PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT TRUST (PEBT) BENEFITS REPORT
July-August, 2007

Notify PacFed of Life Changes

You and your 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 your family.

If you get married, your new spouse is entitled to share in the benefits that you receive. As soon as your both say your "I dos," obtain an Add/Change Form from your HR Department or the Trust Fund office and return the form with a copy of your marriage certificate attached.

If your family is expecting a baby or adopts a child (including placement for adoption), send an Add/Change Form with a copy of the birth certificate or adoption papers to the Fund office to begin coverage immediately.

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

If a divorce separates you from your spouse, it is your responsibility to let PacFed know. If you do not report this event and your ex-spouse uses the once-allowed benefits, you may be responsible for any submitted and paid claims on his or her behalf. Send PacFed an Add/Change Form and attach a copy of the dissolution judgment that was filed in court. Be sure to include the page that shows the date your marriage ended.

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

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 for you. Survivors are entitled to certain survivor benefits. Tell your beneficiary to contact your union local or Trust Fund when you die. Also, when a covered dependent dies, call for personal assistance.

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs to become inflamed and extra-sensitive to allergens and other irritants. More than 30 million people in the United States have asthma.

Common symptoms of an asthma flare-up include labored breathing, coughs, and wheeze-whistle sounds when breathing. When it is not properly managed, asthma can be a serious, life-threatening illness.

Asthma can be triggered by allergies, ear and sinus infections, common colds, aspirin and other analgesics, cold air, even physical and emotional stress.

The best treatment for managing asthma is prevention. it may seem like common sense, but often people don't think about the following sensible suggestions until it's too late:

• Stay away from anything that triggers attacks.
• Avoid places were people smoke.
• Keep your home free of allergens and other irritants.
• Reduce the risk of catching colds by washing your hands often.
• Engage in regular moderate exercise to help build up the strength of your lungs and airways.
• Take all medications as directed by your physician.

By preparing for flare-ups in advance, they can be made shorter and less severe. Keep asthma medications handy and know how to use them.

People who don't understand the disease can often panic if someone with asthma has an attack. If an attack occurs, use the proper medication immediately and get emergency help if the attack is severe.

With proper planning and precautions, you can keep you asthma under control.