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1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds 330 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036-6977 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit U.S. POSTAGE PAID New York, NY Permit No. 3700

FROM OUR 1199SEIU BENEFIT & PENSION FUNDS

WINTER 2008-2009

For Your Benefit

A Magazine Devoted to the Health & Well-Being of 1199SEIU Members

EN ESPAÑOL p10

Lucky to be an 1199er In This Issue . . . ឣ Home Mortgage Program Connects You to the Experts p2 ឣ Your 1199SEIU Pension p3 ឣ The Earned Income Tax Credit Can Mean Thousands of Dollars More at Tax Time p4 ឣ What You Need to Bring to Have Your Taxes Prepared p5

ឣ Prescription Programs Protect Your Benefits and Safeguard Your Health p6 ឣ Keep Up Healthy Habits Through the Holidays p7 ឣ The Skinny on Healthy Fats p8 ឣ Make Exercise a Family Affair With Special YMCA Rates p9

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear 1199SEIU Member, The country’s economic downturn, the retirement savings lost by those with private retirement accounts and the trend of employers shifting health benefit costs to employees all serve to remind us of how rare benefits like ours are becoming, and how lucky we are to have them.

Home Mortgage Program Connects You to the Experts

which included employer contributions of $21,765,953; employee contributions of $720,927; gain/loss of $0 from the sale of assets; and earnings from investments of $776,588. Total plan expenses were $22,588,566. These expenses included $5,234,159 in administrative expenses; $17,354,407 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries; and $0 in other expenses. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant's report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 5. Insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; 6. Information regarding any common or collective trusts, and 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and 7. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the Plan (for Pension Funds only). To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call your Fund office at:

In this issue of For Your Benefit, we’ll tell you how your Benefit and Pension Funds can support you through this rocky financial time. You’ll read about what we’re doing to make sure our Pension Funds weather the financial crisis on Wall Street, and what you can expect in the coming year. You’ll also read about opportunities to protect your investment in your home with workshops through our Home Mortgage Program, and how to get thousands of dollars back in your bank account at tax time through our Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance Program. You’ll also read about additional medications that we’re adding to our Preferred Drug List and other programs that make sure you’re getting the care you need while keeping our prescription costs low and protecting your health benefits. And, we’ve included some tips on how to manage the stresses of the holiday season without letting go of your healthy eating and exercise habits. In fact, one of the ways you can do that is by taking advantage of the discount memberships the Benefit Fund has negotiated for you at the YMCA, New York Sports Clubs and Crunch Fitness. Remember – your Benefit and Pension Funds are your Funds, and we’re here to give you and your family the support that you need. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

The country’s economic downturn has all of us thinking – and sometimes worrying – about our financial security. So whether you need help with budgeting, credit counseling, saving to buy a home or help keeping the home you have, the Benefit Fund’s Home Mortgage Program can connect you with the expertise you need. By building stronger partnerships with the financial and community organizations in your neighborhood, we’re working to make sure you can make the best financial decisions possible. Attend one of our Home Mortgage Program seminars or workshops, where we’ll give you all the details on the services and help that our partners provide.

Keep an eye out for new workshops in the New Year. We’ll be announcing the dates soon, or you can call the Home Mortgage Program at (646) 473-9200.

to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization.

1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 1199SEIU Child Care Funds 330 West 42nd Street, 28th Floor, New York NY 10036 The charge to cover copying costs will be $0.25 per page. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. Annual Funding Notice for the 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of the 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund, EIN 13-3604862, PN 001 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007. Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 90.1%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better-funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline.

Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see “Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC,” below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times the participant’s years of service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the Fund Office at 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, or call (646) 473-8666. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242). Additional Explanation The 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund is required by law to provide you with this notice about your plan’s funding. The Trustees of your Fund are committed to helping provide you with security in your retirement, and if you have any questions about your pension benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact the Pension Fund Office.

Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of January 1, 2008 was $9,082,662,956. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $452,865,262. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 20.0 to 1. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 20 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds Year-End Financial Statements 2007 In this document, you’ll find an overview of the financial information for your Funds, which we are required by law to make available to you each year. These reports have also been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required by the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE 1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE EMPLOYEES EIN 13-1628401 Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 Insurance Information The plan has a contract with Amalgamated Life Insurance Company to pay certain claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2007 were $7,805,935. Because it is a so-called “experience-rated” contract, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2007, the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contract were $7,252,003, and the total of all benefit claims paid under the experience-rated contract during the plan year was $7,082,618.

Basic Financial Statement The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $14,453,283 as of December 31, 2007, compared to $9,960,915 as of January 1, 2007. During the Plan year the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,492,368. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of Plan assets, that is, the difference between the value of the Plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the Plan year, the Plan had total income of $9,481,719, including employer contributions of $9,498,130; grant income of $229,565; and losses from investments of $254,637. Plan expenses were $4,989,351. These expenses included $1,564,170 in administrative expenses, and $3,425,181 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1199SEIU LEAGUE REGISTERED NURSE TRAINING AND JOB SECURITY FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the 1199SEIU League Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund (Employer Identification No. 13-3946135, Plan No. 501), a Taft-Hartley trusteed-employee welfare benefit fund, for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $145,586,916 as of December 31, 2007, compared to $135,352,231 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $10,234,685. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets, that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $1,029,617,899, including employer contributions of $1,018,231,581; employee contributions for COBRA benefits of $2,707,323; and net earnings from investments of $5,703,498. Plan expenses were $1,019,383,212. These expenses included $76,586,506 in administrative expenses and $942,796,709 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE 1199SEIU HEALTH CARE EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND EIN 13-3604862, Plan No. 001 for the period January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $487,975,240; these expenses included $35,109,978 in administrative expenses and $452,865,262 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 204,594 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $9,082,662,956 as of December 31, 2007, compared to $8,743,762,876 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $338,900,080. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of plan assets, that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $808,960,246, including employer contributions of $211,402,628 and net earnings from investments of $597,557,618. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary’s statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA.

