| October, 2004

The 2004 Health Benefits Program Transfer Period
begins on November 1, 2004 and will end on November 30, 2004.
During this period both active and retired employees
have the opportunity to change their health insurance carrier or
add an optional benefit rider to their existing plan.
This year the City will not be mailing Summary Program
Descriptions to active employees. Program Descriptions will be available,
in either booklet form or on CD, at, Active Enrollment, 51 Chambers
Street, 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10007 or can be downloaded from the OLR
website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/olr.
The Funds Office will also have a supply available for your convenience.
Now is the time to review your coverage needs and
choose a plan that will work best for you (and your family). This
might mean choosing a plan that has an out of network option or
a plan that has minimal co-payments. The choices are different for
each individual and it is important to take the time and make the
right choice.
You may find it helpful to obtain a copy of the City
Program Description, even if you do not intend to make a plan change
this year. The booklet contains information beyond health plan descriptions,
for example, enrollment requirements, pre-tax funding programs,
waiver of health benefits, and coordination of benefit information,
to name a few. It is intended to be a reference of benefits and
services available to you and your family.
As always if you have any questions or require assistance
with any of the information provided you can contact the Funds Office
at 212 349-7560.
Fraternally,
Patrick J. Lynch
President

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