Each year at the beginning of March, eligible retirees receive a partial reimbursement from the UFT Welfare Fund for the cost of an optional prescription drug rider.

The UFT Welfare Fund reimbursement amount is up to $900 for retirees whose optional drug rider or health plan deduction was in effect for the full year. Retirees whose rider was in effect for less than 12 months will receive reimbursement at the rate of $75 per month. If the monthly deduction was less than $75, the Welfare Fund will cover the full amount.

Eligible retirees on New York City health plans should automatically receive their checks by mail. Those who have not received a check by April 1 are asked to submit a Rider Claim Form, available on the UFT website. The processing time is at least four weeks.

The optional rider benefit is also available to retirees on health plans based outside New York City; however, the reimbursement will not be mailed automatically. Claimants can submit the non-NYC rider claim form from the UFT website. Please note, retirees need not be the primary holder of the health insurance — that is, they can be covered under their spouse or domestic partner’s plan. The only stipulation is that the plan includes prescription drug coverage.

Retirees who have returned to work in positions that provide in-service prescription drug benefits that use the benefit will have their optional rider reimbursement reduced by the prescription drug costs paid by the Welfare Fund, calculated on a month-by-month basis.

The optional rider reimbursement was increased last year. The increase reflects the Welfare Fund’s dedication to improving member benefits. “We are committed to protecting our members and minimizing out-of-pocket cost,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said.