The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $2,763,161 as of December 31, 2007, compared to $1,882,649 as of January 1, 2007. During the Plan year the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $880,512. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of Plan assets, that is, the difference between the value of the Plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the Plan year, the Plan had total income of $4,007,880, including employer contributions of $2,485,394; grant income of $1,490,156 and earnings from investments of $4,291. Plan expenses were $3,127,368. These expenses included $556,043 in administrative expenses, and $2,571,325 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1199SEIU LEAGUE TRAINING AND UPGRADING FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund (Employer Identification No. 13-2637580, Plan No. 501), a welfare benefit fund, for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

This is a summary of the annual report of the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund (Employer Identification No. 13-3712851, Plan No. 501), a welfare benefit fund, for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

The current crisis on Wall Street has many people around the country – and many of our 1199SEIU members – worried about their retirement security. But we can assure you that your 1199SEIU pension will provide you with financial security when you retire. You are part of a small and unique group of workers. Your Pension Funds offer a defined pension benefit that will pay you a fixed monthly amount when you retire, and that payment is based on a set formula that is not subject to the whims of the market. The people you hear about on the news whose retirement savings are disappearing in this financial crisis are largely those whose savings were invested in private retirement accounts, like 401(k)s. In fact, today fewer than one in five employees have the defined pension benefit that 1199SEIU members enjoy.

quickly then, it may take longer to emerge from this current crisis. We are keeping a careful eye on the bottom line and will keep you informed along the way.

We can assure you that your 1199SEIU pension will provide you with financial

Basic Financial Statement The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $24,078,933 as of December 31, 2007, compared to $24,262,218 as of January 1, 2007. During the Plan year the Plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $183,285. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of Plan assets, that is, the difference between the value of the Plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the Plan year, the Plan had total income of $48,826,011, including employer contributions of $27,985,895; grant income of $19,308,913; realized losses of $45,107 from the sale of assets; and losses from investments of $205,475. Plan expenses were $49,009,296. These expenses included $5,476,159 in administrative expenses, and $43,533,137 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE 1199SEIU EMPLOYER CHILD CARE FUND EIN 133641466, Plan Number 501 for the period of January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 Basic Financial Statement

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1199SEIU LEAGUE JOB SECURITY FUND

Your 1199SEIU Pension

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $17,826,170 as of December 31, 2007, compared to $17,133,692 as of January 1, 2007. During the plan year the plan experienced a change in its nets assets of $692,478. This change includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets, that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $23,281,044,

security when you retire. Your pension dollars are managed jointly in our three 1199SEIU Pension Funds, which have billions of dollars in assets. And, you have a full-time investment staff, working for you every day to ensure that our assets are diversified and can weather economic downturns. But we are not immune to a volatile market. We are being challenged to ensure the health of the 1199SEIU Pension Funds. It is important to remember that we have handled difficult markets in the past when our Fund had negative returns, such as right after 9/11. However, while the market recovered

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

The Earned Income Tax Credit Can Mean Thousands of Dollars More at Tax Time You work hard for your money, so when income tax time comes, why not make sure your refund is the highest it can be by applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit? Thousands of 1199SEIU members are eligible for it, and every year the Benefit Fund’s Earned Income Tax Credit Assistance Program helps members claim the money they earned – and deserve.

Where to Apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit

Last year, our program helped many of you get thousands in your tax refund – and this year we’re doing it again. So read on to find where, when and how to take advantage of our discounted tax preparation.

As long as you’re filing a basic return, and your income is $55,000 or less if you’re claiming dependents (or $30,000 or less with no dependents), you can qualify for this program.

You can have your tax return prepared at discounted rates and apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit at Benefit Fund offices and satellite locations throughout New York City. There’s no need to make an appointment, because it’s first come, first served.

Tax Preparation Events Monday January 26, 2009 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 11:00 am – 5:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Thursday, February 5, 2009 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 11:00 am – 5:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Saturday, February 7, 2009 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Monday, February 9, 2009 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Friday, January 30, 2009 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Saturday, January 31, 2009 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Saturday, February 14, 2009 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Bronx Office 2501 Grand Concourse, 3rd Floor, Bronx, NY

Monday, February 2, 2009 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Monday, February 16, 2009 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 790 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Main Office 330 W 42nd Street, 33rd Floor, New York, NY

Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Bronx Office 2501 Grand Concourse, 3rd Floor, Bronx, NY

Friday, February 20, 2009 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 25 Elm Place (bet. Fulton and Livingston) Brooklyn, NY Saturday, February 21, 2009 9:30 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 25 Elm Place (bet. Fulton and Livingston) Brooklyn, NY Monday, February 23, 2009 9:30 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 25 Elm Place (bet. Fulton and Livingston) Brooklyn, NY

Haga del ejercicio un asunto familiar con las tarifas especiales de membresía en YMCA ¡Más de 200 miembros de 1199SEIU han ingresado a la YMCA! Recientemente su Fondo de Beneficios se asoció con YMCA of Greater New York para ofrecer membresías asequibles para familias que trabajan. Ahora usted puede proteger la salud de toda su familia, inscribiéndose en su YMCA local.

¡Para inscribirse y recibir un 20% de descuento en la tarifa mensual y un 50% de descuento en la cuota de inscripción, presente su solicitud en cualquier sede de YMCA of Greater New York, indíqueles que es miembro de 1199SEIU!

