We want to let you know about a change that may affect how you receive premium reimbursements from IAFF MERP.
What’s Changing
Beginning in 2026, the Plan will no longer be able to auto-file premium reimbursement claims from IAFF Health & Wellness Trust on your behalf. Instead, all retirees will submit their own monthly claims using the IAFF MERP Member Portal.
What This Means for You
- You must log into the IAFF MERP Member Portal and submit an online claim form (requires proof of premium payment).
-OR-
- If you have a Claims Carryover balance, you’ll continue receiving your Monthly Benefit automatically each month until your carryover balance is used up.
- After that, you’ll begin submitting monthly claims through the online Member Portal to continue receiving your benefit.
IMPORTANT: Once a claims carryover balance has been established, claims submission is not required until the carryover balance has been exhausted.
Example: If you currently have a $4,000 claim carryover and your Monthly Benefit Level is $200, you will continue receiving payments for 20 months before needing to begin monthly submissions.
Once your Claims Carryover is exhausted, you will need to submit a monthly claim to get your premium reimbursement.
To receive your monthly benefit:
- You must log in to the IAFF MERP Member Portal
- Submit a short online claim form
- Upload proof of your premium payment (e.g., pension deduction statement, bank record, or invoice)
IAFF HWT Members: You may download a monthly retiree billing statement from the IAFF HWT SIMON Portal at https://iaffhwt.simon365.com/.
How to Check Your Claim Carryover Balance
Check your current carryover balance at any time by logging into the IAFF MERP Member Portal:
- Visit: IAFFMERP.org (Click Member Portal at the top right)
- First time logging in? Click “Create an Account” and follow the steps.
- Once logged in, go to the “CLAIMS” tab to see your balance and claim history
Need help? Call the Trust Office at (844) 353-7839
Why This Change Is Happening
The prior system relied on legacy technology that is no longer supported under our new administrator (BPA). Moving to self-submitted monthly claims:
- Ensures compliance with IRS and Plan rules
- Eliminates confusion from auto-filing
- Reduces risk of duplicate or inaccurate claims
- Gives retirees more transparency and control
Maintaining Eligibility
During your automated carryover period, we’ll implement a simple periodic “proof of life” check to confirm eligibility – either by mail or through the Portal.
Need Help Filing a Claim?
We’ve created a dedicated resource page with step-by-step instructions, FAQs, and video walkthroughs to help you navigate the new process.
Visit: IAFFMERP.org/for-participants/accessing-your-benefit
We understand this change may feel like a shift, but our goal is to ensure your benefit remains secure, accurate, and easy to access.
