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NYC Health Benefits Program
Questions about your Medicare Part B Reimbursements?
Medicare Part B 2019 Reimbursement
- For those retirees/eligible dependent of a retiree with a Medicare Part B effective date between 2016 and 2019, they will be reimbursed at the rate of $135.50 per month. ($135.50 x 12 months = $1,626 annual amount)
- For those retirees/eligible dependent of a retiree with a Medicare Part B effective date prior to 2016, they will be reimbursed at the rate of $109.00 per month. ($109 x 12 months = $1,308 annual amount)
- For those retirees/eligible dependent of a retiree with a Medicare Part B effective date prior to 2016, they will receive an additional amount up to $318. They must submit a Medicare Part B 2019 Reimbursement Differential Request Form
IRMAA 2019 Reimbursement
- Those retirees who are eligible for IRMAA must submit the IRMAA 2019 Reimbursement Application.
- Health Benefits Program staff will be processing 2019 IRMAA forms once the Medicare Part B 2019 payment is issued in April 2020.
Medicare Part B 2019 Differential Reimbursement
- Medicare Part B 2019 differential payments up to $318 will be issued once the Medicare Part B and IRMAA payments are processed in calendar year 2020.
- Those retirees who are eligible for 2019 Medicare Part B differential reimbursements must submit the Medicare Part B 2019 Reimbursement Differential Request Form
- Health Benefits Program staff will be processing Medicare Part B 2019 Reimbursement Differential Request Form once IRMAA payments are issued in October 2020
- Please note that, if you are applying for IRMAA and eligible for this additional $318 reimbursement, you do not need to complete the Medicare Part B 2019 Reimbursement Differential Request Form since you will be receiving this amount at the same time the IRMAA payment is issued in October 2020.
Please note that if you were Medicare-eligible prior to 2016, you must complete the Medicare Part B Differential Form for 2018 in order to receive the Medicare Part B differential payment. The payment is based on the amount that you paid in 2018.
If you are applying for IRMAA, you will be receiving the differential payment once IRMAA 2018 payments are processed in October 2019.
If you were enrolled in Medicare Part B effective after 2016, then you are already receiving the full payment and do not need to complete the Medicare Part B Differential Form.
Retiree Responsibilities and Assistance
Your Responsibilities
It is important that you know how your health plan works and what is required of you. Read More
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.
If You Need Assistance
Who you should contact for assistance and when you should contact them. Read More
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
Who Do I Contact After Retirement?
Find out who you should contact after retirement. Read More
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
When Should I Contact My Health Plan?
Find out when you should contact your Health Plan.Read More
(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.
When Should I Contact My Union/Welfare Fund?
Find out when you should contact your Union/Welfare Fund.Read More
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
