It’s Official! BPA is the new IAFF MERP Administrator effective July 1, 2025
Connect with BPA by phone, email, or by logging into the new Member Portal
We’re excited to welcome Benefit Programs Administration (BPA) as the new administrator of the IAFF MERP. BPA now handles all aspects of plan administration including contribution reporting, employer and participant support and retiree claims processing.
What To Expect – Retiree Participants
Please refer to New Claim Filing Information for July 1, 2025, for details on the new claims filing process and timeline (published June 27, 2025).
Your IAFF MERP benefits have not changed but are now administered by Benefit Programs Administration (BPA).
To access your account:
- Click on Member Portal at the top right of this page
- Create your new user profile
- Verify your identity using two-factor authentication (code sent via email)
- View plan and account information
- Submit claims online
Need help? Use the IAFF MERP Retiree Portal User Guide or email BPA. You can also view this short claim filing video tutorial.
Please note that the IAFF MERP’s administration services have been transferred from Vimly to Benefit Programs Administration (BPA). The current data, including account balances, in the Member’s Portal is being verified by BPA, the new IAFF MERP Administrator, and may be subject to revision upon completion of the verification process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information shown, please email BPA or call (844) 353-7839.
What To Expect – Active Members
While IAFF MERP benefits aren’t available until retirement, you can view your plan information and calculate your future benefit on the new Member Portal:
- Click Member Portal at the top right of this page
- Create your new user profile
- Verify your identity using two-factor authentication (code sent via email)
- View your plan and account information
Need help? Use the IAFF MERP Member Portal User Guide or email BPA.
Please note that the IAFF MERP’s administration services have been transferred from Vimly to Benefit Programs Administration (BPA). The current data, including account balances, in the Member’s Portal is being verified by BPA, the new IAFF MERP Administrator, and may be subject to revision upon completion of the verification process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information shown, please email BPA or call (844) 353-7839.
What To Expect – Employers
As of July 1, 2025, IAFF MERP contributions and contribution reports should be directed to Benefit Programs Administration (BPA).
NEW Contribution Reporting Process
All IAFF MERP contributions must be reported through BPA’s secure online Employer Portal. Please refer to the IAFF MERP Employer Portal User Guide for detailed information on portal registration and a step-by-step guide for uploading your contribution reports.
Need Portal access? Please contact email BPA.
New Contribution Submission Guidelines
All IAFF MERP contributions must now be submitted to Benefit Programs Administration (BPA).
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or Wire Transfer
If you’re already submitting contributions via EFT (or wire), no changes are needed. You may continue using your current EFT setup.
Paper Check Submissions
If you submit contributions by paper check, please send payments to:
IAFF MERP Trust Office
c/o Benefit Programs Administration (BPA)
1200 Wilshire Blvd, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
We strongly encourage employers who are still mailing paper checks to consider transitioning to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). EFT provides faster and more efficient processing, and reduces the risk of lost, stolen, or damaged checks.
For help with contribution reporting and submission, or to enroll in EFT, please contact BPA by email or by calling (844) 353-7839.
Why the Change
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. 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) selected Benefit Programs Administration (BPA) as the new plan administrator.
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.
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We’re here to make this transition as smooth as possible. Thank you for your continued trust in IAFF MERP as we work to enhance the quality of service and support you deserve.
