
December 2023
Below, please find information about December’s list of classes to exercise your mind and body, as well as updates on your benefits and programs. We hope you find this month’s bulletin helpful and make time for self-care so that you can remain Retired, but Active! Enjoy!
Retired Members’ Online Holiday Celebrations
Find your regular Chapter Meeting listing, dress in your most festive attire and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with 1199SEIU retirees near and far. See you there!
NOTICE: If you are a pensioner who returned to work, and you have been working during the pandemic for more than 40 hours a month to help alleviate industry staffing shortages, please be advised that the waiver that was granted will soon end.
Effective January 1, 2024, if you wish to continue working for more than 40 hours a month, your pension and applicable retiree health benefits will be suspended until you reduce your hours. The established Plan rule was waived during the COVID-19 pandemic but will resume across all 1199SEIU Pension Funds on January 1, 2024.
If you have questions, please call our Retiree Services Center at (646) 473-8666; outside of NYC, (800) 892-2557.

Protect Your Health with a Primary Care Visit
Have you had your checkup? The new year is just around the corner, and this is a great time to make sure your health stays in top shape by scheduling a preventive care visit with your primary care doctor. Having a relationship with a doctor you can trust not only improves your quality of care, but regular office visits also give you peace of mind and increase the likelihood of detecting any issues when they are treatable.
If you are enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, you can visit an in-network primary care physician at no cost. If you use an out-of-network provider, there is a $20 co-pay, and you may have significant out-of-pocket costs.
To find a provider in your area, call Aetna at (866) 429-3585 or visit 1199SEIU.AetnaMedicare.com
Please refer to your Summary Plan Description for more information about your retiree health benefit eligibility.

Exercise Your Mind and Body with Tai Chi, Mindful Meditation and Chair Yoga
The Retired Members Division has again partnered with Mind Over Matter Fitness to bring you classes for your mental and physical well-being. View the class descriptions and join the classes online via Zoom at the links listed below. For more information, please call (646) 473-8761.

Cooking for Your Health
Let’s get cooking! We’re excited to get in the kitchen to show you how to prepare healthy meals and share tips for better eating. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below and will include a cooking demonstration with Chefs Sonia and Tom. Take a look at the tasty offerings you’ll cook up this month!

Findhelp When You Need It
Life’s needs can be unexpected, but you can always count on getting support at findhelp.1199SEIUBenefits.org, your Benefit Fund’s curated search engine that locates free and low-cost community services and programs wherever you and your loved ones live. Search for assistance with transportation, emotional well-being, nutritional and food programs, financial and legal assistance and more. Although we are pleased to share these resources with you, the services offered through findhelp are not benefits covered by your Benefit Fund’s.

The Healthy Living Resource Center Is Your Wellness Toolkit!
If you want to get and keep your health on track, your Benefit Fund has you covered. The Healthy Living Resource Center gives you info, expert insights and wellness tools, split into five channels covering the pillars of a healthy lifestyle: Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Hearts, Healthy Eating and Healthy Provider Relationships. Browse each section for nutrition tips, health trackers, interactive exercise videos and screening guidelines. Healthy Living will be updated frequently with new information about upcoming programs and partnerships, so be sure to check back often.

Protect Your Health this Winter by Getting Vaccinated
The winter is a great time to boost your immunity and protect yourself and others from viruses like the flu and COVID-19. Health experts caution that COVID-19 can still pose a risk and have recommended the updated booster shot. Additionally, the flu vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of severe illness should you be exposed to the virus. Vaccinations offer widespread protection for you and your loved ones, so if you are eligible, we encourage you to get your shots as soon as possible. Visit your doctor or participating pharmacy to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Support Your Emotional Health with Aetna’s MDLIVE
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Now, retirees enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan can get support for their emotional well-being through MDLIVE, an online resource. With MDLIVE, you can connect with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist by phone or video chat from the comfort of your home on your schedule. To get started, visit www.MDLIVE.com/AetnaMedicareBH and follow the prompts to create an account. To learn more about MDLIVE, call (888) 865-0729.

Have You Joined Our Retired Members’ Online Community Yet?
Stay connected and get the latest information about your benefits and programs with our 1199SEIU Retired Members Facebook group. Here you can find the latest news, learn about upcoming meetings and talk with fellow retirees. Join the group today and invite other retired members.
Remember: We are stronger together!

Learn New Skills and Explore Interests with Continuing Education Programs
Is there a subject you’ve always wanted to study or a topic you want to learn more about? 1199SEIU retirees can access free and low-cost educational opportunities, including in-person courses at colleges throughout New York and online classes offered nationwide.

