Warning signs:
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades
Chest or abdominal discomfort or pain spreading
to the shoulders, neck, arm or jaw
Chest discomfort, pressure or burning
Indigestion or gas-like pain
Anxiety or nervousness
Dizziness or fainting
Unexplained weakness or fatigue
ACT IMMEDIATELY !
Warning signs can hit everyone differently, so
don't take any chances.

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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."
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