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G. Using Your Retirement Benefits
Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) Benefits
There are two ways to submit MERP benefit claims:
- One-time request: You can submit proof of payment for medical expenses throughout the year, as defined in Code Section 213(d) (i.e., costs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease or injury). A claim form must be completed and the appropriate documentation attached.
- Premium reimbursement: To receive reimbursement for a monthly healthcare premium, you must provide proof of the monthly premium amount. You will also need to submit a completed reimbursement claim form, but only once a year. This includes premium payments on behalf of a beneficiary to a health, dental, vision, prescription, or long-term care plan.
Retirement Security Fund (RSF) Benefits
The HealthCare Trust contributes funds to help you, your spouse, and eligible dependents pay for medical expenses even after your retirement. Contributions are deposited directly into a Retiree Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) every quarter for seven years after your retirement. You can use these post-retirement contributions to pay eligible medical and long-term care premiums. Ameriflex, a national provider of retirement and benefit plans, manages your account. Your HealthCare Trust retirement packet includes information on setting up your RSF Retiree HRA and using your program benefits.
The Ameriflex website has all the tools you’ll need to learn about and manage your RSF account, including checking your account balance and spending. Below, you’ll find a few tips for creating and using your account.
Creating Your Ameriflex Account: If you haven’t created an account, go to myameriflex.com/login, click the “New user registration” link, and follow the registration instructions.
Once you have access to the Ameriflex site, you can:
- Check your balance
- Order replacement cards
- Submit claims for reimbursement
- Update your reimbursement method
- And more…
Using Your Ameriflex Debit Card: You’ll receive a Mastercard debit card linked to your Ameriflex account, which you can use to pay for eligible expenses. If you lose your card, you can request a complimentary replacement by logging in to your Ameriflex account or the Ameriflex mobile app.
Claim Reimbursement: Before making a purchase with your card, verify that the expense is eligible under your plan’s rules. All medical expenses defined under IRS Code Section 213(d) are eligible under your RSF Retiree HRA, including:
- Prescription co-pays and deductibles
- Dental, medical, and vision services
- Medicare Part B and D
- Medical supplies and equipment
Visit the Ameriflex Help Center for more information about eligible expenses.
Reimbursement Claims: You can submit reimbursement claims for eligible expenses paid with cash, check, or other credit cards through the Ameriflex online participant portal, the mobile app, email, or regular US postal mail. Once Ameriflex receives the claim, the expected turnaround time for processing is three to five business days. After the claim has been processed, please allow another one to two business days for the reimbursement to be issued via check or direct deposit.
Total Wellness Fund (TWF) Benefits
The Total Wellness Fund (TWF) is a new HealthCare Trust benefit that helps you cover your out-of-pocket healthcare costs. In January 2026, eligible active and retired members received $2,500, deposited into their new TWF VEBA account. These funds can be used to cover IRS Section 213 qualified out-of-pocket healthcare expenses incurred in 2025 and beyond.
When you retire, your remaining TWF balance is automatically transferred to your RSF account at Ameriflex, where you can continue using it until it’s depleted. As a retiree, you’re eligible to receive any future TWF benefit contributions.