Monday, March 2, 2009 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Queens Office 97-45 Queens Blvd., 7th Floor, Rego Park, NY (Lefrak Towers at 64th Drive) Thursday, March 5, 2009 9:00 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Benefit Funds Queens Office 97-45 Queens Blvd., 7th Floor, Rego Park, NY (Lefrak Towers at 64th Drive)

Para inscribirse y recibir un 20% de descuento en la tarifa mensual y un 50% de descuento en la cuota de inscripción, presente su solicitud en cualquier sede de YMCA of Greater New York, indíqueles que es miembro de 1199SEIU y muéstreles su tarjeta de identificación de beneficios de salud de 1199SEIU. De este modo, mejore su salud y la de su familia, usando equipos de entrenamiento de fuerza y cardiovascular, la piscina, el gimnasio, la pista de carreras y caminatas y el Programa de Acondicionamiento Físico Personal de la YMCA. Además, no olvide que los miembros de 1199SEIU también pueden aprovechar los descuentos en New York York Sports Clubs (800-611-9833) y Crunch Fitness (212-993-0305). Simplemente llame y pida su descuento para los miembros de 1199SEIU.

Friday, February 27, 2009 10:00 am – 6:00 pm 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 25 Elm Place (bet. Fulton and Livingston) Brooklyn, NY Saturday, February 28, 2009 9:30 am – 3:00 pm 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 25 Elm Place (bet. Fulton and Livingston) Brooklyn, NY

La YMCA ofrece una variedad de programas comunitarios y familiares, además de excelentes instalaciones para hacer ejercicio. Su misión de apoyar a las familias y las comunidades, proporcionando acceso a actividades para un estilo de vida asequible y saludable, se combina bien con nuestro objetivo de proporcionar la información de estilo de vida saludable que muchos de ustedes nos han solicitado.

¡Cuéntenos su historia! Nuestros completos beneficios nos ayudan de muchas formas durante nuestras vidas. Si tiene una historia acerca de cómo sus beneficios le ayudaron a usted o alguien de su familia, y desea compartirla con nosotros, comuníquese con Para su beneficio, en communications@1199funds.org.

Obtenga respuestas a sus preguntas de beneficios en forma rápida y fácil Como parte de nuestros continuos esfuerzos por ayudarle a acceder y usar sus beneficios, a comienzos de este mes, 1,000 delegados y coordinadores de ayuda del Fondo de Beneficios se reunieron para aprender más acerca de la cobertura que proporcionan sus Fondos. Así, cuando tenga una pregunta acerca de su beneficio, recuerde que no tiene que ir muy lejos para encontrar la respuesta, ya que cuenta con recursos expertos justo en su lugar de trabajo. Además, como siempre, puede llamar a los representantes de Servicios para los Miembros del Fondo de Beneficios y Pensiones al (646) 473-9200 ó visitar nuestro sitio Web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

La verdad sobre las grasas saludables Escuchamos mucho acerca de evitar los alimentos grasos, sin embargo, las grasas saludables desempeñan un papel importante en nuestra dieta. De hecho, una dieta saludable debe contener de 25% a 35% de grasa.

a que nuestros cuerpos absorban los nutrientes de las frutas y verduras. Además, los ácidos grasos omega-3 incluso estimulan el crecimiento y desarrollo adecuados del cerebro. Por otra parte, las grasas saturadas y trans pueden elevar sus niveles de colesterol "malo" (LDL) si las consume con demasiada frecuencia, reducir sus niveles de colesterol bueno (HDL), e incluso producir obesidad y aumentar el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas.

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 cups (200g) Servings per container 2

Total Fat 12g Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 30 mg Sodium 235 mg Total Carbohydrate 16g Dietary Fiber 5g Sugars 4g Protein 6g

Calories from Fat 100 % Daily Value* 18% 15% 10% 10% 5% 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Todo está en asegurarse de que está consumiendo el tipo correcto de grasa en su dieta. La regla básica general es incluir mayoritariamente grasas insaturadas. Limite su ingesta de grasas saturadas y trans, las que aparecen en las etiquetas de información nutricional como aceites vegetales "hidrogenados" o "parcialmente hidrogenados". De hecho, las grasas trans que se encuentran en los aceites, la manteca y la margarina son una causa de preocupación tan importante, que actualmente se exige a los fabricantes de alimentos indicar en forma separada las grasas trans en las etiquetas de información nutricional, y la ciudad de Nueva York ha prohibido terminantemente su uso en restaurantes y panaderías. Las grasas monoinsaturadas y poliinsaturadas, como los ácidos grasos omega-3 que se encuentran en el pescado, tienen muchos efectos secundarios saludables para nosotros. Proporcionan antioxidantes y ayudan

What You Need to Bring to Have Your Taxes Prepared Avoid being turned away for not having all the documents you need to get your taxes prepared. See the list below to make sure you have everything and everyone on hand when you’re ready to go. CLIP AND BRING THIS WITH YOU!

Limite estos alimentos …

K Your spouse. If you are filing a joint return, both you and your spouse must be present.

•

margarina;

•

mantequilla;

K Government-issued photo ID for you and your spouse (if filing a joint return)

•

alimentos fritos;

•

refrigerios y galletas procesados (las grasas trans agregan sabor y prolongan la duración);

•

cortes grasos de carnes;

•

productos lácteos con grasa;

•

cualquier alimento que contenga aceites hidrogenados o parcialmente hidrogenados.

Amount per serving

Calories 220

Be Prepared!

… y obtenga las grasas insaturadas y otros nutrientes de éstos: •

aceites vegetales (oliva, maní, canola, sésamo);

•

frutas secas;

•

semillas;

•

pescados y mariscos;

•

mantequilla de maní;

•

aguacates;

•

aceitunas;

•

productos lácteos bajos en grasas.

