Special NYT Welfare Fund

The Welfare Fund's prescription benefit manager (PBM) for in-service members will be changing in February 2009

Time to make changes in health insurance coverage

All UFT members, both in-service and retirees, will be able to change their health insurance coverage and add or drop optional riders during the Transfer Period. For in-service members the transfer period runs from Oct. 17 through Nov. 18; for retirees no dates have been announced by the city as the New York Teacher went to press but there will be a transfer period for retirees.

Fund needs proof for full-time students

In order to ensure uninterrupted Welfare Fund coverage for dependent full-time students aged 19 to 23 — including students who will turn 19 prior to Sept. 1, 2006 — members must submit proof that these dependents are full-time students.

Just retired? Don’t panic — your drug coverage is still intact

If you are one of this year’s many retirees, the Welfare Fund wants to remind you that you can continue to use the Fund's prescription drug program (Express Scripts) during the month you retire as well as for an additional two months.

How to reach the Welfare Fund

Specialists at the UFT Welfare Fund are available to take your call — at 1-212-539-0500 — Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Only emergency calls will be accepted from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

You must keep Fund up to date

Members must notify the Welfare Fund office of any change in their marital or dependent status and/or beneficiary by filing a Change of Status form.

Health and cancer HelpLineFills an urgent need

There are times when you don't know which way to turn — and, anyway, turning at all seems like more than you can do.

Flexible Spending Account Program can help defray medical, Rx costs

As medical and drug costs continue to spiral upward, even for UFT members whose health coverage is among the least expensive in the country, renewed attention is being focused on the city’s Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) Program, which can help defray some of those increased costs.

Medicare prescription drug plan leaves many questions

The Welfare Fund is carefully monitoring developments in the new Medicare drug plan (Medicare Part D). The majority of senior members find the plan hard to understand and remain skeptical about whether it will be worthwhile — especially since it was written at the bidding of pharmaceutical company lobbyists.

Tips for using the new prescription drug plan for in-service members

Information regarding the plan design including co-pays, the drug formulary and the new retail maintenance network is available either on the UFT Web site; www.uft.org, (click on Member Services and then on Welfare Fund) or on the Express Scripts Web site at www.express-scripts.com.

HIPAA Q&A

HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The privacy portion of this law safeguards the confidentiality of our members’ and dependents’ protected health information (PHI).

$100 DME reimbursement introduced for GHI members

The UFT Welfare Fund now reimburses in-service members enrolled in GHI-CBP up to $100 per year for the deductible costs on the purchase or rental of durable medical equipment (DME). Retirees should contact SHIP for this benefit. SHIP covers the cost of such equipment except for a $100 deductible per person. The Welfare Fund’s reimbursement is per family.

Your dental options

A fee-for-service plan under which the cost of benefits is reimbursed based on a schedule of allowable charges. This is known as the UFT Welfare Fund Scheduled Benefit Plan.

Many NYSUT member benefits can save you money and make life easier

UFT members sometimes forget that by belonging to the New York City teachers union they are also members of a huge statewide teachers union, New York State United Teachers. Membership in NYSUT brings with it many benefits, not the least of which is a whole array of special programs and services.

Comparison of Health Plans for Employees

Health Care Web sites

Health Care telephone numbers

There's a wealth of information on the Welfare Fund web site

Dental SCOB (special coordination of benefits) co-pay waiver when using a SIDS dentist

Medicare Part D catastrophic reimbursement – spouse/domestic partner coverage

Tips for getting the most from your UFT dental coverage

Fund needs proof for full-time students

Preventive dental care saves pains in your mouth and wallet

Families with high prescription drug costs

Enteral formula coverage