October 29, 2025
To Florida Podiatric Medical Association Members:
The FreedomBlue Medicare Advantage/Dental Plan Coverage for OPEIU Local (Guild 45) members are scheduled to renew January 1, 2026. Attached HERE is the January 1, 2026 Medicare Advantage Plan renewal rates for OPEIU Local (Guild 45) members (see OPEIU Local 45 - Florida - Options 1 and 2 at the top of the chart). Note that the Medicare Advantage Plans reflect an increase of 2% and the Dental Plan reflects a 5% increase.
October 27, 2025
To Florida Podiatric Medical Association Members:
We are pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2026, the USW Fund has decided to change Vision carriers to VSP.
The decision to move to VSP was made in large part due to ongoing member and provider experience issues with Davis Vision. The plan is confident that VSP is the right fit for the Fund, with extensive network access and improved service and payment consistency with the most seamless transition possible.
Please note that the Vision plan designs will not change. You can view the VSP® Vision Care Plan Options HERE.
Though the Vision network is changing, there is an overall network overlap of 81% with over 121,000 participating providers nationwide. To explore VSP’s network, visit www.vsp.com and select Find a Doctor.
Please Note: Davis Vision will continue to process all Vision claims incurred prior to January 1, 2026. Thereafter, VSP will assume claims administration.
VSP will mail new ID cards and welcome letters to all employees enrolled in Vision coverage prior to the effective date. The Fund will provide updated Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs) to reflect the new carrier within 60 days of January 1, 2026.
Letter Concerning Vision Carrier Change
July 25, 2025
To Florida Podiatric Medical Association Members:
Please be advised that the OPEIU (Office and Professional Employees International Union)/GUILD 45 has announced new healthcare rate schedules effective as of September 1, 2025. This will affect a significant number of FPMA members, and we want you to be informed. Please find the new rates via the links provided below.
Florida Podiatric Medical Association members may secure health insurance plans through an agreement OPEIU entered into with the Steelworkers Health and Welfare Plan. The OPEIU has contracted with CDS to assist with the enrollment for all OPEIU Local (GUILD 45) members. CDS has set up a dedicated team to facilitate enrollment into the Steelworkers Health and Welfare Plan and handle billing inquiries or any other assistance members may require. The dedicated telephone line is 1-877-578-8710 or contact them via email at OPEIU@cdsadmin.com.
Plans are available for OPEIU Local (GUILD 45) members and their families. To enroll, please complete the enrollment form and authorization for direct payment of your premium (available via the Health Care Plan forms links below). Please also send in your first month’s premium. Coverage will be effective September 1, 2025.
The OPEIU has provided this opportunity for OPEIU Local (GUILD 45) members to access comprehensive group coverage for Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, and Medicare Advantage plans. In order to access the optional Dental and Vision coverage, you must be enrolled in Medical and Prescription Drug coverage. If you are currently enrolled, your coverage election will continue unless you contact CDS to change your coverage.
Response from FPMA members currently enrolled in the OPEIU Local (GUILD 45) member plans has been overwhelmingly positive. These plans have saved FPMA members substantially on their premiums, while, at the same time, increasing their coverage and decreasing their deductibles.
If you are not enrolled and would like to take advantage of this option, please complete and return your forms to CDS as soon as possible. The links below contain information about enrolling in this important benefit for OPEIU Local (GUILD 45) members.
Questions? Please call CDS directly at 1-877-578-8710.
Karen Lambert
CEO/Executive Director
Florida Podiatric Medical Association
klambert@fpma.com
850.224.4085
OPEIU Local (GUILD 45) Health Care Plan Information: