Employer News - Fall 2007

Have You Visited the New Website? If you haven’t visited www.1199SEIUFunds.org, now is the time to take advantage of this comprehensive resource. The site provides all the information you need on the full range of benefits that your contributions pay for through the Benefit and Pension, Training and Employment and Child Care Funds. The employer area of the site allows you to download reporting and enrollment forms, find important benefit news, read the latest copy of 1199SEIU Employer News and contact Fund representatives with any questions.

Fall 2007

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS As labor-management funds, we understand the pressures that both employers and workers face in our financially challenged industry. Employers feel the pressure to hold costs down while workers struggle to balance their work and home lives – and this is all while working to improve and ensure the quality of care for New York’s patients. In this edition of 1199SEIU Employer News, you’ll see some of the ways we’re helping workers and employers achieve these mutual goals.

Your 1199SEIU employees can access the website’s resources at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org. By simply entering their institution name into the Member Benefits Finder, they will find a detailed list of their benefits. Let us know what you think! Send your comments on the new website to communications@1199Funds.org.

330 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036-6977

First, you’ll read about our National Benefit Fund’s new cost-savings programs, mandated in the recent collective bargaining agreement, that will help hold down the costs of your employees’ healthcare coverage while ensuring that they continue to receive the care they need. These new initiatives will build on our earlier cost-containment successes to keep our health benefits among the most cost-effective in the nation. First Class U.S. Postage PAID New York, NY Permit No. 3700

You’ll also read about how the Training and Employment Funds are working to ensure that displaced healthcare workers are retained as the healthcare industry anticipates the Berger Commission’s closings and restructurings. Finally, you’ll read about how the Child Care Fund is making it easier for your employees to register for the many valuable child care programs that support working 1199SEIU parents and give them peace of mind while they’re on the job. We also ask you to save the date for the Child Care Corporation’s second annual “Care for Kids” Gala in December, which will raise money to bring these programs to the communities in which we serve. These are just a few of the ways that our Funds are strengthening the workforce and the industry. Together with our employers and the Union, we’re addressing the needs of our healthcare workforce and our institutions, which helps us meet our shared goal of providing quality patient care.

Employers feel the pressure to hold costs down while workers struggle to balance their work and home lives – and this is all while working to improve and ensure the quality of care for New York’s patients. IN THIS ISSUE . . . National Benefit Fund Prepares For Oct. 1 Cost Savings . . . . . . . . 2-3 $5.8 Million Grant to Training and Employment Funds Will Help Transition Displaced Workers Within the Industry . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Child Care Registration Is Open Through Oct. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sincerely, Second Annual Child Care Corporation Care for Kids Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mitra Behroozi Executive Director Benefit and Pension Funds

Deborah King Executive Director Training and Employment Funds

Vivian Fox Executive Director Child Care Funds

Have You Visited the New Website? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

National Benefit Fund Prepares For October 1 Cost Savings Throughout the summer, the National Benefit Fund – with the support of the employers and the Union – led a comprehensive educational program for members and providers on the new cost-savings programs that will go into effect on October 1. Mandated by the new 1199SEIU/League Collective Bargaining Agreement, these changes require the Fund to save $150.3 million by 2011. At the same time, the new programs maintain the current level of benefits while ensuring that members continue to receive quality care. In order to implement the programs as seamlessly as possible, the Funds are communicating extensively with the members as well as providers, holding worksite presentations led by Outreach Coordinators and a full-day training attended by more than 700 delegates and Benefit Fund outreach committee members.

DATE! SAVE THE encouraged to check the list and talk to their doctors about using preferred medications before the October 1 effective date.

The new programs include: New Radiology Requirements Expanded Preferred Drug List To hold down prescription costs, one of the National Benefit Fund’s fastest growing expenses, the Fund’s clinicians and Medco have expanded the Preferred Drug List (PDL). The new PDL contains 16 new drug categories, and the Fund and Medco have negotiated cost-effective choices in these and other categories where prices for similar medications vary widely. The Fund is also bringing the Preferred Drug program into line with the existing Mandatory Generic program. The cap on non-preferred brands, which is currently $16, will now be eliminated to encourage better compliance in using the PDL. After October 1, members must pay the full difference in cost between preferred and non-preferred medications. A preview of the new PDL is available online at www.1199SEIUFunds.org, and members have been 2 EMPLOYER NEWS Fall 2007

