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Improvements to UFT Welfare Fund benefits
Nov 26, 2009 3:16 PM
UFT Welfare Fund Executive Director Arthur Pepper explains the benefit improvements at the Nov. 18 Delegate Assembly.
At a time when workers’ benefits are often eroding and becoming more costly nationwide, the UFT is enhancing the package of benefits offered by its Welfare Fund.
The improvements were announced by UFT President Michael Mulgrew and described in detail by Welfare Fund Executive Director Arthur Pepper at the Delegate Assembly on Nov. 18.
After becoming chairperson for the UFT Welfare Fund Trustees on July 1, 2009, Mulgrew “hit the ground running,” Pepper said. “It was his initiative to see how we could improve and enhance the package of benefits available to members and retirees through the UFT Welfare Fund. As we see the economy crumbling around us, we should be proud that we were not only able to hold on to the benefits we have, but actually improve them.”
Mulgrew stressed that “just by being creative, without any additional cost — by looking at things in a more efficient way and being smarter — this union is increasing member benefits in the midst of this financial crisis. This is what a union does. It advocates for its members especially in these critical times, and I will use this example when I talk to anyone about the budget deficit.”
In June, citywide health negotiations were concluded. In exchange for administrative savings, additional funds were made available to each union’s welfare fund, enabling each union to determine how best to use the additional money.
These improvements will become effective Jan. 1, 2010, and include:
- A new Child Care Welfare Fund Benefit.
For members on child care leave, the fund will extend benefits for up to four months following the birth or adoption of a child. This Welfare Fund benefit extends existing coverage for members and their dependents, which can extend child care leave for up to eight months total.
- An increase in the optical benefit.
The reimbursement amount will be increased to $100 once every two years (up from $75 every two years previously).
- An increase in the hearing aid benefit.
The reimbursement amount will be increased from $500 to up to $1,000, once every three years. The special coordination of benefits for married UFT members will be up to $2,000.
- An extension of the UFT Welfare Fund Disability Coverage.
In response to Mulgrew’s concern for “our most vulnerable members, those who are out sick” Pepper looked for ways to improve disability coverage. Eligible members will now be able to collect up to 52 weeks of disability payments (up from the current 28 weeks).
- Expansion of the Florida Dental Panel to more than 500 dentists.
Currently, there are 22 panel dentists, or the Florida Discount Dental Option for retirees. In-service members traveling to Florida, as well as Florida-based retirees, will be able to take advantage of these panelists and our existing dental schedule co-pays.
- The retiree optional rider reimbursement will be increased to $720 for the calendar year 2009, up from $660 previously. This benefit helps defray the cost of the rider that retirees purchase for access to their prescription drugs.