Recuerde que a pesar de que estos alimentos son una mejor fuente de grasas, algunos de éstos aún son altos en calorías, de modo que disfrútelos con moderación. Fuente: American Heart Association

K Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you and anyone on your tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration (originals or copies). Copies of a past year’s tax return are not accepted as proof of Social Security Number (SSN). K W-2s for all 2008 jobs. If you are self-employed (getting paid in cash or personal checks), you must know your total income for 2008. K Form 1099-G, if you received unemployment insurance in 2008 K Form 1099-INT, if you received interest from a bank account in 2008 K Form 1098-T, if you paid tuition for post-high school education K Form 1098-E, if you paid student loan interest for post-high school education K Form 1099-D, if you received dividends K To claim child care expenses, bring: • 2008 total paid • child care agency’s ID, or name and SSN of child care provider K Sample check or bank statement with routing and account numbers, if you want to direct deposit your refund (If you need services for prior year tax returns or an amended return, these services will be available in March.)

DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR SPOUSE IF YOU ARE FILING JOINTLY! YOU CAN’T FILE WITHOUT HIM OR HER! Discounted Rates for 1199SEIU Members If your income is...

You pay...

File at an 1199SEIU Tax Preparation Event EITC-eligible or not EITC-eligible

$30,000 or less with $10 no dependents ($55,000 or less if claiming dependents)

File at H&R Block EITC-eligible

Less than $12,590 with no dependents ($39,783 if claiming dependents)

$20

Not EITC-eligible

Less than $35,000 with no dependents ($60,000 if claiming dependents)

$79

Can’t get to one of our Tax Preparation events? If your income is less than $35,000 (or $60,000 if you are claiming dependents), you can still qualify for discounted tax prep through H&R Block. In January, you’ll receive a coupon in the mail from your Benefit Fund. Bring it to a participating H&R Block,* and if you’re eligible for the EITC, you’ll pay only $20 to have your return prepared. If you’re not EITC-eligible, you’ll pay $79. * Any H&R Block in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Rockland County, New Jersey, Hudson Valley, Albany

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

Prescription Programs Protect Your Benefits and Safeguard Your Health One of the benefits that sets you apart as an 1199SEIU member is your access to full prescription coverage with no out-of-pocket costs. Your Benefit Fund works closely with Medco’s clinicians to protect your prescription benefits while making sure you can use the most clinically effective medications on the market at the most affordable price. In January, we’ll be introducing some new programs that do more of that. One of the ways we’ve been able to manage our prescription costs is by asking you to choose from the medications on the Benefit Fund’s Preferred Drug List, a list of commonly used, clinically effective medications for which we’ve negotiated the best prices. In January, we will be expanding our Preferred Drug List to include 10 more classes of commonly prescribed medications such as cough and cold drugs, acne therapy, asthma inhalers and certain prescription vitamins. We will also be requiring Step Therapy for seven new specialty medications, including some of those that treat arthritis, diabetes and epilepsy. This program asks you to try a less-expensive, clinically effective version of a medication first to see if it works for you. If it doesn’t, your doctor can request that you “step up” to a costlier, brand-name medication. Step Therapy will only affect new users, not members who are already stabilized on their medications.

Finally, we will be working with your doctor to make sure that when he or she is prescribing certain specialty medications, they are the safest and most clinically effective dosages for the right length of time. For instance, some treatments are designed to work in a cycle, such as 10 days on the medication followed by 10 days off. These medications just wouldn’t be effective if you took them for 30 days in a row. Your Benefit Fund’s clinical team wants to make sure that you are getting the most from your treatment plan.

Mantenga los hábitos saludables durante las fiestas de fin de año Muchos de nosotros hemos trabajado mucho para introducir los hábitos de alimentación saludable y ejercicios en nuestras vidas. Si usted es uno de los cientos de miembros que este año asistió a uno de nuestros talleres de nutrición o ferias de salud del Programa de Bienestar, sabemos que se comprometió a mantener su salud en el buen camino. Sin embargo, es fácil olvidarse de anteponer su salud durante la ocupada y estresante época de las fiestas de fin de año.

•

Comience una nueva tradición de fin de año, saliendo a caminar con toda la familia después de una gran comida.

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No es necesario que todo el tiempo sea perfecto. Tómese la época de fiestas de fin de año día a día. Si un día se consiente, póngase al día levantándose y haciendo ejercicio al día siguiente. ¿Por qué no inscribirse para una membresía con descuento de 1199SEIU en su YMCA local? (Consulte los detalles en la página 17).

•

All these programs work toward the

prescription drug coverage with no out-of-

•

pocket costs. But we can’t do it without your help. Make sure you talk to your doctor about using the Preferred Drug List and other prescription programs. You can download the most recent Preferred Drug List and other important prescription information at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Ofrézcase para llevar un plato festivo y saludable, como la receta de Peras Cocidas del libro de cocina ¿Qué está cocinando?, del Fondo de Beneficios (consulte la receta a continuación).

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Vístase para la ocasión. Use un atuendo favorecedor que destaque su éxito en la alimentación y el ejercicio, y será menos probable que se consienta.

Puede que le preocupe subir algunas libras o perder el ritmo de las rutinas de ejercicios u otros hábitos saludables que ha trabajado. Sin embargo, recuerde que en una vida saludable las cosas no tienen que ser todo o nada. Sólo tomar algunas medidas puede ayudarle a continuar con todo su trabajo duro.

Benefit Fund’s goal of preserving your Step Therapy isn’t just about containing costs – it’s about your safety, too. We will be closely reviewing use of these medications to make sure they are being prescribed for their FDA-approved use. This isn’t always the case. Many doctors prescribe medications “off label,” which can cause serious, harmful side effects. But there’s no need for a doctor to prescribe drugs off label when your Benefit Fund covers medications specifically for your condition that won’t put your health at risk.

