Do you have questions about the transition? Connect with us directly.
An Important Message from Your IAFF MERP Board of Trustees
IAFF MERP Transition Announcement: New Plan Administrator Effective July 1, 2025
After nearly a year of review, planning, and a thorough Request for Proposals (RFP) process, the IAFF MERP Board of Trustees (comprised of 13 active and retired IAFF members) has made the decision to transition plan administration services from Vimly Benefit Solutions to Benefit Programs Administration (BPA), effective July 1, 2025.
We are committed to keeping our members informed every step of the way. As the transition date approaches, we will provide regular updates with more detailed instructions for both retirees and active participants.
Please read this page carefully and return often for updates. Your questions and concerns are important to us. However, it is imperative that the IAFF MERP Trustees, our Trust Consultants at DiMartino Associates, and both Vimly and BPA, remain focused on the activities required to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Use the Contact Us page only for urgent requests.
Why the Change Is Being Made
This transition reflects the Board of Trustees’ commitment to ensuring the long-term success of the program and continually strengthening the experience for all IAFF MERP participants, especially our retirees, who frequently interact with the Trust administrator.
Vimly Benefit Solutions has been a valued partner since IAFF MERP’s inception in 1999, and we appreciate their years of service and support. The decision to consider new administrative partners was approached with care and deliberation. The Trustees launched a formal RFP process, inviting five highly qualified third-party administrators, including Vimly, to participate. Following in-depth interviews and on-site visits with three finalists, the Board selected the organization that best aligned with IAFF MERP’s goals for the future.
Our aim is to ensure the Trust continues to evolve with the needs of its members. The selected partner, Benefit Programs Administration (BPA), stood out for its strong commitment to service excellence, accurate reporting, and long-term support backed by modern systems and experienced staff.
Why BPA?
Following a rigorous RFP process, BPA was selected based on its:
- Extensive experience administering Retiree Medical Trusts since 2001 and a strong customer service culture, with proven accuracy in claims processing
- Collaborative internal operations, with more than 80% of staff working on-site to support complex plans like IAFF MERP
- Union-represented workforce, with more than half of employees being part of OPEIU Local 537 – aligning with our values and commitment to labor solidarity
- National presence, with offices in Los Angeles, CA, Mercer Island, WA, Spokane, WA, and the Washington, D.C. area. However, Trust operations will largely be based out of their Los Angeles office, where they administer several other Retiree Medical Trusts.
We are confident this transition will help us to deliver a more streamlined and supportive
experience for all members.
What You Can Expect
Transition activities are currently underway and will continue over the coming months. While no action is required at this time, we want to keep all of you—active members, retiree participants and employers—well informed.
To support clear and consistent communication throughout the process, we’ve launched this
Transition Hub page where you’ll find:
- The latest news and updates
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- A timeline of key milestones
Sign up for email alerts
General Questions
Why is the IAFF MERP changing administrators?
The IAFF MERP Board of Trustees made this decision after a year of review, based on feedback from members and employers, and a competitive RFP process. The goal is to improve service and long-term support for both members and employers.
Who is the new IAFF MERP administrator?
Benefit Programs Administration (BPA) will be the Trust’s third-party administrator (TPA) starting July 1, 2025.
What will BPA handle?
BPA will manage day-to-day administrative services, including employer support, contribution reporting, retiree claims processing, and benefit payments.
When will the transition take place?
The transition will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
As we get closer to that date, we will communicate key milestones and deadlines to all affected parties. These may include:
- Cut-off dates for employer contribution submissions, and data reporting to the new administrator
- Instructions for registering on the new IAFF MERP Portal
- Details about a potential blackout period for retiree claims and benefit payments during the transition window.
Updates will be added to this page as well as on the Announcements page. Sign up for email alerts whenever new information becomes available.
Who can I contact with urgent questions?
It is imperative that the IAFF MERP Trustees, our Trust Consultants at DiMartino Associates, and both Vimly and BPA, remain focused on the activities required to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
To support that effort, we kindly ask that you rely on this webpage as your primary resource for updates, timelines, and FAQs. Many of your questions can be answered here, and we’ll continue to update this webpage regularly as new information becomes available.
For urgent, transition-specific questions, please use Contact Us on the Transition Hub page. A Trust team member will respond within 2–3 business days.
For Participating Employers
Will the Trust’s banking information change?
No. The Trust’s banking information is not expected to change.
- If you currently submit contributions via wire transfer, you may continue without any changes.
