en-us News updates for Carpenters Trusts of Western Washington participants as published on www.ctww.org. http://www.ctww.org http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2018.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2018.pdf A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 in Lacey, WA on January 27, 2018. http://www.ctww.org/html/news190.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news190.htm How much money will you need to live comfortably when you retire? http://www.ctww.org/html/news180.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news180.htm Participants, spouses and dependents can get health screenings and flu shots for no out-of-pocket cost at upcoming health fairs in Tacoma, Spokane, Pasco, Bothell and Kent. Fairs will be held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, making it easier to keep up with preventive care without taking time off work for doctor's appointments. http://www.ctww.org/html/non-network-providers.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/non-network-providers.htm At some network hospitals, emergency room and specialty services (such as radiology and anesthesiology) are being delivered by providers that aren't contracted with Aetna. This practice can have serious financial consequences for patients. http://www.ctww.org/html/news170.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news170.htm The Carpenters Health and Security Plan now provides benefits for telephone or online consultations with a covered provider. http://www.ctww.org/html/news160.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news160.htm 2017 retirement planning seminars have been set for most unions http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2017.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2017.pdf A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 in Lacey, WA on January 21, 2017. http://www.ctww.org/html/news150.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news150.htm Carpenters Trusts staff will open during normal business hours throughout the holiday season, except for the following days when the Trust office will be closed http://www.ctww.org/html/news140.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news140.htm This week, working participants will be receiving by mail additional details about upcoming changes to the Carpenters Retirement Plan. http://www.ctww.org/html/news130.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news130.htm They're here. Flu viruses, that is. A flu shot is considered the first and most important step in protecting yourself against this painful and sometimes deadly illness. http://www.ctww.org/html/news120.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news120.htm The economic events of the past decade have prompted the Carpenters Retirement Plan of Western Washington to create a new formula for calculating pension benefits. http://www.ctww.org/html/news110.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news110.htm There's an important change coming soon for the Carpenters Retirement Plan. Starting Jan. 1, 2017 there will be new formula for calculating your retirement benefit. http://www.ctww.org/html/news100.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/news100.htm Eligible participants and dependents can receive a no-cost lab test and flu shot at an upcoming health fair. http://www.ctww.org/html/qaRetirementPlan.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/qaRetirementPlan.pdf The Q As are generally focused around the current state of the CTWW Retirement Plan in 2016, however, it also provides some background information about the events leading us up to this point. http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2016.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2016.pdf A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 52 and older through Central and Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho Carpenters Local 59 in Wenatchee, WA on July 16, 2016. http://www.ctww.org/html/EveryDayFeb2016.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/EveryDayFeb2016.pdf Everyday: tips and tools for when life happens. http://www.ctww.org/html/preretirement-seminar-2016.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/preretirement-seminar-2016.pdf A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Sound Carpenters Local 129 in Lacey, WA on Saturday January 23, 2016. http://www.ctww.org/html/self-pay-rates.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/self-pay-rates.htm Monthly rates for the various benefits packages are reviewed annually to keep up with the cost of medical care and prescription medications. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01178.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01178.htm In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, the Carpenters Health and Security Trust recently mailed summaries of benefits and coverage to all eligible participants and dependents. http://nyti.ms/1MkLBGt http://nyti.ms/1MkLBGt After age 85, the average Medicare beneficiary has nearly $8,200 a year in out-of-pocket medical expenses and premiums http://www.ctww.org/html/n01177.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01177.htm The cost of smoking tobacco exceeds the price of cigarettes. Back in 2004, a Duke University study estimated the annual cost to be $15,000. If you do the math, it comes out to a whopping $40 a pack. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155468.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155468.html Researchers made no distinction between drinks sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit juices were not included in the study but can be as harmful as soda because they lack the fiber necessary to moderate absorption of fructose. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155479.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155479.html Normal-weight active children did better on tests of mental skills -- such as planning and paying attention -- than their inactive counterparts. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155474.