Eligible Members Unlock Union Benefits by Submitting their Health
& Security Enrollment Form

By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ

Being a part of DC 37 is more than just membership in one of New York City’s largest unions that negotiates contracts and raises. It’s also about added benefits that, while non-economic, definitely impact working families’ wallets. With the increasing cost of living, eligible DC 37 members are encouraged to take advantage of all the benefits they can, including medical, dental, legal, and retirement, in addition to support with financial questions, student loan debt relief, educational classes, job training, and estate planning.

Signing the Health & Security Benefits Enrollment Form is the critical first step to begin receiving these benefits.

After signing the “green card,” or member card, to join the union, members must fill out their “white card,” or benefits enrollment form, and return it to the DC 37 Health & Security Plan Trust by email to eeu@dc37.net or fax at 212.298.9880. The form is also available for download at dc37.net/benefits/health/hs_forms. A DC 37 Health & Security Plan Enrollment Form with any required documentation must be on file before members or their eligible dependent/s (legal spouse or domestic partner and dependent children) can obtain benefits.

DC 37 Dental Center and Delta Dental

Looking to have a dental cleaning or restorative dental work done? In addition to selecting from one of the 1,800 participants in Delta Dental’s “New York Select Network” with $0 copays for covered procedures, eligible members can also utilize the state-of-the-art DC 37 Dental Center at 115 Chambers. The Dental Center accommodates members in a centrally located, recently renovated location where care and comfort is prioritized.

DC 37 Member Charlene W. said that there is “joy that comes from truly compassionate people. It can be found in the least expected places, like a dental office. This office has shown me the utmost respect, decency, and concern when it comes to my health and wellness. Since allowing them to manage and oversee my dental care, I am always feeling better about smiling.”

To view providers, find answers to questions about coverage and benefits, sign up for an online account to check benefits, print ID cards, and view online dental benefit statements, visit DC 37’s Delta Dental page at www1.deltadentalins.com/group-sites/dc37.html. To reach the DC 37 Dental Center, call 212.766.4440.

Prescription Drug Plan

The Health & Security Plan helps members save money on medications through the generic-based Prescription Drug Benefit. Members and their eligible dependents should remind their health care providers to select generic prescription drugs whenever possible and bring prescription cards to compare costs at their local pharmacy.

Contact the Prescription Drug Unit at 212.815.1608 for more information.

Vision/Optical Care

Having trouble reading this article? It may be time to schedule a yearly optical health checkup. Eligible members and their dependents are entitled to receive eye examinations, lenses, and frames every two years. Members can choose to receive a voucher or direct reimbursement by contacting the H&S Inquiry Unit at 212.815.1234.

Personal Service Unit (PSU)

The Personal Service Unit provides support for personal or family issues, including those surrounding job jeopardy or substance abuse disorders. Licensed social workers offer individual short-term counseling, referrals, advocacy, group workshops, and group counseling. PSU staff can also connect eligible members seeking medication management to a psychiatrist to explore options.

To connect with PSU, dial 212.815.1250. For safety and confidentiality, member information is never shared outside of PSU without express written permission.

Municipal Employee Legal Services (MELS)

The DC 37 Municipal Employee Legal Services benefit is provided by employer contributions to the union’s Health & Security Plan. From divorce to citizenship to home ownership, staff professionals advise, counsel and represent workers on covered matters. After a consultation, an attorney can walk through complex legal processes, saving time and money. For information about MELS or to speak with an attorney, call 212.815.1111.

Annuity Fund, Health, and Pension Counseling

Members preparing for retirement and even those who are already retired may benefit from contacting the Annuity Fund, Health, and Pension Counseling Department. This department offers pre-retirement counseling services virtually or via telephone along with pension counseling, the DC 37 Annuity Fund, and DC 37 Med Team Health Insurance.

When a DC 37 retiree ran into issues accessing health care, Mariama DaCostra, Department Manager, stepped in.

“I was able to help my client get her health insurance application signed off by her agency,” DaCostra said. “She was more than pleased that I was willing to assist.”
Members with questions about retirement, including those around health insurance, can contact the DC 37 Annuity Fund, Health, and Pension Counseling Department at 212.815.1200 for more information.

Audiology

The audiology benefit is a member-only (active and retiree) benefit that includes a comprehensive audiological evaluation, hearing aid evaluation, and the dispensing of a basic hearing aid (right or left ear) if deemed necessary every three years at no cost. DC 37 audiology services are available to eligible members by appointment only at the DC 37 Audiology Center in Manhattan.

“I worked in New York government for 35 years and was delighted to learn that the union provided a generous benefit for hearing aids and an evaluation by an audiologist professional,” said member Wendy Dorf. “This is a great opportunity for DC 37 members and they should not hesitate to take advantage of this important benefit.”

To make an appointment at the DC 37 Audiology Center in Manhattan, call 212.791.2126.

Survivor and Death Benefits

Active employees are eligible for DC 37’s Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit for catastrophes that may happen on the job. Retirees and active employees receive a death benefit for their beneficiary(ies), as designated on their DC 37 Health & Security Enrollment Form or Change of Beneficiary Form. Members are encouraged to update their beneficiary information annually to ensure accuracy and account for any changes.

To learn more about Survivor and Death Benefits, contact the H&S Inquiry Unit at 212.815.1234.

Short-Term Disability

This disability benefit provides supplemental income when an active employee is approved for medical leave. Benefits are paid to eligible employees after all applicable leave applications are completed and approved.

For a more detailed overview of disability benefits, call the H&S Inquiry Unit at 212.815.1234.

Don’t pay out-of-pocket for benefits you can receive for free —fill out your Health & Safety Benefit Enrollment Form now.

Employees who are not currently a union member and do not have a green member card on file can contact their Union representative or visit dc37.net/about/local_enroll to sign up.

Members who need to update their beneficiary information can complete a “Change of Status Form” or “Beneficiary Form” and submit documentation to the DC 37 Eligibility and Enrollment Unit.

“We are continuously improving our services for members based on feedback and data,” said William Bifulco, Administrator of the DC 37 Health & Security Plan Trust. “For eligible members and retirees, these benefits are made available to you at no cost.”

HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR DC 37 BENEFITS

All claim forms and participating provider listings are available from the Health & Security Plan office. Detailed benefit information on eligibility and the status of claims filed is available by calling the Inquiry Unit’s information line at 212.815.1234. Members can also access benefit information on the union’s website.