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VOL. LIII NO. 1, MARCH 2018
LT. MICHAEL R. DAVIDSON, E 69
President’s Message by Gerard Fitzgerald
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n Thursday, March 22nd, around 11:00pm, a fire broke out in a Harlem building that was the set for an Edward Norton movie ” Motherless Brooklyn.” Firefighter Michael Davidson, 37, from Engine Company 69 was assigned the nozzle. Davidson was separated from his unit and was found unconscious by other firefighters. He was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Davidson served the FDNY for 15 years and is the 1,150th member of the FDNY to make the Supreme Sacrifice while serving the City of New York. Davidson is survived by his wife Eileen, and four children. His funeral was held on Tuesday, March 27th at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Thousands of firefighters, uniformed personnel, and mourners attended the funeral to honor their fallen brother and support his young family during this difficult time.
Our hearts break for FF Michael R. Davidson’s wife, Eileen; his four children; his brother UFA Delegate Eric, E 88; his father Robert, Ret. L 28; and his brothers at Engine 69 and Ladder 28, and all of our FDNY family. Firefighter Davidson is a hero, and in his death embodies the title of ‘Bravest.’ His death is a reminder of the dangerous work New York City firefighters do every day in our city. Firefighter Michael R. Davidson’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. Davidson was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on March 22, 2018. This spring has been especially tragic as we also lost Master Sergeant Christopher Raguso and Captain Christopher T. Zanetis both of whom were serving in the military and died in a helicopter crash in Iraq. (See inset on page 4) Tragically FDNY members continue to die from 9/11-related illnesses. Since the terrorist attacks, the toll continues upward as we have already lost over 175 members due to 9/11-related illnesses . (See In Memoriam Pages 4 & 5)
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September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Update
On December 4th, 2017 the Board of Trustees of the Fire Pension Fund of the City of New York announced that “retired members currently receiving a World Trade Center disability pension will be permitted to refile WTC re-classification applications for additional qualifying medical conditions.” For further information on this, see UFA General Counsel Michael Block’s article below. Challenges Ahead Big challenges are ahead in 2018 and the UFA is up for the task. The top priority is negotiating a new contract with the City. To stay current on the progress in negotiations, stay connected to your Delegates. Janus Case The UFA is also very concerned about the Janus case that is currently under review before the Supreme Court. Specifically, if the court decides that the mandatory collection of agency fees from workers is no longer enforceable, it could have a devastating affect on union labor. As I’ve said repeatedly, unions have set the pattern
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for wages both inside and outside of the union movement despite the persistent erosion of the labor movement the last thirty years. Dismantling unions by making membership elective would be a severe blow to workers everywhere. I’m confident, however, that UFA members are very aware of the gains won for them. Last year, we celebrated our centennial and our history is a litany of rights and gains won for firefighters in the City of New York. Recognizing this, I believe our members would support the UFA knowing that there is great strength in numbers. Refer to UFA Vice President LeRoy McGinnis’ Legislative Update for more information relating to the Janus Case. In May, the UFA will be conducting its Delegate Education Seminar in Atlantic City. I hope to see many of you at this annual event. Be sure to go to ufanyc.org for the most current updates. Be well and stay safe!
For Firefighters who Retired under the WTC Bill for a Psychological Injury
On December 4, 2017, the Board of Trustees of the Fire Pension Fund of the City of New York announced: “Retired members currently receiving a World Trade Center disability pension will be permitted to refile WTC reclassification applications for additional qualifying medical conditions….” This is great news for many firefighters.
This new reclassification provision means any firefighter who has been awarded the WTC Bill for psychological injuries – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, or Anxiety – may now be able to add 9/11-related physical injuries, such as Asthma, Cancer, COPD, Sinusitis, GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, etc. Q. Why would a firefighter want to add physical injuries to their WTC Bill disability pension?
A. A 9/11-related physical disability determination may be used to support a claim for an economic loss award from the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).
Before this new reclassification provision came into effect, a firefighter with the WTC Bill for psychological injuries only was limited to a VCF award for non-economic loss only, which meant a much smaller award. Such firefighters were unable to apply for an economic loss award from the VCF.
This new provision will hopefully permit many of those firefighters to now make an economic claim to the VCF.
If you have questions about reclassification or the VCF, call UFA General Counsel Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo P.C. for a free consultation. Sullivan Papain has recovered more than One Billion Dollars for our 9/11 clients. At Sullivan Papain, an attorney is in charge of your VCF claim from start to finish. We return your calls. We treat every firefighter with care and respect, as we have done for the past 40 years. Please visit our VCF website at wtc911illness.com for more information.
