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An Important Message from Your IAFF HWT Board of Trustees
Billing & Eligibility Administration Transition Notice
Effective September 1, 2026
The IAFF Health & Wellness Trust (IAFF HWT) Board of Trustees is implementing an administrative transition that will align billing, eligibility, and claims administration under a single administrator.
Effective September 1, 2026, MagnaCare will become the Trust’s billing and eligibility administrator, replacing Vimly Benefit Solutions. MagnaCare has served as the Trust’s claims-paying third-party administrator (TPA) since January 1, 2022.
This transition is intended to improve operational efficiency, enhance data accuracy, and ensure service continuity, while minimizing disruption for members.
What is Changing
- Billing and eligibility administration will move to MagnaCare.
- Employer eligibility reporting and billing will move to a new administrative platform.
- Retiree and COBRA premium payments will transition to the new administrator.
What is Not Changing
- There are no changes to plan benefits, coverage levels, or eligibility rules.
- Claim administration will continue uninterrupted – you will not need a new Member ID Card and customer service phone numbers will remain unchanged.
- Members will continue to access care using existing provider networks.
- Active members should experience little to no disruption.
What to Expect
- Employers will receive technical guidance and training opportunities for the new Employer Portal.
- Retiree and COBRA participants will receive updated premium payment instructions.
- The FAQ on this page will be updated regularly as details are finalized.
Thank you for your continued trust and participation in the IAFF Health & Wellness Trust. The Board of Trustees is committed to a thoughtful, transparent transition that supports the long-term success of the Trust and the members it serves.
What You Need to Do Right Now
At this time, no action is required from employers, active members, or retirees.
The Trust will share additional information and instructions as needed prior to and following the September 1, 2026 transition. Please continue to use existing systems and processes unless you are notified otherwise.
To stay informed:
- Watch for official communications from the IAFF Health & Wellness Trust
- Check this page for updates and newly posted FAQs
- Consider signing up for email alerts below
Billing & Eligibility Administration Transition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Effective September 1, 2026
The following FAQs address the upcoming transition of billing and eligibility administration for the IAFF Health & Wellness Trust (IAFF HWT).
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. What is changing?
Effective September 1, 2026, MagnaCare will become the Trust’s sole administrator for billing and eligibility, replacing Vimly Benefit Solutions. MagnaCare will manage eligibility, employer billing, and enrollment support in addition to its current role as claims-paying TPA.
2. Why is the Trust making this change?
This transition aligns billing, eligibility, and claims administration under a single administrator. The Board of Trustees determined this structure will:
- Improve operational efficiency
- Enhance data accuracy
- Strengthen service continuity
- Support the long-term stability and success of the Trust
3. When does the transition take effect?
- August 31, 2026: Vimly Benefit Solutions’ billing and eligibility services conclude
- September 1, 2026: MagnaCare fully assumes billing and eligibility administration
4. Are there any changes to benefits or plan design?
No. There are no changes to:
- Plan benefits
- Coverage levels
- Eligibility rules
- Contribution requirements
5. Will claims processing be affected?
No. Claims administration will continue without interruption. MagnaCare has served as the Trust’s claims-paying TPA since January 1, 2022.
6. Will provider networks change?
No. Members will continue to access care through the same provider networks currently available under their plans.
7. What does this change mean for participating employers?
Employers will transition to working with MagnaCare for:
- Eligibility management
- Employer billing and reconciliation
- Enrollment-related administration
This change is intended to streamline administration and reduce duplication.
8. Will employer eligibility processes or billing formats change?
Yes. Employers should expect:
- New eligibility file specifications (if applicable)
- Updated submission instructions and timelines
- Revised billing formats
All technical guidance will be provided well in advance of September 1, 2026, including details on a new employer portal.
9. Will employers need to take action right away?
No immediate action is required. Employers will receive:
- Advance notice of required changes
- Clear transition timelines
- Step-by-step instructions
The Trust will work closely with employers to ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
10. Who should employers contact during the transition?
Until September 1, 2026, employers should continue using their current Trust administrative contacts. Transition-specific contact information will be communicated prior to the effective date.
11. Will members need to re-enroll or submit new forms?
No. Members do not need to re-enroll or take action solely because of this transition. A new Trust billing and eligibility portal will be available starting September 1, 2026. Instructions for registering will be forthcoming.
12. Will members receive new ID cards?
In most cases, no. New ID cards will only be issued if a member’s plan design changes. Members can continue to access or download ID cards through the MyCreateHealth member portal as they do today.
13. Will member customer service change?
At this time, no changes to member customer service access are required. Members should continue using existing customer service channels unless otherwise notified.
14. Will this change affect COBRA participants and retirees?
Yes. COBRA participants and retirees will be affected because premium payments must be remitted to the new billing administrator (MagnaCare) beginning September 1, 2026.
15. What happens if I currently pay premiums by ACH or pension deduction?
If you currently pay premiums via ACH or pension deduction, the Trust is still determining whether:
- Those payment arrangements can be carried forward automatically, or
- Payments will need to be re-authorized
This is currently TBD.
16. Will COBRA or retiree coverage be interrupted?
No. The Trust is committed to ensuring no interruption in coverage. Clear instructions, timelines, and any required actions will be communicated well in advance of September 1, 2026.
17. What should retirees and COBRA participants do right now?
At this time, no immediate action is required. Please continue making premium payments as you do today unless and until you receive written instructions from the Trust.
18. Where can I find updates and future communications?
All transition-related updates will be posted at:
IAFFHealthTrust.org/TPAtransition