Health Benefits

The following summary plan documents, all benefit information and claim forms are available through the Health & Security Plan Inquiry Unit at (212) 815-1234. Retiree Toll-Free Number: 1 (877) 323-7738 from outside the NY-NJ-CT area.

For Full-time Employees (PDF, 305.92 KB)
For Part-time and Seasonal Employees (PDF, 310.92 KB)
For Former Employees (PDF, 259.19 KB)
For College Assistants (PDF, 286.02 KB)
For NYPL Employees (PDF, 624.07 KB)
For Cultural Institution Employees (PDF, 749.16 KB)

As with all decisions regarding eligibility for and the amount of benefits payable under the Health & Security Plan, the benefit allowances and guidelines are subject to change at any time and for any reason by the Board of Trustees of the Plan, in its sole and absolute discretion.

Through collective bargaining agreements, the City of New York and its unions through the Municipal Labor Committee have cooperated in choosing health plans to provide you and your eligible dependents with high quality, premium-free benefits through the City’s Health Benefits Program.

Health Insurance Plans

• Health Plans for Active DC 37 Members and Pre-Medicare Retirees
• Health Plans for Medicare-Eligible Retirees

Your DC 37 Health & Security Plan is here to guide you through your prescription drug coverage. When at your local pharmacy, make sure the pharmacy has all of your insurance cards on file for processing your prescriptions. 

Eligible Active & Pre-65 Retirees* have 3 cards to cover your prescriptions:

• OptumRx: This is your DC 37 Health & Security Plan prescription drug plan and it covers the bulk of your generic, brand, and specialty medications.
• NYCE PPO/HIP HMO/DC 37 Med Team/MetroPlus: Your NYC health insurance also covers certain prescription drugs—such as diabetes medications, low dose statins, PrEP, birth control, and vaccines.  
• EVERNORTH (formerly known as Express Scripts)–administered PICA Drug Benefit Program: PICA covers self-injectable medications and chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, as well as certain medications used to manage chemotherapy-related side effects.

Medicare Retirees have 2 cards to cover your prescriptions:

• Aetna/SilverScript: Your DC 37 Health & Security Plan over-65 retiree drug plan covers the bulk of your generic, brand, and specialty medication. This is your Medicare Part D plan.
• Medicare Part A/B: Every retiree over 65 years old has a Medicare card reflecting Part B coverage. Several prescription drugs are covered by your Part B plan. 

Note: If your pharmacy tells you a medication is “not covered by your insurance” or costs more than $45.50 for a 30-day supply, ask them to process the claim with each of the above cards. If that does not correct the coverage issue, please call us at (212) 815-1234 and tell the operator you are at the pharmacy and need our help. We will gladly assist you.

Questions about your eligibility?

Contact the Health & Security Inquiry Unit at (212) 815-1234.

Are you feeling stressed or down? Our PSU Social Workers are here to help. DC 37’s Personal Service Unit (PSU) is comprised of New York State licensed social workers who provide confidential individual counseling, information referrals, advocacy, and support to actives, retirees, and their adult dependents. PSU collaborates with members to tailor treatment plans based on their individual needs.

Some of the concerns PSU can help with include depression, anxiety, personal and family discord, occupational stress, substance use, bereavement, and parenting problems. PSU also provides workshops and group counseling as needed.

PSU conducts therapy sessions in-person, by video and phone.

Contact the DC 37 Personal Service Unit

Screening for Counseling Sessions: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(212) 815-1260 or (212) 815-1250

Dental care is critical to maintaining your overall health. With DC 37’s state-of-the-art Health Center in Lower Manhattan and our full coverage dental plan through Delta Dental, there’s no reason to wait.

Visit www.deltadentalins.com to see your eligible benefits and find a participating dental provider. You can also sign up for your personal Delta Dental account to review your full benefits package online, check how much of your annual maximum benefit is left, print a copy of your ID card, and sign up for paperless statements. 

The same Delta Dental plan coverage, restrictions, limitations, and benefit maximums apply to dental services and treatment offered at the DC 37 Health Center.

If you live in New York your Delta Dental network is the Delta Dental NY Select Network.

If you live outside of New York, your Delta Dental network is the Delta Dental PPO Network.

Those who live and work in the watershed area (north of Rockland and Westchester counties), can appeal to have the Delta Dental PPO Network as your preferred network.

Eligible Full-Time Participants, retirees, and their covered dependents are covered for all covered dental services received from a Delta New York Select Network dentist (participants residing in New York) or a Delta Dental PPO Network dentist (participants residing outside New York) up to the $1,700 annual maximum per eligible participant. If a non-participating provider is used, full-time eligible participants will be responsible for any difference between the plan’s out-of-network allowance for dental services and the provider’s actual charges.

