We all know we’re living in tough economic times that make it hard to make ends meet. Almost everyone is cutting back on spending, delaying major purchases, and concentrating on paying for the essentials, such as rent or mortgage, food and car payments. While the Administration is taking several steps to turn the economy around—we know it will take time. To help members weather this difficult period, the BAC Member Assistance Program (MAP) provides a variety of services at no cost to active and retired union members and their families, including:

Prescription Assistance

Many new prescription medications are costly—even under the best prescription drug programs. MAP can help. In one case, MAP was able to help a 59-year-old bricklayer with severe rheumatoid arthritis find a prescription assistance program to help cover the cost of his $1,500-a-month prescription. In the member’s own words, “I didn’t like being in the position of having to choose between myself and my family’s needs. With MAP’s help, my expensive medication is covered through prescription assistance, and my family is still covered under my Union plan. My arthritis has improved. The new medication makes a huge difference. Not only can I put in a full day’s work, but I’m not in horrible pain all night.”

Special Assistance for Retirees

MAP can also help retirees and their families with a variety of issues, and
match them up with community programs that many retirees don’t realize are available free of charge. Just recently, MAP helped the widow of a 60-year member connect with a community program that helped her complete a series of home repairs she couldn’t complete on her own. “It was a relief to stop worrying about my leaky roof every time it rained, and now I don’t have to worry when I walk across my bathroom floor,” she told MAP. She also has benefited by having hot meals delivered to her home every evening, greatly improving her nutrition and lowering her grocery bills. “I’m trying to stay healthy and take care of myself. At first, I was embarrassed that I could not afford the repairs, but the social worker told me that these agencies are there to help hard-working families and retirees get through tough times. It has made a real difference in my life, and I think my husband would be glad his Union is helping me.”

Homelessness

The current economic meltdown occurred so suddenly that it left many Americans who were just on the brink of establishing themselves financially not only overwhelmed, but facing homelessness. One 25-year-old bricklayer who contacted MAP had just purchased his first home when the economic crisis hit. His wife lost her job, one of the family’s cars was repossessed, and they fell behind in their mortgage. Like many mobile young Americans, the couple had no family living nearby on whom they could rely, and were shocked to find themselves facing homelessness. By the time they contacted MAP it was too late to use the Union Plus “Save My Home” hotline (1-866-490-5361) to avoid foreclosure, but it wasn’t too late for MAP to help this member locate temporary housing, food, financial counseling, and a free government service that paid for job retraining for his wife. “We’re getting back on our feet and we’re feeling much more hopeful about the future.”

Medical Care

MAP can also help members who fall below the eligibility requirements get medical coverage for themselves and their families. In one case, MAP helped a member who was unemployed and could not afford COBRA find temporary coverage for his son’s health care.

There’s More…

In addition to connecting members with community and government services for medical and financial issues, MAP also assists members who need help with depression, stress, family conflicts, and substance abuse—services that are especially vital for families already under pressure during an economic crisis.

If you or a member of your family needs help, contact MAP’s licensed clinical social worker and mental health professional by calling 1-888-880-8BAC toll-free for a free, confidential consultation. Calls are generally accepted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.