Complete Health and Financial Security for MSTS Members
As a Moving, Storage & Trade Show (MSTS) member, both you and your family gain access to a full suite of comprehensive health and medical benefits. These include coverage for routine care, specialized treatments, and preventative services. Additionally, MSTS provides financial protection with life, disability, and accidental death insurance, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones in times of need. These benefits are designed to ensure your family’s health and financial well-being, helping you focus on what matters most.
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Eligibility
Eligibility Basics
As an MSTS member, you can qualify for TeamstersCare benefits in one of two ways:
- If your employer is already contributing to TeamstersCare: You will become eligible for benefits once you meet the plan’s eligibility and enrollment requirements.
- If your employer starts contributing to TeamstersCare: You will qualify for benefits when:
- Your employer makes contributions equal to the remittance rate for the required number of hours, and
- You meet the eligibility requirements.
In both cases, your participation in the plan begins once these conditions are met.
How You Become Eligible
You become eligible to enroll in TeamstersCare benefits once you have worked, and your employer has made contributions for, a total of 550 hours within a fixed six-month period. For example, to be eligible for coverage from February through July, you must have worked at least 550 hours between June 1 and November 30.
Dependent Eligibility
Once your eligibility begins, your dependents will also be eligible for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, hearing, and behavioral health benefits. For this plan, eligible dependents include:
- Your current spouse or an ex-spouse who meets specific criteria (see the MSTS Summary Plan Description for full details).
- Your children up to the last day of the month they turn 26.
- Your unmarried children who are unable to care for themselves and depend on you for support due to a physical or mental disability, provided they meet certain criteria.
For comprehensive details on dependent eligibility, including definitions of eligible and disabled children, please refer to the MSTS Summary Plan Description.
Enrollment
Once you are eligible for TeamstersCare benefits, you will receive an enrollment package from TeamsterCare Member Services. Within this package is an enrollment form that you must complete and return to Member Services (with the required documentation) within 31 days. If your documentation is received within this timeframe, your benefits will be activated retroactively to your eligibility date.
If the enrollment form is not received within this 31 day timeframe, your benefits will be activated on the first day of the month that TeamstersCare receives your form and documentation.
Change in Family Status Notification
If you have a change in family status, you must notify TeamstersCare Member Services by telephone or in writing within 31 days of the change. If you fail to do so, TeamstersCare cannot ensure continuous or timely coverage of any claims incurred beyond that timeframe. A change in family status includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Moving out of the geographic area that is covered by your medical option.
- A change in your address or the address of an eligible dependent
- Marriage, divorce or legal separation
- The addition of a new dependent by birth, adoption or marriage
- Death of an eligible participant
- Loss of dependent eligibility
- Returning to work after a disability
- Any change in your own or your dependent’s employment-related healthcare coverage
- Eligibility for Medicare and/or Social Security disability status
- Coverage for you and/or any of your dependents under any group benefit plans other than TeamstersCare
You may be required to submit certain changes in writing or proof of your change in family status at the time you notify us of the change.
TeamstersCare manages all eligibility and enrollment issues. Anytime you provide us with eligibility-related information, we’ll notify all the vendors on your behalf.
Benefits
If you are a member of the Moving & Storage and Trade Show Industries (MSTS), you and your family are eligible to receive a comprehensive TeamstersCare benefits package. To learn more about the benefits that are available to you, click on a benefits program below:
Medical
TeamstersCare provides members with medical benefits through two options, depending on where you live:
- HMO Blue New England Option
- Blue Care Elect Preferred (Out of Area Option)
HMO Blue New England Option
This plan covers members living in certain geographical areas, including all cities and towns in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Blue Care Elect Preferred (Out of Area Option)
If you live outside of New England, or have an eligible dependent permanently residing outside New England, you are covered under the Blue Care Elect Preferred plan.
TeamstersCare provides members with medical benefits through two options, depending on where you live:
- HMO Blue New England Option
- Blue Care Elect Preferred (Out of Area Option)
HMO Blue New England Option
This plan covers members living in certain geographical areas, including all cities and towns in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Blue Care Elect Preferred (Out of Area Option)
If you live outside of New England, or have an eligible dependent permanently residing outside New England, you are covered under the Blue Care Elect Preferred plan.
