New York City health plans

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.

New members

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. 

• You can apply for health benefits using the NYCAPS ESS system.
• See our FAQ on city health plans for new members.

Compare health plans

Choose the health plan that’s best for you

The UFT Welfare Fund has created comparison charts of New York City health plans that allows you to compare the options.

• See the comparison chart for in-service and pre-Medicare retirees
  Is the PDF too large? View a web version of this chart.
• See the comparison chart for Medicare retirees

Please note: Use the zoom buttons to get a closer look at each chart.

Information regarding city health plans  is available from the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). Details on city health plans can be found in the OLR publication, New York City Health Benefits Program Summary Plan Description Booklet.

Keep copies of all your completed forms at home. Remember to ask about tax consequences related to domestic partner coverage.

Open enrollment 

Each November, the city has a health benefits transfer period when all employees may transfer from their current health plan to any other plan for which they are eligible, or they may add or drop optional rider coverage to their present plan.

If you do not wish to make any changes to your health plan, no action is required. All changes submitted during the open enrollment period will take effect as of Jan. 1. 

• Open enrollment health benefits change form for in-service members
• Open enrollment health benefits change for retired members
• NYC Office of Labor Relations health benefits information

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.