Retiree Medical Benefits

The Medical Expense Reimbursement Program of the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust

Many HPAE members spend 20, 25, or 30 years of their work lives taking care of patients as dedicated, skilled professionals. After all of those years, we deserve to receive some financial support for our medical needs when we retire.

That is why HPAE decided to develop a medical expense reimbursement program that would enable retirees to get reimbursed for various medical costs, based on the benefits that they have accrued upon retirement. In 2006, as part of our "One Voice" contract campaign, we successfully negotiated this program with a number of employers. In early 2007, the Medical Expense Reimbursement Program of the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust was officially established.

The Trust is a multi-employer, non-profit trust that receives tax advantages under the IRS tax code, 501c(9) and, as required by law, is governed by an equal number of Union and employer Trustees. The Trustees have hired professionals to administer the reimbursement program, including a third party administrator (TPA), an attorney, an actuary, and a financial investor.

The Trust is what is known as a “VEBA” or Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association. Because of its tax status, a VEBA allows contributions for post-retirement medical expenses to be contributed with pre-tax dollars, to accrue interest without taxation, and finally, to be received by retirees on a tax-free basis.

Currently, HPAE members in the following locals participate in the program:

  • Local 5004/Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
  • Local 5030/Palisades Medical Center
  • Local 5058/Jersey Shore Medical Center
  • Local 5105/Virtua
  • Local 5112/Runnells Hospital
  • Local 5118/Cooper University Hospital
  • Local 5147/Meadowlands Hospital and Medical Center
  • Local 5186/Christ Hospital

If you have specific questions or concerns about the program, email your question or concern to mslott@hpae.org.

Information on the Retiree Medical Trust

HPAE Retiree Medical Trust: An Explanation of Employee-Only Contributions Read More.

HPAE Retiree Medical Trust: An Explanation of Employer-Only Contributions Read More.

Please visit the Benserco Inc. website for additional Retiree Medical Trust information. Benserco is the Third Party Administrator (TPA) of the Trust. On their web site, you will find the following regarding the HPAE Retiree Medical Trust:

  • How to Submit a Claim for Reimbursement
  • Summary Program Description
  • Participant Information Card
  • Medical Expense Reimbursement Form
  • Summary Annual Report