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No. 1 2018
Legislative Update
by LeRoy McGinnis, Vice President
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Janus v AFSCME
The “JANUS Case� is another in a series of attacks on Unions and Organized Labor throughout the country. Millionaires and billionaires are funding these cases in order to take away our rights to collectively bargain for wages, benefits, healthcare and safety issues. In 2015, Illinois Republican Governor Bruce Rauner filed suit, claiming that fair-share agreements are unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. Rauner was later dropped from the case, but Mark Janus, an Illinois social worker covered by a collective agreement, also claimed that he should not need to pay fees to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees because he is not a member of the union. Under Illinois law, AFSCME and other unions are allowed to charge workers minimum fees for the service of collective bargaining. As unions have a duty of fair representation to all workers in a bargaining unit, this has been allowed under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, and was confirmed in 1977 by the US Supreme Court in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education. Janus and others argue that, following Harris v. Quinn (2014), fair-share agreements violate their right to free speech because a union can use money to contribute to political campaigns that they may not believe in. The history of dues checkoff and agency fees, goes back to 1956 when voluntary dues checkoff was instituted in NYC, prior to collective bargaining rights. Later in 1958, Executive order 49 granted City workers the right to form, join, or assist a union or refrain from doing so. In 1967, the Taylor Law and NYCCBL granted public employees the same rights as in Executive order 49. Between 1967-77 additional changes in the Taylor Law, NYCCBL and NYS Legislation occurred to support and mandate agency fees. In 1977, after the Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, the Taylor Law was amended to mandate an agency shop for bargaining units of state workers, and making it a mandatory subject of bargaining.
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What happens if the Supreme Court overturns Abood and sides with Mark Janus? *Current and future employees would be permitted to opt out of paying union dues (becoming Free-Riders). *Free-Riders would not be entitled to all the same benefits as union members. *The loss of dues paying members in all unions would undermine the ability of the UFA Executive Board to have the necessary resources to collectively bargain contracts, handle grievances, and properly protect the rights, the health, and the safety of our members effectively. On April 12, 2018, Governor Cuomo signed legislation designed to combat potential unfavorable result of Janus. S7509-C, Part RRR achieves two purposes. First, it will allow unions to have stronger provisions regarding dues maintenance, Second, it will limit a union’s duty of fair representation (DFR) to non-members to the negotiation and terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Supreme Court heard the oral submissions of the parties on February 26, 2018, and we anticipate a ruling anywhere between early May to mid-June. Once the ruling is announced, the UFA will keep the membership informed.
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No. 1 2018
IN MEMoRIAM Fire Lines
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FM Christopher T. Zanetis, BFI
Fire Marshal Christopher T. Zanetis was appointed on September 12, 2004. The Department announced his death which occurred on Thursday, March 15, 2018, a result of injuries sustained while on active military duty in Iraq.
Lt. Christopher J. Raguso, E 302
Lt. Christopher J. Raguso, E 302 was appointed on Marc 8, 2005. The Department announced his death which occured on Thursday, March 15, 2018, a result of injuries sustained while on active military duty in Iraq.
Each of the following recently deceased members bravely served the FDNY protecting life and property in the City of New York and in the rescue and recovery efforts at Manhattan Box 5-5-8087 World Trade Center. Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 175 members of the FDNY have died of 9/11-related illnesses: 149 Firefighters, 22 EMS, and 4 civilians.
DC Joeddy E. Friszell, D 3 March 5, 2018
FF Paul R. Tokarski, L 164 March 10, 2018
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Pilot Thomas P. Phelan, M 9 March 16, 2018
FF Keith R. Young, L 158 March 17, 2018
ME John L. Buhler, M 6 March 24, 2018
FF George F. Froehlich, L 87 March 29, 2018
FF Ray Phillips, Ret. Rescue 3 January 27, 2018 www.ufanyc.org
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RETIRED FIREFIGHTER SECURITY BENEFIT FUND (R.F.S.B.F.) SUMMARY OF BENEFITS
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ELIGIBILITY Retired Firefighters and Fire Marshals, who retired on or after January 1, 1971 (July 9, 1993 for Wipers), and their eligible dependents, including duly registered domestic partners and their dependents. Retired Marine Engineers and Pilots as of January 1, 2012.
DENTAL PLAN FOR RETIREES
When you call for dental plan info, please know which of the following three plans you have: 1) Dentcare; 2) UFA Reimbursement Plan; 3) Florida Plan (Healthplex S500B Solstice)
CHANGING DENTAL PLANS You may change dental plans each year between October 15th and December 15th. Most plan changes take effect on January 1st.
U.F.A. SELF-INSURED HEALTHPLEX Retiree is reimbursed in accordance with the R.F.S.B.F. Schedule of Fees. A dental form must be filled out. $1,500 Limitation per family member per calendar year. Orthodontic services for dependents under 19 years of age only. Cosmetic dental treatment and implants are not covered. HEALTHPLEX PPO Effective July 1, 2010 members enrolled in Healthplex will have access to the Healthplex Participating Provider Organization (PPO) panel. This panel has over 3,500 participating dentists who will provide services at a reduced fee schedule. You will only be responsible for the patient co-pays. $1,500 Limitation per family member per calendar year; exclusions apply. Cosmetic dental treatment and implants are not covered.
DENTCARE PROGRAM A pre-paid comprehensive dental program. Provides the necessary dental care, including orthodontics, at no cost to the member except for elective general anesthesia, porcelain with metal crown, abutment or pontic, $50 co-pay per unit. Orthodontic services for eligible dependents under 19 years. Members must select a dentist from the DENTCARE panel of dentists. Cosmetic dental treatment and implants are not covered. Please note that members may be charged additionally for porcelain crowns/abutments/pontics on posterior teeth. HEALTHPLEX AMERICA S500B/Solstice Plan - FLORIDA (This Plan Replaces Comp Benefits Fla.) Effective January 1, 2014, retirees residing in Florida may elect Healthplex America S500B Solstice Plan 200. This plan offers an open access network, with no need for pre-selection of a dental provider.
