UAW Local 31

Important Notice for
2008 Retirees
  If you are retiring in 2008,
you will need a Security Lock & Key Clearance Form. 
  Most members who will retire received this form.
If you did not receive this form, please pick one up at the Benefit Office.

ALL MEMBERS
  We hope the following will address questions regarding prescription drugs and coverage of some vitamins:  The following products will no longer be covered by the Plan.

• Nonsedating antihistamines, such as  Allegra, Clarinex, Zyrtec, and fexofenadine; generic version of Allegra.
• Most prescription vitamins and essential minerals, with the exception of:
• Potassium chloride
• Prenatal vitamins/females under the age of 49
• Vitamin D compounds used to treat kidney disease
• Vitamin K used for treating bleeding conditions
• Long-acting niacin, such as Niaspan or Niacor, used to treat heart conditions

  If you fill a prescription for a product that will no longer be covered after 1/1/2008, you will be responsible for the entire cost.

Over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives:  Talk to your doctor/pharmacist about all the treatment options available to you, including OTC medications for both vitamins and nonsedating antihistamines.  Various forms of OTC vitamins have been available for some time.  OTC available now are nonsedating antihistamines Claritin (and Loratadine- generic version of Claritin).  Zyrtec (should be available early 2008).  It may be available for less than the amount of your retail co-payment.

Your plan will soon have a new Specialty pharmacy process at retail.  (Specialty medications are typically injected, often require special handling, and are used to treat complex conditions such as anemia, hemophilia, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.) On July 1, 2008, a new network will be introduced to preserve broad access to specialty medications while securing better pricing, and providing for improved patient education around the use of specialty medications.  You’ll receive more information in the second quarter of 2008.

If your specialty medications come by mail order from Accredo Health Group then it’s best to use Medco/Accredo’s mail order service after your doctor has determined that your treatment regimen does not need to be changed or adjusted.

Changes in Eligibility for dependent children
Special Note:  Legal guardianship dependents will be canceled effective 6/1/08 if not blood related.

There were changes to eligibility for certain dependent eligible children effective 1/1/2009.  Children 19 and older will be covered only if they are full-time students until age 24.  In addition, legal guardianship has been limited to people related by blood to the primary enrollee or spouse.

Air Ambulance Expanded
Currently, air ambulance services are covered with a 50 percent member co-payment for the first 100 miles and 100 percent member co-payment for travel above 100 miles.  Under the proposed agreement, qualified air ambulance services will be fully covered with no mileage limit.

Vision Carrier Change
As of 1/1/2008 Davis Vision Replaces Cole Managed Vision
For information/Davis Vision provider call -1-888-672-8393, (Mon.-Fri. 8am and 11pm EST, Sat. 9am-4pm EST, Sun. Noon-4pm EST).  You can access the website www.davisvision.com 24/7.

Primary Care Access Improved
The primary care network was improved, allowing, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to fully practice under the scope of their licenses.  This means members can go to these practitioners for diagnosis, prescriptions, tests and treatment for acute conditions (like infections) and chronic diseases (like diabetes and heart disease).

Insurance Changes:
MRI scan limits were removed, PET scan coverage was expanded and improved hospice coverage.

Durable Medical Equip. Diabetic,Ostomy, Urological Supplies:
Great Lakes Medical Lymphedema Pumps 1-800-368-2364
Binsons 1-888-246-7667
Wright & Filippis 1-800-343-4944

Contact your Benefit Rep for questions (913) 321-5405.

HAVE A SAFE July 4th Holiday!

Local #31 Benefit Representatives
1st shift – Ron Montgomery and Craig Dumortier;
Cheryl Millican is the alternate
2nd shift – J. D. Hogan and Bobbie Dunnell
Phone: (913) 321-5405

Leeds Caretaker: Bob Fiscus @ 816-456-0200

National Benefit Center (800) 489-4646
BCBS Traditional (816) 395-3061
BCBS Blue Care (816)395-2700