New NYC teachers 2014-2015!

sunshine24 said:
Bunnie and Lmichele: I used to have the GHI/Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield when I was covered under my father's insurance. We always loved it. Now, I would really like to choose that one again: GHI for all medical purposes and Empire for hospitalization coverage (I think is how it worked). Do you know which option that is on the list that got emailed to us? I could not seem to find it or make sense of the charts on that website :(
I have never had to pick insurance before, so I want to make sure that I get it right.

I plan on using the UFT welfare fund for optical and dental. But maybe using the GHI optional rider for prescription coverage? I don't know how the UFT prescription coverage is.

Is the only way to sign up for insurance through ESS? Who do we contact with any questions regarding coverage (DOE HR or UFT)?
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The GHI offered is the city plan, which is why things such as annual physicals aren't covered. It's probably a limited version of what you had under your dad. Other than a physical though, I haven't come across anything else that isn't covered.

I haven't had any issues with the UFT prescription coverage. Prescriptions that you need for longer than 90 days go through a mail-in pharmacy, though.
 
Bunnie said:
That's good to know, I'm used to having HIP from my last job and seriously everything was covered, just had a $25 copay for each DR. however I paid $440 a month for it :mad: it was the only option at my job.

I'm not too concerned with optical as my eyes are good for now. How's the Dental? I need to get a cleaning as well as I want to explore my options fixing a small gap I have in my teeth. Last year when I went (and still had insurance) my dentist offered to do something about it but said I didn't need it, it was up to me. I just don't want to be stuck with a major bill.
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I haven't had any issues so far with the dental, annual exams and cleanings are covered and I think I might have had a cavity filled while covered. My only gripe is that the options for dentists are limited, but luckily my previous dentist takes it so I could continue going to him.
 
LMichele said:
I haven't had any issues so far with the dental, annual exams and cleanings are covered and I think I might have had a cavity filled while covered. My only gripe is that the options for dentists are limited, but luckily my previous dentist takes it so I could continue going to him.
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That's great! I know my dentist takes it because when I told them I was a teacher they mistakeningly thought I had the UFT benefits. :)
 
LMichele:Thanks for the info about the health plans :)
I'm pretty sure that is the one I will go with.

Bunnie: Oh no, that sucks :(
Rest up...you're right. You have 6 months to send in the transcripts so no sense in running yourself ragged.
Feel better!
 
I honestly couldn't stand GHI when I had it from my previous job. AND it was the limited version too. They ended up not covering a test I did and tried making me pay $250 for it!

Are there other options?

I know my dentist takes UFT so I'm good on that.
 
MissPapa: Yes there are other options. Did you get the email letting you know that you can select an insurance starting Sept 2? In the email, there is a link to a page that lists the different options and their prices.
 
I looked at the info on the link from the email. Miss Papa the HIP HMO is free too and personally I think better coverage than GHI with no copays. I've always had HIP even as a kid under my parents. I'm used to the method of in network Drs they use. Plus all my Drs are HIP ones. I would take a look at it.

LMichele I wonder if you could switch during open enrollment? HIP seems to cover physicals.

For our visual people a side by side comparison chart:

http://www.uft.org/files/attachments/health-plan-wallchart_0.pdf
 
sunshine24 said:
MissPapa: Yes there are other options. Did you get the email letting you know that you can select an insurance starting Sept 2? In the email, there is a link to a page that lists the different options and their prices.
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Never got it…how come certain emails I am not getting?! GAH. I have a lot of questioning to do on the first day of work lol

I know my fiancé got GHI from working as a cop. I'll ask and see if it's the same as the free one and how he's liking it.
 
Bunnie: Thanks for the chart!

MissPapa: The email thing is crazy! I, too, get some things but not others. I never know if I am missing something important...I hope not!
My family is full of cops, both active and retired, and all use the GHI. I've never really heard of any complaints from them. But insurance is a tricky thing: people have different needs and opinions about which option is better. As long as I know things I need/want are covered and I can stick with my doctors, I am good. We can always switch next year during open enrollment, if necessary.
 
No paperwork in the mail. All I got was the email with the link to the different plans and the email stated we can sign up beginning Sept 2 using ESS.
Did you receive actual paperwork? I would much rather do that than use the computer
 
Yes! I did. It even came with a break down of how much each plan costs.

I'm going to bring it to my new teacher orientation and ask my payroll secretary about it.
 
Wow, I don't know why some of us are getting some stuff and others are not lol. It's so strange...you would think we are all on the same mailing and emailing lists.

Anyways, I will keep a lookout for the paperwork in the mail tomorrow, but if nothing comes, I will be calling HR Connect (again!) on Monday.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Bunnie!
 
