Welcome to the Local 4 Funds Office Wellbeing Hub.
We’re glad you’re here!
We’re glad you’re here!
“Wellbeing is about the combination of our love for what we do each day, the quality of our relationships, the security of our finances, the vibrancy of our physical health, and the pride we take in what we have contributed to our communities. Most importantly, it’s about how these five elements interact.”
– Tom Rath
Karen Larsen
Social Worker and Care Coordinator
What is wellbeing? Simply put, wellbeing is feeling well. Financial wellbeing, emotional wellbeing and physical wellbeing all combine to create feelings such as happiness, prosperity, good health, connection to other people, and satisfaction with one’s life. By nurturing your wellbeing, you are better able to cope with the challenges that life brings. We created this space so that our members can get information on the resources available from the Local 4 Funds Office that are part of your wellbeing. Each month, we will update the wellness blog and post information from our financial and health partners, as well as provide information on any new programs or updates to existing programs.
You can’t spell “Wellbeing Hub” without “u”. We’re looking for people who are interested in being Wellness Champions. What is a Wellness Champion? It’s someone who has had a good experience with one of our benefit partners and is willing to share that information with fellow union members. A Wellness Champion discusses their story in publications like the Gauge or the Funds website and is willing to be a resource for other union members. Have you used Hinge to reduce musculoskeletal pain or avoid surgery? Like the TruHearing benefit for hearing aids and audiology exams? Have another benefit plan you would like to give a shout out to? If you would like to share your story with the Funds Office, contact Karen Larsen, LICSW at 508-533-1400 x127 or klarsen@local4funds.org.
We’d like to draw your attention to our newest health partners, Carrum Health and TrestleTree. Carrum Health is for hip and knee replacement surgery, spinal fusion surgery, bariatric surgery, other orthopedic and spine procedures, cardiac surgery, virtual oncology support and guidance for all diagnoses, comprehensive treatment for breast and thyroid cancer, and CAR-T cell therapy. When these services are approved and performed through Carrum, they are covered at 100%, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost to the participant such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please contact Carrum at 1-888-855-7806, Monday-Friday 9 am-8 pm EST, go online to www.carrum.me/iuoelocal4, or download the Carrum Health app on your smart phone.
As part of our Local 4 Life program, we are introducing TrestleTree. TrestleTree is designed to help you manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure, along with lifestyle programs, such as weight management, HbA1C management, stress management, and smoking cessation. For more information about the program, watch the “This is TrestleTree” video or contact me at klarsen@local4funds.org or at 508-533-1400 x127. To enroll, go to the enrollment website (Enrollment code: IUOEL4), or call 1-866-523-8185.
This Month’s Featured Partner
Hinge Health
Starting March 31, 2024, Blue Cross will cover an annual mental health wellness exam. This exam may be conducted as part of the annual preventive visit with a primary care provider (PCP), or as a standalone visit with a PCP or licensed mental health professional. Because the mental health wellness exam is considered preventive care, there is no out-of-pocket cost for members in most plans.
The annual mental health exam is covered as required by the Act Addressing Barriers to Care (ABC Act) to improve mental health care across Massachusetts.
What is the mental health wellness exam?
The exam will consist of taking the patient’s mental health history, a mental health exam and appropriate screening tests, shared decision making (that could include lifestyle education and counseling), and a discussion about next steps. This may include referrals for treatments and medication options. The mental health wellness exam may or may not result in a diagnosis.
Who may administer the exam?
- A licensed mental health professional
- A PCP, including OB/GYNs, as a separate exam or as part of the annual wellness visit.
- If you have any questions, please contact Blue Cross Blue Shield Member Service at 800-401-7690.
September 9-13 is Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which occurs during National Suicide Prevention Month. The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. Multiple factors contribute to this, including long working hours, time away from family and friends, a culture that doesn’t discuss problems, seasonal layoffs, injuries that may lead to substance use problems, stigma around mental health care, and more.
When we think about safety, we often think about avoiding accidents and injuries at the workplace. But safety is more than that. We want everyone to be safe at work and at home. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Trying to “white knuckle” your way through depression, anxiety, substance use, and other issues isn’t healthy. If you are struggling, you are not alone, it is not your fault, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Local 4 offers resources to address your wellbeing, including your mental health needs. Our employee assistance program, Lyra Health, offers educational articles, coaching and therapy. Local 4 members covered under the Health and Welfare Plan are eligible for 8 free sessions of coaching and therapy per plan year at no cost, after that a $15 copayment applies. Contact Lyra at 844-926-2482 or click on Lyra Health. You can also obtain mental health services through Blue Cross Blue Shield in-network providers with a $15 copayment. To find a therapist, login at the Blue Cross Blue Shield site at MyBlue Healthcare Insurance Plan | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) or contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at 888-389-7764 Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30. The attached flyer provides information if you have concerns about alcohol or drug use Local-4-Substance-Use-Factsheet.pdf (local4funds.org)
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about suicide or if you have a friend, family member or coworker who are you are concerned about, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Additional crisis resources are listed here.