PEBT Volume 4 Issue 1

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT TRUST (PEBT) BENEFITS REPORT
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 6

NOTIFY PACFED OF LIFE CHANGES

Participants and family members are entitled to some of the best benefits in the country. In order to fully maximize these benefits, PacFed should be updated when there are changes in the family.

If a participant gets married, the new spouse is entitled to share in the benefits. As soon as they both say their "I dos," the couple should obtain an Enrollment Form from the employer or the Trust Fund office and return the form with a copy of their marriage certificate attached.

If someone is expecting a baby or adopts a child (including placement for adoption), a new Enrollment Form with a copy of the birth certificate or adoption papers should be sent to the Fund office to begin coverage immediately.

Participants must contact PacFed within 30 days of the birth of a new baby in order to assure that the baby is covered. The new baby is automatically covered by medical benefits for the first 30 days only.

If a divorce separates a participant form his or her spouse, it is the participant's responsibility to let PacFed know. If this event is not reported and the ex-spouse uses the once-allowed benefits, the participant may be responsible for any submitted and paid claims on his or her behalf.

Send PacFed an updated Enrollment Form and attach a copy of the dissolution judgement that was filed in court. Be sure to include the page that shows the date the marriage ended.

It is just as important to notify PacFed when a participant moves as it is when the family structure changes. Even if the union and employer have been notified, the Trust Fund may not know of a new address.

If a participant is a retiree with coverage under the Trust Fund and gets married, has a baby or adopts after retiring, the participant must submit a new Enrollment Form to PacFed within 31 days of the change of status.

One aspect of life is death, and though it may be difficult to cope with grief and subsequent changes, the Trust Fund is still working. Survivors are entitled to certain survivor benefits. Participants must tell their beneficiary to contact the Union Local or Trust Fund upon a death. Also, when a covered dependent dies, call for personal assistance.

Avoid Stress During the Holidays

Many people endure an overwhelming amount of stress, especially during the holidays. What is meant to be a happy, cheerful time turns out to be just the opposite.

Even with the additional stress, the holidays can still be enjoyable. Here are a few suggestions:

Be realistic. Decide what you will and will not do. Make a list and post it in a prominent place so you won't forget.
Ask for help. Delegate tasks. Use services such as shipping directly from the store and free gift wrapping when they are available. Don't try to do it all yourself.
Respect yourself. Don't compare your holiday preparations or gift choices with anyone else's.
Stay within your budget. Spending too much will stress you out long after the holidays are over, and if that expensive gift isn't perfect, you will feel doubly bad.
Give yourself permission to have fun. It's okay to laugh when things seem to be going wrong or getting too stressful. It will help you cope and carry on.
Help Children. In many cultures, the winter holidays are a time of giving and sharing with family and friends. Often, we are asked to help others, as well, and none are more deserving of our help than children.

Take action by volunteering for local schools, youth programs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, youth sports, Scouting organizations or children's art programs. Support organizations that work on behalf of all children in the US, such as the Child Care Action Campaign in New York City and the Children's Defense Fund in Washington, D.C.

If you find that the holidays are getting you down - because of concerns about money, family relationships or something else - you can call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to schedule an appointment at (800) 327-4103. Confidential assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.