Questions & Answers

Benefits Questions 

1. 1. 1. 1. When will I receive information about PS1 benefits?
            You will receive an email from the Human Resources department shortly after onboarding with details about your benefits and how to enroll. You can also access this information directly through the drive or the staff site.
            
            

         2. How long do I have to decide on benefits?
            You have 30 days from the date of hire to make your election decisions.
            
            

         3. Once I select my health benefits, when will they become active?
            Eligibility begins after 2 months (60 days) of full-time employment. Thirty days to sign up, thirty days to be enrolled.
            
            

         4. What if I miss the 30-day new hire enrollment period?
            You will need to wait to enroll during our next annual open enrollment period (November of each year) or for a qualifying event to occur (e.g., loss of job, marriage, birth of a child, or adoption).
            
            

         5. How do I enroll?
            Enrollment forms are located on the staff site. Click this link to download and complete. Submit to ps1_humanresources@moma.org.
            
            

         6. What if I have other insurance?
            You can only have one primary insurance provider at a time. If you are currently enrolled in a plan other than PS1’s offerings, you will need to decide whether to cancel your current coverage and switch to a PS1 plan.
            
            

         7. What do I do if my current, 3rd party health insurance outside of PS1 is being terminated?
            The termination must qualify as a qualifying event. If it does, you have 30 days to inform ps1_humanresources@moma.org.
            
            

Medical Plan Changes for 2026

1. 1. 1. 8. What are the two main medical plans available?
            Both plans have a $0 premium for the base plan.

            • HIP HMO: An in-network-only plan with lower copays that requires a referral from a Primary Care Physician (PCP).

            • GHI CBP / New "NYC PPO": A PPO plan that offers more flexibility, does not require referrals, and includes out-of-network benefits. This plan is being renamed and updated for 2026.
              
              

         9. What is changing with the GHI CBP (PPO) plan?
            For 2026, it is being renamed the NYC Employees PPO Plan (NYC PPO). The main changes are:

            • One ID Card: You will receive a single ID card co-branded by EmblemHealth and UnitedHealthcare, replacing the two cards you have now.

            • Single Claims Processor: All claims will be handled by one carrier, simplifying the process.

            • Expanded Network: Your in-network access will greatly expand, especially outside the 13 downstate NY counties, by using the UnitedHealthcare network.

            • New Preferred Providers: Visits to NYC Health + Hospitals locations and AdvantageCare Physicians will now have a $0 copay.

            • New Mental Health Vendor: Mental health benefits will be managed by Optum (through UnitedHealthcare) instead of CareLon.

            • Out-of-Network Change: Reimbursement for out-of-network care will now be based on Medicare's allowed amount schedule.

         10. Will my current doctor still be in-network under the new NYC PPO plan?
             If your doctor is currently in-network in the New York City area (within the 13 downstate counties), your access should not change. The network is primarily expanding for members who use providers outside of this area.
             
             

         11. What is the website for the new NYC PPO plan?
             You can find specific information at NYCEPPO.com. You can search for both medical and mental health providers on this site.
             
             

         12. What is changing with the HIP HMO plan?
             A major improvement is that the HIP HMO plan will have a national network starting in 2026. This is great for retirees who have moved or members with college students outside of New York.

Prescription Drug Coverage

1. 1. 1. 13. How are prescriptions covered?
             Prescription drug coverage is separate from your medical plan and requires you to enroll in a Prescription Drug Rider for an additional cost, unless your union provides it.
             
             

         14. What if I don't have the Prescription Drug Rider?
             Without the rider, you are only covered for:

             • Diabetic medications

             • ACA preventative medications

             • Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction
               All other prescriptions will be paid for out-of-pocket at the pharmacy's full price.
               
               

         15. I am in a union. How does that affect my prescription coverage?
             If your union offers prescription drug coverage, you are not eligible for the city's Prescription Drug Rider. You must use the plan provided by your union.
             
             

         16.  How much does the Prescription Drug Rider cost?
             Based on the July 2024 rates (subject to change):

             • For the NYC PPO (GHI CBP) plan: Approximately $60.39 per bi-weekly paycheck.

             • For the HIP HMO plan: Approximately $74.49 per bi-weekly paycheck.
               
               

         17.  What is changing with the prescription drug vendor?
             The vendor is changing from Express Scripts (ESI) to Prime Therapeutics.

             • Home Delivery: Mail-order prescriptions for maintenance drugs will be fulfilled by Amazon Pharmacy.

             • Transition: If you have an existing mail-order prescription, it will be automatically moved to Prime, but you will need to set up a new account and provide your payment/shipping information.

             • Look for a letter in the mail with instructions on how to set up your account.
               