Members of the Healthplex America S500B Solstice dental plan are eligible to receive benefits immediately upon the effective date of coverage with: •No waiting Periods •No Deductibles •No Claim Form to Submit Members can choose a participating provider at www.yourdentalplan.com/healthplex or call the Members Services Department at: 888-200-0322.
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R.F.S.B.F. PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN
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R.F.S.B.F. Prescription Drug Plan administered by CVS/Caremark. Insulin (including oral agents) and diabetes equipment and supplies are covered by ALL City Health Plans (NON-MEDICARE). SilverScript Administers the Prescription Drug Plan for Medicare Members. See the information below that is specific to Medicare Coverage.
PARTICIPATING PHARMACY
You will pay 35% of the cost of the drug with a minimum of $5 Generic/$20 Brand-name. Retirees can obtain up to a 30-day supply at a participating pharmacy.
Customer Service Department 1-866-832-0563 NON-PARTICIPATING PHARMACY
Website – www.caremark.com
Retirees using non-participating pharmacies can obtain up to a 30-day supply and may be reimbursed up to average wholesale price plus dispensing fee, minus co-pay. Reimbursement claim forms can be obtained by calling CVS/Caremark at: 1-866-832-0563.
ANNUAL FAMILY DRUG CAP - $5,000
MAINTENANCE DRUGS / MAIL ORDER (UP TO A 90-DAY SUPPLY)
The mail service program is designed for individuals on maintenance medications for treatment of chronic, long-term conditions. If you or an eligible family member regularly takes medication for chronic long-term conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart conditions, etc., you may receive up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medication through CVS / Caremark mail service pharmacy. 35% of the cost of the drug still applies to mail orders. Co-insurance of 35% of the cost of the drug still applies as well as minimum for Generic and Brand-name prescriptions..
MAINTENANCE CHOICE
Beginning January 1, 2015, the Maintenance Choice plan began providing you with additional flexibility. After two fills, you can continue to receive 30-day supplies of maintenance medications at any participating CVS network pharmacy. To do so, you must first call Customer Care at the number on your prescription card. Please note: In doing so, you will not enjoy the savings of 90-day supplies through your neighborhood CVS/pharmacy, since the higher retail copays will apply. If you continue ordering 30-day supplies of long-term medications without calling CVS first, you will pay the full cost of your prescriptions. PLEASE NOTE that you MUST CALL to opt out of the Maintenance Choice. Call Customer Care at 866-832-0563 and notify them that you do NOT wish to participate in the 90-day supplies.
PICA
The PICA Prescription Plan is a NYC Government Prescription Plan covering chemotherapy, injectables and anti-nausea medications. The PICA Plan is administered by Express Scripts. This benefit is available to both active and retired members, as well as their eligible dependents. (Once on Medicare, PICA will no longer be available). There is an annual deductible of $100 per person for injectable and chemotherapy medications. This deductible is independent of any other deductible.
PICA covers medications in two specific drug categories - Injectable and Chemotherapy Injectable – Most self-administered injectables. Chemotherapy – Medications used to treat cancer Medications used to treat the side effects of chemo
Retail Pharmacy (Up to a 30-day supply) $10 generic $25 preferred brand (formulary) $45 non-preferred brand (non-formulary)*
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Mail Order Pharmacy (Up to a 90-day supply) $20 generic $50 preferred brand (formulary) $90 non-preferred (non-formulary
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If you choose a non-preferred brand drug that has a generic equivalent you will pay the difference in cost between the non-preferred brand drug and the generic drug PLUS the non-preferred brand co-payment. Customer Service No. – 800-467-2006 or 800-233-7139
MEDICARE
Website – www.express-scripts.com
REIMBURSEMENT FOR MEDICARE PART B When you (or your spouse) become eligible for Medicare at age 65, or before 65 because you received Social Security Disability, the City REQUIRES that you take Medicare Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Doctors).FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF HEALTH COVERAGE. If you are in an HMO you must notify your health care carrier that you are going on to Medicare. Example: HIPPrime members become HIP-VIP; Aetna members become Aetna Golden Medicare, etc. If you are receiving a City pension check and both you and your spouse are enrolled in a City health plan, you will be reimbursed for your Medicare Part B by the City of New York. You should send the following information to The NYC Office of Labor Relations - Employee Health Benefits.
Make a copy of your Medicare card to show that you have both parts “A” and “B” and include the following information •Birth dates for yourself and your spouse •Your retirement date •Your pension number •Name of your health plan •Name of your union
Send this information to: Office of Labor Relations Employee Health Benefits Program 40 Rector Street - 3rd Floor New York, NY 10006 Attn: Medicare Division You can also fax it to: 212-306-7373
Keep copies of everything you send - if you mail it, send it via USPS, certified/return receipt. If you fax it, make sure you get a confirmation that the fax was successfully transmitted.
If you are in an HMO (Example: HIP, AETNA, etc) you must inform your health carrier when you are going on Medicare.
PLEASE ALSO PROVIDE THE UFA/R.F.S.B.F. WITH A COPY OF YOUR MEDICARE CARD. On the copy, write down the name of your Healthcare carrier (Example: HIP, GHI, AETNA, Etc). THe R.F.S.B.F.Fax number is: 212-683-0693.