Eligible Part-Time Participants are covered 75% (with 25% coinsurance copay) for all covered dental services received from a Delta New York Select Network dentist (participants residing in New York State) or a Delta Dental PPO dentist (participants residing outside New York State) up to the $1,700 annual maximum per eligible participant. If a non-participating provider is used, part-time eligible participants will be responsible for any difference between the plan’s out-of-network allowance for dental services and the provider’s actual charges, in addition to the 25% coinsurance.

Questions? Help is available via DC 37’s dedicated Delta Dental Customer Service Center at 1 (888) 523-DC37 (3237), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET.

The Delta Dental Group Number for DC 37 is 20970.

There are three ways to use your Optical Benefit:

• Request an Optical Voucher and utilize at a DC 37 Optical Provider (PDF, 153.68 KB);
• Optical Direct Reimbursement (PDF, 73.12 KB) up to $250 every 24 months;
• or a combination of both.

Using the DC 37 Optical Voucher

The H&S Plan maintains a list of participating Optical Providers, where participants can receive an eye examination, frames, and lenses upon presentation of a DC 37 Optical Voucher. Prior to making your appointment, please confirm that the optical provider is still on the list of DC 37 Participating Panel of Optical Providers (PDF, 153.68 KB).

• All information submitted should indicate member’s name and Personal Identification Number (PID) – even when requesting benefits/services for spouse/children.
• A voucher can be used for exam, frames and lenses. For cataract contact lenses, the reimbursement method should be used.

Using the Optical Direct Reimbursement Form

Ask the Optical Provider of your choice to complete their portion of the Optical Reimbursement Form (PDF, 73.12 KB). You can submit the form with proof of purchase and payment receipts to the Plan via fax at (212) 815-1218 or email to Optical@dc37.net for payment.

• Reimbursements will only be processed upon receipt of a completed Form. Please keep copies of your completed form and receipts for your files.

• Reimbursement may be requested for prescription eyeglasses, frames, contact lenses, eye exams, vision therapy or medical eye services, and prescription sunglasses.

Using the Voucher and Optical Direct Reimbursement Combination

The value of the Optical Voucher will be deducted from the $250 available for Optical Direct Reimbursement. You can submit the Optical Reimbursement Form (PDF, 73.12 KB) with proof of purchase and payment to the Optical Unit via fax at (212) 815-1218 or email at Optical@dc37.net. Please keep copies of your completed Optical Direct Reimbursement Form and receipts for your files.

• There is a 60-day waiting period for a Voucher-adjusted reimbursement before payment is issued.

Contact the DC 37 Optical Unit 

Call to confirm your every-two-year utilization eligibility: (212) 815-1234

People commonly delay seeking treatment for hearing loss, but with our robust audiology benefit and services offered at the DC 37’s state-of-the-art Health Center, there’s no need to delay critical evaluation and treatment. 

Our members-only benefit for eligible actives and retirees includes an annual comprehensive audiology evaluation, hearing aid evaluation, and the dispensing of basic hearing aids every three years if deemed necessary at no cost to you.

DC 37 Audiology Services

For appointments: (212) 791-2126
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
DC 37 Health Center, 115 Chambers Street
New York, 10007

If you are unable to work due to illness or have become physically or mentally disabled, you are entitled to receive disability benefits. This supplemental income is available to DC 37 Health & Security Plan participants who are in active pay status and meet the required number of working hours for eligibility. 

Full-time, Per Annum Employees: The weekly disability income benefit is $300 per 7-day week, and is payable up to a maximum of 26 weeks (but not longer than the H&S active participant remains totally disabled).

Part-time or Hourly Employees: The weekly disability benefit is $200 per 7-day week, and payable up to a maximum of 26 weeks (but not longer than the H&S active participant remains totally disabled).

Claims must be submitted within 30 days of your last day of work. Complete the Disability Claim Form in its entirety to avoid delay in processing, including all required signatures, dates of treatment, timekeeper’s phone number, and email addresses. 

Contact the DC 37 Disability Benefit Unit

Call: (212) 815-1234
Fax: (212) 298-9886
Email: DisabilityUnit@dc37.net

Death Benefit

When a DC 37 Health & Security Plan member passes, a death benefit may be paid to the person’s designated beneficiary(ies) selected by the member on their enrollment card or

While this topic may be difficult, it is important to update your written designated beneficiary(ies) and inform them about this benefit– it must be claimed within one year of the date of death.