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155474.html "Inflammation may be the reason why combat injuries increase the risk of chronic disease, the study authors suggested. Post-traumatic stress disorder may also play a role directly through inflammation or indirectly by leading to weight gain or substance abuse. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155473.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155473.html The medical profession is beginning to re-examine the role of antibiotics for treating other common acute surgical disease processes. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155476.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155476.html An ongoing debate continues to simmer over a doctor's right to refuse treatment for children whose parents are against vaccination. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both discourage this strategy. http://wapo.st/1MzLy6A http://wapo.st/1MzLy6A Eight of the 10 most commonly used drugs are for hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and other elements of the "cardiometabolic syndrome." https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/10/28/at-top-u-s-hospital-almost-half-of-surgeries-have-drug- https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/10/28/at-top-u-s-hospital-almost-half-of-surgeries-have-drug- On average, about 10 medications were given during an operation. The study found that some kind of error was made in about 1 in 20 medications, which equates to every other operation. Medication errors are at least as high at many other hospitals. http://www.wsj.com/articles/if-gastric-bypass-benefits-type-2-diabetes-might-other-surgeries-help-too-1446474212?cx_camp http://www.wsj.com/articles/if-gastric-bypass-benefits-type-2-diabetes-might-other-surgeries-help-too-1446474212?cx_camp Other procedures "appear to be effective in decreasing blood glucose levels among patients with Type 2 diabetes, but investigators are still working out safety kinks for these interventions." http://on.wsj.com/1HpBZpy http://on.wsj.com/1HpBZpy "Antibiotic-resistant bugs have made hospital stays risky, with 75,000 patient deaths a year due to infections acquired in health facilities that doctors were unable to control." http://bit.ly/1P8awR9 http://bit.ly/1P8awR9 Be extra vigilant and take these precautions when getting cash or making other transactions. http://lat.ms/1NbpNdU http://lat.ms/1NbpNdU California has the nation's third-lowest obesity rate, but it doesn't shield the state from high healthcare costs. http://wapo.st/1MwpR7m http://wapo.st/1MwpR7m Three people in the Portland area and 19 people in western Washington have gotten sick with E. coli as of Friday. Seventeen of them had eaten at a Chipotle restaurant during the past few weeks. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155348.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155348.html This study is the first to show that eating more fruits and vegetables as a young adult can help protect the heart many years later. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155352.html https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155352.html Unfortunately, the article doesn't attempt to explain why the "uncontrolled hypertension was surprising" for truckers who "undergo medical certification every two years." Fact is, patients don't always take their meds, and an estimated 125,000 Americans die because it every year, according to the American Heart Association. Never mind the $300 billion for additional doctor visits, ER visits and hospitalizations. http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2015/nia-27.htm http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2015/nia-27.htm Many experts believe dementia (like diabetes) is caused by excessive sugar consumption. Dementia can be prevented. The "significant health care costs to society and individuals" can be avoided. http://bit.ly/1ijfpIv http://bit.ly/1ijfpIv While 50 percent of poll respondents said advertisements do a good job conveying what condition specific drugs are meant to treat, 65 percent said they don't make clear how much medication will cost. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01175.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01175.htm The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. The next best way is to practice daily good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands. http://nyti.ms/1kaYZmW http://nyti.ms/1kaYZmW The transaction could draw significant antitrust scrutiny. Regulators will study specific geographical areas where Walgreens and Rite Aid compete. The combined new business will most likely need to divest itself of overlapping locations. http://nyti.ms/1LYIqBW http://nyti.ms/1LYIqBW Instead, if the budget agreement is approved by Congress, the basic Medicare premium would rise in January to $120 a month for about 30 percent of beneficiaries. The annual deductible, now $147, would increase to about $167 for all beneficiaries, rather than the $223 projected under current law. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01174.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01174.htm The relaxed pace of summer is over. The arrival of fall means new school schedules, sports games and practices, club meetings, appointments, activities, etc. If just looking at your to-do list has you tuckered out, take a breath. Along with the change of season, you might need to change your schedule a bit to add more balance. Balance is the key to making your days happier and healthier. http://www.ctww.org/html/retirement-seminar-oct17.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/retirement-seminar-oct17.pdf A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through the Washington State Exterior Interior Systems Local 41 on Saturday October 17, 2015. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01173.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01173.htm The Carpenters Health and Security Plan will be serviced by an Aetna preferred provider network for dates of service on and after June 1, 2015. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01126.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01126.htm When choosing a health care provider, your best choice is a provider from the First Choice Health network. Here's why... http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2015.