               

         18. What are the copays for prescriptions with the rider?

             • Retail Pharmacy (30-day supply): You pay a percentage of the drug cost (20% for generic, 40% for preferred brand, 50% for non-preferred brand).

             • 90-Day Supply (at retail or mail-order): You pay a flat copay:

               • Generic: $12.50

               • Preferred Brand: $50

               • Non-Preferred Brand: $75

Dental Insurance (Principal)

1. What is the calendar-year maximum for dental coverage?
   The calendar year maximum is $1,500 per person for in-network and out-of-network services combined.

1. 1. Are orthodontics covered?
      Yes, orthodontia is covered at 50% for both in-network and out-of-network, with a lifetime maximum of $1,500.

   2. How often are routine cleanings covered?
      Routine cleanings are covered once every six months.

Vision Insurance (EyeMed)

1. 4. How do I find an in-network eye doctor?
      Use the Enhanced Provider Search at eyemed.com or the EyeMed Members App.
      
      

   5. What is the copay for an eye exam?
      The in-network copay for an exam is $10.
      
      

   6. How often can I get new glasses or contact lenses?
      Frames are covered once every 24 months. Lenses and contact lenses are covered once every 12 months.
      
      

   7. Can I use my FSA to pay for vision expenses?

Yes, you can use your Healthcare FSA for out-of-pocket vision costs like copays, glasses, and contact lenses.

1. Can I change my benefits after I’ve enrolled?
   Once you have made your benefit elections, you cannot change them until the next open enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.

1. What happens to my benefits if I leave PS1?

• Your benefits will end on your last day of employment. You may be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, which allows you to keep your health insurance for a limited time. You will receive information about COBRA from the Human Resources department.

3. What is a qualifying event?

• Change in marital status or domestic partnership status

• Change in number of dependents

•  Change in employment status (for employee or dependent)

• Dependent satisfies or ceases to satisfy eligibility requirements
  
  

4. I lost my medical, dental, or vision card. What should I do?

• For a new medical card, call Emblem Health Member Services directly at 800-447-8255

• For a new dental card, call Principal Life Insurance directly at 800-843-1371

• For a new vision card, call Eye Med directly at (866) 800-5457
  
  

5. I need to add my spouse to my insurance. What should I do?

Please inform ps1_humanresources@moma.org within 30 days that you need to add a spouse or child to your insurance plan. Please note that your spouse or child must meet the requirements of a qualifying event.

TASC Questions

1. 1. For transit savings, can I set a monthly amount for Uber or Lyft? Does it have to be rideshare, not individual rides? Can this account be used for Citibike?

The TASC (Transit) benefit only applies to MTA, Subway, NJ Transit, LLIR, and Metro North expenses. Uber, Lyft, and Citibike are not eligible.

1. 2. Can I use my TASC benefit for parking expenses?

No, the TASC benefit is specifically for transit expenses such as MTA, Subway, NJ Transit, LLIR, and Metro North. Parking expenses are not eligible.

1. 3. How do I set up my TASC benefit?

You can set up your TASC benefit through the TASC website or by contacting TASC customer service. You will need to provide your transit expense details and choose your contribution amount.

1. 4. What are the annual contribution limits for 2026?

• • • Healthcare FSA: $3,400

    • Dependent Care FSA: $5,000

    • Transit Account: $325 per month

401K Questions

1. How do I learn about 401(k) Enrollment?

VOYA will send you documents by mail after 90 days of employment. Once you receive the packet, please enroll with VOYA and inform HR of your chosen election amount.

2. What is the employer match for the 401(k) plan?

PS1 offers a matching contribution to your 401(k) plan. The specific match percentage and maximum limit will be detailed in the information packet you receive from VOYA after 90 days of employment.

3. Can I change my 401(k) contribution amount at any time?

Yes, you can change your 401(k) contribution amount at any time by logging into your VOYA account or contacting VOYA customer service.

Pension FAQs

1. How do I learn about my pension?

   • A packet will be mailed by CIRS regarding your pension via USPS after one (1) year of employment.
     
     

2. When am I eligible for my pension?

   • Your pension will begin one (1) year to the date of your employment (start date).
     
     

3. What is the difference between CIRS Tier I and CIRS Tier II?

   • CIRS Tier I eligibility is for employment prior to September 31, 2026.

   • CIRS Tier II eligibility is for employment after October 1, 2016.
     
     

4. What happens to my pension if I leave PS1 before retirement?

   • If you leave PS1 before retirement, your pension benefits will be based on your years of service and the terms of the CIRS plan. You may be eligible to receive a vested benefit upon reaching retirement age.
     
     

5. Can I roll over my pension to another retirement account?

   • Depending on the terms of the CIRS plan, you may be able to roll over your pension benefits to another qualified retirement account. Please contact CIRS for more information.