I have exciting information for members who are concerned about using their Social Security number (SSN) for identification purposes. Beginning Sept. 1, when you call Davis Vision, CIGNA Dental or the UUP Benefit Trust Fund (BTF) for dental and/or vision benefits, you will no longer be asked to provide your SSN!

But now you’re probably wondering, “Well, what information do I give?”

Here’s how our new identification system will work:

Members who call Davis Vision regarding eye care concerns will receive
a card that shows the same number as their NYSUT/ UUP membership card number. This number is a seven-character identifier that is unique to each UUP member.

Members who call CIGNA Dental will be mailed a card (and many of you may already have it) with a nine-character identifier, which is also unique to each UUP member. CIGNA will need this number to access your individual dental information.

When you call the BTF, we can look you up either through your Davis Vision unique identifier or your name.

UUP understands our members’ concerns regarding their security. That’s why we’ve been working on this priority issue for months in order to issue unique identifies as soon as possible.

On Jan. 1, 2008, the New York Social Security Number Protection Law will go into effect. This law prohibits the use of SSNs for the purpose of retrieving health-related information — including dental and vision benefits.

The Empire Plan and HMOs are already using unique identifiers.

In order to provide the best customer service possible, please contact the BTF if you have moved, married or recently had a new baby.

The BTF is not automatically notified regarding these important changes in your lives. Consequently, mail may go to an old address or under a different name. And you might find out when you’re already at the dentist’s office that you never added your child to your dental benefits!

So, if you can’t remember if you’ve given us this information, call us at (518) 640-6600 or download the appropriate form at www.uupinfo.org.

As always, please don’t hesitate to call us with your questions and/or concerns. Our BTF representatives are always ready to help!