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MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN – SILVERSCRIPT
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Effective January 1, 2010 the R.F.S.B.F. purchased a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, SilverScript, for all retired members over 65 years old, as well as those who are on Social Security Disability. This also applies to Medicare eligible spouse, dependent or domestic partner.
This Plan has an up front annual individual deductible of $100. After you pay your yearly deductible, you pay the following until you reach your initial coverage limit (for 2018, the limit is $3,750): •35% of the cost of the drug with a $5 minimum for Generics •35% of the cost of the drug with a $20 minimum for Brand-name
After you reach the initial coverage limit (for 2018, the limit is $3,750), SilverScript will continue to provide prescription drug coverage for some generics at the same co-payment/co-insurance until the yearly out-of-pocket costs (also known as True Out-Of-Pocket or T.R.O.O.P. costs) reach a maximum amount that Medicare has set. In other words, once you’ve reached the coverage limit, you will still pay 35% of the cost of a GENERIC drug, with a minimum of $5. For NAME-BRAND drugs, you will pay 44% of the cost of the drug. When you reach the T.R.O.O.P cost limit you qualify for Medicare Part D Catastrophic Coverage. For 2018, the T.R.O.O.P. limit is $5,000. After your yearly out-of-pocket costs reach the T.R.O.O.P cost limit you pay a small co-insurance or co-payment. There is no annual “drug cap” or limit to this catastrophic coverage. When you become Medicare eligible check with your health care provider to see if Medicare Part D drugs are provided under their basic health plan. You CANNOT be enrolled in two Medicare plans. Some health plans stipulate that in order to remain in their health plan you must use their prescription drug plan e.g. HIP-VIP. ONCE ON MEDICARE PICA WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE REMINDER – PLEASE PROVIDE RFSBF WITH A COPY OF YOUR MEDICARE CARD. ON THE COPY, ALSO WRITE DOWN THE NAME OF YOUR HEALTHCARE CARRIER (EXAMPLE HIP, GHI, AETNA, ETC) THE R.F.S.B.F. FAX NUMBER IS: 212-683-0693
NOTE: It is STRONGLY ADVISED that members and dependents who are going into Medicare go to the Social Security Office to sign up for Medicare as early as three months prior to their Medicare start date. As soon as you or your eligible dependent(s) go on Medicare, a copy of the Medicare Card MUST be mailed to the R.F.S.B.F. or if you prefer, fax it to 212-683-0693. You should also write down on the copy what healthcare carrier you have (for example, HIP, GHI, AETNA, etc.).
ADDITIONAL BENEFIT INFORMATION
NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE IN STATUS The Security Benefit fund must be informed of ANY changes in your status. For example:
•When you get married, we need a copy of the marriage certificate and your spouse’s full social secu rity number. •When you become a new parent we need a copy of the birth certificate and the child’s full social security number. •If you get divorced, we need a copy of the first and last page of the divorce decree. If your ex-spouse is awarded a portion of your Compensation Accrual Fund (or CAF), it will be noted in either your divorce decree or in a document known as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (or QDRO). If so, you MUST notify the UFA/CAF. Send a FULL copy of the finalized QDRO or Divorce Decree (where the award is stipulated) to the UFA/CAF. The Fax Number is 212-683-0693.
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NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE IN STATUS (continued) •When a spouse dies we need a copy of the death certificate. •When you move please update your address with the SBF.
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If you wish to add or remove a Domestic Partner, please contact SBF for instructions. 212-683-4723 or look on the UFA website for information (www.ufanyc.org).
For ANY change in status, you should update your beneficiaries with the UFA/SBF. Call the Security Benefit Fund at: 212-683-4723 and request a beneficiary enrollment card. Once you receive it, fill it out, sign and date it, and return it to the SBF as soon as possible. To change your address with the NYC Fire Department, or to make changes for direct deposit, please call FDNY Pension and Payroll at 718-999-2327.
CHANGING HEALTH PLANS
You can change health plans every other year during the even numbered years (2018, 2020, 2022 etc). The usual time to change is in November in order to take effect the following January. You may also change plans at any time if you move out of your health plan service area. A change can occur outside the normal change period “Once in a lifetime.” If this option is used, you can only change during the allotted change over period, or if you move out of your service area. For more information, contact the NYC Office of Labor Relations 212-513-0470 or go to http://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/index.page.
CHANGING DENTAL PLANS
You may change dental plans each year between October 15th and December 15th. Most plan changes take effect on January 1st. To request paperwork to change plans, contact the RFSBF by calling 212-683-4723 and press 2 for a benefits associate.
