The following email was sent to pre-Medicare-eligible retirees on Jan. 7, 2026 from Geof Sorkin, Executive Director of the UFT Welfare Fund:

Here is more information about how to get your prescriptions as a pre-Medicare retiree

We know there has been some confusion and misinformation circulating about prescription coverage, so we want to take a moment to explain what is — and is not — changing when it comes to getting your prescriptions filled. 

Your prescription plan’s copays and benefit structure remain the same. The only real change is that if you have chosen to use mail-order delivery for 90‑day supplies of medication, you will now use Amazon Pharmacy instead of Express Scripts home delivery. See more information below.

How do I get my prescriptions as a pre-Medicare retiree?

Retail: 

• Your retail pharmacy options remain the same. You will still be able to pick up your prescriptions, including 30-day supplies of acute medication prescriptions and 90-day supplies of maintenance medication, at retail pharmacy networks.
• Bring your NYCE PPO or HIP HMO ID card when picking up your medication. 

Mail Order: 

• Mail-order prescriptions will be filled by Amazon Pharmacy. Ask your doctor to send any new prescriptions (except PICA medications) that you would like to receive through mail order directly to Amazon Pharmacy. There is no need to create an Amazon Pharmacy account to use this service.
• Optional: If you would like to manage your mail-order medication online, you can create an Amazon Pharmacy account or call 844-536-4074 . Amazon Pharmacy is different from a regular Amazon account. You do not have to be an Amazon member to create a pharmacy account. If you are an Amazon member, you must go to the pharmacy section to set up your access. Once you create an account, you will be able to see your existing eligible medications.

PICA: 

• If you take any medication through the PICA drug program, nothing is changing, and you will continue to fill those prescriptions the same way.

For a more detailed explanation on the switch to Prime Therapeutics, watch this online version of the presentation that was given at a December RTC membership meeting, or visit our retiree prescription FAQs.

If you have more questions, you can: 

• Call EmblemHealth’s pharmacy help desk at 866-799-7919.
• Call Prime Therapeutics at 833-998-5430.
• Call the UFT Welfare Fund at 212‑539‑0500.
• Email the UFT Welfare Fund at rxhelp [at] uftwf [dot] org (rxhelp[at]uftwf[dot]org).
• Call EmblemHealth at the number on the back of your medical ID card.
• We will regularly update our retiree prescription FAQs, so check back frequently.

Please continue to check your postal mail for information from EmblemHealth and Prime Therapeutics.