PARA has been answering a lot of questions during the past several weeks about the Medicare Part B reimbursement program for the 2022 tax year. We included an article on page 7 in the Fall Issue of PARA-phernalia about this particular benefit to give our members a heads up.

PARA and the Port Authority Benefits Unit are providing the following details so you can check whether you are eligible for this particular benefit, and if you are, how you can access it.

The deadline is March 31, 2023. Please note that is is a hard deadline. Failure to meet this deadline will result in denial of your 2022 reimbursement with no exceptions. This benefit is only for Medicare Part B premiums reimbursement. Medicare Part D is not applicable and not eligible for reimbursement.

 

Certain Port Authority/PATH retirees are eligible for reimbursement and must meet all of the following criteria:

 

1-Retired on/or after July 1, 2000;

2-Retired as a Port Authority permanent non-represented employee including Management, Non-Union Clerical and Police Superiors; FM and FS; retired as PATH permanent non-represented including Management, Field Operations (FO) and

Non-Union Clerical; and

3-Are age 65 or older.

4-Spouses are eligible once the retiree reaches age 65 and the spouse is on the Health Coverage Plan. Coverage would continue for eligible widows/widowers.

 

To submit your claim, log in or create an account through Health Equity at www.healthequity.com. You will be required to submit one of the following documents showing proof of payment for your Medicare Part B Premiums:

-2022 SSA-1099

-2022 SSA Benefits Verification Letter (if you need one go to www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/get-benefit-letter)

-2022 RRB Benefits Verification Letter

-2022 Cost of Living adjustment (COLA) statement

 

PATH employees please note: The RRB 1099 is no longer considered an acceptable form of documentation because it does not specify your Medicare Premium Part B amount. You must accompany the RRB 1099 with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Benefits Verification Letter or by contacting the RRB at 877-772-5772. 

 

Your Health Equity Account (formerly WageWorks) is funded based on your premiums from the previous year. If your account is underfunded due to a change in premiums, email HR_EmployeeBenefits@panynj.gov with a copy of your 2022 premium amount so HR Benefits can review and adjust it accordingly. 

 

Health Equity's website is www.HealthEquity.com/wageworks. If this is your first time filing, you will need to set up a secure profile. If you have problems along the way, you can call Heath Equity/WageWorks at 877-924-3967.

 

This process has gone smoothly for most retirees. We are taking this extra step to help those of you who have run into problems. HR Benefits has resolved issues quickly and may be reached at HR_EmployeeBenefits@panynj.gov. While we recommend strongly that you send an email with details, you may also contact HR Benefits at 212-435-2870.

 

If you have not yet paid your 2023 PARA dues, please do it as soon as possible. Note that the 2023 dues are now $20. Please send your check made out to "Port Authority Retirees Association, Inc." with your address, email and phone number to P.O.Box 7493, Monroe Township, NJ 08831-7493, addressed to the Port Authority Retirees Association, Inc.

The Port Authority Retirees Association (PARA), a not-for-profit corporation, was formed in 1989 to promote the welfare of retirees of the Port Authority (and PATH). That is accomplished by PARA advocating on behalf of Port Authority retirees. We foster and encourage legislation that maintains or improves our circumstances primarily as it affects the pensions of the New York State Retirement System. PARA has some 4,000 members residing in 39 states and 12 countries. It maintains an active affiliation with the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) and the Alliance of Public Retiree Organizations (APRO) representing some 500,000 retirees and beneficiaries in the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS).

 Port Authority Retirees Association, Inc. | P.O. Box 383| Oceanville, New Jersey 08231