new teacher q & a

What is the Welfare Fund? Do I need it if I have health plan coverage?

Oct 4, 2007 4:36 PM

A: Through the UFT Welfare Fund, at no cost to you, you can add dental, optical, prescription drug and other supplemental benefits to your basic plan. However, you must enroll in the Welfare Fund separately from your health plan enrollment. You can complete a Welfare Fund enrollment form at www.uft.org/welfare/enroll. Then follow the instructions on sending in the required documentation. You are covered as soon as you enroll and will be reimbursed if you need to fill a prescription before your card arrives — usually within two weeks of enrolling. Save receipts for any prescription drug expenses you incur so you can be reimbursed once your enrollment is processed.

You can download reimbursement forms from www.uft.org/welfare.cfm. At the same Web site, you can find dental forms and the names of participating providers of dental and optical services, as well as updates on benefits, and an online version of the “Red Apple” booklet, which describes all Welfare Fund benefits in detail.

When you enroll in the UFT Welfare Fund, you will also designate a beneficiary for a death benefit, which complements the one that comes through the pension system or any other life insurance you may have.