Effective July 1, 2020, WELS announced a change in its interpretation of the workers who may be considered “ministers of the gospel” for federal tax purposes, which was based on a thorough investigation and legal opinion from a nationally recognized expert in this area of tax law. Read the WELS announcement here. Distributions from the […]
The WELS Retirement Program Commission is pleased to announce a one-quarter contribution holiday for the WELS Pension Plan (the “Plan”). No Plan contributions will be due for the October-December 2020 quarter. Active workers will continue to earn Plan benefits for eligible service performed during the October-December 2020 quarter, and Plan benefits will continue to be […]
The WELS VEBA Commission is pleased to announce a one-month premium holiday for the WELS VEBA Group Health Care Plan (“WELS VEBA”). No premiums will be due for WELS VEBA medical benefits for the month of August 2020. Premiums for voluntary benefits, such as dental, life, and optional long-term disability, will still be due and […]
The WELS VEBA Commission has approved several enhancements to the WELS VEBA health plan benefits in response to COVID-19 and the ongoing public health emergency. A summary of the enhancements is provided below. WELS VEBA will cover, at 100% of the plan’s maximum allowable amount, eligible billed charges for the medically appropriate diagnostic test for […]
The Benefit Plans Office is pleased to introduce a new website with content dedicated for use primarily by sponsoring organization representatives, such as treasurers, business managers, and other organizational leaders. Visit the website at: https://resources.welsbpo.net. Initial content includes information for organizations to prepare for the upcoming 2019 WELS VEBA limited open enrollment period, general information about […]
WELS VEBA provides health benefits for workers at WELS and ELS calling bodies across the country. The above video provides information on the important advantages of WELS VEBA. A flyer highlighting the main points discussed in the video is available for download here. We encourage you to share this video and flyer with fellow workers and […]
Easy, fast doctor visits. All from the comfort of your own computer or mobile device 365 days a year. LiveHealth Online is a new communications tool provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield that allows you to talk to doctors online by two-way video on a computer. Doctors can answer questions, make a diagnosis, […]
As widely reported, Anthem, Inc. was the target of a sophisticated external cyber attack that occurred in December 2014 and January 2015. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the claims administrator for the WELS VEBA Group Health Care Plan. Anthem has informed us that WELS VEBA members since 2004 may be at risk of unauthorized […]
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has provided information on how to immediately enroll in credit protection services to all members who are potentially impacted by the recent cyber attack on Anthem’s systems. Starting Friday, February 13, 2015 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, current and former Anthem members can visit www.anthemfacts.com to learn more about credit […]
We are informing all WELS VEBA members and former members that we are aware Anthem, Inc., the claims administrator for WELS VEBA, is the victim of a highly sophisticated cyber attack. Anthem has informed us that its member data was accessed, and could include that of our current and former members. We are working closely […]