Fall 2018
In this issue of For Your Benefit, you will read about the new collective bargaining agreement reached between your Union and the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes of New York. The new agreement keeps your health coverage intact–still with no out-of-pocket costs—while requiring, as in past agreements, that the National Benefit Fund find more savings opportunities. The contract also calls for ways to strengthen the Pension Fund, which is still recovering from the losses suffered during the market crash a decade ago.
Your rare, defined benefit pension is worth protecting. 1199SEIU retirees already know that and, in this issue, we share one of their stories. You will hear from Evelyn Blissett, a former Information Specialist at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, who has been able to count on her set, monthly benefit pension to enjoy her retirement.
Financial well-being is important in your working life and in retirement. That’s why we are excited to introduce you to a new workshop series on your financial health, which begins this fall. Provided by Mobility Capital Finance (MoCaFi), the four-month series will be led by Ryan C. Mack, a CNN contributor, author and financial education expert who has devoted his career to empowering people to take the steps they need to meet their financial goals.
With the onset of flu season, Dr. Van H. Dunn, our Chief Medical Officer, talks about the importance of getting a flu shot–especially for healthcare workers. And because illness can sometimes arise from unexpected causes, we explore the harmful effects that loneliness can have on both your physical and mental health–and offer strategies for how you can prevent them.

Dr. Van H. Dunn, Chief Medical Officer, Talks Flu
Healthcare workers–who are at greatest risk of being exposed to the virus–protect themselves and their patients when they get a flu shot.
New Contract Preserves Benefits, Protects Pension
A new three-year collective bargaining agreement was signed that preserves members’ healthcare, pension, training, employment and child-care benefits.
Loneliness Can Be Hazardous to Your Health
Growing research shows that chronic loneliness can have negative effects on both our mental and physical health.
Your Fund Is Here for You
Reaching out for help can be hard, but you can take advantage of resources available to you as part of your member benefits.
Evelyn Blissett from Maimonides Medical Center
Since retiring in 2010, Evelyn Blissett credits her defined benefit pension with giving her the freedom and peace of mind to stay active without worrying about finances.
Membership Advantages
Suspect Fraud or Abuse? Report It to the Fund!
Most healthcare providers are trustworthy and committed to patient-centered care, but as in any large industry, mistakes can be made, and some providers may even try to take advantage of the system.
Get Food Facts at Our Wellness Workshop on October 20
Come to our Wellness Department’s workshop, where you’ll learn all about the benefits of different types of foods and how you can lose weight healthfully (hint: no “miracle diet”).
Sign Up for Free Mental Health First-aid Training
This past spring, the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund partnered with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as part of a citywide initiative to train at least 250,000 New Yorkers in “mental health first aid.”
Give Your Child an Unforgettable Experience!
Sleep-away camp is a great way for your child to learn independence, responsibility and new skills and hobbies.