Starting in 2024, Healthy Home Visits Will Be Scheduled Through Signify Health
If you are enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, your 2024 Healthy Home Visits will be scheduled through Signify Health. But don’t worry, your benefit isn’t changing! A Healthy Home Visit is a one-hour at-home checkup and is in addition to your annual Medicare wellness visit and annual physical. During this visit, a licensed clinician will review your medications and medical history. They will also check your vital signs, look for safety risks and answer your health questions. This visit does not replace your regular doctor visits or change your health plan. To schedule a Healthy Home Visit, call (855) 746-8709.
- New York
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- North and South Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Tennessee
- Texas
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- Washington
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Staten Island, Harlem, LIJ and Suffolk County Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Tue., Dec. 12, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
Meeting ID: 893 6352 9092
Passcode: 415299
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Brooklyn (Area-Wide), Hicksville, Retired Nurses Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Wed., Dec. 13, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
Meeting ID: 856 4559 5250
Passcode: 676873
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolinas, Pennsylvania and Virginia Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 14, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 839 7930 0050
Passcode: 870484
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolinas, Pennsylvania and Virginia Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 14, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 839 7930 0050
Passcode: 870484
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolinas, Pennsylvania and Virginia Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 14, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 839 7930 0050
Passcode: 870484
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolinas, Pennsylvania and Virginia Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 14, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 839 7930 0050
Passcode: 870484
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolinas, Pennsylvania and Virginia Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 14, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 839 7930 0050
Passcode: 870484
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
-
Retirees: Bronx (Area-Wide), NYC Headquarters, Texas, Tennessee, Pensacola, Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada Chapters—Retired Members Holiday Party
Thu., Dec. 7, at 12:00 pm
11:00 am (CST) and 9:00 am (PST)
Meeting ID: 885 4942 2518
Passcode: 379597
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (312) 626-6799
Tune In for "Seniors Out Speaking" Online
The Medicare Rights Center’s “Seniors Out Speaking” (SOS) program provides 1199SEIU retirees with timely Medicare information via monthly webinar presentations. The December SOS presentation will cover choosing between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.
If you have any registration questions, please contact [email protected]. Please visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/sos to access additional materials and information related to the SOS program.The December SOS presentation will cover
-
Tue., Dec. 19, at 3:30 pm
The Medicare Rights Center’s “Seniors Out Speaking” (SOS) program helps 1199SEIU retirees learn more about timely Medicare topics via monthly webinar presentations.
Conference line: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 999 7268 1095
-
Retirees: Latin Cardio Dance
Fri., Dec. 8, at 11:00 am
An exhilarating cardio class set to Latin music that uses easy-to-follow choreography to keep you moving and grooving while toning your body and burning fat.
Meeting ID: 861 3295 5230
-
Retirees: Tai Chi
Mon., Dec. 11, at 11:00 am
Experience a gentle breath and movement meditation to help you feel more open, limber and calm.
Meeting ID: 848 6128 3210
-
Retirees: Mindful Meditation
Tue., Dec. 12, at 11:00 am
This class encourages a healthy mind-body connection with meditation and breathing techniques.
Meeting ID: 871 7247 2969
Call in: (929) 205-6099
-
Retirees: Standing Yoga
Tue., Dec. 12, at 1:00 pm
This class connects the body, breath, and mind. It uses standing postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health.
Meeting ID: 842 7889 6267
-
Retirees: Chair Yoga
Wed., Dec. 13, at 11:00 am
Loosen and stretch tense muscles, reduce stress, improve circulation and build strength and balance while doing seated exercises.
Meeting ID: 884 1636 6703
-
Retirees: Heart and Soul Afro Cardio Jam
Wed., Dec. 13, at 1:00 pm
Come dance, connect and move on a soulful dance journey to the rhythms of African drums.
Meeting ID: 810 2197 1718
Stay Connected
with Your Funds
If you do need to visit a Funds office, schedule an appointment online at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Appt to reduce wait times and facilitate social distancing.
-
Retirees: Cooking for Your Health
Thu., Dec. 7, at 11:00 am
Let’s get cooking! We’re excited to get in the kitchen to show you how to prepare healthy meals and share tips for better eating. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below and will include a cooking demonstration with Chefs Sonia and Tom. Take a look at the tasty offerings you’ll cook up this month!
-
Retirees: Cooking for Your Health en Español
Fri., Dec. 15, at 12:00 pm
We’re excited to offer the Cooking for Your Health class in Spanish! Join Chefs Natalia and Teresa for a cooking demonstration of quick, healthy recipes that are sure to become favorites. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below. Take a look at the dishes you’ll be cooking this month!
-
Retirees: Cooking for Your Health
Thu., Dec. 21, at 11:00 am
Let’s get cooking! We’re excited to get in the kitchen to show you how to prepare healthy meals and share tips for better eating. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below and will include a cooking demonstration with Chefs Sonia and Tom. Take a look at the tasty offerings you’ll cook up this month!
-
Retirees: Cooking for Your Health en Español
Fri., Jan. 5, at 12:00 pm
We’re excited to offer the Cooking for Your Health class in Spanish! Join Chefs Natalia and Teresa for a cooking demonstration of quick, healthy recipes that are sure to become favorites. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below. Take a look at the dishes you’ll be cooking this month!