16 Comments

A spreadsheet comparing the CSA welfare fund benefits to the UFT SHIP benefits was created last year for NYCretirees.org. Please advise how to make this very revealing document available to you. FYI CSA provides no cost catastrophic coverage to actives and retirees. Compare this to the UFT or NYSUT’s catastrophic plan and monthly cost. And NYSUT advised that it is up to the individual local whether retirees pay dues. No, NYSUT would not reveal information on which local requires retiree dues payment. Contact PTPMnow@gmail.com for the spreadsheet!

Expand full comment

The welfare fund provides prescription coverage for in-service members and their dependents but terminates the coverage for retirees and their dependents: why?

Could Mr. Murphy, the President of the Retiree Chapter, explain why his constituents have to buy prescription drug coverage from GHI when it was covered by the Fund when they were active.

Expand full comment
author

Sit while you wait. Clearly retirees are the lowest priority of UFT bosses, which is why they were targeted when Mulgrew decided to give most of the Stabilization fund back to the city. It turns out that was yet another catastrophic calculation by Michael Mulgrew and UFT Unity, who appear to be contending for the title of worst negotiators of all time.

Expand full comment
Dec 16, 2023Liked by Arthur Goldstein

I was telling them that this could happen when subbing. Many are so apathetic. Wait until they realize they cannot go to their primary care physician. By then it will be too late. They have to fight it before implementation as we did. Everytime you write an article I send an extra $25 to the retiree group.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for your contributions. I will have to make one now that you bring it up. It is the fault of UFT Unity that our union is so apathethic. They like it that way. They want us dependent on them for everything. That's not what union is.

Expand full comment
Dec 16, 2023Liked by Arthur Goldstein

No problem. Used to getglasses from Costco when I was young. However, when prescriptions are very complicated, they cannot do it. With me, I needed a special lens and a high level of prism that goes with that lens. Fortunately, my optician is an expert on lenses and gives me a good price. Too bad the young think they will be young forever and do not look to the future.

Expand full comment
author

I'm pretty sure our young colleagues are headed for an HMO. Mulgrew told them they would have to select a primary doctor for their upcoming plan. He seems to have screwed over absolutely everyone.

Expand full comment
Dec 14, 2023Liked by Arthur Goldstein

I have had unhappy experiences with Welfare Fund preferred provider dentists.

I have, however, just had a wonderful experience with my recent purchase of a hearing aid. I used a Welfare Fund preferred provider audiologist, Kathy Feng, at New York Hearing Center. She was terrific—friendly and professional.

I got a $3,000 device, fully covered by the Welfare Fund and SHIP ($1,500 each). It is very effective and inconspicuous.

A rare UFT success story.

If you’re in the market for a hearing aid get a pre-authorization from the Welfare Fund and call Kathy.

Expand full comment
author

Glad it worked out. I've not had all bad experiences, but when I had problems, and those were the only times, I found them to be no help at all.

Expand full comment
Dec 22, 2023Liked by Arthur Goldstein

I'm a retiree. It's depressing thinking about having worse health care than we do now. When you age, that's really important. Out of sight, out of mind, apparently, for Mulgrew.

Expand full comment
Dec 14, 2023Liked by Arthur Goldstein

Reprehensible.

Expand full comment
Dec 14, 2023Liked by Arthur Goldstein

Here is how great it is. My glasses cost $700 minus $225. Hearing aids $5000 minus $1500. Dentures for wife $5000 minus $1500. Pennies on the dollar.

Expand full comment
author

I'm gonna suggest you get glasses at Costco next time. And the more I think about it, the more I wonder why the hell WF doesn't give prescription coverage to retired UFT members. Haven't we earned it?

Expand full comment

Try Replace-A-Lens. They will give you a complete pair of lenses - with all the extras for about $150. Send in your Rx and frames and done.

Expand full comment

Unfortunately I have a complicated prescription and almost went blind 6 years ago. I wish Costco could make it. By the way, I needed Lasik as part of the surgery so it was not covered. I had to Po okay for it with a TDA loan.

Expand full comment
author

I apologize for assuming otherwise. I have friends who've paid enormous sums to shops for things that are far cheaper in Costco.

Expand full comment