Welfare Notes - January 2006

Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer’s disease. While more is being learned about Alzheimer’s disease every day, it is still not known what causes it, and there is no cure.

The disease usually begins after age 60, and the risk increases with age. While younger people may also get Alzheimer’s disease, it is much less common.

Alzheimer’s is a slow disease starting with memory loss. The course the disease takes and how fast changes occur vary from person to person.

The term dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include: asking the same questions repeatedly, becoming lost in familiar places, being unable to follow directions, and neglecting personal safety and nutrition.

Dementia is caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause dementia can be reversed and others cannot be reversed. Symptoms of dementia can be caused by high fever, dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, poor nutrition, or reactions to medicines. Personal difficulties may also cause confusion or forgetfulness. It is best to consult a doctor when symptoms occur to determine a diagnosis and course of treatment.

You can also contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center for questions and publications: 1-800-438-4380.

Welfare Notes - December 2005

COBRA
The COBRA law (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) was put into effect to allow employees and/or dependents to continue their group health coverage through self-payments after their group eligibility has been terminated.  Many participants are surprised at the cost of continuing coverage through self-payments.  COBRA rates by law are the amount paid by the group for your coverage plus a 2% administrative fee.

COBRA letters are sent to participants who have lost their active coverage due to insufficient work time and participants who have dependent children turning 19 years old.  Nineteen-year-old dependent children are no longer eligible dependents even if they are full time students.  The coverage for 19-year-old dependent children terminates in the month following their nineteenth birthday.  The COBRA letter contains information about the participant’s rights and the cost of continuing coverage.

SUP participants may find it advantageous to inquire about less expensive individual plans or school plans for their overage dependents.  Since active coverage terminates upon retirement, active participants who are considering retirement should also look for options that are available.

When researching individual plans you should compare deductibles, non-covered expenses, and limitations to your current plan coverage to see how you will be affected. 

Addresses
Please be sure to keep the SUP Welfare Plan and the Union informed of your current address information. This will help insure that you get all of the mailings.     

SUP Welfare Plan Staff
Michelle Chang, Administrator
Steve Messenger, Training Representative
Patty Martin
Brian Farmer
Virginia Briggs
Michael Jacyna

730 Harrison Street
San Francisco CA 94107-1242
E-mail: supwelfarerep@hotmail.com