Optional rider
Guide to Optional Rider (Retiree)
- Partial reimbursement of Retiree Premium for Rider/Health Insurance
Who is covered?
All eligible retirees as defined in the General Information section may be covered for the City Optional Rider Reimbursement Benefit.
What is the Optional Rider Reimbursement benefit?
The benefit is available to retirees who have a pension check deduction for the purchase of a City Optional Rider or health insurance. Members who have purchased a separate health plan that covers prescription drugs may also be eligible for the benefit. They must complete a Non-NYC Rider Claim Form and attach the appropriate documentation. This form is also available by calling the Fund Hotline at 212-539-0500.
Retirees who are covered under a Health Benefit Plan through their spouse or domestic partner may also be eligible for the optional rider reimbursement benefit. These retirees must submit to the Welfare Fund, every year, a completed Rider Claim Form. This form is also available by calling the Fund Hotline at 212-539-0500.
When do I get my reimbursement?
The benefit is generally paid every spring for the preceding calendar year.
How is the benefit calculated?
The current benefit (effective March 1, 2022) reimburses up to $840.00 annually, per eligible retired member and is payable at the rate of $70.00 per eligible month. If the monthly deduction is less than $70.00, reimbursement will be the amount deducted per month from your pension check. Any late fees, administrative fees, or other charges associated with the Health Plan cost will not be reimbursed.
Retirees who returned to work in positions that provide in-service prescription drug benefits and use this benefit will have their optional rider reimbursement reduced by the cost of the prescription drugs paid by the Fund, calculated on a month-by-month basis.
Note: This benefit is not related to the Medicare Part B premium that is reimbursed by the NYC Employee Benefit Program. Their phone is 212-513-0470.
How are benefits obtained?
The benefit is issued automatically to most retired members based on the City’s health insurance deduction record furnished to the Welfare Fund. In most cases, it will not be necessary to contact the Welfare Fund to obtain this benefit.
What do I do if I’m not a member of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS)?
The eligible retiree should contact the UFT Welfare Fund in March and request a Rider Claim Form.
What if I have not received my reimbursement?
If you believe that you were eligible to receive this benefit but did not, it is your responsibility to notify the Fund in writing within two (2) years from the date the benefit should have been paid.
Please do not contact the Fund in connection with this benefit before May 1, in order to allow time for processing.
Forms hotline: 212-539-0539