Yes, but there are benefits to using a panel provider. Besides the discounts offered, the Fund requires our panelists to have a licensed audiologist at their facility to ensure quality service.

We suggest that you use the certificate only for a full service, including the hearing aid. If you use the certificate and only get the evaluation, we will pay the evaluation fee, but you will be deemed to have used the entire $1,500 benefit and you will not be eligible for another certificate for three years. Instead, if you pay for the evaluation (and possibly submit the claim to your health plan), you will save the $1,500 benefit and can use it when you are ready to purchase your hearing aid.

The benefit includes a complete pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses and, if necessary, a basic eye exam.

First, you need to confirm your eligibility for benefits, then (if eligible) obtain services from a provider. You and your covered family members are entitled to an eye exam, and eyeglasses or contact lenses once every two years.

You can check your eligibility in one of three easy ways:
(1) Visit www.gvsuft.com;
(2) Check via the GVS app; or
(3) Call the UFT-dedicated concierge line at GVS at (212) 729-5395.

If you are eligible for the optical benefit, you can make an appointment or walk in to a participating vision store (for in-network coverage) or use a nonparticipating vision provider of your choice (for out-of-network coverage). Participating providers can be found on the GVS website. 

Yes, however it is to your advantage to use a participating provider. First, you can take advantage of additional discounts our panelists provide. Second, if you have a problem, the UFT Welfare Fund will help resolve any issues.

If you use a non-participating provider, you are required to first pay the full cost of the service and request reimbursement of $175, or the actual charge, whichever is less. You can submit a paid, itemized receipt and a copy of your prescription electronically via the GVS website or the GVS app. Alternatively, paper claims can be mailed to GVS.

We suggest that you use your optical benefits only for full services, which include glasses or contacts along with an eye exam. If you use your benefits and only get the exam we will pay $20 toward an exam fee, but you will be deemed to have used the entire benefit amount and will not be eligible for another optical benefit for two years. Instead, if you pay for your exam directly and save the benefit, you can use it when you are ready to purchase your frames or lenses.

Members and their spouse/ domestic partner who are also members are entitled to special coordination of benefits (SCOB). This entitles each eligible family member, upon request at the same time for two (2) covered services, one (1) service under each member's benefit record, whether using a participating provider or the direct reimbursement method. In either event, reimbursement to the provider or the member may not exceed the actual charge for the optical service under SCOB.

Yes, the Fund will pay for contact lenses as per the fee schedule, but not in addition to glasses.

When the Fund pays out in excess of $1,200 for 12 months from December through November for an individual member or family (or $2,400 for SCOB – a member with a spouse/domestic partner who is also an in-service member), the member is placed in the Cost Care Program on January 1st of the calendar year. Cost Care participants who want brand-name drugs must pay the cost difference between the brand name and the generic if available, plus the applicable copay.

You may submit a Prescription Drug Reimbursement Form (also available by calling our Forms Hotline at 212-539-0539) with a copy of the paid pharmacy receipt, indicating the patient name, drug name, dosage and quantity.