This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
The District will require all PFT members to contribute to the cost of their benefits. Those earning less than $25,000 will pay 5 percent of the plan’s premiums. Those earning between $25,000 and $55,000 will pay 10 percent, and those earning over $55,000 will pay 13 percent.
The District says monthly payments for PFT members will range from $27 to $71 for single coverage and $77 to $200 per month for family coverage.
There will be an open enrollment between Oct. 20 and Nov. 14 for members to choose new plans. They will be offered one Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan, with the option to buy up to a more expensive one and pay the cost difference themselves.
If spouses who have other options choose the PFT plan, the cost will be $70 per paycheck. And employees now get a payment if they opt out of District medical coverage. That will stop.
On the PFT Health and Welfare Fund: The District plans to stop paying into the fund immediately and require the union to draw on its reserves to pay benefits between now and Dec. 15, when the District will start providing direct coverage.
The District does not plan to continue any of the fund’s benefits for retirees.
It will also stop paying into a much smaller union legal fund.
Through the Health and Welfare Fund, active union members now get prescription, vision, dental, and long-term disability benefits. Retirees receive a prescription benefit and have access to a dental plan and low-cost vision care for themselves and families.
More information about the benefits changes has been posted on the employee benefits section of the District’s website, along with a hotline number and email address for PFT members to use.