OPTICAL
One eye exam and either: One pair of single vision, bifocal or contact lenses (subject to providers’ surcharges) for retirees and eligible dependents EVERY TWO YEARS. Maximum benefit of $130 (Includes $30 for the exam, $50 for the frames, $50 for the lenses, OR $100 for contact lenses). Benefit will be reimbursed to retiree if other than provider(s) is used. The ORIGINAL paid bill should be sent to the SBF Office (keep copies for your records). For direct reimbursement, mail the original bill and EOB to: Security Benefit Fund of the UFA, 204 East 23rd Street Att: 3rd Floor / Optical, New York, NY 10010-4697. A check will be mailed directly to the member. All claims must be submitted within one year from date of service. To find a provider, you can look online at: www.ufanyc.org/security_benefit_fund/optical_provider_search.php
CATARACT LENSES
The Retired SBF allows up to $150 toward overall cost after health plan (Medicare, etc.), have paid their portions (if applicable). The ORIGINAL paid bill and health plan(s) Explanation of Benefits (EOB) should be sent to the SBF Office (keep copies for your records). For direct reimbursement, mail the original bill and EOB to: Security Benefit Fund of the UFA, 204 East 23rd Street Att: 3rd Floor / Cataracts, New York, NY 10010-4697. A check will be mailed directly to the member. All claims must be submitted within one year from date of service.
HEARING AID
Effective July 1, 2016, retirees and their eligible dependents are covered for one (1) hearing aid once every three (3) years up to a maximum of $1,000, upon referral of physician or audiologist. To file a claim for reimbursement: For direct reimbursement, mail the PAID bill and the audiologists report to:Security Benefit Fund of the UFA, 204 East 23rd Street, Att: 3rd Floor/Hearing Aids, New York, NY 10010-4697. A check will be mailed directly to the member. All claims must be submitted within one year from date of service. Make sure to keep copies for your records.
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DEATH BENEFIT Notification of a retired firefighter’s death is made to the NYC Fire Department by calling 718-999-2320 (after hours and on weekends, notifications can be made to FDNY Operations at 718-999-7900). If the deceased firefighter resided within the five boroughs of NYC, the funeral home or a relative may also call FDNY Operations to arrange for an honor guard. They can be reached at 718-999-7900. Lastly, notification should be made to the SBF by calling 646-839-6503.
Retirees have a life insurance policy in the amount of $7,500 with the FDNY Life Insurance Fund. This is the $9 deduction on your earnings statement listed as Fire Life. Please update your beneficiaries with FDNY HQ – make sure they are up to date! Call 718-999-1205 to inquire about your beneficiaries. Members who have retired after January 1, 1971 have a death benefit with the Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund (RFSBF) in the following amounts. Up to Age 49 $10,000 Age 50 to 69 $ 5,000 Age 70 and over $ 2,500 A claim for this benefit will be sent to your beneficiary when we receive notification of death. Only the retiree is covered for this benefit insured through the Symetra Life. Payment is made to the designated primary or contingent beneficiary of the eligible deceased retiree upon submission of a completed claim form with a certified death certificate. Again, it is important to UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES – Call the UFA/SBF at 212683-4723 (and press 2 for a benefits associate). Ask them to send you a new beneficiary enrollment card. GROUP LIFE INSURANCE - RFSBF To update your status or beneficiary, please contact Maria Zingone at 646-839-6503.
COMPENSATION ACCRUAL FUND PLEASE NOTE that under the 2008-2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement, any members hired after 2010 will have to wait 5 years until they are eligible for the Compensation Accrual Fund account.
The Compensation Accrual Fund (or CAF) is administered by Prudential. The CAF is a Money Purchase Pension Plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, all contributions and earnings (or losses) credited to your individual account are for the exclusive benefit of you and your beneficiary(ies). You control how your account is invested among the funds available under the CAF. Your account is payable to you upon your retirement, resignation or dismissal and to your designated beneficiary(ies) in the case of your death. To inquire about your CAF (balance, investment, disbursal), you may contact Prudential directly at 877-778-2100. To update your CAF beneficiaries, you may request a new enrollment card from the UFA/SBF at 212-683-4723.
YOUNG ADULT DEPENDENTS up to 26 YEARS of AGE Due to a change in Federal Law, the Uniformed Firefighters Association Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund (RFSBF) will provide benefits for your dependent children until the end of the month of their 26th birthday. The RFSBF Benefits include dental, prescription drugs, optical and hearing aids. Student verification will no longer be necessary. If, however, there has been a lapse in your Young Adult Dependent’s coverage and you wish to re-apply for coverage, you will need to fill out a Young Adult Dependent Attestation form. Call SBF for more information: 212-683-4723.
SURGICAL ASSISTANCE FUND R.F.S.B.F. pays the yearly dues for Members who were part of the fund for two years prior to their retirement. You have one year to submit a claim. For information and to request the MD-35-1 application form call (718) 999-1252. If you have any questions or doubts, request the information and submit the proper forms in duplicate to: UFA/UFOA Surgical Assistance Fund, 9 Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201
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HANDICAPPED DEPENDENTS Retiree MUST notify basic health carrier when dependents become mentally or physically handicapped, prior to 26 years of age. Dependent must be unmarried, living at home and dependent upon retiree for support. Upon receipt of the health carrier’s confirmation that the dependent is handicapped, R.F.S.B.F. coverage will be continued while the criteria are met.