•

En las fiestas, observe todos los alimentos que le ofrecen en la mesa del bufet y elija algunos que disfrute más. Luego, propóngase un objetivo de comer bien en los días en que no deba asistir a una fiesta o celebración. Coma un refrigerio pequeño y nutritivo antes de salir a una fiesta, de modo de no sentir demasiada hambre y atiborrarse de comida en el primer plato. No se salte las comidas antes de una fiesta en la que comerá. Las calorías que contiene el alcohol se suman rápidamente, y si bebe, también es probable que coma más. Consuma una bebida libre de calorías trago por medio, eligiendo agua mineral con lima o un poco de jugo, o una gaseosa dietética.

Peras cocidas (Rinde 6 porciones) Nancy Storch, Enfermera, St. John's Episcopal Hospital Ingredientes:

Indicaciones:

6 peras peladas 2 tazas de jugo de manzana 1 cucharadita de canela Una pizca de nuez moscada 1 clavo de olor 4 onzas de chocolate negro

Pele las peras, manténgalas en agua con una pizca de jugo de limón para evitar que se oscurezcan. Ponga las peras en un tazón con jugo de manzana, canela, nuez moscada y clavo de olor. Cocine a fuego lento por 20 minutos. En un tazón, caliente en microondas el chocolate negro. (¡El chocolate negro tiene menos grasa que el chocolate con leche y libera endorfinas que son buenas para usted!) Vierta el chocolate sobre las peras.

¡Buena fuente de fibra soluble (de la pera) y antioxidantes (del chocolate negro)!

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

Los programas de medicamentos de venta con receta médica protegen sus beneficios y su salud Uno de los beneficios que lo distingue como miembro de 1199SEIU es su acceso a una cobertura completa de medicamentos de venta con receta médica sin ningún costo a su cargo. Su Fondo de Beneficios trabaja estrechamente con profesionales clínicos de Medco, a fin de proteger sus beneficios de medicamentos de venta con receta médica y al mismo tiempo garantizar que pueda usar los medicamentos clínicamente más eficaces del mercado al precio más asequible. En enero presentaremos algunos de los nuevos programas que hacen más de esto. Una de las formas en que hemos podido administrar nuestros costos de medicamentos de venta con receta médica es pidiéndole a usted que elija entre los medicamentos que se encuentran en la Lista de medicamentos preferidos del Fondo de Beneficios, una lista de medicamentos que se usan comúnmente, clínicamente eficaces y por los cuales hemos negociado los mejores precios. En enero ampliaremos nuestra Lista de medicamentos preferidos para incluir 10 tipos más de medicamentos que se recetan comúnmente, tales como medicamentos para la tos y el resfrío, terapia para el acné, inhaladores para el asma y ciertas vitaminas de venta con receta médica. También solicitaremos una Terapia escalonada para siete medicamentos de especialidad nuevos, entre los que se encuentran algunos que tratan la artritis, la diabetes y la epilepsia. Este programa le pide probar primero una versión más económica y clínicamente eficaz de un medicamento a fin de comprobar si funciona para usted. Si no funciona, su médico puede solicitar que “avance” a un medicamento de marca registrada más costoso. La Terapia escalonada sólo afectará a los nuevos usuarios, no a los miembros que ya están estabilizados con sus medicamentos. La Terapia escalonada no se trata solamente de contener los costos, sino también de su seguridad. Revisaremos atentamente el uso de dichos medicamentos para asegurarnos de que se receten para el uso aprobado por la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos (FDA, Food and Drug Administration), lo cual no siempre es el caso. Muchos médicos recetan medicamentos cuyo uso no está indicado en la etiqueta, lo cual puede provocar efectos secundarios graves y dañinos. No obstante, no hay necesidad de que un

médico recete medicamentos cuyo uso no esté indicado en la etiqueta cuando su Fondo de Beneficios cubre medicamentos específicos para su afección, los cuales no pondrán en riesgo su salud. Finalmente, trabajaremos con su médico para garantizar que cuando éste le recete ciertos medicamentos de especialidad, éstos sean con la dosificación más segura y clínicamente más eficaz durante el período correcto. Por ejemplo, algunos tratamientos están diseñados para que surtan efecto en un ciclo, como 10 días con ese medicamento, seguidos de 10 días sin el medicamento. Estos medicamentos simplemente no surtirían efecto si los tomara durante 30 días seguidos. El equipo de profesionales clínicos de su Fondo de Beneficios desea asegurarse de que esté recibiendo lo máximo de su plan de tratamiento.

Keep Up Healthy Habits Through the Holidays Many of us have worked hard to introduce healthy eating and exercise habits into our lives. If you are one of the thousands of members who attended one of our Wellness Program’s nutrition workshops or health fairs this year, we know that you have committed to get your health on track. But it’s easy to forget to put your health first during the busy, stressful holiday season.

Offer to bring a festive, healthy dish, like the Poached Pears from the Benefit Fund’s What’s Cooking cookbook (see recipe below).

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Dress the part. Wear a flattering outfit that highlights your eating and exercise successes, and you’ll be less likely to overindulge.

You may be worrying about gaining a few pounds or losing track of the exercise routines or other healthy habits you’ve worked into your life. But remember, healthy living doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Just taking a few steps can help you hold on to all of your hard work. •

Start a new holiday tradition by going for a walk with the entire family after a big holiday meal.

•

You don’t have to be perfect all the time. Take the holiday season day by day. If you overindulge one day, get back on track by getting up and exercising the next day. Why not sign up for an 1199SEIU discount membership at your local YMCA? (See details on page 9.)