To make sure that only qualified providers are performing imaging tests, the Fund will now require prior authorization for certain costly procedures including MRIs, MRAs, and CAT and PET scans. If a provider recommends one of these tests, he or she must call MedFocus at (888) 910-1199 for authorization first. After a test is authorized, MedFocus can help members find a participating imaging location, or members can use their own Member Choice hospitalbased radiology facilities. Emergency and general imaging tests, such as X-rays, will not require prior authorization. In addition, the Fund will only reimburse non-radiology physicians for imaging tests within their specialty. If members need services outside their doctor’s specialty, the physician must refer them to the appropriate specialist or radiologist.

Second Annual Child Care Corporation Care for Kids Gala Monday, December 10, 2007 Tribeca Rooftop 2 Desbrosses Street New York City 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Please join us for the second annual Care for Kids gala on December 10, 2007. Proceeds from the event will provide critical family support for lowincome 1199SEIU parents who are ineligible for Child Care Fund benefits (including many low-wage home care workers). Besides supporting working families, these programs also benefit the communities in which these members live and raise their children. When children grow up in thriving communities, we all benefit. That’s why the Child Care Fund,

through the non-profit Child Care Corporation, began the Care for Kids gala last December with the generous support of many employers and participating institutions. Help us build on last year’s achievement to make this event even more successful! To reserve your seats, take out a program ad or for more information, please call the Child Care Fund at (212) 564-2220. Fall 2007 EMPLOYER NEWS 7

Child Care Registration Is Open Through October 31 W O R R Y- F R E E C H I L D C A R E F O R Y O U R E M P L O Y E E S With shifts that often fall outside the traditional 9 to 5 schedule, many healthcare workers find it a challenge to access reliable, affordable child care providers. That’s why the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Fund created flexible options – such as Learning Centers and day camps that open early and close late – so working 1199SEIU parents have the support they need in their home life to succeed in the workplace. The same is true for helping working 1199SEIU parents register for the Fund’s programs. Through October 31, members can register for next year’s child care programs at their convenience. In order to accommodate as many members as possible, throughout September and October the Fund is offering multiple registration sites around New York City at Fund offices and worksites, extended hours of operation and online registration and support options. These expanded services, built around healthcare workers’ schedules, make it easy for 1199SEIU members to access the services and programs your contributions pay for. At on-site registration, parents can learn about services offered by the Fund’s Child Care Resource & Referral Services (CCR&R) and get more information on other programs, like upcoming parenting seminars. And members who aren’t able to register in person can simply visit the Fund’s new website, www.1199SEIUFunds.org, to register online and even access a step-by-step tutorial of the online application process. Worry-free child care is just one of the many benefits that your employees can access. Members can also apply for educational, recreational and special needs programs, summer day and sleep-away camps, and cultural arts programs. This broad range of services supports families with children from infancy through high school, giving children the support they need 6 EMPLOYER NEWS Fall 2007

Registration Sites Where Members Live and Work Main Child Care Fund Offices - Manhattan 330 West 42nd Street, 18th Floor Monday – Wednesday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Thursday – Friday 8:30 am – 8:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Albany (various sites) Amityville Bronx Brooklyn Jamaica Hospital Staten Island Uniondale White Plains For details about locations and online registration, visit www.1199SEIUFunds.org.

Mandated by the new 1199SEIU/League Collective Bargaining Agreement, these

their concerns with a trained professional. Both of these programs will support the care that 1199SEIU members receive from their Primary Care Physicians as well as the Fund’s existing Wellness and Protecting Our Health programs.

changes require the Fund to save $150.3 million by 2011. At the same time, the new programs maintain the current level of benefits while ensuring that members continue to receive quality care. The full list of new procedures requiring prior authorization, as well as a list of participating imaging facilities, is available online at www.1199SEIUFunds.org.

to succeed in school while allowing their parents to balance their work and family responsibilities.

Expanded Wellness Program

To register, members simply need to bring a completed application and the required documents (a list is online at www.1199SEIUFunds.org) to a registration site. All eligible members received registration packets, including the application, during August. If your Human Resources department would like extra copies of the application, registration materials or a list of your eligible employees, contact the Child Care Funds at (212) 564-2220.

