Welcome to the Retiree Division

Welcome to the Retiree Division section of Local 1180's new website. More than just a drop-in center, the Retiree Division provides retirees of CWA Local 1180 with a venue to pursue their social, intellectual, and educational interests throughout their retirement. Through thoughtful and creative planning, the staff of the Retiree Division prepares a monthly calendar representing a compilation of some of the greatest activities in the area at any given moment. Broadway shows, trips, speakers, lunches, and interactive workshops allow retirees to socialize with peers, have fun, and learn a little along the way.

We can only begin to tell you about how glad our retirees are to have a one-stop-shopping experience that offers so many ways to keep busy, engaged, and active. We hope that you make the decision to join in on some of the fun. Read the monthly calendar to see what events are coming up, and then call to reserve your space. Remember that we are providing programs for more than 4,000 retirees in the New York City area, so space may be limited.

We have a special welcome gift for all 'newbie' retirees. Or, if you are an existing retiree, stop by the office just to say hello. We can't wait to greet you all.

Suzanne E. Beatty, LMSW

Retiree Division Director

Biography

Director's Message

A few weeks ago we sent out a letter about the Medicare Part B Differential and the phones have not stopped ringing since! There was a bit of a mix up and the Board of Trustees did their part to notify you. However,  some retirees still can’t make heads or tails of it all. Let me better explain I using the five W’s and some H’s.
Who:The City reimburses retirees and eligible dependents for Medicare Part B premiums (excluding any penalties). You must be receiving a City pension check, be Medicare eligible, and be enrolled as the contract holder for City health benefits to receive Part B premium reimbursement.

What: The reimbursement amount is based on standard Medicare Part B premiums. If your Medicare Part B reimbursement amount was less than what you paid in Part B premiums, excluding penalties, you may be eligible for an additional reimbursement amount referred to as a differential payment. (This is not the same as the Local 1180 reimbursement for supplemental benefits.)

Why: The standard rate was $109, but some retirees paid between $110 and $134. If you did, you may be eligible for the difference.   

Where, When & How Will I Get My Money?: If you are currently receiving your pension check through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or direct deposit, your reimbursement will be deposited automatically into your bank account. This will be separate from your pension payment. If you don’t have EFT or direct deposit, you will receive a check in the mail in June. EFT payments were sent in April 2019.

How will I get the Differential? If you were Medicare eligible prior to 2016, you must complete the Medicare Part B Differential Form for 2018 to receive the differential payment (that is the form that was included with the letter) and submit with form SSA-1099. If you were Medicare-eligible after 2016, you are already receiving the full payment and do not need to complete the form.
How Much: Up to $300 differential, based on what you received, what you paid, and how much you should get. The Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Health Benefits Office has this amount. Local 1180 has no access to this information. 

What about IRMAA? If you are applying for IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) because you paid more than the standard monthly reimbursement rate for Medicare Part B, you will receive the differential payment automatically once IRMAA 2018 payments are processed in October 2019. It goes into your bank account direct deposit. You will not need to complete the form.
Please understand that all information is subject to eligibility and proper documentation. Any questions about this should be directed to the OLR Client Services Dept. You can call them at 212.513.0470 or you can put your request in writing and send to 40 Rector Street, New York NY  10006. You can also go in, but that office gets very busy and writing could be faster. 
I hope you found this helpful and now have more information to keep you financially fantastic. Information is power, so share it with your friends.

Fun Fact: Saint Thomas Aquinas (Italian Dominican friar, Philosopher & Catholic priest) is credited with developing the 5Ws and H in his “Treatise on Human Acts,” which explained the elements of all circumstance, but he in turn said that it was Aristotle who provided the framework.