I mailed my transcripts today. I sent them Priority Mail, so they should be there next week. Didn't feel like going up to Court St. Of course it takes six weeks to process. @@

I didn't receive anything related to health benefits in the mail. I just received an email saying we could sign up through ESS on September 2nd. I'm covered by my husband, so I might go ahead and request to take the money they are offering if you don't sign up for coverage.
 
Just so you know, my papers were printed the day after I was given the all clear, but a day before I received the welcome email. My papers are also labeled page xxx of 500. I received 5 pages.

I asked someone who is also a former returning DOE employee if they got this too. They said no. I thought maybe since I was previously in the system that's why I received it.

Also some of the rates are different from what is posted online and what is on my paper. The GHI and HIP are still free, but a few of the other plans are a little off.

It does seem strange that some people recieve certain things while others don't. Good thing we have each other to help out and guide through the process!
 
Froreal3 said:
I mailed my transcripts today. I sent them Priority Mail, so they should be there next week. Didn't feel like going up to Court St. Of course it takes six weeks to process. @@

I didn't receive anything related to health benefits in the mail. I just received an email saying we could sign up through ESS on September 2nd. I'm covered by my husband, so I might go ahead and request to take the money they are offering if you don't sign up for coverage.
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Yeah, 6 weeks for sure. I'm not rushing on this right now. Either way we will get retro pay for it.

I would definitely take the cash opt out if I already had insurance. Do you happen to know how much that is? I'm curious.
 
Froreal3 said:
I mailed my transcripts today. I sent them Priority Mail, so they should be there next week. Didn't feel like going up to Court St. Of course it takes six weeks to process. @@

I didn't receive anything related to health benefits in the mail. I just received an email saying we could sign up through ESS on September 2nd. I'm covered by my husband, so I might go ahead and request to take the money they are offering if you don't sign up for coverage.
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Yes that's the email I got too. I would definitely take the payout that they offer if you do not need the coverage.

I will be mailing my transcripts and salary differential form and my direct deposit form on Monday. I think I am going to send them Certified Mail so I can know that they were delivered. I am expecting about 6-8 week wait time for processing, but plan on calling HR to check on the progress at least every 2 weeks. It cant hurt to stay on top of it.

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Bunnie: One of the reasons that I love this thread is because we are all helping each other by passing along info. This process is so confusing and very unguided.

Maybe your previous employment is why you received the paperwork? I will probably call HR on Monday just to be sure though.
 
Froreal3 said:
Bunnie: It's 1,000 annually for a family. $500.00 for an individual.
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Nice, I'd take it for sure.

Sunshine, I think so. It was sent to my previous address too. But then again it's because they won't update my address until 9/2 like everything else they want us to do. :|

I love that we are helping each other! :hugs:
 
Hi all! Quick question: On the Direct Deposit form, we check off "Payroll Bank: Pedagogues", right?
Just want to double check before printing the form. Thanks :)
 
There's a form online? Or were you able to submit it on the payroll portal?

I'm pretty sure it's pedagogues.
 
Bunnie said:
There's a form online? Or were you able to submit it on the payroll portal?

I'm pretty sure it's pedagogues.
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OK thanks. That is what I thought, as it is the one that makes sense, but wanted to ask.

There is a form online that you download, type your information in, and print. Then, you mail it with your cancelled check or savings statement. You can't access the application under Payroll Portal until after Sept 2. I am getting all the paperwork and will mail this week.
 
sunshine24 said:
OK thanks. That is what I thought, as it is the one that makes sense, but wanted to ask.

There is a form online that you download, type your information in, and print. Then, you mail it with your cancelled check or savings statement. You can't access the application under Payroll Portal until after Sept 2. I am getting all the paperwork and will mail this week.
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Hmmmm. I wonder what would be faster.

I'm going to ask at my orientation tomorrow.

Any questions you'd like me to ask? My payroll secretary is going to be there to answer questions. :D
 
Bunnie said:
Hmmmm. I wonder what would be faster.

I'm going to ask at my orientation tomorrow.

Any questions you'd like me to ask? My payroll secretary is going to be there to answer questions. :D
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I'm just going to mail it because I think they said it will take up to 2 pay periods to go into effect anyway. Plus, I think you still have to send in the cancelled check or savings account statement after submitting the online application (kinda like the transcripts with the salary differential application). But, I guess whatever way anybody feels comfortable is acceptable.

I cannot really think of any payroll questions specifically, but will be glad to hear of any information that you may get :)

I am going to start day 1 of classroom set-up tomorrow (yayy!), but do not know who will be available to talk to about some stuff. I also have a few questions about the health benefits, so I guess I will be calling HR yet again.
 
Bunnie said:
Nice, I'd take it for sure.

