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THE TRUSTEE 

April 2024
Vol XVII, No. 168

Coping with Stress

Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and provoke strong emotions in adults and children. Physically and emotionally distancing ourselves from others can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety.

After a traumatic event, people may have strong and lingering reactions. Learning healthy ways to cope and getting the right care and support can help reduce stressful feelings and symptoms.

The symptoms may be physical or emotional. Common reactions to a stressful event can include:

• Disbelief
  
• Feelings of fear, shock, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
  
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
  
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares, concentrating, and making decisions.
  
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
  
• Worsening of chronic health problems
  
• Worsening of mental health conditions
  
• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
  

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during traumatic events such as mass shootings, natural disasters, or pandemics. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

Feeling emotional and nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress. Here are some healthy ways you can deal with stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It is good to be informed but hearing about the traumatic event constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
  
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthily, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.
  
• Take care of your body.
  
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
    
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
    
  • Exercise regularly.
    
  • Get plenty of sleep.
    
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
    
  • Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
    
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible; get a booster shot if you are age 18 or older.
    

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  
• Talk to others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.
  
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
  
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
  
• Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.
  

Reprinted / adapted from CDC and NIH.

Retiree Medicare Reimbursement Part B 

In early March, the Kingston City School District sent letters to all retirees who are Medicare eligible and are entitled to reimbursement from the district for their Medicare Part B premiums. Eligible KTF retirees must send proof of payment to the district by May 15, 2024, to receive their reimbursement. Those who submit proof will be reimbursed, including IRMAA, in two payments. The first half will be reimbursed in June and the second half in December. Acceptable proof is your Social Security Benefits Verification Statement from the Social Security Administration or a copy of your SSA 1099. Proof can be sent to Amanda Wells at the Kingston City School, 21 Wynkoop Place, Kingston, NY 12401 or emailed to awells@kingstoncityschools.org.  

Important Reminder for all Members
It is imperative to notify the Trust Office of any status changes (marriage, divorce, legal separation, births, deaths, dependents, dependent age 26, address, child custody, disability, active/retired), and any condition affecting special programs, such as diabetes, prenatal, infertility, and weight loss. Failure to do so can be costly to the member and may even result in loss of benefits. Please send updated information to enrollment@ktftrustfund.com  or call the Trust office at 844-583-3863.

SmithRx
Over the last few months, we have heard from several members with concerns regarding our PBM SmithRx. When SmithRx acquired our former PBM WithMe, they assured us that nothing would change. Unfortunately, as is often the case when a company is acquired, things do change. Rest assured the Trust is working diligently to correct the issues and problems that have occurred since their takeover. Our compliance office and pharmacy consultant have been in constant contact with SmithRx to ensure the pharmacy needs of our members are being met. The Trust has always and will continue to work to provide our members with the best health care.

Benefit Contacts
Medical / Dental / Behavioral Health / Precertification / Claims and Prescriptions

844-583-3863 (844- KTF- FUND)

Prompt 1 – Eligibility
Prompt 2- Compliance
Prompt 3- Pre-Certification
Prompt 4- Claims
Prompt 5- Network
Prompt 6- Pharmacy Benefit

Prescription Benefits

SmithRx – Members support        844-454-5201
Members portal –www.mysmithrx.com
Manifest Pharmacy (mail-order) – phone 888-770-4009
            www.manifestpharmacy.com  - to enroll on-line
CanaRx: www.KTFMeds.com | 866-893-6337

In Memoriam

 Carol Elsworth          Diana Gedney        Marcia Paladino