City health plans for new members
As a UFT member, you have a comprehensive health benefits package that city unions jointly negotiate for their members and the supplemental benefits that the UFT Welfare Fund provides.
All new city employees, including DOE new hires, must select the EmblemHealth HIP HMO Gold program as your health care plan for your first year on the job, as of Oct. 1, 2022. After your first year of employment, you may switch to one of a range of health care plan options or remain with the EmblemHealth HIP HMO Gold program.
Although you are covered from your first day of work, you must enroll in a health plan within 30 days of your first day on payroll. See information on city health plans.
Choose the health plan that’s best for you: If you want to switch your health plan, you can switch after one year of service or any other year during the annual open enrollment period. See our health plan comparison chart for in-service members. Details on city health plans can be found in the OLR publication, “New York City Health Benefits Program Summary Plan Description Booklet.
Compare health plans
The comparison chart of New York City health plans provided by the Welfare Fund allows you to compare the various options for in-service members and retired members not eligible for Medicare and for retired members who are on Medicare.
Keep copies of all your completed forms at home. Remember to ask about tax consequences related to domestic partner coverage.
Although the UFT Welfare Fund has no direct responsibility for administering the health plans, its staff will answer questions and advocate for you if you have difficulties with a claim. If you require assistance, please call our main number at 212-539-0500.