Resources
ATTENTION! 2023-24 COLA increases
Eligible retirees to receive COLA increases: see link below for more info:
FYI: From the Alliance for Retired Americans Friday Alerts emails:
Health Care and Retirement News
“No Surprises Act” Law is Now in Effect to dispute unexpected medical bills. It was enacted January 1, 2022.
Thanks to the No Surprises Act, Americans are now protected from surprise medical billing.
You can sign up for these Friday Alerts by emailing the Alliance email address below.
aracommunications@retiredamericans.org
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*NYSUT-retiree services: Claire Zatorski (516)496-2035
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**American Federation of Teachers links below:
JUNE 7, 2024: Union wins major victory in tenure and due process rights for educators
After a decade-long legal battle on behalf of our members' tenure rights, NYSUT emerged victorious earlier this week when the New York State Supreme Court dismissed the Davids and Wright Cases, informally known as "the tenure case." The lawsuit, filed in 2014, spearheaded by TV personality Campbell Brown and funded by wealthy anti-educator forces, attempted to do away with teacher tenure as we know it. NYSUT fought back hard and in the end, succeeded in getting the case dismissed. NYSUT President Melinda Person celebrated the decision, stating, "This decision has been a decade in the making and shows that when we stick together and fight back against anti-educator forces, we get results. It also shows that NYSUT will continue to protect educators' rights and professional dignity, no matter how powerful or well-funded challenges may be."
After decades of union activism, in late June of 2024 Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a package of APPR reforms into law that institute long-sought changes to the state’s teacher and principal evaluation system. and edit me. It's easy.
Clear Captions phone info:
click link below:
Montauk Lighthouse
Fun things to do-Â link below:
**Medicare Questions?
*ALERT:medicare recipients are strongly recommended to keep Original Medicare and NYSHIP. If you change you will not be able to change back. Do NOT be persuaded by Medicare Advantage or other ads.
NYSUT Mental Health: If you find that you are struggling with issues and want to talk to someone, call NYSUT Social Servics. They can make referrals as needed for our members and their families.
Contact: 1-800-342-9810, ext. 6206
email: socsvcs@nysutmail.org
NEW since Oct 2022: PEER SUPPORT LINE - available through NYSUT member benefits.
volunteers welcome
contact 844-444-0152 and the links below for more info
*WestburyUFSD-Health Benefits(IRMAA/Medicare)
**Medicare eligible: It's recommended to apply for Medicare 3 months before you reach the age of 65.
Westbury reimburses retirees for the standard Medicare cost quarterly. To receive reimbursement, you, and your spouse if applicable, must submit yearly, to Brenda Benes, Medical Benefits Administrator, your Verifications of Benefits letter sent from Social Security. If you are not receiving Social Security, you must submit your Medicare bill that reflects what the new year's monthly payments are.
What is IRMAA?
IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) is for those who pay more than the standard cost for Medicare because they earned above a certain income. It is assessed every year. IRMAA is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from two years prior.
IF you are paying more than the standard amount for Medicare, you pay an IRMAA surcharge above the standard cost. To get reimbursed for this charge, you, and spouse if applicable, need to submit form SSA-1099 to Brenda Benes, Medical Benefits Administrator yearly. If you have not done this in the past, there is a 3 year lookback.
NOTE: All of these documents should be submitted to Westbury Employee Benefits before the end of February annually.
** Important Reminder:
In the event of the death of a member or a member’s spouse covered on the health insurance plan, a family member or other survivor must inform the WUFSD and enclose a copy of the death certificate within 30 days of the death. Without that information, the spouse could lose their medical coverage.
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For any and all questions regarding health insurance, how to apply for Medicare, or reimbursements, please contact: Brenda Benes: Employee Benefits
Westbury UFSD
2 Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, NY 11568
Phone: 1-516-874-1809
Email: bbenes@westburyschools.org
