City School District of the City of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls City School District Health Benefits     

NFCSD offers medical coverage through the NY44 Health Benefits Plan Trust. The claims year runs 1/1 - 12/31. The NY44 Health Benefits Trust is a self-funded, tax-exempt Article 44 trust providing health benefits to employees and eligible retirees of Erie 1 BOCES and school districts. The Nova / Independent Health coverage option provides services for residents of the  eight Western New York counties.  

Please check the NY44 Health Benefits Trust website for updates on plan information, new service available, etc. 

PHCS Network provides coverage for Independent Health enrollees who permanently live outside the eight-county WNY coverage area. (www.phcs.com) It is important that you understand your benefits and educate yourself on what is available.  Please be sure to read the materials available to learn more about your benefits. Below is important information regarding your benefits:

2025/2026 Summary of Benefits and Coverage Traditional POS

2024/2025 Summary of Benefits and Coverage Traditional POS

2025/2026 Summary of Benefits and Coverage Progressive POS

2024/2025 Summary of Benefits and Coverage Progressive POS

NY44 Dependent Changes

NY44 Health Benefit Notices

Medicare Enrollment Table

NY44 Notice of Special Enrollment Rights

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

NY44 Special Needs Dependent Over Age 26

Independent Health - Know your Options

NY44 Open Enrollment Guide

Medicare Information

Chiropractic Care Update

Forms

Coordination of Benefits - This form needs to be completed if you have secondary insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid. Failure to provide this information could cause an interuption in your benefits.

 Medical Insurance Opt-Out

Medical Opt-Out  - You can waive medical coverage and receive District Opt-Out funds depending on your bargaining unit. In order to be eligible for Opt-Out Funds, you must submit a copy of your current Health Insurance Provider Insurance Card.  This amount is taxable income and will be paid in installments in your regular payroll check or lump sum in your last check of the school year. If you elect dental, vision and/or life insurance coverage the amount will be withheld from your Opt-Out Funds.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your benefits, please contact 
Mary Beth Spacone, Benefits Administrator at 716-286-1271 or mspacone@nfschools.net