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Todos estos programas trabajan para lograr el objetivo del Fondo de Beneficios, que consiste en mantener su cobertura de medicamentos de venta con receta médica sin ningún costo a su cargo. Sin embargo, no podemos hacerlo sin su ayuda. Hable con su médico sobre el uso de la Lista de medicamentos preferidos y otros programas de medicamentos de venta con receta médica. Puede descargar la Lista de medicamentos preferidos más reciente y otras informaciones de medicamentos de venta con receta médica importantes, en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

•

At parties, look at all the foods offered on the buffet table and pick a few that you enjoy most. Then, make it a goal to eat well on the days you don’t have a party or celebration to attend. Eat a small, nutritious snack before leaving for a party so you’re not too hungry and don’t binge on hors d'oeuvres. Don’t skip meals in anticipation of party eating. The calories in alcohol add up quickly, and if you’re drinking, you’re also liable to eat more. Make every other drink calorie-free by choosing seltzer with lime or a splash of juice, or a diet soda.

Poached Pears

(serves six) Nancy Storch, RN, St. John's Episcopal Hospital Ingredients:

Directions:

6 pears, peeled 2 cups apple juice 1 tsp. cinnamon Dash of nutmeg 1 clove 4 oz. dark chocolate

Peel the pears and keep in water with a dash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Put the pears in a pot with apple juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Poach for about 20 minutes. In a bowl, microwave the dark chocolate. (Dark chocolate has less fat than milk chocolate and releases endorphins, which are good for you!) Pour chocolate over pears.

Good source of soluble fiber (from the pear) and antioxidants (from the dark chocolate)!

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

The Skinny on Healthy Fats We hear so much about avoiding fatty foods, but healthy fats play an important role in our diet. In fact, a healthy diet should contain fat as 25 to 35% of your total daily calories.

Nutrition Facts Amount per serving

Total Fat 12g Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 2g Cholesterol 30 mg Sodium 235 mg Total Carbohydrate 16g Dietary Fiber 5g Sugars 4g Protein 6g

Calories from Fat 100 % Daily Value* 18% 15% 10% 10% 5% 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

It’s all in making sure you’re getting the right kind of fat in your diet. The basic rule of thumb is to include mostly unsaturated fats. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, which are listed on nutrition labels as “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” vegetable oils. In fact, the trans fats that are found in oils, shortening and margarine are such a cause for concern that food manufacturers are now required to list trans fats separately on the nutrition label, and New York City has banned restaurants and bakeries from using trans fats at all. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats like the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish produce a world of healthy side effects for us. They provide antioxidants and help our bodies absorb nutrients

On the other hand, saturated and trans fats can raise your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) if you eat them too often, lower your good cholesterol (HDL) and even lead to obesity and raise the risk of heart disease.

Qué necesita llevar para preparar su declaración de impuestos Evite que lo rechacen por no tener todos los documentos necesarios para que le preparen su declaración de impuestos. Revise la lista que aparece a continuación para asegurarse de que tiene todo a mano cuando esté listo para ir. ¡PRESILLE ESTO Y TRÁIGALO CONSIGO!

Serving Size 1 cups (200g) Servings per container 2

Calories 220

from fruits and vegetables. And omega-3 fatty acids even spur proper brain growth and development.

¡Prepárese!

Limit these foods …

K Su cónyuge. Si presenta una declaración conjunta, tanto usted como su cónyuge deben estar presentes.

•

Margarine

•

Butter

K Identificación con fotografía emitida por el gobierno de usted y su cónyuge (si presenta una declaración conjunta).

•

Fried foods

•

Processed snack foods, cookies and crackers (trans fats add flavor and extend shelf life)

•

Fatty cuts of meat

•

Full-fat dairy products

•

Anything containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils

… And get your unsaturated fats and other nutrients from these instead

K La tarjeta del Seguro Social o el número de identificación de contribuyente individual (ITIN, por sus siglas en inglés) de usted y de cualquier persona en su declaración de impuestos, o una carta de la Administración del Seguro Social (originales o copias). Las copias de la declaración de impuestos del año anterior no se aceptan como evidencia del número del Seguro Social (SSN, por sus siglas en inglés).

Si sus ingresos son de...

Usted paga...

Se presenta en un evento de preparación de la declaración de impuestos de 1199SEIU Cumple los requisitos $30,000 ó menos $10 para el EITC o no cumple sin dependientes los requisitos para el EITC ($55,000 ó menos si reclama dependientes) Se presenta en H&R Block Cumple los requisitos para el EITC

Menos de $12,590 sin dependientes ($39,783 si reclama dependientes)

$20

K Formulario 1099-G, si recibió un seguro de desempleo en 2008.

No cumple los requisitos para el EITC

Menos de $35,000 sin dependientes ($60,000 si reclama dependientes)

$79

K Formulario 1099-INT, si recibió intereses de una cuenta bancaria en 2008.

Vegetable oils – olive, peanut, canola, sesame

•

Nuts

•

Seeds

K Formulario 1098-E, si pagó intereses por préstamo estudiantil para educación superior.

•

Fish and seafood

K Formulario 1099-D, si recibió dividendos.

•

Peanut butter

•

Avocados

•

Olives

•

Low-fat dairy products

K Para reclamar gastos de cuidado infantil, lleve: • o el total pagado durante el año 2008 • o la identificación o el nombre de la agencia de cuidado infantil, y el número del Seguro Social del proveedor de cuidado infantil.

Source: American Heart Association

Tarifas con descuento para los miembros de 1199SEIU

K Formulario W-2 para todos los trabajos de 2008. Si usted es un trabajador independiente (recibe un pago en efectivo o cheques personales), debe conocer sus ingresos totales del año 2008.

•

Remember, even though they’re a better source of fats, some of these foods are still high in calories. So, enjoy them in moderation.

¡NO OLVIDE IR CON SU CÓNYUGE SI PRESENTA UNA DECLARACIÓN CONJUNTA! ¡NO PUEDE PRESENTARLA SIN ÉSTE!

K Formulario 1098-T, si pagó matrícula de educación superior.

