Dear Retiree:
You have good reason to be proud of your years as a part of our educational system, and we know you'll want to maintain your ties with colleagues by joining the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) of the BTU.
Your monthly dues deduction ($5.00 for teachers and $2.50 for paras) will usually start a month after we receive your application for membership. Our membership year runs from September 1 through August 31.
You can receive your information packet with an application for membership by calling (617) 288–2000 any Wednesday or Thursday between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. You must fill out an application to become a member. It is not automatic simply because you are retired.
Sincerely and fraternally yours,
Eileen Ganley, Chairwoman, Membership Committee
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RTC Scholarships
Each year the Retired Teachers Chapter of the Boston Teachers Union awards three scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews of RTC members. One of these scholarships is earmarked for a student who might choose to attend a vocational school or equivalent institution.
Applications for these scholarships my be picked up at the RTC/BTU offices at 180 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 or they can be downloaded here.
Benefits of Membership
Eyeglass Benefit
Participants must be paid-up members of the B.T. U. Retired Teachers Chapter for two full consecutive years before becoming eligible for this benefit. There will be no coverage for spouses or any other dependants, only for retired Teachers and Paraprofessionals.
Eye examinations are not included in this benefit. Members are expected to furnish their own prescription from their own doctor in order to obtain eyeglasses. Eyeglass prescriptions must be complete, signed, dated and be less than one year old.
The eyeglass benefit will consist of one complete pair of single vision or bifocal eyeglasses. The standard category of frames is available in this program at no cost to the members. Effective January 1, 2012 the benefit will include designer Metal frames at no cost to the member. The co-payment for Premier frames ($40.00) will still be in effect. All lens enhancement options that are available to Teachers and Paraprofessionals, are available to RTC members, with a co-payment for the upgrade items.
Members are allowed to use their own frames for this benefit in lieu of receiving a frame from the Eye Care Center for their benefit, if they so choose, as long as the Eye Care Center staff agrees that the member's own frame is in good enough condition and is a prescription quality frame.
The RTC eyeglass benefit does not cover repair or replacement of damaged, lost or stolen eyeglasses. The Eye Care Center staff will adjust and help you maintain your eyewear if possible, but will not be able to provided any additional or replacement/repair parts for your eyeglasses
Eyeglasses will be provided not more frequently than once in any 24 month period. This benefit applies only if there is a change in prescription. As of January 1, 2011, eyeglasses may be provided under this benefit after 48 months whether there is any prescription change or not.
Members of the RTC, who have been active dues paying members for at least 12 months, may purchase additional pairs of eyeglass through the Eye Care Center's Eyeglass Puchase Program.
The Eye Care Center will be available for Retirees only by appointment. Appointments may be scheduled from September through June from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except for school vacation periods. To schedule an appointment to order or pick up your eyeglasses or to check on your eligibility you may call the Eye Care Center at 617-288-5540.
All visits to the Eye Care Center are by appointment only.
All payments for eyeglass purchases or upgrades must be made by check or money order.
Members covered by another BTU group plan or who have duplicate coverage are not eligible for eyeglasses through this benefit.
Dental Plan
Full or partial coverage for most dental procedures provided by the Delta Dental Plan at a reasonable monthly fee. Click here to view the procedures covered by the Delta Dental Plan. For additional information, contact the RTC.
Medical Insurance (other than that which is provided by the city)
For further information call: 1-800- 272-4AFT
Other Benefits and Discounts
- Complimentary Luncheon: Once a year a complimentary luncheon for our members is held. Members are invited to bring a guest at a nominal fee.
- Publications: The Boston Union Teacher newspaper (ten times a year)
- Membership Meetings: Two times a year. Each Fall, an open membership meeting is held at the BTU building. Guest speaker and coffee and donuts.
- Travel trips designed by and for our members.
- Scholarships to deserving high school seniors who are children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews of RTC members.
AFT Massachusetts Extended Benefits and Discounts
- Lobbyist: AFT Massachusetts, AFT, and AFL-CIO represents us at the State and National level.
- Car/Puter: A combination pricing information service at a discount purchasing plan for new cars. Call: 1-800-221-4001.
- Group Rates for Life Insurance and Catastrophic Major
- Legal Services: Free initial consultation, document review and follow-up services. 30% discount on more complex legal matters. Call: 1-800-272-4238
- Magazine Subscription Service: Reduced rates on more than 200 magazines and periodicals. Call: 1-800-877-7238.
