Here are some important things that you need to remember:

• Complete an enrollment form to add new dependents (newborn, adoption, marriage) within 30 days after the event;
• Notify the NYC Health Benefits Program and your health plan in writing when your address changes;
• Review your pension check to ensure appropriate premiums are deducted;
• Know your rights and responsibilities under COBRA continuation coverage.

Retirees with questions about benefits, services, or claims should write or call their health plan.

When writing to the plan, give your certificate number, name and address.

The Health Benefits Program is also available to provide service and information to City retirees who have questions about or problems with their health benefits or pension check deductions.

Retirees contacting the Health Benefits Program should always include the following information (please print clearly):

Name, Address and Telephone Number
Complete Social Security Number
Pension Number 

How to Contact the Health Benefits Program

Retirees can contact the Health Benefits Program:

• For questions concerning eligibility and enrollment
• For questions regarding deductions for health benefits taken from your pension check
• For Transfer Period information

To obtain applications to make changes to your coverage such as adding/dropping dependents, adding/dropping the optional rider, waiving health coverage and to change plans (excluding Medicare HMOs, which require a special application from the health plan).

• For notification of enrollment in Medicare
• For questions regarding Medicare Part B premium reimbursements
• To obtain information and an application for COBRA benefits
• To change your address
• If health coverage has been terminated for you and/or your dependents 

(Refer to your health plan identification card or plan booklet for telephone numbers.)

• If you have questions regarding covered services
• To obtain written information about covered services
• For information about the status of pending claims or claim disputes
• For claim allowances (How much will a plan pay towards a claim?)
• For health plan service areas

When writing to a health plan, include your name and address, certificate number, date(s) of service, and claim number(s), if applicable. Some plans also allow inquiries through their web sites.

For information about:

• Prescription drug coverage (if applicable)
• Vision benefits
• Dental benefits
• Life Insurance (if applicable)

 
The Health Benefits Program is also available to provide service and information to City retirees who have questions about or problems with their health benefits or pension check deductions.

Retirees contacting the Health Benefits Program should always include the following information (please print clearly):

Name, Address and Telephone Number
Complete Social Security Number
Pension Number

How to Contact the Health Benefits Program