Spring open enrollment for both the Union Benefits Trust (UBT) dental, vision, life insurance and legal programs and the State of Ohio Health Plan is just around the corner. The period begins May 16 and goes through May 29. 

UBT open enrollment is a great time to review your benefit plan coverage as well as check your dependents’ eligibility. And did you know? Starting July 1, 2024 the dependent age qualification for UBT dental and vision will be expanded. Unmarried dependents up to age 26 will now be eligible for coverage for dental and vision benefits. Eligible members may cover legal spouses, legal dependents 18 and under, and legal dependents between the age of 19-26 that meet the following eligibility requirements: unmarried, residents of Ohio, NOT employed by an employer that offers coverage, and NOT eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. 

The coverage expansion came about as a result of a provision in the state operating budget. 

"We're excited to be able to offer this expanded coverage to members and their families, especially as the costs of health care services continue to rise," said UBT Trustee and OCSEA activist Jackie Stuckert. " This is just one more way union benefits can help control the ever rising costs that families experience."

As a reminder, UBT offers premium-free dental vision and basic life insurance through the OCSEA contract. UBT benefit coverage begins the first of the month following an eligible members' one year anniversary date of employment with the State of Ohio. Additionally, the UBT offers supplemental life insurance and legal programs at a cost.

During the open enrollment process, OCSEA members are also encouraged to check and update their beneficiaries, where necessary. More open enrollment information will be sent out to OCSEA members and all eligible State of Ohio employees in the coming weeks.

OCSEA member Kyle Bianco is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist 2 with the Ohio Dept. of Health and got his bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Community Health. He initially thought he was destined for a medical field. He never dreamed he’d be working in the “sewage” business instead, he laughs.

With ODH, Kyle has a big job overseeing and monitoring residential sewage and water systems throughout Ohio. The program is under the Bureau of Environmental Health and Radiation Protection, which is also in charge of monitoring campgrounds, pools, and other private and public water systems.

Kyle has been able to mix his background in science with helping making Ohio a safer, healthier place to live. ""I do like helping people and making a difference. I believe in public service," said Kyle. Read Kyle's story in the most recent edition of the union magazine (page 5) at OCSEA.org/PEQ. 

(Above) Kyle Bianco, ODH Chapter 2560, is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist 2 with the Ohio Dept. of Health. He oversees and monitors residential sewage and water systems throughout Ohio.

The OCSEA Women's Action and Community and Minority Affairs Committees joint conference is taking place this weekend, May 3-5, 2024 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky.

The full line up of speakers will include special guests will include André Washington, our good friend and AFSCME and Ohio NAACP activist; Dr. Audra Martin, a leader in clinical and social services fields; and Jamie Trout, Executive Director for Eastside Community Ministry.

Additionally, all attendees are invited to view the screening of the film “At the River I Stand” on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. This important film documents the two months leading to Martin Luther King, Jr’s death in 1968, coinciding with the 65 day strike of 1,300 Memphis sanitation workers belonging to AFSCME Local 1733. Attendees are encouraged to bring their family members to this event. Refreshments will be provided.

Get the full agenda at OCSEA.org/wac-cmca. Here is more information:

• The event begins Friday evening with early conference check-in and a hospitality reception. It's the perfect way to network with other OCSEA members from around Ohio.
• The conference begins promptly at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs through Sunday at 11 a.m.
• Conference check-in on Saturday opens on 8 a.m.

The May 2024 Union Bulletin Board Network (UBBN) flyers are here and available for download at OCSEA.org/UBBN. The May flyers include information on the upcoming Steward Conference, May Working Advantage Highlights, labor history for Asian Pacific Heritage Month and more. Check back each month for new flyers to share. 
 
Don't have an onsite bulletin board? The virtual bulletin board network at OCSEA.org/UBBN gives OCSEA members access to union flyers with a click of a button. This includes quick access to OCSEA news, events, discounts and more. Chapters who don't have boards are urged to email the flyers or UBBN link to their members and distribute at meetings. Any chapter that needs assistance with printing fliers should contact the OCSEA mailroom at 614-865-4733.
 
This month's virtual flyers include:

Register for the June 8 OCSEA Steward Conference

Open Enrollment

Working Advantage Highlights
Pacific Asian Heritage Labor History
Spring Discounts