Dear Members,
This message comes to you from the Health and Welfare Trust Fund through which you get your dental, vision, and wellness benefits (different from health insurance). Please read carefully as there are lots of NEW IMPROVEMENTS that you can avail of, and some COVID vaccine resources. If you are not sure if you are enrolled in your Health and Welfare Trust benefits, please get in touch! It is free to enroll and we have really great coverage.
I’m proud to represent you as a Trustee on the Board of the Health and Welfare Trust Fund. I want to hear your inputs regarding dental, vision, wellness, and how we can work together to make these benefits better for members, please email me directly at jyoti and I’d love to chat with you over a call.
I’m also looking to train some member-leaders in how this stuff works so that these processes are transparent and accessible. Some suggestions that came from members recently and have been implemented:
- include ergonomic chair in eligible purchases for wellness reimbursement ✓
- include mental health expenses in eligible purchases for wellness reimbursement ✓
- get the insurance to pay for PPE needed for dentist visits so you don’t have to pay it ✓
- get more money for childcare ($30,000 increased) ✓
Also, another reminder that you are eligible for reimbursements for any technology-related purchases you made for working from home:
The Emergency Technology Assistance Fund is accepting applications from March 24, 2021 to April 15, 2021. GEO members can apply here.
In solidarity,
Jyoti (with Dora), Co-Chair
NEW: COVID Vaccine Info
We’ve compiled links and tips for eligible grad employees looking for appointments. UMass Amherst will open additional vaccine appointments on Fri, April 2, at 4 pm.
NEW AND INCREASED Spring 2021 Childcare Reimbursement Application:
Special Instructions
The Graduate Employee Organization (GEO Local 2322) has negotiated additional, emergency childcare assistance for grad employees impacted by the pandemic. These funds must be released earlier than our normal reimbursement process. We’re opening the spring 2021 childcare reimbursement application early. Spring 2021 application opens: Mon., March 2021 and the deadline is Mon., April 5, 2021. Details here.
NEW: Ameritas Vision Materials Reimbursement
This benefit is in addition to the vision plan we offer through EyeMed. Our Ameritas dental plan allows you to use up to $150 of your $2250 plan year maximum to reimburse out-of-pocket vision materials costs. Quick video on how to claim the $150 Ameritas vision reimbursement here!
NEW: Mental Health Costs Eligible for Wellness Reimbursement
Mental health costs not covered by your health insurance, as well as mental health app subscriptions, are now eligible expenses under our wellness reimbursement policy [i.e. you can use your $190 towards these bills]. Log in to your Trust Fund dashboard and click on "Graduate Employee Wellness Reimbursement" and then check the box indicating your receipts are for mental health costs. Complete guidelines here.
Calm Wednesdays
We give away a $10 gift card weekly to one lucky member who joins us on FB for a brief community meditation and care packages to all first time viewers–follow us and you’ll get a notification next time!
Using your Dental Plan: Top 3 Tips
Pick an in-network dentist: Search for one in your zip code here. An in-network dentist should *not* charge you out-of-pocket for the full cost of your visit, but should only charge you the % you are responsible for and bill the rest to your insurance. If an in-network dentist asks you to pay in full, call us: (413) 345-2156. Wisdom teeth: When having your wisdom teeth removed, provide both your Wellfleet student insurance info and your Ameritas dental plan info. Two plans are better than 1: if you happen to have another dental plan (from a spouse, parent or other job), definitely give both plans to your dentist, as in most cases both can be billed according to the coordination of coverage policies of the plans.
Contact for further info
Leslie Edwards Davis
Director of Benefit Programs
UAW/UMass Health & Welfare Trust Fund
she/her/hers
Phone: (413) 345-2156
https://www.uawumasstrustfund.org/
