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NYC Health Benefits Program
Fall Health Benefits Program Retiree Transfer Period: November 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018
Changes requested during the Transfer Period are effective January 1, 2019. Refer to the Summary Program Description for plan descriptions. For additional information, contact the health plans directly.
Retiree Transfer Notice and Application
Questions about your Medicare Part B Reimbursements?
The Medicare Part B Reimbursement Program video provides information about the different types of Medicare Part B reimbursements that the City provides, as well as information to help you to see whether you qualify to receive these payments, and how to apply. Play the video
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
GHI Privacy Breach
Date Issued: 11/14/2016
On October 13, 2016, GHI, which is affiliated with EmblemHealth, discovered that personal information had been included on the mailing labels affixed to certain members’ Medicare Part D Evidence of Coverage packages, which were mailed between October 3, 2016 and October 14, 2016. While there have been no reported cases of any member information being accessed or used improperly, EmblemHealth is taking aggressive action on behalf of our members as a precaution. They have notified affected individuals by mail about this incident and are providing these members with free credit monitoring service for 24 months, a dedicated helpline, and $1 million dollars of identity theft insurance through AllClear ID, a leading provider in identity protection.
Members who believe that they received this information and either did not receive the notification letter or have questions should call the AllClear ID helpline, at 855.865.4454, Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern Standard Time (excluding national U.S. holidays).
