PEP, October 2006: Health Plan reopener Oct. 16

The window period for members and retirees to change their health plan is just around the corner.
Active city employees can switch plans during the city’s annual health care “reopener” from Oct. 16 to Nov. 17.

Retirees can switch in November. With a one-time lifetime exception, retirees can only change plans in even-numbered years.

Information about the health plans offered by the New York City Health Benefits Program is available on the Office of Labor Relation’s Web page, which members can access by going to the city’s home page at www.nyc.gov and clicking “Labor Relations” in the list of agencies. Then, on the OLR Web page, click on “Health Benefits Program.” Information is also available at agency personnel offices.

The OLR Web page has a download-able comprehensive plan summary booklet, which includes a chart that compares the plans available to workers and retirees and a description of the basic plan rates and optional riders open to employees. The site includes information about the options for retirees, whether Medicare provides their primary health coverage or not.

For city employees who switch plans, new coverage will begin on their first payroll date of next year. The change takes effect Jan. 1 for retirees.

If you’re considering a change, you should look at the plan administered by the union, DC 37 Med-Team. Med-Team also offers a program for Medicare-eligble retirees.

Med-Team offers personalized service. Because the union coordinates the program, you can be assured of getting personal attention, including help finding a doctor or dealing with bills.

For further information, call the DC 37 Med-Team unit at 212-815-1313. The unit has a brochure on the plan.

Is one of these checks yours?
	The DC 37 Annuity Fund is unable to locate about 300 annuitants and beneficiaries who are eligible for the benefit. In 200 instances, the fund has been unable to locate the beneficiary because it doesn’t have the address of the beneficiary or the annuitant failed to name a beneficiary. In another 30 cases, the fund has the beneficiary’s name but lacks his or her current address. Finally, the fund has been unable to track down nearly 80 annuitants whose current address is not on file. Below, Public Employee Press lists the annuitants and beneficiaries eligible for payments whose addresses aren’t on file in addition to the annuitants who failed to name beneficiaries. Any beneficiaries or annuitants named below should contact the fund at (212) 341-4726 or (212) 341-4727 to claim their check. The fund also requests that the families and friends of the identified deceased members contact the fund so it can make the proper disbursement. Names of deceased members of Annuity Plan (PDF*)

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