The union’s Supplemental Health Insurance Program’s 2026 premium notices were sent in early January to retirees who did not elect to pay premiums via automatic pension deduction.

Retirees who are eligible for automatic deductions but do not elect to have them are charged a $30 administrative fee in addition to the premium.

If you are receiving a pension check that is not enough to cover the SHIP monthly premium, which will increase to $20 a month per person in July, you must submit a copy of your pension stub along with the annual premium payment, and the $30 fee will be waived.

Surviving spouse and COBRA enrollees are exempt from the $30 fee because they are not eligible for automatic deductions.

If you wish to have automatic deduction for future years and avoid the $30 fee, please request a pension deduction card when making a payment.

Please wait until you have received a bill before submitting your premium. Your canceled check is your receipt. SHIP cannot confirm receipt of payments over the telephone.