ABOUT US
Local 4 members work hard, often in physically demanding jobs, and deserve great health and retirement benefits. Thanks to the steady leadership of our Funds’ Trustees and contributions generated by your work, we are able to provide a comprehensive health care plan and retirement plans that will allow you to retire with dignity.
Important Updates from the Funds Office
Construction Suicide Prevention Week
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.
New Coverage for Annual Mental Health Wellness Exam
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.
New Employee Assistance Program with Lyra Health
When life gets busy, it can be hard to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. At Local 4, we’re dedicated to providing you and your dependents with the support you need, which is why we’re introducing Lyra Health as a new mental well-being benefit.
Lyra at a Glance
Lyra provides care for your emotional and mental health, how, when, and where you need it, at no cost to you. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, short-term support from Lyra can get you back on your feet. With online tools, research-backed therapeutic methods, and top therapists, coaches, and digital tools, you and your dependents can tap into an easy, convenient way to get unstuck in just a few months.
To learn more about Lyra Health, visit Local4Funds.lyrahealth.com or call (844) 926-2482 24/7/365 to speak with a Lyra Care Navigator.
2023 Form 1095-B
In accordance with guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, the IUOE Local 4 Health & Welfare Fund will not be distributing Form 1095-B to individuals documenting coverage for the tax year 2023. You will continue to receive a Form 1099-HC from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Individuals who wish to receive a copy of their 1095-B may send a request to [email protected] or to the following address:
IUOE Local 4 Funds
Re: Form 1095-B Inquiry
P.O. Box 680
Medway, MA 02053-0680
Funds’ Office Social Worker Available for Therapy
Karen Larsen, LICSW, Social Worker and Care Coordinator in the Local 4 Funds Office can see members and their dependents 18+ for teletherapy services. Virtual sessions are available for those residing in Massachusetts and Maine. Karen uses a collaborative approach to identify strengths to find strategies to help you reach your goals. Karen’s areas of focus include life transitions, loss and grief, issues of caregiving, the aging process, and anxiety. Please contact Karen at 508-533-1400 ext. 127 for a brief consultation to discuss if this is the right fit for you. Karen can also provide assistance in locating mental health providers in the event that it is not a suitable match.
For information about your rights under the No Surprises Act and Transparency in Coverage Rule, please click here.
From the Funds Administrator
Plan Participants,
It’s my honor to serve the Local 4 community as your Funds Administrator. At the Operating Engineers Local 4 Benefit Funds, we’re committed to making sure that you have all of the resources you need to live a happy, healthy life. We proudly offer comprehensive healthcare and retirement plans that put Local 4 families first.
Our team’s commitment to you and your family continues through our brand-new website. I hope it’s a place you can learn about your benefits and our many service offerings, access important documents, and plan for your future. We’ll be updating this site with real-time updates, so please visit regularly for the latest news and announcements.
As always, we are ready to assist in any way. If you have any questions, click here to get in touch with us.
Gregory A. Geiman, Esq.
Local 4 Funds Administrator