- If you submit contributions by paper check, a new mailing address will be provided.
- We anticipate a cut-off date on, or around, June 20 for the new address, but will be in touch soon to memorialize that date and provide new mailing instructions.
Interested in converting to wire transfers ahead of the transition? Contact moc.y1746506572lmiv@1746506572sreyo1746506572lpmE-1746506572PREM-1746506572FFAI1746506572.
Will the employer’s process for reporting contributions change?
Yes. All employers will transition to a new Employer Portal hosted by BPA. This portal will replace the current system for submitting Contribution Data Reports.
If you currently use a custom report template, you’ll still be able to upload it through the new secure portal, similar to the process today.
For employers who rely on the SIMON portal to generate or download contribution data, comparable functionality will be available within BPA’s platform. Contact the Trust Office for more information.
More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
How and when will I be able to access the new IAFF MERP Employer Portal?
We anticipate that access to the new IAFF MERP Employer Portal will be available by late June. More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
How are these changes being communicated to Active Employees and Retiree Participants?
Active Employees and Retiree Participants will receive a postcard directing them to this Transition Hub page where they can view the latest updates, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and sign up for email alerts whenever new information becomes available.
For Retiree Participants
Do I need to do anything right now?
No. There is nothing you need to do at this time. You will be notified when action is required – if any. However, we encourage you to sign up for email alerts to stay up to date on transition-related activities.
Will my IAFF MERP benefits or account change?
No. Your eligibility, benefit level, and plan structure are not changing. Only the administrative support is changing to help improve your experience.
Will this affect my monthly benefit payments?
While transition activities are being carefully managed to avoid as much disruption as possible, it is likely that the Trust will need to implement a short blackout period during the final stages on the transition. This blackout period will likely occur between the end of May into mid-July.
More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Will I need to re-submit any forms to continue my benefit elections in 2025?
We do not anticipate that retirees will need to submit claim forms or annual verification forms to continue 2025 benefit payments.
More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Do I need to update my banking information for direct deposits?
We do not anticipate that retirees will need to send in their banking information to continue receiving their benefit via direct deposit.
More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Will the deadlines or process for submitting claims change?
We are exploring ideas with BPA to simplify the claims submission and payment process, including the timelines for timely filings.
More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Will my Individual Account fund selection change?
No. Your Individual Account funds will remain invested in your chosen fund. If you elected to make a change during this year’s Annual Investment Selection Period, your new election will be reflected as scheduled on July 1, 2025.
How and when will I be able to access the new IAFF MERP Retiree Portal?
We will provide more information on the timeline for registration on the new IAFF MERP Retiree Portal as soon as possible. It is currently in development, and we anticipate the new portal to be extremely user friendly and have enhanced capability compared to what you experience today.
What functionality will I have on the new IAFF MERP Retiree Portal?
Starting on or around July 1, 2025, you will be able to register on the new IAFF MERP Retiree Portal. The portal is designed to simplify the claims process and keep you informed. Through the portal, you will be able to:
- Submit claims with supporting documentation
- Track the status of submitted claims
- View your claim history
- Access your account balance
Registration instructions will be provided as soon as they become available.
Active Employees
Will I need to do anything ahead of the transition?
No. There is nothing you need to do at this time. You will be notified when action is required, if any. However, we encourage you to sign up for email alerts to stay up to date on transition-related activities.
How and when will I be able to access the new IAFF MERP Employee Portal?
We will provide more information on the timeline for registration on the new IAFF MERP Employee Portal as soon as possible. It is currently in development, and we anticipate the new portal to be extremely user-friendly and have enhanced capability compared to what you experience today.
I plan on retiring at the end of June, what should I expect?
Please note that retirement processing can take several weeks, particularly if a Lump Sum Transfer (e.g., Sick and/or Vacation Leave) is expected. The Trust Office must wait for the final contribution to be received before completing the final benefit calculations and issuing the Benefit Election Letter. As a result, retirements are often not fully processed until the month following the retirement date, depending on the timing of final contributions.
If you have concerns about this please use our Contact Us form to reach out to a member of the transition team.
Will my Employer know how to send contributions to the new IAFF MERP administrator?
Yes. All IAFF MERP Participating Employers are receiving communication and updates related to the TPA Transition.
We understand that change can raise questions, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Please stay tuned for additional updates in the coming months. In the meantime, thank you for your continued trust in IAFF MERP as we work to enhance the quality of service and support you deserve.