To help keep chronic diseases under control and reduce the significant acute medical costs that can occur when they are left unmanaged, members with conditions such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure will have access to voluntary, personalized health coaching by phone. Members with more general questions, such as their overall health, a recent diagnosis or their doctor’s treatment plan, will have access to a 24-hour nurse hotline to discuss Fall 2007 EMPLOYER NEWS 3

$5.8 Million Grant to Training and Employment Funds Will Help Transition Displaced Workers Within the Industry The Training and Employment Funds are preparing to transition qualified healthcare workers into other parts of the industry in response to the anticipated Berger Commission closures and restructurings. With a $5.8 million grant from the New York State Department of Health, the Funds, the Union and employers will be working together to ensure that laid-off workers can transition successfully into new

The Workforce Planning Committees are being established at the following institutions:

With a clear assessment of each institution’s needs, the Funds will then provide targeted training to ensure that

positions and make the maximum contribution to

laid-off or displaced members

their new employers. The Funds will use the grant largely to build on the

have the necessary job skills.

Job Security Fund’s existing programs and expertise. The funding provides $4.6 million in training monies to ensure that workers can meet the requirements of available positions within the industry and also transition into their new work environments successfully. To support these workers, the Job Security Fund will be hiring new staff including job service coordinators, job developers and training coordinators, who will work closely with laid-off or

And as members transition into new positions, the Committee will monitor each one to ensure that the placements

displaced members throughout the process.

identify transition issues that may be a challenge for new workers, and provide training and support

are successful for both the The Training and Upgrading Fund and the Labor Management Project will also be part of this pilot

that will help them adapt. Twenty-two hospitals, which have the largest number of vacancies

employers and the members.

program that will enhance the Job Security

for this pilot, are participating on the initial planning committee.

Fund’s core services, which include assessment, training and placement. A critical part of the

closures or downsizing, or are restructuring and

With a clear assessment of each institution’s needs,

program

labor-management

have new staffing needs. For instance, the Committee

the Funds will then provide targeted training to ensure

Workforce Planning Committee made up of the

can work with an institution’s representatives to

that laid-off or displaced members have the necessary

existing Training and Education and Jobs Committees

identify growing departments that may need more

job skills. And as members transition into new posi-

at many League hospitals. The Committee will

staff or departments where workers are near

tions, the Committee will monitor each one to ensure

identify

at

retirement. Besides determining specific job skills,

that the placements are successful for both the

institutions that have either not been affected by

the Workforce Planning Committee will also help

employers and the members.

will

job

be

a

joint

opportunities

4 EMPLOYER NEWS Fall 2007

and

vacancies

Beth Israel Continuum Bronx Lebanon Brookdale Interfaith Jamaica Lenox Hill Long Island Jewish Hospital Lutheran Maimonides Montefiore Medical Center Mt. Sinai New York Community NewYork-Presbyterian New York University St. Barnabas It is anticipated that additional institutions will be recruited for this project. Look for more information as the project develops. Fall 2007 EMPLOYER NEWS 5

$5.8 Million Grant to Training and Employment Funds Will Help Transition Displaced Workers Within the Industry The Training and Employment Funds are preparing to transition qualified healthcare workers into other parts of the industry in response to the anticipated Berger Commission closures and restructurings. With a $5.8 million grant from the New York State Department of Health, the Funds, the Union and employers will be working together to ensure that laid-off workers can transition successfully into new

The Workforce Planning Committees are being established at the following institutions:

With a clear assessment of each institution’s needs, the Funds will then provide targeted training to ensure that

positions and make the maximum contribution to

laid-off or displaced members

their new employers. The Funds will use the grant largely to build on the

have the necessary job skills.

Job Security Fund’s existing programs and expertise. The funding provides $4.6 million in training monies to ensure that workers can meet the requirements of available positions within the industry and also transition into their new work environments successfully. To support these workers, the Job Security Fund will be hiring new staff including job service coordinators, job developers and training coordinators, who will work closely with laid-off or

And as members transition into new positions, the Committee will monitor each one to ensure that the placements

displaced members throughout the process.

identify transition issues that may be a challenge for new workers, and provide training and support

are successful for both the The Training and Upgrading Fund and the Labor Management Project will also be part of this pilot

that will help them adapt. Twenty-two hospitals, which have the largest number of vacancies

employers and the members.

program that will enhance the Job Security

for this pilot, are participating on the initial planning committee.