K Cheque de muestra o estado de cuenta bancaria con número de identificación del cheque y la cuenta, si desea que le depositen directamente su devolución. (Si necesita servicios para declaraciones de impuestos de años anteriores o una declaración de impuestos modificada, dichos servicios estarán disponibles en marzo).

¿No puede asistir a uno de nuestros eventos de preparación de la declaración de impuestos? Si sus ingresos son menores de $35,000 (ó $60,000 si reclama dependientes), todavía puede calificar para la preparación de la declaración de impuestos con descuento a través de H&R Block. En enero recibirá un cupón de su Fondo de Beneficios, por correo. Tráigalo a un H&R Block participante,* y si cumple los requisitos para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo, pagará sólo $20 por la preparación de su declaración de impuestos. Si no cumple los requisitos para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo, tendrá que pagar $79. * En cualquier H&R Block en la ciudad de Nueva York y en los condados de Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, New Jersey, Hudson Valley y Albany.

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

El Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo puede significar miles de dólares más al momento de declarar los impuestos Usted se esfuerza para ganar su dinero, de modo que cuando llega el período de declarar sus impuestos, ¿por qué no asegurarse de que su devolución sea la más alta que pueda obtener solicitando el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo? Miles de miembros de 1199SEIU cumplen los requisitos para ello y cada año el Programa de Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo del Fondo de Beneficios ayuda a que los miembros reclamen el dinero que ganaron, y que se merecen.

A dónde dirigirse para solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo

El año pasado nuestro programa ayudó a muchas personas a recibir miles de dólares en su declaración de impuestos y, este año, lo haremos nuevamente. De modo que siga leyendo para obtener información sobre dónde, cuándo y cómo aprovechar nuestra preparación de la declaración de impuestos con descuento.

Siempre que presente una declaración básica, y sus ingresos sean de $55,000 ó menos si reclama dependientes (o $30,000 ó menos sin dependientes), usted puede calificar para este programa.

Usted puede preparar su declaración de impuestos a tarifas con descuento y solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo en las oficinas del Fondo de Beneficios o en sus sedes en toda la ciudad de Nueva York. No es necesario programar una cita, porque es por orden de llegada.

Make Exercise a Family Affair With Special YMCA Membership Rates More than 200 1199ers have joined the Y! Your Benefit Fund recently partnered with The YMCA of Greater New York to offer you memberships that are affordable for working families. Now, you can protect your whole family’s health by joining your local YMCA.

Eventos de preparación de la declaración de impuestos Lunes 26 de enero de 2009 de 12:00 p.m. a 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Miércoles 4 de febrero de 2009 de 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Martes 27 de enero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Jueves 5 de febrero de 2009 de 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Miércoles 28 de enero de 2009 de 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Sábado 7 de febrero de 2009 de 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Jueves 29 de enero de 2009 de 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Lunes 9 de febrero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Viernes 30 de enero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Martes 10 de febrero de 2009 de 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Sábado 31 de enero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Sábado 14 de febrero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. oficina del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU en Bronx 2501 Grand Concourse, 3° piso, Bronx, NY

Lunes 2 de febrero de 2009 de 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Lunes 16 de febrero de 2009 de 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fondos de Empleo y Capacitación de 1199SEIU 790 Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY

Martes 3 de febrero de 2009 de 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. oficina principal del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU 330 W 42nd Street, 33° piso, New York, NY

Jueves 19 de febrero de 2009 de 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. oficina del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU en Bronx 2501 Grand Concourse, 3° piso, Bronx, NY

Viernes 20 de febrero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Fondos de Empleo y Capacitación de 1199SEIU 25 Elm Place (entre Fulton y Livingston) Brooklyn, NY Sábado 21 de febrero de 2009 de 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fondos de Empleo y Capacitación de 1199SEIU 25 Elm Place (entre Fulton y Livingston) Brooklyn, NY Lunes 23 de febrero de 2009 de 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fondos de Empleo y Capacitación de 1199SEIU 25 Elm Place (entre Fulton y Livingston) Brooklyn, NY

To join and receive 20% off the monthly rate and 50% off the joiner’s fee, apply at any branch of The YMCA of Greater New York and tell them you are an 1199SEIU member!

Lunes 2 de marzo de 2009 de 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. oficina del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU en Queens 97-45 Queens Blvd., 7mo piso, Rego Park, NY (Lefrak Towers en 64th Drive) Jueves 5 de marzo de 2009 de 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. oficina del Fondo de Beneficios de 1199SEIU en Queens 97-45 Queens Blvd., 7mo piso, Rego Park, NY (Lefrak Towers en 64th Drive)

To join and receive 20% off the monthly rate and 50% off the joiner’s fee, apply at any branch of The YMCA of Greater New York, tell them you are an 1199SEIU member and show them your 1199SEIU Health Benefits ID card. Then, improve your and your family’s health by using state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment, the pool, gym, walking/running track and the free Y Personal Fitness program. And don’t forget – 1199SEIU members can take advantage of discounts at New York Sports Clubs (800-611-9833) and Crunch Fitness (212-993-0305) as well. Just call and ask about the discount for 1199SEIU members.

Viernes 27 de febrero de 2009 de 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Fondos de Empleo y Capacitación de 1199SEIU 25 Elm Place (entre Fulton y Livingston) Brooklyn, NY Sábado 28 de febrero de 2009 de 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fondos de Empleo y Capacitación de 1199SEIU 25 Elm Place (entre Fulton y Livingston) Brooklyn, NY

The Y offers an assortment of community and family programs in addition to excellent exercise facilities. Its mission to support families and communities by providing access to affordable and healthy lifestyle activities meshes well with our goal of supplying you with the healthy lifestyle information so many of you have asked us to provide.