CATASTROPHIC INSURANCE Direct payments from FDNY Payroll WILL NOT continue to be made to the Catastrophic Insurance Company upon your retirement. Retirees should notify the Catastrophic Insurance Company IMMEDIATELY upon their retirement. Direct payments from FDNY Payroll will not be continued once you’re retired, and to ensure you don’t have a lapse in coverage, you should contact the Catastrophic Insurance Company to set up direct payments. You can contact MERCER (formerly MARSH) Catastrophic Insurance at 800-503-9230. WIDOWS’ BENEFITS The R.F.S.B.F. provides benefits for widows and eligible dependents of retired firefighters, who retired after January 1, 1971 (July 9, 1993 for wipers or January 1, 2012 for Marine Engineers and Pilots) who become widowed after July 1, 1987; these widows and eligible dependents will be provided with a health plan and benefits under the R.F.S.B.F. for a period of ONE YEAR ONLY. The Trustees of the Fund reserve the right to modify or discontinue the benefits of the Fund at any time. Notification of changes in the benefits or procedures will be sent to your address as listed on the Fund records.
HANDICAPPED DEPENDENTS Retiree MUST notify basic health carrier when dependents become mentally or physically handicapped, prior to 26 years of age. Dependent must be unmarried, living at home and dependent upon retiree for support. Upon receipt of the health carrier’s confirmation that the dependent is handicapped, R.F.S.B.F. coverage will be continued while the criteria are met. VESTED RETIREES To be eligible to receive benefits of the Fund, a vested retiree must make a contribution equal to that made by the City each year. Payment must be submitted for the full year in advance. Vested retirees who enroll in the Fund (and their eligible dependents) would be covered for the following benefits provided by the R.F.S.B.F. •Burial Allowance •Family Dental Plan •Optical Benefits •Surgical Assistance Fund •Hearing Aid Benefit •ANNUAL Prescription Drug ID Card
Any subsequent changes in the rate of contribution to the Fund and the above benefits would apply to the vested retirees. Vested retirees interested in this program, please communicate by writing to the Security Benefit Fund office, 204 East 23rd Street, 3rd Fl., NY, NY 10010. Or call 212-683-4723. In all cases where there is a change of family status, member must file an ERB and forward it to: Employee Health Benefit Program 40 Rector Street 3rd Floor New York, NY 10006 212-513-0470 http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/olr/downloads/pdf/health/health-benefits-application.pdf
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS/ WEBSITES Fire Lines
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NAME/ WEB ADDRESS
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Security Benefit Fund (SBF) www.ufanyc.org www.ufanyc.org Welfare Fund (AMB/OXY) FDNY Pension and Payroll www1.nyc.gov/fdny/index.page www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/home2.shtml Retiree Beneficiary Changes FDNY Article 1 Retirees FDNY (Death Notification -FDNY Pension Dept) Surgical Assistance Fund FDNY Pension Life Insurance FDNY(Death Notifications) Honor Emergency Fund FDNY CVS/Caremark www.caremark.com Express Scripts www.express-scripts.com www.express-scripts.com SilverScript www.silverscript.com www.silverscript.com
PHONE
212-683-4723 Fax 212-683-0693 718-999-1886
718-999-2327
718-999-1205
718-999-1207 718-999-1252 718-999-2320 718-999-2531 or 32 866-832-0563 800-467-2006 or 800-233-7139 866-412-5373
Dentcare / Healthplex www.healthplex.com 800-468-0608 Florida Dental - Healthplex America S500B/Solstice Plan 888-200-0322 www.yourdentalplan.com/healthplex Counseling Services Unit 212-570-1693 or www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/units/csu/index.shtml 212-570-1696 FDNY Retirement Desk
FDNY (Death) Notifications Desk
Notifications made after hours or on weekends can be made to HONOR GUARD (NYC - FIVE BOROS ONLY) If deceased firefighter resided within the five boroughs of NYC, the Funeral Home or a relative may also call FDNY Operations to arrange for an honor guard.
718-999-2324
718-999-2320 or 718-999-7900
FDNY OPERATIONS (For Honor Guard) 718-999-7900 FDNY World Trade Center Medical Monitoring & Treatment Program
718-999-1858
www.fdnywtcprogram.org
NYC Office of Labor Relations City Employee Health / Medical / Medicare Benefits* (*Not managed by the UFA) www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/index.page www1.nyc.gov/assets/olr/downloads/pdf/health/health-benefits-application.pdf
www.ufanyc.org
212-513-0470*
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THE EVENT OF YOUR DEATH Fill out and save the the form below as a helpful resource for your next of kin:
MEMBER INFORMATION
Name:
COMPLETE Social Security Number: COMPLETE Street Address: City, State, Zip: Home Phone Number: Cell Phone Number:
Date of Appointment to FDNY: Company Appointed to: Badge Number
Date of Retirement from FDNY: Rank:
Company Retired From: Pension Number: Spouse’s Name:
Medical Insurance: Retirement Type:
___Service
___Service Connected Disability
___Non-Service Connected Disability
Contact numbers in the event of a Firefighter’s Death
Notification of a retired firefighter’s death is made to: FDNY Life Insurance................................................................................................................718-999-2320 After hours or on weekends, notifications can be made to 718-999-7900 FDNY Pension Payroll..............................................................................................................718-999-1207 If the deceased firefighter resided within the five broughs of NYC, the Funeral Home or a relative may also call FDNY Operations to arrange for an honor guard. FDNY Operations (Honor Guard - within the 5 boroughs of NYC).......................718-999-7900 Notification should also be made to the Firefighter’s union The Uniformed Firefighters Assocaition (UFA)..............................................................212-683-4723 The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA)........................................................212-376-8400
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Pension Check
Do not cash or, if you have direct deposit, do not spend the last pension check of a deceased member. Checks are issued on the LAST DAY of each month for that month. You may have to return the portion from the date of death to the end of the month. For example, if death ocurs on June 10th, the amount for the remaining 20 days will have to be returned. Notify the Pension Bureau of the death of a member at 718-999-1207.
