The following email was sent to DOE-employed UFT members and pre-Medicare-eligible retirees on Jan. 1, 2026 from Geof Sorkin, Executive Director of the UFT Welfare Fund:

Starting Jan. 1, the NYCE PPO will become the new plan for in-service members and pre-Medicare retirees who are enrolled in GHI CBP. You should have already received new ID cards for yourself and your dependents in the mail along with welcome packets. Remember: You now have one card for both medical and hospital visits that you’ll start using on Jan. 1.

Reminder about new benefits

Misinformation has been reported and will likely be on the rise as the NYCE PPO begins. Make sure you read the facts from trusted sources like our health plan web page or the official NYCE PPO website. Remember, all benefits under the NYCE PPO, including copays and covered services, are the same as GHI CBP or have been improved. Use this chart to see information on consistency and improvement of benefits and services. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to NYCE PPO or the Welfare Fund directly.

This is a big transition, and our challenge is to move through it as smoothly as possible. Here are the supports in place for the transition:

Resources

Learn more: 

• Find more information about all the benefits of the NYCE PPO, including the national network of providers and expanded mental health services, in our NYCE PPO FAQs.
• Explore more on the NYCE PPO member page and set up your member portal account.
• Download the NYCE PPO app.

Get in touch:

• The NYCE PPO contact center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1 and 2. Call 212-501-4444 (TTY: 711) to speak with a dedicated NYCE PPO customer service representative.
• The UFT Welfare Fund will also have a special hotline that will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 1 and 2 should you need immediate assistance with the new plan. You can reach us at 212‑331‑6327.
• You can contact EmblemHealth’s pharmacy help desk with any questions about the plan at 866-799-7919.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and we hope you enjoy this break a little more knowing we have access to five more years of high-quality, premium free health care.