Sunshine, I think so. It was sent to my previous address too. But then again it's because they won't update my address until 9/2 like everything else they want us to do. :|

I love that we are helping each other! :hugs:
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I actually went to Court St. in person back in May to do my direct deposit. I have had direct deposit since June. I only brought in my bank statement and circled the account number. I have two accounts with the same bank. He didn't even ask me for ID. Not sure if you can still do that though.

sunshine24 said:
Hi all! Quick question: On the Direct Deposit form, we check off "Payroll Bank: Pedagogues", right?
Just want to double check before printing the form. Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Yes, it's pedagogues.
 
Froreal3 said:
I actually went to Court St. in person back in May to do my direct deposit. I have had direct deposit since June. I only brought in my bank statement and circled the account number. I have two accounts with the same bank. He didn't even ask me for ID. Not sure if you can still do that though.



Yes, it's pedagogues.
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Thanks!
I am not sure about going to Court Street now and they are probably slammed on a daily basis there now. I'm still on the fence about going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had my first day of classroom set-up today. OMG...how overwhelming. Between bringing in all my stuff and trying to sort through what is in the closets, I feel like I got nothing really done today. I did do most of my in-room bulletin boards, but still need to do the hallway one. I need to go through the stuff in the closets (there are so many books, that there is no actual space left for storage), figure out a classroom library, organize my room better, etc. Wow, I thought I would have felt more productive, but instead I felt very unsure of myself when I walked in there. Deep down, I know that I know what I am doing and that I am prepared for this, but I couldn't help the uncertainty that snuck up on me today.
Oh well, sorry for the rant :( Tomorrow is another day in the classroom. I am bringing someone with me to help me organize that way the rest of the week flows more smoothly.

Did anybody else get into their rooms today?
 
I went to my room today lol BUT the furniture hasnt arrived yet. Ive been racking my brain for what do to on the first day. Still havent done my direct deposit form slip yet. But went to the new teacher orientation which I found very helpful.
 
jteach89 said:
I went to my room today lol BUT the furniture hasnt arrived yet. Ive been racking my brain for what do to on the first day. Still havent done my direct deposit form slip yet. But went to the new teacher orientation which I found very helpful.
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Yea, I still have not done any planning. I just don't know where or how to start. I know the first 2 days will be "getting to know you", rules and procedures, etc. But even that, I have not planned. I guess I will do that next week after my meetings on Sept 2-3 and once I meet everyone on my grade.
As far as I can tell, there is no immediate rush to get the direct deposit done. Its takes 2 pay periods to go through anyway. I just think most of us are looking to get it out of the way as soon as possible.
I'm sure the orientation was helpful. I never received the email invite and my school is not having a new teacher orientation. I wish I had something to go to like that to get some answers.
Hopefully, your furniture will arrive soon lol! I moved mine twice today and am still not happy with it ha.
 
If all else fails, I'll find out about all the stuff I didn't get during new teacher orientation or when I start setting up my classroom Thursday and Friday!
 
So my new teacher orientation wasn't as informative as I thought it would be today. Well not in a way to help all of us. Lol.

I met all the new staff, played some ice breakers got a quick history of the school/area. Then we had a PD on classroom management and was told about our schools PBIS program. Our Payroll Secretary wasn't there and won't be until the 2nd. So no questions answered.

Overall it was nice getting to know my coworkers and most of us live in the same general area of NYC, in a totally different borough than the school. Many of us are not first year teachers but rather new to the school/DOE.

No classroom setup until Wednesday. Tomorrow is the second orientation day and I will meet some of the other staff.

There's still so much to do! I napped after when I got home and I had a crazy dream of being at my school, getting lost in the maze of my building, feeling overwhelmed and deciding to quit before the end of the first day! I know that's not going to happen but it just made me think of how much work still has to be done and with being new there's a lot to anticipate.

Anywho, I will report back tomorrow with hopefully some useful information after the second orientation day!
 
sunshine24 said:
Yea, I still have not done any planning. I just don't know where or how to start. I know the first 2 days will be "getting to know you", rules and procedures, etc. But even that, I have not planned. I guess I will do that next week after my meetings on Sept 2-3 and once I meet everyone on my grade.
As far as I can tell, there is no immediate rush to get the direct deposit done. Its takes 2 pay periods to go through anyway. I just think most of us are looking to get it out of the way as soon as possible.
I'm sure the orientation was helpful. I never received the email invite and my school is not having a new teacher orientation. I wish I had something to go to like that to get some answers.
Hopefully, your furniture will arrive soon lol! I moved mine twice today and am still not happy with it ha.
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I'm planning my lessons next week as well, maybe over this weekend.

That's interesting that direct deposit takes 2 pay periods. But good to know.
 
I did get to meet some of my new colleagues, informally (in hallways, some stopped in to the classroom). So far, everyone seems really nice.