Fund’s core services, which include assessment, training and placement. A critical part of the

closures or downsizing, or are restructuring and

With a clear assessment of each institution’s needs,

program

labor-management

have new staffing needs. For instance, the Committee

the Funds will then provide targeted training to ensure

Workforce Planning Committee made up of the

can work with an institution’s representatives to

that laid-off or displaced members have the necessary

existing Training and Education and Jobs Committees

identify growing departments that may need more

job skills. And as members transition into new posi-

at many League hospitals. The Committee will

staff or departments where workers are near

tions, the Committee will monitor each one to ensure

identify

at

retirement. Besides determining specific job skills,

that the placements are successful for both the

institutions that have either not been affected by

the Workforce Planning Committee will also help

employers and the members.

will

job

be

a

joint

opportunities

4 EMPLOYER NEWS Fall 2007

and

vacancies

Beth Israel Continuum Bronx Lebanon Brookdale Interfaith Jamaica Lenox Hill Long Island Jewish Hospital Lutheran Maimonides Montefiore Medical Center Mt. Sinai New York Community NewYork-Presbyterian New York University St. Barnabas It is anticipated that additional institutions will be recruited for this project. Look for more information as the project develops. Fall 2007 EMPLOYER NEWS 5

Child Care Registration Is Open Through October 31 W O R R Y- F R E E C H I L D C A R E F O R Y O U R E M P L O Y E E S With shifts that often fall outside the traditional 9 to 5 schedule, many healthcare workers find it a challenge to access reliable, affordable child care providers. That’s why the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Fund created flexible options – such as Learning Centers and day camps that open early and close late – so working 1199SEIU parents have the support they need in their home life to succeed in the workplace. The same is true for helping working 1199SEIU parents register for the Fund’s programs. Through October 31, members can register for next year’s child care programs at their convenience. In order to accommodate as many members as possible, throughout September and October the Fund is offering multiple registration sites around New York City at Fund offices and worksites, extended hours of operation and online registration and support options. These expanded services, built around healthcare workers’ schedules, make it easy for 1199SEIU members to access the services and programs your contributions pay for. At on-site registration, parents can learn about services offered by the Fund’s Child Care Resource & Referral Services (CCR&R) and get more information on other programs, like upcoming parenting seminars. And members who aren’t able to register in person can simply visit the Fund’s new website, www.1199SEIUFunds.org, to register online and even access a step-by-step tutorial of the online application process. Worry-free child care is just one of the many benefits that your employees can access. Members can also apply for educational, recreational and special needs programs, summer day and sleep-away camps, and cultural arts programs. This broad range of services supports families with children from infancy through high school, giving children the support they need 6 EMPLOYER NEWS Fall 2007

Registration Sites Where Members Live and Work Main Child Care Fund Offices - Manhattan 330 West 42nd Street, 18th Floor Monday – Wednesday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Thursday – Friday 8:30 am – 8:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Albany (various sites) Amityville Bronx Brooklyn Jamaica Hospital Staten Island Uniondale White Plains For details about locations and online registration, visit www.1199SEIUFunds.org.

Mandated by the new 1199SEIU/League Collective Bargaining Agreement, these

their concerns with a trained professional. Both of these programs will support the care that 1199SEIU members receive from their Primary Care Physicians as well as the Fund’s existing Wellness and Protecting Our Health programs.

changes require the Fund to save $150.3 million by 2011. At the same time, the new programs maintain the current level of benefits while ensuring that members continue to receive quality care. The full list of new procedures requiring prior authorization, as well as a list of participating imaging facilities, is available online at www.1199SEIUFunds.org.

to succeed in school while allowing their parents to balance their work and family responsibilities.

Expanded Wellness Program

To register, members simply need to bring a completed application and the required documents (a list is online at www.1199SEIUFunds.org) to a registration site. All eligible members received registration packets, including the application, during August. If your Human Resources department would like extra copies of the application, registration materials or a list of your eligible employees, contact the Child Care Fund at (212) 564-2220.