Covered Services
Both the HMO Blue New England and Blue Care Elect Preferred options cover a wide range of medical services, including:
- Doctor’s care (maternity, pediatric, and well-child visits)
- Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
- Surgery and emergency care
- Diagnostic tests (x-rays, lab work)
- Rehab services, home health, early intervention (with authorization)
- Chiropractic care, podiatry, nutrition, and ambulatory transport
- Authorized medical equipment
HMO Blue New England Option Details
Primary Care Physician (PCP) When you enroll in HMO Blue New England, you and each family member must select an in-network PCP. Your PCP will manage your routine and sick care and provide referrals for specialized services.
Emergency Care For emergencies (e.g., suspected heart attack, stroke, poisoning), go to the nearest medical facility or dial 911. Emergency room services have a $75 copay, waived if you are admitted to the hospital.
Basic Medical Benefits
| HMO BLUE NEW ENGLAND | |
| Annual Deductible | none |
| Benefit Level | Plan pays 100% Some copays required |
| Annual Maximum out-of-pocket | none |
| Lifetime Maximum per person, all programs combined | none |
| Dependent Child Coverage | Last day of the month in which child turns 26
|
| Inpatient Care including maternity | Plan pays 100% |
| Preventive Care routine adult physical well-child care allergy testing & treatment annual gynecological exam mammogram | $0 copay per visit $0 copay per visit $15 copay per visit $0 copay per visit Plan pays 100% |
| Outpatient Care office visits for specific treatment diagnostic lab and x-ray outpatient surgery preadmission testing home health care skilled nursing facility | $15 copay per visit Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% |
| Emergency Room Visit | $75 copay (waived if admitted or observation stay) Notify your HMO within 48 hours of delivery of emergency services. Follow-up care must be arranged by your PCP. |
| Behavioral Health Care (Mental Health/Substance Abuse)
| In-network benefit only Out-patient treatment: $15 copay per visit Inpatient: Plan pays 100% |
Important Note: For specific limitations or coverage of services not listed, please refer to HMO Blue New England. This summary is not a complete description of your TeamstersCare benefits. For eligibility questions, contact TeamstersCare Member Services.
Blue Care Elect Preferred (Out of Area Option)
As a Blue Care Elect Preferred member, selecting a PCP is not required. You have two options:
- Use an in-network provider for discounted services, with most costs covered after any copayment.
- Use a non-network provider, where services are covered at 80% of the reasonable and customary amounts after a $250 individual/$500 family deductible. The out-of-network coinsurance maximum is $1,000 per individual/$2,000 per family.
For more information on in-network providers, call 1-800-810-2583 or visit the website provided.
| Benefit | Blue Care Elect Preferred | Non-network |
| Annual Deductible | none | $250/individual $500/family |
| Benefit Level | Plan pays 100% Some copays required | After the deductible, the Plan pays 80% 1 |
| Lifetime Maximum per person, all TeamstersCare Programs combined | none | |
| Dependent Coverage | Last day of the month in which child turns 26
| |
| Inpatient Care including maternity | Plan pays 100%
| After the deductible, the Plan pays 80%1 |
| Preventive Care routine adult physical2 (see schedule below) well-child care allergy testing & treatment annual gynecological exam mammogram | $0 copay per visit
$0 copay per visit $15 copay per visit $0 copay per visit Plan pays 100% |
After the deductible, the Plan pays 80%1
|
| Outpatient Care office visit (specific treatment) diagnostic lab and x-ray outpatient surgery preadmission testing home health care skilled nursing facility | $15 copay per visit Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% Plan pays 100% |
After the deductible, the Plan pays 80%1 |
| Behavioral Health Care (Mental Health/Substance Abuse) | Out-patient treatment: $15 copay per visit; inpatient: Plan pays 100% | After the deductible, the Plan pays 80%1 |
| Emergency Care doctor’s office hospital emergency room | $15 copay per visit $75 copay per visit 3 | After the deductible, the Plan pays 80%1 |
| Calendar Year Coinsurance Maximum | None | $1,000/individual $2,000/family |
Important Note: This summary is not a full description of your benefits. For detailed information, including provider lists and specific coverage details, visit Teamsters Union 25 HSIP or call 1-800-810-2583.
Behavioral Health Benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
Your Blue Cross Blue Shield medical benefit includes counseling and treatment for:
- Emotional difficulties and mental illness
- Substance abuse
- Family and marital issues
- Childhood concerns
Accessing Behavioral Health Services To access outpatient behavioral health services, make an appointment with an in-network provider and pay a $15 copay. No referral or pre-authorization is needed. The first 12 visits are automatically authorized; additional visits will require further authorization from your provider.
