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​​​​​THE TRUSTEE 

 April 2026
Vol XIX, No. 188

Spring Into Better Health: Simple Ways to Refresh Your Mind and Body

As the days grow longer and the weather warms, spring offers the perfect opportunity to reset your health and well-being. After months of winter routines, even small changes can bring renewed energy, clarity, and motivation. Here are a few simple and effective ways to embrace the season and support your overall health.

1. Take Your Movement Outdoors
Spring is an ideal time to step outside and get moving. Walking in nature, hiking local trails, or even taking a stroll through your neighborhood can boost cardiovascular health, improve mood, and reduce stress. Fresh air and natural sunlight also support better sleep and increased vitamin D levels.

2. Try Gardening for Body and Mind
Gardening is more than just a hobby—it is a full-body activity that promotes strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Planting flowers, herbs, or vegetables connects you to nature while also providing a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.

3. Explore Outdoor Classes and Mindfulness Practices
Look for outdoor yoga, fitness classes, or meditation sessions in your community. Practicing mindfulness outdoors can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and deepen your sense of calm by combining movement or stillness with natural surroundings.

4. Eat with the Season
Spring brings an abundance of fresh, nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, asparagus, strawberries, and peas. Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your meals supports digestion, boosts immunity, and adds variety to your diet.

5. Refresh Your Space, Refresh Your Mind
Spring cleaning is not just about tidying up, it can also improve mental clarity. Decluttering your home or workspace can reduce stress, increase productivity, and create a more peaceful environment. Consider donating items you no longer need to give them a second life.

6. Reconnect and Re-energize
Spring is a wonderful time to reconnect with friends, family, and your personal goals. Whether it is meeting someone for a walk, starting a new hobby, or simply spending more time outdoors, small social and lifestyle shifts can have a significant impact on your well-being.

A Fresh Start for Your Health
You do not need a complete lifestyle overhaul to feel better this spring. By incorporating a few of these simple habits into your routine, you can improve your physical health, boost your mood, and embrace the season with renewed energy.

Take advantage of this time of growth and renewal—your mind and body will thank you.

 

June is Open Enrollment

June is open enrollment for Health Insurance coverage. The Trust has scheduled an Open Enrollment Information session at the Mid-Hudson Regional NYSUT Conference Center located at 201 Stockade Drive, Kingston, on Wednesday June 10, from 4-6:00 PM. It is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, or if you would like to discuss changes, options or have questions, please email Lauri Naccarato at lauri@ktftrustfund.com for information.

 

CanaRX and Manifest Mail Order

Members may begin to get calls from Manifest Rx regarding certain prescriptions that are currently being filled through CanaRx but are now available through Manifest for a lesser cost to the Trust. We will be asking members to switch and get prescription refills from Manifest mail order. Our PBM Four Corners Health is always monitoring the cost of drugs and this . one way we use to control cost. If you are currently using a name brand drug from CanaRx that can be obtained for less money through our PBM using Manifest mail order, you may receive a call asking to switch your prescriptions. Manifest will help you facilitate the process. If you receive a call and still have questions, you can reach out to John Olsen and his team.

 

Member Reimbursement (corrected address)

Are you unsure or confused about submitting for member reimbursement? Several members have inquired about the process. The forms along with Instructions for  filing, including how to  complete the form for Member reimbursements for out-of-network services, can be found on our website at www.ktftrustfund.com. Once completed, reimbursement forms for  doctor visits/ treatments, medical massage, and vision care should be sent to MAGNACARE at PO Box 8085, Garden City, NY 11530. (This address is for member reimbursement use only, not providers.) Completed gym reimbursement forms should be sent to appeals@ktftrustfund.com.

All forms must be completed to be processed. Please be sure the forms are legible and that contact information is complete and correct. Members will be contacted if there are problems as long as contact information is provided. If you have a question or need additional help,  please reach out to the KTF compliance office at 844-583-3863.

 

Retiree Dental Insurance

When KTF and ESP members retire from the Kingston City School District, the district provides health insurance but not dental. All retirees who want to continue with Kingston Trust Fund dental insurance must opt in and pay the premiums for it.

Over the last several years the Trust has been able to offer “premium holidays” to retirees who have been vested in the dental insurance program. Currently all new retirees pay for one year of insurance to become vested. After that point, they become eligible for premium holidays when they are offered.

Beginning July 1, 2026, only members with Kingston Trust Fund Medical Insurance will be eligible for premium holidays. At the recent meeting of the Kingston Trust Fund Board of Trustees retiree dental insurance was discussed and the following changes were approved.

“Any retired member or spouse member not enrolled the Kingston Trust Fund Medical Plan will be charged the Dental Premium for their selected coverage for the 2026-2027 plan year, payable in one payment, due before July 1, 2026, covering July1,2026- June 30, 2027, or in two installments, the first half due before July 1, 2026 and covering July 1-, 2026- December 31, 2026: and the second installment due before January 1, 2027 and covering January 1, 2027 – June 30, 2027.”

Participants will be sent a purple Dental Premium sheet prior to open enrollment period of June 2026 with instructions and a payment stub. They will choose the coverage they want and select the payment schedule they desire. They will also be asked to submit an  “opt out” of the Trust Dental Plan.

The payment and selection of coverage sheet must be postmarked prior to the July 1, 2026, term of coverage date and returned to the address below.

Kingston Trust Fund

PO BOX 4461

Kingston NY 12402

 

KRTF March Meeting

At the KRTF Spring meeting, Lauri Naccarato, the Executive Director of the Trust, presented information on the Trust and how it works. She gave attendees a  reference sheet, so that members will know who and how to contact various providers and the Trust. The handout “Benefits Contact Sheet for 2026”  is attached to this newsletter. Please keep it handy in the event you need to reach out.

 

In Memoriam

Shannings Moore                  Alan Aidala