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Vision, Prescription & Dental Coverage

Retiree Benefits Overview

Comprehensive coverage options for PFT retirees including vision care, prescription medications, and dental services.

Vision Coverage — NVA Vision Program

Comprehensive eye care at reduced costs

Overview

  • Administered by: National Vision Administrators (N.V.A.)
  • Available to: PFT Retirees
  • Benefit Periods: There are no limitations
  • Cost: $12.00 yearly premium - Retiree pays entire reduced cost

Purpose

To provide thorough vision analysis (including Tonometry test), lenses manufactured to exacting standards and a wide selection of quality frames at a controlled cost

Basic Charges

If you elect to use one of the participating optometrists, ophthalmologists, or opticians, there is a basic charge for:

ServiceCost
ExaminationRetail less $10.00
Retinal Screening $39.00
Regular Lenses (2)Up to $35.00
Bifocal (2)Up to $55.00
Trifocal (2)Up to $70.00
FramesRetail Less 35%
Contacts* Evaluation/FittingRetail Less 10%
Conventional ContactsRetail Less 15%
Disposable ContactsRetail Less 10%
*Medically Necessary contact lenses are not covered under the plan.

Lenses & Services

ALL CHARGES ARE MONITORED BY N.V.A. - INCLUDING EXTRAS

Lens options purchased from a participating NVA provider will be provided to the member at the amounts listed in the fixed option pricing list below. NVA members will only pay the fixed maximum amount or the provider's wholesale cost, whichever is less.

OptionPrice
Polarized$75
Blue Light Blocker (Standard)$45
Ultraviolet Coating$12
Polycarbonate (Single Vision)$35
Polycarbonate (Multi-Focal)$35
Scratch-Resistant Coating (Standard)$15
Transitions Single Vision (Standard)$65
Transitions Multi-Focal (Standard)$70
Solid Tint/Gradient$12
Progressive Lenses Standard**50$
**Fixed pricing not available on certain brands

Important Notes

  • Options not listed will be priced by NVA providers at their reasonable and customary retail price less 20%
  • In certain states, members may be required to pay the full retail amount and not the negotiated discount amount at certain participating providers
  • Some optometrists affiliated with Optical Retail locations (i.e., Visionworks, etc.) are independent providers and may not participate in the NVA program
  • Participating providers are not contractually obligated to offer sale prices in addition to outlined coverage
  • Regardless of medical or optical necessity, vision benefits are not available more frequently than specified in your policy

How Does an Eligible Person Use the PFT Retirees N.V.A. Vision Program?

  1. 1.View our list of eligible vision providers
  2. 2.Make an appointment and notify the NVA participating provider that your coverage is administered by NVA and sponsored by The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers
  3. 3.The provider will inform you of your eligibility prior to rendering any services

Prescription Coverage — Retiree Rx Plan

Medication coverage for all ages

RETIREE Rx – Under Age 65

Plan: Capital Rx

Enrollment Deadline

Must enroll within 2 months of retirement
TypeCo-Pay
Brand Name$40.00
Generic$11.25

Retail or Mail Order provides up to a 60-day supply for one co-pay

RETIREE Rx – Over Age 65 or Enrolled in Medicare

Plan: Independence Blue Cross Select Option (PDP) Plan

Enrollment Deadline

Must enroll within 2 months of retirement in accordance with Medicare regulations
SupplyBrand Co-PayGeneric Co-Pay
90-day supply$60.00$15.00
30-day supply$40.00$10.00

Mail order and Retail provide 90-day supply

Eligibility

You are eligible if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • Retired under a State Early Retirement Plan (30 years of service or more) – no age requirement
  • Retired from a PFT bargaining unit and are at least 65 years of age
  • Approved PSERS Disability Retirement and/or the Health and Welfare Fund's Long Term Disability benefit
  • Retired from a PFT bargaining unit and are at least age 55 with a combination of age and years of service that equal 65 or more

Costs & Billing

$840 Billed twice yearly:

  • Payment is due on January 2nd For the 6-month period starting March 1st
  • Payment is due on July 2nd For the 6-month period starting September 1st

No Re-enrollment

If you drop out of the plan, you will not be permitted to re-enroll.

Payment Options

Retired members who have enrolled in the PFT Health & Welfare Retiree Prescription Plan may make their payments online through our member dashboard.

How to Enroll in Retiree Rx Benefits

Retiree Enrollment Packet

Under 65 Retiree Enrollment Packet

This packet includes several files to help you enroll in the PFT Health & Welfare Funds Programs. Please upload the completed forms to our secure upload portal or UCCI per the instructions on the letter.

