New IAFF MERP Member Portal and Claim Filing Instructions
As announced in May, the IAFF MERP will transition from Vimly Benefit Solutions to Benefit Programs Administration (BPA) effective July 1, 2025.
To help you prepare, please review important claim filing updates below:
BPA online portal registration opens July 1, 2025
New IAFF MERP Member Portal
Beginning July 1, IAFF MERP Participants can click the box at the top right of the IAFF MERP webpage to be directed to the new Member Portal:
- Click on the Member Portal button to be taken to the new portal, hosted by BPA
- Create a user profile
- View account information
- Submit claims online
If you need help registering, please refer to the IAFF MERP Portal User Guide or email BPA.
Filing an IAFF MERP Claim
To file a claim on or after July 1, please register as a user on the new Member Portal. Portal registration opens on July 1, 2025.
The IAFF MERP Member Portal, hosted by BPA, is the fastest and most secure way to submit your claims.
- Each claim must be entered as a separate entry in the portal.
- If you need help registering or submitting a claim, please refer to the IAFF MERP Portal User Guide or email BPA.
| Claim Process: | Action Required: |
| Filing Monthly Claims | Log into the new IAFF MERP Member Portal. Follow the prompts to submit your claim electronically. Upload any required supporting documentation (e.g., proof of payment) |
| Monthly Reimbursement for an Insurance Premium | If you’re set up for recurring reimbursement of insurance premium(s): Log into the new IAFF MERP Member Portal. You will be prompted to submit an online claim and provide proof of payment for your Premium Verification. You must continue to submit proof of payment each month (e.g., a copy of your pension, bank statement or other documentation showing the premium was paid) Exception: If you are enrolled in an IAFF Health & Wellness Trust or a Seattle Fire Fighters Healthcare Trust retiree plan, you do not need to submit monthly proof of premium. |
| Medicare Part A and Part B Premium Reimbursement | No action needed. If you signed up for recurring reimbursement of your monthly Medicare Part A and Part B premiums in 2025, no action is required. You should receive your reimbursement on July 25 (please allow up to three business days for bank processing). |
Alternatively, you may submit your claim via email, fax or surface mail. Download an IAFF MERP Claim Reimbursement Form and follow the instructions on the form.
New Claim Filing Timeline (Effective July 1, 2025)
- July 1, 2025: BPA begins accepting IAFF MERP claims
- Submit claims by July 5
- Claims submitted by July 5th will be processed for payment on July 25
This monthly cadence will continue moving forward: Submit by the 5th → Paid on the 25th
(If the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, payment will be made the next business day.)
Any June (or other) eligible medical expenses and premiums submitted after July 5th can be submitted by August 5th in order to be paid August 25th.
Direct Deposit Note:
If you currently receive your benefit via direct deposit, your information will transfer to BPA automatically.
No action is needed unless your banking details have changed.
Recurring Premium Reimbursement Claims
You will still need to submit monthly premium verification in the online member portal (or via mail/email) to receive payment. If you need help registering or submitting a claim, please refer to the IAFF MERP Portal User Guide or email BPA.
Visit the Transition Hub for the latest updates, FAQs, and tools to stay 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.
