To All Delegates and Members

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