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Retirees

Health Waiver Incentive
Summary of Benefits
Medicare Requirements
Prescription Reimbursement
BCBS Forever Blue
Independent Health Passport PPO

Provider Certification Form
(Confirming COSMETIC SERVICES were medically necessary)

Due to a recent IRS audit any cosmetic procedure that is NOT considered medically necessary will be subject to a 40% co-insurance processing charge that will allow the District to collect and remit the retiree share of Social Security and Medicare taxes along with State and Federal withholding taxes. Procedures that are certified as medically necessary will be exempt from taxation. The attached Provider Certification Form must be completed by your medical provider or the 40% charge will apply.

Earnings Limits Update

extra income

Update - Retiree earnings Limit Suspended. The post-retirement earnings limit of $35,000 a year for retirees in a public sector job who are under age 65 has been suspended again by executive order. Under the Governor's order, pay earned from January 1, 2023 through May 22, 2023 will not count toward the $35,000 limit. If you work for a school district or BOCES, new legislation has suspended your earnings limit through June 30, 2024. 

You can apply here ->   Retired Teachers

If you have questions, please contact HRStaffing@buffaloschools.org

Contributions

Contributions

The Benefits Office is no longer utilizing "coupons" for those retirees who contribute to their health insurance; please remember to PRINT your name on your check or money order.

Your check or money order is to be payable to: CITY OF BUFFALO-BPS and mailed to: 

City of Buffalo-BPS

P.O. Box 10695

Albany, NY 12201-5695

Although we anticipated providing the option to pay by credit card, this option is unavailable due to an issue with our vendor. 

You are encouraged to pay your annual premium in full by January 15th; alternately, quarterly payments are due January 15, April 1, July 1, and October 1, 2023. 

Checks returned for insufficient funds are subject to a $20.00 fee AND termination of coverage. If you are cancelled for non-payment of premium, you will be responsible for medical expenses during your LAPSE IN COVERAGE. There is no option for reinstatement; you will need to complete a new application for replacement coverage. 

Questions about what rate you are required to pay as a Retiree?  Click on Retiree Master Contribution Rates for more information.

Life Changing Events & Notifications

  • You are required to notify the Benefits Office within 30 days if you have a life change that affects your insurance (ex: divorce, death or child aging off). 

  • Please remind your dependents to notify us immediately if you should predecease them, so that we may offer them COBRA.  Their eligibility ends the day after your death. 

  • It is your responsibility to update the Benefits Office with address, telephone number, email address, or emergency contact changes to ensure that you receive all important communications from our office. 

Questions? 

The best way to contact staff with your questions or to request a scheduled call is to email benefits@buffaloschools.org.  If you do not have access to email, please call 716-816-3754 and press prompt 3.  Please allow 1 - 2 business days for a response.  For questions specific to coverage, contact the customer service number located on the back of your insurance card.