Welcome to the Retiree Division

Welcome to the Retiree Division section of Local 1180's new website. More than just a drop-in center, the Retiree Division provides retirees of CWA Local 1180 with a venue to pursue their social, intellectual, and educational interests throughout their retirement. Through thoughtful and creative planning, the staff of the Retiree Division prepares a monthly calendar representing a compilation of some of the greatest activities in the area at any given moment. Broadway shows, trips, speakers, lunches, and interactive workshops allow retirees to socialize with peers, have fun, and learn a little along the way.

We can only begin to tell you about how glad our retirees are to have a one-stop-shopping experience that offers so many ways to keep busy, engaged, and active. We hope that you make the decision to join in on some of the fun. Read the monthly calendar to see what events are coming up, and then call to reserve your space. Remember that we are providing programs for more than 4,000 retirees in the New York City area, so space may be limited.

We have a special welcome gift for all 'newbie' retirees. Or, if you are an existing retiree, stop by the office just to say hello. We can't wait to greet you all.

Suzanne E. Beatty, LMSW

Retiree Division Director

Biography

Director's Message

As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to remember that you are at the optimal time to maximize your benefits. Why now? Well, by December you have most likely paid in full your deductibles, so you will have minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Also, your benefits reset in January so you get to start fresh with new benefit dollars!  

The deductible is the amount you must pay for your own health care before your insurance starts covering a larger portion of the costs. Once you’ve met your deductible, you usually pay only a copay/coinsurance for covered services. Also, if you’ve met your out-of-pocket maximum, which is the maximum amount of money you pay for medical services in a calendar year, many plans pay 100 percent of the allowed amount. If you wait until your new plan year starts for the same tests, your deductible will have reset. That means you will have to pay more out of pocket for the very same care.

Here are a few items to check into before the end of the year:

• If you’ve been considering any outstanding or elective procedures, now may be the best time to get them done. Schedule any procedures like dermatology, colonoscopy, blood work, ophthalmology, and specialist care. While you still may have to pay coinsurance if you haven’t yet hit your out-of-pocket maximum, your insurance will cover more of these costs after reaching your deductible.
  
  
• Most plans typically pay 100% for preventive visits so there is no excuse to miss your health screenings and exams. Routine screenings are important because they can help spot a potential problem before it becomes a serious health issue. With your deductible paid or almost paid, take any tests that are recommended.  

• Review the overall benefits in your plan. There might be benefits you could use before the end of the plan year. If you take regular medications, refill your prescriptions before the year ends. If you have not used all of your $1,500 prescription drug benefits or $1,200 general medical ($2,700 combined total), go ahead and call in a refill.

• If you are traveling for the holidays, it’s a good idea to find out what your health insurance covers if you need care while out-of-state.
    
• If you signed up for any new coverages, it would be a good time to review them so there are no surprises in the new year.Dental is capped at $2,000 per member. If you have not used all of your allowance and have a big dental procedure to manage, discuss a plan to make the most of the benefit and perhaps spread it over the end of 2019 and into 2020.
  
  
• Check to see if there are any out-of-pocket health care expenses you haven’t submitted for reimbursement.

The key is to take advantage of any benefits before they expire for the year. If you expect a lot of health care expenses in 2020, you may want to schedule non-emergency medical care for early next year so you can fulfill your deductible as soon as possible.   

Health benefit planning will help manage expenses, reduce stress, and increase your sense of control in 2020. It makes sense to add “making the most of your medical insurance” to your end-of-the-year to-do list!