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Retirees

Comprehensive resources for retiree health coverage, compliance requirements, contributions, and benefit updates.

Retiree Health Benefits

Health Waiver Incentive
Summary of Health Benefits
Medicare Requirements
Independent Health PassportPPO
BCBS Forever Blue
Prescription Reimbusement
BCSA & BTF Part D IRMAA Reimb.

Provider Certification

Provider Certification Form
(Confirming COSMETIC SERVICES were medically necessary)

Please review the BBOE Cosmetic Services Process HERE

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

https://www.nystrs.org/retirees/working-in-retirement/

Update Regarding Retiree Earnings Limit   

The earnings limit for retirees employed by public school districts or Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) is suspended through June 30, 2027 (May 2025 legislation extended the date from 2025 to 2027). This earnings limit suspension does not apply to retirees who work for a community college, SUNY, charter school, or any other public employment not covered by this law. 

For full details, see https://www.nystrs.org/retirees/working-in-retirement/

Apply: Retired Teachers

If you have questions, please contact HRStaffing

extra income

Contributions

The Benefits Office is no longer utilizing "coupons" for retiree health benefit contributions. 

You may elect to pay online with a check, debit, or credit card. Please click on the following link for further information: https://www.buffaloschools.org/o/dept-benefits/page/insurance-electronic-payments-for-retired-employees

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 

Contributions

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

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? 
View Retiree Master Contribution Rates for more information.

Newsletter

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 last day of the month in which you pass.

  • 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.

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.