Retired Teachers Chapter News
Medicare Part B reimbursements
Sep 21, 2006 3:04 PM
All Medicare-eligible retirees and their Medicare-eligible spouses/domestic partners should have received their Medicare Part B reimbursements for 2005. The city returned the full reimbursement of $938.40 to each eligible person for the year 2005. Retiree and eligible dependents covered by Medicare Part B paid $78.20 per month in 2005.
Medicare Part B premiums are reimbursed in full because of legislation enacted by the City Council. Although former Mayor Giuliani vetoed the bill, the UFT and the other municipal labor unions lobbied, and the veto was overridden.
Medicare Part B costs have increased in the double digits over the last number of years. In fact, for this coming year, 2007, the increase in the premium is estimated to be over 11 percent. Your current monthly premium is $88.50.
All UFT retirees received a reimbursement of this cost for both themselves and their spouses. We all know that the present mayor is looking to reduce the city’s cost for health benefits by reducing our benefits. All of us must stay involved and in touch to prevent this from happening. We will let you know when and how you can help.
If you have not received your refund by Sept. 15, please contact the Health Benefits Program, 40 Rector St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036. Attn: Medicare Reimbursement Unit. Be sure to include the retiree’s Social Security number on all correspondence.