Share Your Story! Our comprehensive benefits help us in many ways throughout our lives. If you’ve got a story you’d like to share with us about how your benefits helped you or someone in your family, contact For Your Benefit at communications@1199funds.org.

Get Answers to Your Benefit Questions Quickly and Easily As part of our continuing efforts to help you access and use your benefits, earlier this month over 1,000 Delegates and Benefit Fund Outreach Coordinators came together to learn more about the coverage that your Funds provide. So when you have a benefit question, remember that you don’t have to look far for an answer – you have expert resources right at your worksite! And, as always, you can call the Benefit and Pension Funds’ Member Service Representatives at (646) 473-9200 or go to our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

DE NUESTROS FONDOS DE BENEFICIOS Y PENSIONES DE 1199SEIU

INVIERNO DE 2008-2009

Para Su Beneficio Un boletín dedicado a la salud y al bienestar de los miembros de 1199SEIU

Carta De La Directora Ejecutiva Estimado miembro de 1199SEIU, El empeoramiento de la economía del país, la pérdida de los ahorros para la jubilación de quienes tienen cuentas de jubilación privadas y la tendencia de los empleadores a cambiar los costos de los beneficios de salud a los empleados nos sirven para recordarnos lo raro que se están volviendo beneficios como los nuestros, y la suerte que tenemos al contar con ellos. En esta edición de Para su beneficio, le informaremos cómo su Fondo de Beneficios y Pensiones puede apoyarlo durante este período financiero inestable. Leerá sobre lo que se está haciendo para asegurar que nuestros Fondos de Pensiones se sobrepongan a la crisis financiera en Wall Street, y lo que puede esperar para el próximo año. También leerá sobre oportunidades de talleres para proteger la inversión en su hogar a través de nuestro Programa de Préstamos Hipotecarios para la Vivienda, y cómo recuperar miles de dólares en su cuenta bancaria en el momento de declarar los impuestos a través de nuestro Programa de Asistencia del Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo. Además, leerá sobre los medicamentos adicionales que estamos agregando a nuestra Lista de medicamentos preferidos y otros programas que garantizan que usted está recibiendo la atención que necesita mientras mantenemos nuestros costos de recetas bajos y protegemos sus beneficios de salud. También hemos incluido algunos consejos sobre cómo controlar el estrés de la época de fiestas de fin de año sin descuidar sus hábitos de alimentación saludable y de práctica de ejercicios. De hecho, una de las formas en que puede hacerlo es aprovechando las membresías con descuentos que el Fondo de Beneficios ha negociado para usted en YMCA, New York Sports Clubs y Crunch Fitness. Recuerde: Su Fondo de Beneficios y Pensiones es su fondo, y estamos aquí para darle a usted y a su familia el apoyo que necesitan. Le deseamos una temporada de fiestas segura y feliz.

El Programa de Préstamos Hipotecarios para la Vivienda lo comunica con los expertos El empeoramiento de la economía del país nos hizo pensar, y en ocasiones preocuparnos, de nuestra seguridad financiera. Es por esto que, ya sea que necesite ayuda con un presupuesto, asesoría crediticia, ahorrar para comprar una casa o ayuda para mantener la que tiene, el Programa de Préstamos Hipotecarios para la Vivienda del Fondo de Beneficios puede comunicarlo con el experto que necesita. Al formar sociedades más sólidas con las organizaciones financieras y comunitarias de su vecindario, trabajamos para garantizar que pueda tomar las mejores decisiones financieras. Asista a uno de nuestros seminarios o talleres del Programa de Préstamos Hipotecarios para la Vivienda, donde daremos todos los detalles acerca de los servicios y la ayuda que proporcionan nuestros socios.

Esté pendiente de los nuevos talleres que realizaremos el próximo año; pronto anunciaremos las fechas. Puede llamar al Programa de Préstamos Hipotecarios para la Vivienda al (646) 473-9200.

Su pensión de 1199SEIU La actual crisis en Wall Street tiene a muchas personas en el país, y a muchos de nuestros miembros de 1199SEIU, preocupados con respecto a la seguridad de su jubilación. Sin embargo, podemos asegurarle que su pensión de 1199SEIU le proporcionará seguridad financiera cuando se jubile. El dinero de su pensión es administrado en conjunto por nuestros tres Fondos de Pensiones de 1199SEIU, los cuales cuentan con miles de millones de dólares en activos. Además, usted cuenta con un equipo de inversionistas que trabaja a tiempo completo para usted todos los días a fin de asegurar que nuestros activos estén diversificados y puedan sobrellevar los periodos de crisis económica.

negativa después del 9/11. Sin embargo, si bien el mercado se recuperó rápidamente en aquella ocasión, puede que esta vez tome más tiempo superar la crisis actual. Estamos monitoreando la situación atentamente y le mantendremos informado durante el proceso.

Sin embargo, podemos asegurarle que su pensión de 1199SEIU le proporcionará seguridad financiera cuando se jubile. Sus Fondos de Pensiones le ofrecen un beneficio de pensión definido que le pagará una cantidad mensual fija cuando se jubile. El pago de su pensión se basa en una fórmula establecida y no está sujeta a los caprichos del mercado. Las personas sobre las que escucha en las noticias, cuyos ahorros para la jubilación están desapareciendo en esta crisis financiera, son mayormente aquéllas cuyos ahorros fueron invertidos en cuentas de jubilación privadas, como las 401(k). De hecho, actualmente menos de uno de cada cinco empleados tiene el beneficio de pensión definido que disfrutan los miembros de 1199SEIU. Pero no somos inmunes a un mercado volátil. Tenemos el desafío de garantizar la salud de los Fondos de Pensiones de 1199SEIU. Es importante recordar que hemos manejado mercados difíciles en el pasado, como cuando nuestro Fondo tuvo una rentabilidad