A copy of the death certificate must be submitted to start the process of payment.

Current Death Benefit Amounts

• $10,000 for full-time employees
• $6,000 for part-time employees
• $2,000 for retirees (other than Cultural Institution retirees)
• $1,000 for Cultural Institution retirees

An additional $500 death benefit is available to retirees who have been DC 37 Retiree Association members for 7 years or more. For more information, contact the DC 37 Retirees Association.

Accidental Death Benefit

If an active employee dies within 90 days of an accident, the beneficiary receives an additional $10,000 (full-time) or $6,000 (part-time). Exceptions apply under Plan rules.

Dismemberment or Loss of Sight Benefit

If an active employee loses a hand, foot, or eye due to an accident, the benefit is $5,000 (full-time) or $3,000 (part-time) per loss, up to $10,000 (full-time) or $6,000 (part-time).

Benefits exclude losses caused by disease, war, crime, intentional injury, employment, or alcohol/drug use.

Extended Death Benefit

This benefit is available to members who leave employment due to total disability before age 55 and who meet all of the following requirements:

• Received the maximum disability benefit provided by the Plan.
• Are under age 55.
• Remain totally disabled, uninsurable, and unemployable.
• Are not receiving a pension from a current employer.
• Have qualified for Social Security Disability benefits.

If eligible, the member’s beneficiaries will receive the Death Benefit in effect when disability benefits are exhausted. Coverage ends if the member recovers, retires, reaches age 55, or if the benefit is discontinued.

Expanded Death Benefit

This benefit applies to members who leave employment due to total disability at age 55 or older and meet all of the following conditions:

• Received the maximum disability benefit under the Plan.
• Age 55 or older.
• Remain totally disabled, uninsurable, and unemployable.
• Not receiving a pension from a current employer.
• Approved for Social Security Disability benefits.

If eligible, the member’s beneficiaries will receive an Expanded Death Benefit of $1,500. Coverage ends three years after eligibility begins or if the benefit is discontinued.

Enhanced Expanded Coverage: Members with 10+ years of continuous employment who qualify for the Expanded Death Benefit and are over 55 but under 62 are eligible for an increased benefit of $5,000. All other conditions remain the same.

Survivor Benefit

To qualify, the deceased member must have been eligible for Health & Security Plan benefits (including a death benefit), and the surviving spouse/dependents must have been enrolled at the time of death. Eligible dependents may continue Plan benefits for 12 months from the member’s date of death, with the option to extend coverage up to 24 additional months under COBRA.

Contact the DC 37 Death Benefit Unit
Call: (212) 815-1234
Fax: (212) 298-9885
Email: Deathbenefits@dc37.net

If a surgeon recommends elective surgery for a member or their covered dependent, the individual may seek a second opinion from a doctor of their choice. The Health & Security Plan will cover the copay for the second opinion visit, if applicable.

The doctor providing the second opinion will review the medical records, examine the individual, and offer their professional recommendation. There is no obligation to follow the recommendation of the second opinion provider. The decision to proceed with surgery is ultimately up to the member or their dependent.

If you have any questions regarding this benefit, contact the Health & Security Plan Inquiry Unit at 212-815-1234.

In addition to audiology and dental services, primary care is now available at the DC 37 Health Center, conveniently located at 115 Chambers in downtown Manhattan. 

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center takes a “whole you” approach to care to understand all of the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that impact your health. 

ACPNY is open during the following hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Schedule an appointment online, or call (646) 680-4227.

Notice of Non Discrimination Policy

The District Council 37 Health & Security Plan complies with applicable civil rights laws
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or sex.
We do not exclude or treat them less favorably because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

The District Council 37 Health & Security Plan provides free aids and services to help you communicate with us. You can ask for interpreters and/or communications in other languages or formats such as large print. We also provide reasonable modifications for persons with disabilities. If you need these services, please call us at (212) 815-1234.

If you believe that the District Council 37 Health & Security Plan failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with the Associate Administrator:

District Council 37 Health & Security Plan
125 Barclay Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Attn: Associate Administrator

If you need assistance filing a grievance, please call us at (212) 815-1234.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Office for Civil Rights by:

Online/Web: Complaint Portal Assistant

Phone: 1 (800) 368-1019, 1 (800) 537-7697 (TDD)

Mail: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independent Avenue, SW
Room 509F, HHH Building
Washington, D.C. 20201

Complaint forms are available at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Office for Civil Rights.

Download: DC 37 Health & Security Plan – Nondiscrimination Policy (PDF, 273.65 KB)

HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices

When it comes to your health information, you have certain rights. This notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how we can get access to this information.