For questions, call the Blue Cross Behavioral Health Coordination line at 1-800-444-2426 or visit Teamsters Union 25 HSIP.
Additional Behavioral Health Services As an MSTS member, you also have access to behavioral health services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Modern Assistance Programs, Inc.
Both the HMO Blue New England and Blue Care Elect Preferred options cover a wide range of medical services, including:
- Doctor’s care (maternity, pediatric, and well-child visits)
- Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
- Surgery and emergency care
- Diagnostic tests (x-rays, lab work)
- Rehab services, home health, early intervention (with authorization)
- Chiropractic care, podiatry, nutrition, and ambulatory transport
- Authorized medical equipment
HMO Blue New England Option Details
Primary Care Physician (PCP) When you enroll in HMO Blue New England, you and each family member must select an in-network PCP. Your PCP will manage your routine and sick care and provide referrals for specialized services.
Emergency Care For emergencies (e.g., suspected heart attack, stroke, poisoning), go to the nearest medical facility or dial 911. Emergency room services have a $75 copay, waived if you are admitted to the hospital.
Important Note: For specific limitations or coverage of services not listed, please refer to HMO Blue New England. This summary is not a complete description of your TeamstersCare benefits. For eligibility questions, contact TeamstersCare Member Services.
Blue Care Elect Preferred (Out of Area Option)
As a Blue Care Elect Preferred member, selecting a PCP is not required. You have two options:
- Use an in-network provider for discounted services, with most costs covered after any copayment.
- Use a non-network provider, where services are covered at 80% of the reasonable and customary amounts after a $250 individual/$500 family deductible. The out-of-network coinsurance maximum is $1,000 per individual/$2,000 per family.
For more information on in-network providers, call 1-800-810-2583 or visit the website provided.
Important Note: This summary is not a full description of your benefits. For detailed information, including provider lists and specific coverage details, visit Teamsters Union 25 HSIP or call 1-800-810-2583.
Behavioral Health Benefits (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
Your Blue Cross Blue Shield medical benefit includes counseling and treatment for:
- Emotional difficulties and mental illness
- Substance abuse
- Family and marital issues
- Childhood concerns
Accessing Behavioral Health Services To access outpatient behavioral health services, make an appointment with an in-network provider and pay a $15 copay. No referral or pre-authorization is needed. The first 12 visits are automatically authorized; additional visits will require further authorization from your provider.
For questions, call the Blue Cross Behavioral Health Coordination line at 1-800-444-2426 or visit Teamsters Union 25 HSIP.
Additional Behavioral Health Services As an MSTS member, you also have access to behavioral health services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Modern Assistance Programs, Inc.
Pharmacy
As an MSTS member of the TeamstersCare plan, you and your family can obtain pharmacy benefits through the following options:
Option 1: Walk-In Service
You can receive up to a 90-day supply of prescription drugs at the Charlestown or Stoughton TeamstersCare in-house pharmacies. The cost per prescription is $5 for generics and $15 for brand-name medications (if no generic is available).
To fill a new prescription:
- Walk in during pharmacy hours.
- Have your doctor phone, fax, or e-prescribe your medication.
To refill a prescription:
- Phone: Call the Charlestown or Stoughton pharmacy and use the automated Telemanager system.
- Online: Visit the pharmacy website and submit your refill request.
- PocketRx App: Download the PocketRx app on iTunes or Google Play to refill your prescription on the go.
Note: Have your prescription ready, as you’ll need the six-digit refill number.
Option 2: Mail-Order Service
You can obtain up to a 90-day supply of prescription drugs through the Express Scripts mail-order program. The cost is $5 for generics and $15 for brand-name medications (if no generic is available).
To fill a new mail-order prescription:
- Mail your prescription, copay, and a completed Prescription Order Form to Express Scripts. The form is available by calling (877) 543-7097 or visiting www.Express-scripts.com.
To refill a mail-order prescription:
- Log on to www.Express-scripts.com and select “Order Status.”
- Call the automated phone service at 1-877-543-7097.
- Mail a Refill Request Form with your refill slip or prescription label to Express Scripts.