  • Retiree Letter - Under 65
  • PFTHW Retiree Benefit Application (Writable)
  • Retirement Prescription Application (Writable)
  • NVA Vision Benefit Summary
  • United Concordia Enrollment/Change Form

PDF1.39 MB

Over 65 Retiree Enrollment Packet

This packet includes several files to help you enroll in the PFT Health & Welfare Funds Programs. Please upload the completed forms to our secure upload portal or UCCI per the instructions on the letter.

  • Retiree Letter - Over 65
  • PFTHW Retiree Benefit Application (Writable)
  • Retirement Prescription Application (Writable)
  • United Concordia Enrollment/Change Form
  • NVA Vision Benefit Summary

PDF1.39 MB

IBX PDP Application

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Employer Group Enrollment and Change Form

PDF172 KB

  1. Upload the completed packet with the following documents at our secure document upload page
    • Page one (1) of your PSERS estimate
    • A copy of your current medical card

Turning 65?

Retirees on the Capital Rx Plan who are turning age 65 will be automatically enrolled in the Independence Blue Cross Select Option (PDP) Plan.

Opt-Out Option

If you do not wish to be enrolled, use our contact page to send a request to opt out.

Medicare IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)

Be advised that depending on your annual income, Medicare may charge you an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).

The sliding scale charge is a set of statutory percentage-based tables to adjust Medicare Part B and prescription drug coverage Medicare Part D premiums. The higher the beneficiary's range of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), the higher the IRMAA will be.

Learn More About IRMAA

Dental Coverage — United Concordia Retiree Plan

Comprehensive dental care for retirees and dependents

Eligibility & Rates

Retirees and eligible dependents may enroll.

Rates (Billed Quarterly by United Concordia)

CoverageMonthlyQuarterly
Individual$34.48$103.44
Two People$62.81$188.43
Family$81.59$244.77

Benefit Comparison: Retiree vs. Active Member

Benefit CategoryRetiree PlanActive Member Plan
Routine Examinations80% - once every 6 months100% of total allowable fee
Oral Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)80% - once every 6 months100% of total allowable fee
Fluoride Application80% - once every 6 months100% of total allowable fee
Pit & Fissure SealantsNot Covered100% - once every 36 months (unless special need shown)
Bitewing X-ray80% - once every 6 months100% of total allowable fee
Root Canal Treatment (under local anesthesia)50%100% of total allowable fee
Apicoectomy (Root surgery)50%50% of total allowable fee
Restorative Services50%100%
Single Unconnected Inlays, Onlays & Crowns50%80%
Removal of Impacted Teeth (under local anesthesia)50%80%
Most Other Oral Surgery (under local anesthesia)50%80%
Periodontics - Non-Surgical (under local anesthesia)50%50%
Periodontics - Surgical (under local anesthesia)50%50%
Fixed Bridgework (including abutment inlays, onlays, crowns & pontics)50%50%
Fixed Bridge Replacement50% - if at least 5 years since initial installation60% without limitation, as required
Repairs to Fixed Bridges50% - 100%50%
Full or Partial Dentures50%50%
Denture Replacement50% - if at least 5 years since initial installation50% - only 5 years since insertion and only if unserviceable
Repairs to Removable Prosthetics50% - 100%60% - 100%
Orthodontic ServicesNot Covered50% with $1,200 lifetime maximum
DeductiblesNo DeductibleNo Deductible
Maximum Benefits$1,500 per person per yearNo annual cap
Out-of-Area Emergency ServicesCovered as specified aboveCovered as specified above

Key Differences

While retiree dental coverage is slightly reduced compared to active member plans, it still provides comprehensive coverage for preventive care and major dental procedures at an affordable cost.

Finding a Dental Provider

United Concordia has a network of participating dental providers. Find a dentist near you who accepts your retiree dental coverage.

View Dental Providers

Important Notes

Critical reminders for maintaining your benefits

Payment Deadlines

Always pay Fund invoices promptly to maintain coverage. Late payments can result in loss of benefits.

Provider Verification

All participating providers and charges are subject to verification by N.V.A. and United Concordia. Always confirm your provider participates in the network before scheduling appointments.

Coverage Variations

Coverage details and pricing may vary by state or provider participation. If you have questions about specific services or providers, contact the Fund.

Questions or Concerns?

Our member services team is here to help with eligibility, benefits, claims, and everything in between. Reach out — we'll point you to the right person.