FAQs

You are able to transfer insurance plans during open enrollment time, which is usually in October or November, with a January 1 effective date. However, retirees who have been retired for at least one year can take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime provision to transfer or add an optional rider at any time. Once-in-a-lifetime transfers become effective on the first of the month following the date that the Health Benefits Application is processed.

Claims must be filed within one year of treatment.

It can take up to three weeks for the first mail-order fill. You should buy your first 30-day supply from a retail pharmacy, and then mail-order a 90-day supply.

Davis Vision does provide a card upon enrollment, but you don’t need a Vision Benefit card. To use your benefit at Davis Vision Access Davis Vision’s website at www.davisvision.com and use the “Find a Doctor” feature (On the Davis homepage, click on the “Members” tab; on the subsequent page, scroll down and enter Client Code 2022), or call 1.800.999.5431 for the names and addresses of the network providers nearest you.

Call the network provider of your choice and schedule an appointment. Identify yourself as a PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund member or dependent and Davis Vision member. Provide the office with your name, SS# and the name and date of birth of any covered member/dependent needing services. The provider’s office will verify your eligibility for services. You may also create a personal account by logging onto the Davis Vision website.

If you are enrolled in the GHI-CBP/Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan, you are automatically enrolled in the extended medical benefit at no cost to you. If you are enrolled in any other medical plan, you are not eligible for the extended medical benefit.

You have a $5,000 death benefit that will be paid to your beneficiary if you die while an active employee. You may have additional coverage as well, depending on when you were hired and whether you have elected optional coverage offered by the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust.

For out-of-network claims first contact TruHearing at 1-877-653-8867 prior to your appointment to be eligible for a maximum $500 direct reimbursement.

The NYC Employee Benefits Program and the Welfare Fund are proud to announce the partnership between Weight Watchers and the City of New York. With the City’s program, employees have access to a subsidy reducing the cost of membership by more than 50% off the regular price. Benefit-eligible dependents (spouses, children 18-26) and retirees can enjoy discounted pricing. Spouses and dependents of retirees are not eligible for the discount. The dollar value of this contribution/benefit will be included as taxable income to the employee.

Review the Weight Watchers benefit.

Nothing about your policy or services will change. You do not need to do anything at all.

Plan participants who go on employer-approved leave with pay (such as a sabbatical) or without pay are covered for up to 24 months for the following supplemental benefits:

• Prescription Drugs
• Dental
• Optical
• Hearing Aid
• Disability
• Death

If you are enrolled in the Extended Medical benefit before your leave of absence begins, it will continue only if your basic GHI-CBP coverage continues. If CUNY does not provide basic health coverage for any portion of the 24-month period, you must get coverage via COBRA or other direct payment in order to qualify. Benefits are available to participants during a leave of absence to the same extent as they were prior to a leave. Benefits continue to apply to eligible dependents.

Since 2007, Medicare members whose taxable income exceeds a certain threshold have been charged more than the standard Part B and Part D monthly premiums, in accordance with a surcharge schedule. The acronym for that extra charge is IRMAA, which stands for Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. This year the income threshold is $85,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples filing joint tax returns.

The NYC Health Benefits Program will reimburse the amount of the Medicare Part B IRMAA increase. The reimbursement claim form and instructions are available on the Forms page. However, the IRMAA surcharge for Medicare Part D is not reimbursed.

The rules and rates for Higher-Income Medicare Beneficiaries are available on the Social Security Administration website.

The CUNY Work/Life Program, Deer Oaks Employee Assistance, can help and it’s free to employees and their families. Use “CUNY” for username and password.

You can send your new address information to the Welfare Fund by email to communications@psccunywf.org. You must also inform the HR office at your campus or workplace, as well as the membership office at the PSC, 212-354-1252.

Many of your questions must be directed to CUNY HR, the Teachers Retirement System or TIAA. Here’s a list of those questions and who to contact.

For information on the retirement process, Travia leave, retiree benefits, forms, etc., begin with the Benefits Office at your campus or workplace. CUNY holds pre-retirement information seminars throughout the year. Your benefits officer will have the dates.

If you have a Teachers’ Retirement System pension, call (888) 869-2877 and schedule an appointment at the TRS office on 55 Water Street. Visit the very useful TRS website.

If you have a TIAA retirement account, meet with the TIAA representative on your campus.

Before making an appointment with the Retirement Benefits Counselor, please answer the Pre Retirement questionnaire and email the information to Welfare Fund Retiree Benefits counselor Sandra Zaconeta.

For information on retirement, Travia leave, forms, etc., begin with the benefits office at your campus or workplace. CUNY holds pre-retirement information seminars throughout the year. Your benefits officer will have the dates.

Many of your questions must be directed to CUNY HR, the Teachers Retirement System or TIAA. See Pre-Retirement Questions for Campus HR, TRS, & TIAA below.

For information on the retirement process, Travia leave, retiree benefits, forms, etc., begin with the Benefits Office at your campus or workplace. CUNY holds pre-retirement information seminars throughout the year. Your benefits officer will have the dates.

If you have a Teachers’ Retirement System pension, call (888) 869-2877 and schedule an appointment at the TRS office on 55 Water Street. Visit the very useful TRS website.

If you have a TIAA retirement account, meet with the TIAA representative on your campus.

Before making an appointment with the Retirement Benefits Counselor, please answer the Pre Retirement questionnaire and email the information to Welfare Fund Retiree Benefits counselor Sandra Zaconeta.