Option 3: Retail Pharmacy
You can get up to a 30-day supply of prescription drugs at a retail pharmacy within the Express Scripts TeamstersCare network. The copay is $10 for generics and $20 for brand-name prescriptions. If you choose a brand-name drug when a generic is available, you’ll pay $20 plus the cost difference between the brand-name and generic medication.
Note: Walgreens, Walmart, and Sam’s Club are not part of the Express Scripts TeamstersCare network.
If you use an out-of-network pharmacy, you’ll need to pay the full cost (including the copay) and submit a claim to Express Scripts for reimbursement. You’ll receive a check based on network rates, minus your copay. Click here to download claim form.
Specialty Medications
For specialty medications (certain high-cost drugs for complex conditions), you must fill prescriptions through either:
- TeamstersCare in-house pharmacies (walk-in service), or
- Accredo, the Express Scripts Specialty Pharmacy (mail-order only).
The copay is $15 for up to a 30-day supply.
For more information on your pharmacy coverage, including a list of medications not covered, please contact TeamstersCare.
Dental
As an MSTS member of the TeamstersCare benefits plan, you and your dependents have two options for dental care:
Option 1: TeamstersCare Dental Offices
You can receive basic dental services at the TeamstersCare dental offices located in Charlestown, Chelmsford, and Stoughton. Services include:
- Preventative care (dental exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments, cleanings, and scaling)
- Sealants
- Fillings and root canals for certain teeth
- Simple extractions
- Full or partial dentures (including repairs and relines)
- Mouth guards
- Second opinions
- Emergency care (during office hours)
Preventative care visits are free of charge. For other services, there is a $5 fee for fillings and a $10 fee for denture work, root canals, and extractions.
Option 2: Dental Blue Freedom Network
Dental Blue Freedom offers flexibility with access to three networks: Dental Blue PPO, Dental Blue, and the Dental Blue National network.
- Dental Blue PPO: Offers the greatest discounts.
- Dental Blue: Includes 90% of the dentists in Massachusetts.
- Dental Blue National: Provides access to dentists throughout the United States.
You may also choose an out-of-network dentist, though your share of the costs will generally be higher.
To view the current Fee Allowance Schedule click here.
To check if a specific dentist is part of the Dental Blue Freedom networks, visit www.bcbsma.com or call BCBS Member Service at 1-800-241-0830.
Cost of Services
With the exception of preventative services, any dental treatment (whether from an in-network or out-of-network dentist) is subject to a $50 per person/$100 per family annual deductible. The maximum benefit per person is $2,500 per calendar year.
Orthodontic services are covered at 50% of the cost, up to a $1,500 lifetime maximum per person. This coverage applies to members, spouses, and dependents.
Vision
TeamstersCare has contracted with Davis Vision to provide you and your family with benefits to protect your vision and eye health. With a national network of participating providers, you may visit any Davis Vision eye specialist for a broad range of eye care services and supplies – often at no cost to you.
For a list of participating providers, call Davis Vision at 1-800-999-5431 or visit www.davisvision.com. You may also contact TeamstersCare Member Services for a list of New England providers.
To view vision benefits please click here.
Important Note: When choosing either eyeglasses or contact lenses, you must make your full selection at the time of your examination. If you go to a provider who only provides an exam, you must order glasses through another provider within 30 days of your vision exam.
Hearing Care
Once every year, you and your family members are eligible to receive a comprehensive hearing test at our Charlestown Appointment Desk. Ordinarily, hearing care services and equipment are covered only when they are provided at our TeamstersCare Audiology Office.
All routine hearing examinations, diagnostic evaluations and middle ear analyses are provided at no cost to you. Services include:
- Ear examinations
- Diagnostic hearing evaluations
- Middle ear analysis
- Hearing aid analysis, fitting and follow-up, as appropriate
To schedule an appointment for a hearing exam for you or your eligible dependents (ages 3 and up), contact our Charlestown Audiology Office.
Out of Area Benefit
If you or your family members live outside of New England, you can be authorized to receive certain hearing care services from a private audiologist, provided our TeamstersCare audiologist conducts a pre-treatment review.
Employee Assistance Program
TeamstersCare provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefit for our members and their dependents who are in need of advice and guidance for a behavioral health issue. This confidential service is provided at no cost to you and is available in person or by phone.
