Jeff's Desk

Health and Welfare Improvements Slated to Begin April 1, 2007

Under both the Portland Area Retail Trust and the Joint Labor Management Trust the medical payer has been changed.  Regence Blue Cross / Blue Shield is scheduled to begin paying claims effective April 1, 2007.

Along with this change, all participants eligible for full benefits, under either Trust, will have their claims paid at 85% instead of 80% if you use an in network preferred provider.  New Identification cards are scheduled to be mailed out within the first 10 days of April. This change has expanded the previous network for both Hospitals and Physicians and other Medical Providers and Facilities.

If you are interested in checking to see if your doctor is in the new Provider Directory, you can do so online at www.or.regence.com. You may also call 1-800-452-7278 or 503-225-5336. You should note ATPA, the Trust Office, will remain the Administrator of your plan; they should be contacted for questions on the following:

If you have any questions please call Jeff McDonald, Secretary-Treasurer, at 503-684-2822 or 1-800-452-8329, ext. 342.

In Unionism,

Jeff McDonald
Secretary-Treasurer
UFCW Local 555