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/ret-seminar2015.pdf A retirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 54 and older through Central Puget Carpenters Local 30 on Saturday March 28, 2015. http://www.ctww.org/html/n032.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/n032.pdf A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through South Puget Carpenters Local 129 on Saturday January 17, 2015. http://www.ctww.org/html/n031.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/n031.pdf The annual election period for 401(k) contributions begins November 1, 2014 and ends December 16, 2014. 401(k) contributions are a great way to enhance your retirement benefits with additional tax- deferred retirement savings. Here's what to do... http://www.ctww.org/html/n01172.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01172.htm Mayo Clinic's EmbodyHealth website (carpentershealth.org) will be discontinued effective Nov. 1, 2014. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01171.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01171.htm By the end of this year, an estimated 40,000 women in the United States will die from breast cancer. As wives and partners, mothers and daughters, sisters, friends and neighbors, they will be missed by many. If there is any silver lining to this cloudy forecast, it's the fact that breast cancer survival rates are at an all-time high. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01169.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01169.htm Daily news stories constantly remind us of the physical and financial impact of unhealthy habits. Many people are aware of the health risks caused by stress, poor eating, irregular exercise, and excessive weight. Unfortunately, many also feel powerless to make changes. http://www.ctww.org/html/preret-seminar-0514.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/preret-seminar-0514.pdf A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 53 and older through Carpenters Local 70 on Saturday May 17, 2014. http://www.ctww.org/html/preretirement-seminar-2014.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/preretirement-seminar-2014.pdf A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 52 and older through Carpenters Local 30 on Saturday March 29, 2014. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01168.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01168.htm You get what you pay for. We hear that expression over and over again in our daily lives, but is it true? http://www.ctww.org/html/n01167.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01167.htm The March 2014 Healthy Living newsletter from Mayo Clinic (formerly called EmbodyHealth) will be the last printed issue mailed to the homes of active and retired carpenters. http://www.ctww.org/html/preretirement-planning-seminar.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/preretirement-planning-seminar.pdf A preretirement planning seminar will be provided to members age 50 and older through Carpenters Local 129 on Saturday January 18, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Spouses are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01166.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01166.htm The Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington was officially renovated on Jan. 1, 2014. By "renovated," we mean the health plan was brought up to code so it now complies with two federal laws #8212;the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). http://www.ctww.org/html/0114-EmbodyHealth.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/0114-EmbodyHealth.pdf EmbodyHealth contains easy-to-understand articles about things you can do today to improve your health and quality of life. View the latest EmbodyHealth Newsletter from January 2014! http://www.ctww.org/html/n01165.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01165.htm The Carpenters of Western Washington Individual Account Pension Plan will be converted from a money purchase pension plan to a 401(k) profit-sharing plan effective January 1, 2014. http://www.ctww.org/html/1113-EmbodyHealth.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/1113-EmbodyHealth.pdf EmbodyHealth contains easy-to-understand articles about things you can do today to improve your health and quality of life. View the latest EmbodyHealth Newsletter from November 2013! http://www.ctww.org/html/n01164.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01164.htm In compliance with two federal laws #8212;the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) #8212;changes will be made to the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington for dates of service on and after January 1, 2014. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01162.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01162.htm Can quitters be winners? For tobacco users, the answer is yes. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01161.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01161.htm By the end of this year, an estimated 40,000 women in the United States will die from breast cancer. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01160.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01160.htm Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) wore many hats, but a hard hat wasn't one of them. Even so, he well understood the vital necessity of planning. http://www.ctww.org/html/0813-EmbodyHealth.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/0813-EmbodyHealth.pdf EmbodyHealth contains easy-to-understand articles about things you can do today to improve your health and quality of life. View the latest EmbodyHealth Newsletter from August 2013! http://www.ctww.org/html/current-carpenters-newsletter.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/current-carpenters-newsletter.pdf In observance of Men's Health Month and Father's Day (on June 16), this issue offers do-it-yourself tips for becoming "better, stronger, faster" like The Six Million Dollar Man. Read about 5 ways to improve your health, boost productivity, and get more mileage from your union benefits. Learn 10 things you can do to beat the "silent killer" of high blood pressure without medication. With baseball season in full swing, remember that the Quit For Life program can help guys quit smokeless tobacco too. Find out how a coaching program for chronic illness can add years to your life and $200 to your wallet. And since men generally try to avoid going to the doctor, this issue provides information about Mayo Clinic's 24/7 nurse line and online symptom checker, the ideal tool for the do-it-yourself, fixer-upper. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01152.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01152.htm If you have not verified your dependents' eligibility, please contact Participant Services at the Trust Office. http://www.ctww.org/html/current-carpenters-newsletter.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/current-carpenters-newsletter.pdf This edition of the Carpenters Care Newsletter introduces issues including: Compare providers to improve care, Kick Butts Day isn't just for kids, Know your risk for diabetes, Trustworthy health information, Show your kidneys a little more love, Nurse line lets you click when you're sick, and Pharmacy help on Express-Scripts.com http://www.ctww.org/html/n01150.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01150.htm If you need care for a minor illness or injury, where will you go? http://www.ctww.org/html/n01149.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01149.htm Should you create a personal health record? The Institute of Medicine estimates that paperwork and unnecessary administrative costs waste an estimated $190 billion of American's healthcare dollars every year. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01148.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01148.htm Building a healthy future is the project of a lifetime, and you are the superintendent. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01144.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01144.htm Prevention is still the best protection you can get, whether it's buckling your seat belt, wearing a bike helmet, or getting a health screening. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01143.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01143.htm Healthcare has its own quality standards. National Healthcare Quality Week is a perfect time to highlight the quality of wellness and health management programs offered to Carpenters and dependents. http://www.ctww.org/html/own-your-health.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/own-your-health.htm Do you want high-quality healthcare for you and your family? Here's something you can do about it. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01141.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01141.htm If you're serious about earning a $200 gift card, it's time for serious action. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01140.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01140.htm Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Exercise is the answer. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01139.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01139.htm Being aware of health risks is a sensible way to prevent illness and disease. That's why the Mayo Clinic Health Assessment is a cornerstone of our Carpenters Wellness Program. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01137.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01137.htm Final 4 weeks! Biometric forms due Sept. 30, 2012. A biometric screening is not something you should put off doing. It can reveal early warning signs of serious illnesses and health conditions before symptoms develop. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01136.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01136.htm Carpenters and their families want and deserve quality health care. But high cost doesn't always mean high quality. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01135.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01135.htm If you faxed your Biometric Screening Form to Vivacity, you might be wondering why Carpenters Rewards points are not showing up on CarpentersHealth.org. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01134.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01134.htm Did you already fax your biometric screening form? Read on to learn how to obtain confirmation that it was received. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01133.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01133.htm New York Times columnist praises Mayo Clinic for "authoritative and up to date" online content. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01131.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01131.htm Carpenters Rewards is back by popular demand with some major improvements. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01130.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01130.htm Most people understand the rewards of being healthy. But simply taking steps to improve your health can be rewarding, too, when you participate in Carpenters Rewards. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01129.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01129.htm In a health-care setting, quality care means getting the right care, at the right time, for the right reason. All three of these factors come into play when deciding where and when to receive medical care. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01128.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01128.htm The 2012 Summary of Material Modifications to the Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming Benefit Package and the Western and Central Washington Benefit Package are now available. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01127.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01127.htm Carpenters know planning is critical to the success of small- and large-scale construction projects. Costs go up and quality declines when materials, machines and a skilled workforce are not effectively coordinated. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01125.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01125.htm Services or supplies from any provider received outside the United States are no longer covered by the Retiree Health Plan. This applies for dates of service on or after January 1, 2012 for retirees and dependents who are on or who are eligible for Medicare. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01124.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01124.htm If you can quit tobacco for a day, you can quit for life. Get ready to quit with millions of others during the American Cancer Society reg; Great American Smokeout reg; on Thursday, Nov. 17. By day's end, you'll realize you do have the ability to regain control over your health. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01122.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01122.htm A free smartphone app from Medco can help you keep track of your medications and take them as prescribed. The app is available for iPhone, Android, or Blackberry smartphones. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01119.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01119.htm Mayo Clinic last week launched a heart health awareness campaign featuring a parody of the 1982 hit song "867-5309/Jenny." http://www.ctww.org/html/n01117.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01117.htm Are you overweight or obese? Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes? Are you depressed? Whatever you do, don't stress about it. Stress not only makes these conditions worse; it might well be the root cause. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01115.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01115.htm Carpenters Rewards is the incentive program that awards points for doing activities that promote healthy living. When you achieve 1,000 points you can redeem them for a $100 Hallmark gift card-but not for much longer. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01111.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01111.htm Many costly health conditions can be prevented or identified in their early stages with the aid of health assessments and routine screenings. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01110.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01110.htm There's no shortage of prevention and wellness information on the World Wide Web. But identifying credible sources of well-researched and unbiased information can be very challenging. That's why the Carpenters Health and Security Plan provides unlimited access to the Mayo Clinic's EmbodyHealth website. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01109.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01109.htm When an injury or illness occurs, call Ask Mayo Clinic, your 24-hour nurse line. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01108.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01108.htm Improving and maintaining your health is even more rewarding with a $100 gift card. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01105.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01105.htm Ready to start a fitness program? Measure your fitness level with a simple four-part test. Then use the results to set fitness goals and track your progress. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01104.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01104.htm Difficult to quit? Yes. Impossible to quit? Not quite. More than 1,000 carpenters, spouses and dependents have become tobacco free through Quit For Life. If it worked for them, it just might work for you. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01103.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01103.htm Have you heard about Carpenters Rewards? As part of the Carpenters Wellness Program, it offers a $100 gift card for participating in activities that promote better health and wellbeing. In other words, you get rewarded for doing stuff that's good for you anyway. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01102.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01102.htm Does the name "Nurtur" look or sound familiar? You may have seen it on something received in the mail. You might have heard it mentioned by someone trying to reach you by phone. If you're wondering what Nurtur is all about, read on. http://www.ctww.org/html/n01101.htm http://www.ctww.org/html/n01101.htm The convenience and features of today's cell phones make it easy for people to make their "mobile" phones their "home" phones. Many people are saving money by disconnecting home telephone service altogether. That makes good sense as long as you remember to update your contact information so the plan can reach you. Just complete a Change of Address form and submit it to the Trust Office. If you've recently moved, that's one more good reason to update your contact information. Contact Participant Services with any questions. http://www.ctww.org/html/n030.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/n030.pdf This edition of the Carpenters Care newsletter looks at the Walk to Wellness, steps to better health, exercise tips for busy people, and more. Click here for the complete newsletter. http://www.ctww.org/html/wellnessLetter01.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/wellnessLetter01.pdf Arriving today in mailboxes for eligible participants (non-Medicare, 18 and older), this letter provides a quick introduction to Built to Last, the new Carpenters Wellness Program, and Carpenters Rewards, our new approach to our gift card incentive program. These programs are endorsed by the Board of Trustees as ways to help you become more aware of our wellness offering, more involved in using these resources wisely, and more appreciated for taking an active role in improving your health. http://www.ctww.org/html/n029.pdf http://www.ctww.org/html/n029.pdf The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is effective January 1, 2011 for the Carpenters Health and Security Plan of Western Washington. This new law was designed, in part, to increase the number of insured Americans and to keep those insured individuals covered longer. To this end, the Carpenters Health and Security Plan was required to make several eligibility and benefit changes to comply with the new law. These changes are effective on January 1, 2011 as described in the latest Carpenters Care Newsletter. The BenefitTabs, the Employee Health Plan SPD and the Retiree Health Plan SPD have also been updated to reflect these new changes.