An Important Message from Your IAFF MERP Board of Trustees
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
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.