Services include:
- Short-term counseling sessions (up to 3 visits)
- Assessments and referrals
- Case management
- Addiction issues
- Advice or guidance with personal problems, family and relationship issues, financial and legal concerns, anxiety, grief counseling, job stress, etc.
Call TeamstersCare EAP at 1-800-851-8326 to speak to a clinical provider or to schedule an appointment.
Modern Assistance Programs
Eligible members and their dependents have a second option when seeking support for behavioral health issues through Modern Assistance Programs, Inc (MAP).
MAP provides a wide range of services to address mental health and substance abuse concerns, such as:
- Short-term counseling
- Education and training
- Assessment and referrals
- Medical pre-certification
- Case management
- Drug testing referral and monitoring
- Problem resolution
- Client advocacy
- Advice or guidance with:
- Addiction treatment
- HIV/AIDS
- Family therapy
- Panic, anxiety and stress
- Domestic and workplace violence/trauma
- Mental health
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Alternative health care referrals
You may call and speak to a MAP representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-617-774-0331. Counseling is available by telephone or in person.
Disability
If you have a disability that prevents you from working (including pregnancy), the TeamstersCare Weekly Disability Benefit will pay you a benefit each week, for up to 26 weeks. The disability must be caused by a sickness or injury that is not related to your job. Benefits begin on the 8th day of the disability, after a 7-day waiting period.
Your weekly disability benefit equals 75 percent of your regular weekly base pay, for a minimum of $300 per week to a maximum of $600 per week. This benefit is available for the member only and is calculated based on your average hours for the three highest months reported in the previous six-month eligibility determination period. Your weekly wages will be calculated based on the straight time rate of pay listed on the paycheck stub you provide (must be dated within the most recent eligibility determination period).
To be eligible for benefits, you must submit the appropriate form, which is available from TeamstersCare Member Services. This form must be filled out by you, your employer and your doctor.
Life Insurance
The TeamstersCare life insurance benefit provides financial protection for your family or beneficiaries in the event of your death.
Benefit Amounts
If you die from any cause (on or off the job), TeamstersCare pays your beneficiaries a benefit of $50,000. You will also receive a life insurance benefit for your eligible spouse and dependents in the following amounts:
- $5,000 for your spouse
- $2,000 for each eligible dependent child
Accelerated Death Benefit
If you are diagnosed by a doctor as being totally or permanently disabled, and your disability will likely result in your death within the next 24 months, you are eligible to receive up to 75 percent of your total $50,000 life insurance benefit while you are living. The remaining benefit is payable to your beneficiary upon your death.
As of July 1, 2018, the life insurance carrier also provides some additional services:
- A Beneficiary Companion Program
- An Identity Theft Program
- A Travel Assistance Program
For additional information call TeamstersCare Member Services at 617-241-9220, ext. 2.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
The TeamstersCare Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Benefit provides you with additional life and accident insurance protection. This coverage is available for the member, only.
If the member dies as a result of an accident, the AD&D benefit is paid to the beneficiary in addition to the normal life insurance benefit.
The maximum AD&D benefit is $50,000 for one accident.
Basic Benefits
| Loss | Benefit |
| Loss of Life | 100% |
| Loss of Both Hands | 100% |
| Loss of Both Feet | 100% |
| Loss of Entire Sight of Both Eyes | 100% |
| Loss of One Hand and One Foot | 100% |
| Loss of One Hand and Entire Sight of One Eye | 100% |
| Loss of One Foot and Entire Sight of One Eye | 100% |
| Loss of Speech and Hearing (both ears) | 100% |
| Loss of Entire Sight of One Eye | 50% |
| Loss of Speech or Hearing (both ears) | 50% |
| Loss of One Hand or One Foot | 50% |
| Loss of Thumb and Index Finger of same Hand | 25% |
| Quadriplegia (Paralysis of both upper and lower limbs) | 100% |
| Triplegia (Paralysis of three limbs) | 75% |
| Paraplegia (Paralysis of both lower limbs) | 75% |
| Hemiplegia (Paralysis of an upper and a lower limb) | 50% |
| Uniplegia (Paralysis of a limb) | 25% |
If a member dies within 365 days of an accident, or suffers one of the injuries below, TeamstersCare will pay the following benefits:
Access Essential Member Forms On-line
Explore our collection of commonly requested forms and documents for TeamstersCare members. From essential TeamstersCare/Dental Blue Freedom forms to pharmacy-related documents and beyond, we’ve got you covered.
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