Author: kthompson

The boot … but in a good way!

The Annual Physical Benefit now has a kick to it. Now in addition to getting the benefits of keeping on top of your preventive care—and maybe detecting illness before it becomes an issue— and in addition to the $200 benefit to help cover the time you need to take off to get the exam getting your Annual Physical Benefit is a step towards eligibility for the Work Boots Benefit. So, a routine check-up could have you stepping into a new pair of SASMI-approved work boots for eligible active members.

If you received a qualifying preventive care exam any time from July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2026, you may be eligible in 2025/2026 for one pair of SASMI-approved work boots as long as you haven’t received a pair in the three stabilization periods prior to your application. Here’s how it works:

• Receive an eligible routine preventive care exam from a qualified medical professional.
• Log in to the member portal and click on “Applications” and then “Annual Physical Benefit” to access the online form.
• Complete the online form.
• Upload a copy of your SMART-affiliated health and welfare fund’s Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that shows that you received the preventive care from a qualified professional.
• Provide your bank routing information for direct deposit. The Annual Physical Benefit will be deposited in your account.
• Once your claim is approved, if you are eligible for boots, you’ll be emailed instructions on how to apply for the Union Boot.
• From there, you’ll select your SASMI-approved Thorogood or Carolina boots.
• Shipping, returns, and exchanges are free. And there’s no sales tax (unless you live in Wisconsin).

Just like before, the Work Boots Benefit will only be available once every two years If you got a pair of boots in 2024, you won’t be eligible again until 2026. You will, however, still be eligible for the Annual Physical Benefit each year.

Both the Annual Physical Benefit and the Work Boot Benefit are non-deduct benefits, meaning they will not reduce any future amounts you’ll receive from SASMI.

On or about July 1 credits will be added to your Active Plan HRA.  The amount will be 20% of the contributions SASMI received for work you performed in 2023.

You can use these funds to pay for prescription drugs and allowable over-the-counter medical items for you, your spouse, and your eligible dependents if they are covered under your SMART health plan. 

The HRA can also be used to purchase eligible items from a participating online FSA vendor, such as the FSA Store at fsastore.com.

The debit card won’t automatically be sent to you. You must visit the member portal and register for it.

SASMI wants to ensure all members keep a close eye on their health and fitness. That’s why we offer the Annual Physical Benefit—a benefit designed to encourage members to get their yearly check-ups. If you’re eligible, you could receive $200 for your own physical exam, and $100 for covered family members (up to a $600 maximum per calendar year).

Local vs. Local

Is your local the healthiest of them all? We’re starting a little friendly competition in 2024. Although Local 265 is currently in the lead with 28% of participants applying for the benefit, don’t count your Local out. We’ll be tracking throughout the year, so get your physical, claim your reimbursement, and help your local win the honor of “Healthiest Local” by the end of 2024.