Health Insurance
Health insurance ends upon the death of a retiree unless s/he retired with a line-of-Duty Disability Pension and the death was a result of the ailement for which s/he was retired. In that case, the spouse should contat the FDNY Pension notifying them of the cause of death and request that health coverage be continued. 718-999-2320. DEATH CERTIFICATES will be needed for the following:
• FDNY Pension • Fire Union (UFA and UFOA) • Social Security • Deferred Compensation Plan • Insurance Policies • Department of Motor VehiclesVeterans Administration • Compensation Accural Fund (UFA and UFOA) • Financial Institutions • Lawyer • Veterans Administration
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES are required for Social Security and Veterans Administration MILITARY DISCHARGE PAPERS are required for Veterans Administration 800-827-1000. Finally, and VERY important:
Update your Beneficiaries
Call both the FDNY and the UFA to inquire about when you last updated your beneficiaries
• Call the FDNY at 718-999-1205 to request beneficiary forms • Call the UFA/SBF at 212-683-4723 (press 2 for a benefits associate) and ask them to send you a new beneficiary Enrollment Card.
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SECURITY BENEFIT FUND OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK LOCAL 94 I.A.F.F. AFL-CIO
204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010 TEL: (212) 683-4723 FAX: (212) 683-0693 Web Address: www.ufanyc.org Email: SBFStaff@ufanyc.org Follow us on
To:
All Participants
Re:
Annual Membership Report
From:
Twitter @ufanyc
Facebook @ufanyc
TRUSTEES: GERARD FITZGERALD Chairman EDWARD BROWN Treasurer LeROY C. McGINNIS ROBERT C. EUSTACE MICHAEL SCHREIBER JOHN G. KELLY, JR. MATTHEW DESJARDIN ERIC BISCHOFF VINCENT SPECIALE WILLIAM GRECO
Board of Trustees
In compliance with Directive 12, Employee Benefit Funds – Uniform Reporting and Auditing Requirements, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York, set forth below is a report of the financial condition and operations of the Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. The Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association provides prescription drug, dental, optical, hearing aid, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, certain widows’ benefits and other benefits to eligible participants, which include firefighters, fire marshals, marine engineers, pilots, and uniformed wipers, pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust entered into between the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Local 94, I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO (the UFA) and the Trustees of the Fund. Such benefits are funded through employer contributions, which are established by collective bargaining agreements entered into between the UFA and the City of New York. The value of Fund assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Fund, was $51,892,892 as of June 30, 2016, compared to $49,428,234 as of July 1, 2015. During the fiscal year the Fund experienced an increase in its net assets available for benefits of $2,464,658. Additions to the Fund totaled $16,395,069. These additions included investment income of $1,472,451, contributions of $13,931,384, and other income of $991,234.
Deductions from the Fund totaled $13,930,411. These deductions included benefits paid to or for participants of $13,006,602 and administrative and other expenses of $923,809. For additional information write or call:
Board of Trustees Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 683-4723
www.ufanyc.org
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RETIRED FIREFIGHTERS
SECURITY BENEFIT FUND OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK LOCAL 94 I.A.F.F. AFL-CIO
204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010 TEL: (212) 683-4723 FAX: (212) 683-0693 Web Address: www.ufanyc.org Email: SBFStaff@ufanyc.org Follow us on
To:
All Participants
Re:
Annual Membership Report
From:
Twitter @ufanyc
TRUSTEES: GERARD FITZGERALD Chairman EDWARD BROWN Treasurer LeROY C. McGINNIS ROBERT C. EUSTACE MICHAEL SCHREIBER JOHN G. KELLY, JR. MATTHEW DESJARDIN ERIC BISCHOFF VINCENT SPECIALE WILLIAM GRECO
Facebook @ufanyc
Board of Trustees
In compliance with Directive 12, Employee Benefit Funds – Uniform Reporting and Auditing Requirements, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York, set forth below is a report of the financial condition and operations of the Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. The Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association provides prescription drug, dental, optical, hearing aid, life insurance, supplemental health insurance, certain widows’ benefits and other benefits to eligible participants, which include retired firefighters, fire marshals, and uniformed wipers, pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust entered into between the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Local 94, I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO (the UFA) and the Trustees of the Fund. Such benefits are funded through employer contributions, which are established by collective bargaining agreements entered into between the UFA and the City of New York. The value of Fund assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Fund, was $63,250,006 as of June 30, 2016, compared to $55,085,052 as of July 1, 2015. During the fiscal year the Fund experienced an increase in its net assets available for benefits of $8,164,954. Additions to the Fund totaled $34,719,189. These additions included investment income of $583,781, contributions of $18,539,156, and prescription drug subsidies and rebates, as well as other income of $15,596,252.