My payroll secretary came in at the end of the day to quickly do some things. I spoke briefly with her, because she was busy, but she said new hires will be meeting with her next week to take care of onboarding things. She also mentioned that we have to get a medical done. I was like, "why couldn't this be done over the summer?!" lol Anyways, I will definitely be seeking her out next week.

I am glad that my school gave us the option to set-up all week. I definitely think I am going to need all of the days, as much as I was hoping that I would not have to. Just setting up my in-room bulletin boards and moving some furniture took me all day. I am absolutely exhausted! But I am looking forward to getting more stuff done tomorrow and seeing my room come to life!

Bunnie:About the direct deposit-- I don't remember exactly where I saw/heard that it takes 2 pay periods, but I remember seeing it in more than 1 place. Seemed odd to me too, but I guess the DOE has a lot of paperwork processing to do come Sept.
 
We have to get a medical? I hope they give us a decent time period for AFTER we get our health insurance, I don't want to pay out of pocket for it.
 
Bunnie said:
We have to get a medical? I hope they give us a decent time period for AFTER we get our health insurance, I don't want to pay out of pocket for it.
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I know! I was wondering, all along, about it because I could not believe that the DOE did not require a medical and a drug test. I really don't know why they couldn't let us know about this earlier in the summer. It would have been more convenient for any of us who did not work during the summer months.

As for the insurance, I am pretty sure that once your application is approved, your coverage is retroactive to the first day of employment. So, if you do have to pay out of pocket for the medical, you can probably submit the payment receipt and get reimbursed. I think this is how it works. I saw something about retroactive coverage on the DOE or UFT website.
 
I know it's retroactive, but honestly I don't have the money. Blood work can get expensive. I don't mind getting just a TB test, but I'm not willing to pay for a full physical.
 
sunshine24 said:
Thanks!
I am not sure about going to Court Street now and they are probably slammed on a daily basis there now. I'm still on the fence about going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had my first day of classroom set-up today. OMG...how overwhelming. Between bringing in all my stuff and trying to sort through what is in the closets, I feel like I got nothing really done today. I did do most of my in-room bulletin boards, but still need to do the hallway one. I need to go through the stuff in the closets (there are so many books, that there is no actual space left for storage), figure out a classroom library, organize my room better, etc. Wow, I thought I would have felt more productive, but instead I felt very unsure of myself when I walked in there. Deep down, I know that I know what I am doing and that I am prepared for this, but I couldn't help the uncertainty that snuck up on me today.
Oh well, sorry for the rant :( Tomorrow is another day in the classroom. I am bringing someone with me to help me organize that way the rest of the week flows more smoothly.

Did anybody else get into their rooms today?
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I went into my room today and had a similar experience. Most of my materials haven't gotten there yet. :| I kind of set of the main areas in the room, but it is far from being done. I will go back on Friday.
 
Have you all submitted W4 and IT2014 forms for your withholdings? As a sub I never did these and they withdrew at the regular rate. :tired:

I know I can fax or mail them to HR, but was wondering if I can just submit them to the payroll secretary...
 
Bunnie said:
I know it's retroactive, but honestly I don't have the money. Blood work can get expensive. I don't mind getting just a TB test, but I'm not willing to pay for a full physical.
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I hear ya. I have a medical with a recent TB test, but opted not to do blood work that day (had been there all day as it was and the blood work was optional). So I hope they don't require blood work. :rolleyes:
 
I am thinking that they will give us at least until the end of September to get the medical done, but I am not sure. If I see the secretary again this week, I will ask, but I don't think she will be in until Sept 2.

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Well, Day 2 of classroom set-up is complete and I am exhausted lol! I got a lot accomplished today in the room, but still have so much to do. My closets are jam-packed with books and are really messed up. I need to sort through all of that and get my library going once I am done organizing the room itself. But, I am pleased with the progress so far. The school is not open to teachers tomorrow, so I will be going back in on Thursday.
Tomorrow, I will be grabbing some extra things that I realized I needed today (omg...I am going through bulletin board paper and borders like crazy!) and will be heading to the post office to mail the salary differential and direct deposit forms.
 
Froreal3 said:
Have you all submitted W4 and IT2014 forms for your withholdings? As a sub I never did these and they withdrew at the regular rate. :tired:

I know I can fax or mail them to HR, but was wondering if I can just submit them to the payroll secretary...
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I did not receive any information about this. How did you come across this?

Today I was told we are doing partial departmentalization. Which means I don't have to teach math :woot:. I'm sooooo happy about this!

Tomorrow we can finally get in our rooms to set up. A few of the new out of classroom teachers have already offered to help me and my co teacher setup tomorrow! Honestly I'm more concerned about hauling all our stuff up to the top floor. Lol. I'm hoping to finish 85% of everything tomorrow.

Also got an email from HR today telling me which license I was appointed under and when my cert expires and how to maintain it.
 
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