5 CTPF 2027 NON-MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE HANDBOOK Open Enrollment The annual Open Enrollment Period for the CTPF health insurance program runs from October 1 - October 31, 2026. During Open Enrollment, you may enroll in a CTPF health insurance plan for the first time, change a health insurance plan, exercise your one-time Opt-In option, or add a dependent to a health plan. Changes made during this period become effective on January 1, 2027. Enrollment Forms Non-Medicare plans Complete CTPF Form 350 at www.ctpf.org to enroll in a Non-Medicare plan. Return all completed enrollment forms and required documentation to CTPF. Forms returned to an insurance carrier will not be processed. Email or Fax Preferred CTPF encourages members to submit forms by fax or email if possible. Send forms and documents by fax to 1-312-641-7185 or email an attachment (.pdf or .jpg format) to imaging@ctpf.org. U.S. Mail If you cannot send in forms by fax or email, please return information to: Health Benefits Department Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund 425 S. Financial Place, Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60605-1000 Chicago Public/Charter/Contract School Continuation Coverage The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), allows you to pay for the same health insurance coverage that you received during employment, usually for 18 months or until you become Medicare eligible. Health insurance costs are generally lower under COBRA continuation coverage than they would be under a CTPF plan. Many choose this option and extend coverage for the maximum time allowed, normally 18 months. Under COBRA continuation coverage, you pay premiums directly to Inspira Financial (formerly Payflex - for members on CPS COBRA). The employer administers the program, determines eligibility, and processes applications. In order to maintain coverage, you must make monthly premium payments on time or your coverage may be cancelled. Contact your employer or Inspira Financial for additional information. ID Cards Health plan enrollees receive health insurance ID cards by mail directly from their health insurance plan provider. ID cards are normally issued at the time of enrollment or when a health plan change is made. If you need a replacement card, contact your health insurance plan provider directly. You can find contact information in the back of this handbook. Turning Age 65 If you (or your dependent) plan to enroll in a CTPF Medicare plan, you will need to apply for Medicare three months before the month you turn age 65 to ensure timely enrollment. To enroll in a CTPF Medicare plan, you must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B, and provide CTPF with proof of enrollment before the month of your 65th birthday. Acceptable proof includes: • a copy of the Medicare card, or • an award letter with Medicare number from the Social Security Administration verifying enrollment, with effective dates Medicare Birthday Parties CTPF offers bi-monthly enrollment webinars to help members evaluate their Medicare health insurance options. Medicare “Birthday Parties” are held via webinars and eligible members and their dependents are sent invitations in the months prior to their 65th birthday. Please watch your mail for more details. Enrollment
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