Deductions from the Fund totaled $26,554,235. These deductions included benefits paid to or for participants of $25,788,021 and administrative and other expenses of $766,214. For additional information write or call:
Board of Trustees Retired Firefighters Security Benefit Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 683-4723
www.ufanyc.org
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COMPENSATION ACCRUAL FUND OF THE
UNIFORMED FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER NEW YORK LOCAL 94 I.A.F.F. AFL-CIO rd
204 EAST 23 STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10010 TEL: (212) 683-4723 FAX: (212) 683-0693 Web Address: www.ufanyc.org Email: SBFStaff@ufanyc.org Twitter @ufanyc
Follow us on
To:
All Participants
Re:
Annual Membership Report
From:
Facebook @ufanyc
TRUSTEES: GERARD FITZGERALD Chairman EDWARD BROWN Treasurer LeROY C. McGINNIS ROBERT C. EUSTACE MICHAEL SCHREIBER JOHN G. KELLY, JR. MATTHEW DESJARDIN ERIC BISCHOFF VINCENT SPECIALE WILLIAM GRECO
Board of Trustees
In compliance with Directive 12, Employee Benefit Funds – Uniform Reporting and Auditing Requirements, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the City of New York, set forth below is a report of the financial condition and operations of the Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The Compensation Accrual Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association is a defined contribution pension plan that provides retirement benefits to New York City firefighters, fire marshals, marine engineers, pilots, and uniformed wipers pursuant to collective bargaining agreements between the City of New York and the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Local 94, I.A.F.F., AFL-CIO (the UFA). Participants are eligible to participate in the plan on the date they commence employment. Benefits are funded through employer contributions, which are established by the collective bargaining agreements. The value of Fund assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Fund, was $172,106,130 as of December 31, 2016, compared to $165,954,379 as of January 1, 2016. During the fiscal year the Fund experienced an increase in its net assets available for benefits of $6,151,751. Additions to the Fund totaled $15,113,319. These additions included investment income of $8,505,916 and contributions of $6,607,403.
Deductions from the Fund totaled $8,961,568. These deductions included benefits paid to participants of $8,496,359 and administrative expenses of $465,209. For additional information write or call:
Board of Trustees Compensation Accrual Fund of the Uniformed Firefighters Association 204 East 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 683-4723
www.ufanyc.org
2017 UFA Widows’ & Children’s Christmas Party
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www.ufanyc.org
Photo Credits: Stephen N. Symbolik III
The 17th annual UFA Widows’ & Children’s Christmas party was held on November 19, 2017, at the City Fire Museum. Ray “Gonzo” Phillips had served as the official Santa Claus for the UFA annually since 1985. on January 27, 2018, Ray died unexpectedly after a serious asthma attack led to a subsequent heart attack. His service to the UFA will be deeply missed UFA members and their families.
Uniformed Firefighters Association
Prsrt STD US Postage PA I D Farmingdale, NY Permit #125
204 EAST 23rd STREET, NEW YoRK, N.Y. 10010-9998 Tel (212) 683-4832 • Fax (212) 683-0710 www.ufanyc.org
GERARD FITZGERALD President ENG 318
LEROY C. MCGINNIS Vice President EDWARD BROWN Treasurer
ROBERT C. EUSTACE Recording Secretary
ENG 266
MICHAEL SCHREIBER Health & Safety Officer Sergeant-at-Arms
LAD 48
JOHN G. KELLY, JR Trustee-Brooklyn ENG 201 Chairman, Board of Trustees
ERIC BISCHOFF Trustee-Staten Island
MATTHEW M. DESJARDIN Trustee-Queens ENG 325
VINCENT SPECIALE Trustee-Manhattan
WILLIAM GRECO Trustee-Bronx
STEVEN TAGLIANI Fire Marshal Representative
ENG 55
LAD 27 LAD 116 ENG 161 ENG 68 BFI
STEPHEN N. SYMBOLIK III Managing Editor
GERARD FITZGERALD Editor-In-Chief
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ONLY ONE LAW FIRM Has Been General Counsel to the UFA for Over 40 Years! For decades, the firm of SULLIVAN PAPAIN BLOCK McGRATH & CANNAVO P.C. has been the friend of the injured New York City firefighter and the families of those firefighters who have given their lives in the performance of their duties. As GENERAL COUNSEL to the members of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, we are fully aware how these TRUE HEROES of our society place themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives and property of our citizens each and every day.
SULLIVAN PAPAIN BLOCK McGRATH & CANNAVO P.C. has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in cases where firefighters’ lives were unnecessarily placed in jeopardy because of faulty building design and maintenance or as a result of defective fire equipment. Moreover, we are leaders in representing firefighters and their families in claims to the Victim Compensation Fund to recover awards for 9/11-related illnesses and injuries. NO FIRM can match the experience or success in this unique area of personal injury litigation. Please visit our websites for further information at UFALawyers.com, TrialLaw1.com, and wtc911illness.com.
Contact Michael N. Block and Thomas J. McManus at (212) 732-9000 to discuss questions you may have if you or a family member has suffered an injury as a result of:
NEW YORK CITY OFFICE
• Line-of-Duty Accidents
• Personal Injury
• 9/11-Related Illnesses
• Medical Malpractice
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Unsafe Premises and General Liability
• Slip and Fall
• Unsafe Prescription Drug/Medical Device
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PHONE: (212) 732-9000 - FAX: (212) 266-4141
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