Alternate identifiers
Identity theft is one of the key issues of our time. To protect your identity, the UUP Benefit Trust Fund has been working toward a system that will use unique — or alternate — identifiers instead of Social Security numbers.
As The Voice went to press, we were finalizing a new process with our vendors that will allow UUP members to access their dental and vision benefits using an alternate identifier.
We appreciate our members’ concerns regarding their personal information and we want UUP members to rest assured that, in the near future, their Social Security numbers will no longer be used by the UUP Benefit Trust Fund to access dental and vision benefits information.
Additionally, the New York Social Security Number Protection Law was enacted Sept. 26, 2006. Although compliance with this law will not be mandatory until Jan. 1, 2008, UUP has and will continue to work diligently to eliminate the use of Social Security numbers nearly a year before this deadline.
How will this new security program work at the UUP Benefit Trust Fund?
As a UUP member, you are issued a NYSUT/UUP membership card. This card contains a seven-character identifier that is unique to each UUP member. You will need to reference this alternate identifier when you call either CIGNA, Davis Vision or the UUP Benefit Trust Fund to access your dental and vision benefits information.
Please note that the UUP alternate identifier does not apply to health related information.
We are putting the final pieces together for this extremely important program. Please watch for future Voice articles for more information.
Davis Vision remains provider
Davis Vision will continue to offer their excellent vision care program to UUP members and I would like to take this opportunity to showcase two programs that Davis Vision offers to our members.
Laser Vision Program
Davis Vision offers eligible members and dependents the opportunity to receive laser vision correction services at significant discounts through a network of credentialed surgeons.
By using the laser vision program in-network providers, members will save up to 25 percent on the provider’s regular rate or 5 percent on any advertised rate.
For more information, call (800) 584-2866 and enter client code 7512, or go to www.davisvision.com.
The UUP Benefit Trust Fund has negotiated a $200 per-eye reimbursement for eligible UUP members and dependents, whether they’re using a participating or a non-participating provider.
The member must pay the provider directly for all charges and submit a claim within 180 days of the date of service to: Davis Vision, Laser Correction Claims Processing, P.O. Box 1620, Latham, N.Y. 12110. Claim forms can be accessed at www.davisvision.com or by calling the Davis Vision Customer Service at (800) 999-5431.
LENS123
UUP members are also eligible for free membership and access to LENS123, a mail-order replacement contact lens service. LENS123 provides a fast and convenient way to purchase replacement contact lenses at significant savings.
For more information call (800) LENS123 or visit the LENS123 Web site at www.lens123.com.
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the Benefit Trust Fund representatives at (800) 887-3863. They will gladly help you with all of your questions.
And, remember, it’s all about our members!
ING Opportunity Plus
Just a quick note to remind UUP members who participate in the ING 403(b) Opportunity Program that they do not need to take any action or make any changes for current contributions to continue without disruption.
The discontinuation of the ING Opportunity Program contract, effective Dec. 31, 2006, means enrollees will no longer receive the financial counseling program, legal service plan, term life and survivor support programs for free. However, the programs may be purchased through NYSUT Member Benefits Trust on a voluntary basis.
Meanwhile, ING has announced a change to its Opportunity Plus death benefit provision. As of Dec. 31, 2006, the amount of money available to your beneficiary, if you die prior to the start of annuity payments, is guaranteed to be the greater of either the account value or your 2006 year-end account value — excluding any loan account.
Please contact the ING Opportunity Plus Customer Service Center at (800) 677-4636 with any questions.
— Doreen Bango, UUP Benefits Manager