News

The plan's medical coverage provided to Medicare-eligible retirees and spouses transitioned to a Humana Medicare Advantage plan effective January 1, 2023. Retiree support services will be provided by Labor First, a company dedicated to supporting the day-to-day service needs of union retirees.

In order to protect consumers from “surprise” medical bills, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) which contained the No Surprises Act. The No Surprises Act prohibits you from being “balance billed” for Non-PPO Emergency Services, certain services by Non-PPO providers at a PPO hospital or ambulatory surgical center, and by Non-PPO provider air ambulance services. In addition, the No Surprises Act added other patient protections such as Continuity of Care. These new rules are effective beginning on or after July 1, 2022.

The Fund Office uses the EyeMed network for vision benefits. EyeMed will administer a network of vision care providers (known as the “Insight Network”) on behalf of the Fund. Participants and Dependents who are eligible for Vision Benefits can choose to go to a provider in the EyeMed Insight network and receive discounts on services and materials, such as exams, frames, lenses, and contacts.

Effective January 1, 2024, the Fund will be recognized as a “non-grandfathered” plan according to the federal law known as the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). For dates of service on and after January 1, 2024, certain preventive care services and supplies delivered by a provider in the Fund’s medical or prescription drug retail pharmacy network (i.e., “In Network”) will be covered by the Fund at 100% with no “Cost-sharing” to Participants and Dependents covered under the Plan.

Introducing New No-Cost Health Benefits from Sword! We are excited to introduce two new programs from Sword Health, offered at no cost as part of your NECA - IBEW benefits. Thrive is a digital physical therapy program to treat back, joint, and muscle pain, and Sword is a digital pelvic health program for women.

Progyny is for Fertility and Family Building provided by the NECA IBEW Welfare Trust Fund. Your Progyny benefit has been specifically designed to give you the best chance of fulfilling your dreams of family. Whether you just want to learn more about your options, are trying to conceive, or are exploring fertility treatment, we are here for you.