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Understanding the Mount Sinai 403(b) Retirement Plan: Answers You Should Know

  • Writer: Daniel Harris
    Daniel Harris
  • Oct 13
  • 4 min read
An Image of New York City for physicians who work at Mount Sinai

If you’re part of the Mount Sinai Health System—or thinking of joining—understanding how the retirement plan works is an essential part of assessing your total compensation. Below, we walk through key points and provide practical tips for:

  • Withdrawals

  • Contact info

  • Login access

  • Employer matching and contributions

  • How this fits into the broader employee benefits package


Mount Sinai Retirement Plan Withdrawal

When it comes time to withdraw funds from your retirement account at Mount Sinai—whether you retire, change employers, or become eligible otherwise—here’s what to expect:

  • Mount Sinai’s retirement plan is structured as a 403(b).

  • Withdrawals must follow IRS rules and the plan’s terms.

  • You can typically take distributions after retirement or separation from service.

  • Early withdrawals (before age 59½) may be subject to penalties and taxes.

  • Rollover options may be available to IRAs or other qualified plans.

  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) kick in at the IRS-mandated age.


Plan details may vary based on your account and contract type, so it’s best to review your Plan Document or contact the plan provider for clarity.


Mount Sinai Retirement Plan Phone Number

Need help with your retirement account?

  • Call the plan provider (TIAA) for direct assistance with account access, forms, and withdrawals.

  • Mount Sinai’s internal HR or Benefits Office can also point you to the right contact based on your employment status. Rose Liguigli is in charge of the plan and her phone number is 646-605-4745. Rose's linkedin can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarie-liguigli-6a1a715


Generally if all else fails, you can contact Rose to have her office with resources about your plan.


Mount Sinai Retirement Plan Login

To manage your account online:

  • Visit the TIAA website.

  • If you don’t have an account, you can register using your Mount Sinai employment details.

  • Once logged in, you can:

    • View balances

    • Make investment changes

    • Access plan documents

    • Initiate rollovers or withdrawals (if eligible)

For login help, use the password recovery tool or contact TIAA directly.


Although it is always best to click on the link from your employer, we believe the following is the TIAA Mount Sinai website: https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/mshsb


Mount Sinai 403(b) Match and Employer Contribution

Mount Sinai offers valuable employer contributions to support your retirement savings.

Here’s what to know:

  • The plan may includes an employer match and/or direct contribution based on your employment status and tenure.

  • According to our calculations, the employer match and employer contributions may be as low as $3,200 a year for the typical employee. You should note this amount can be lower than it seems, if employees don't contributie much to the plan, which they don't seem to contribute much to the plan. The typical employee may contribute about $6,100 a year to the Mount Sinai 403(b) Plan.


Talk with HR or consult your SPD to find out what you qualify for and how to maximize the benefit.


Mount Sinai Employee Benefits

Beyond retirement, Mount Sinai may offer a competitive benefits package that may support your overall well-being:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life insurance and disability coverage



You should always request a benefits book before taking a job and review the employee benefits available as that is the most reliable source of information on current benefits


While we believe this information is correct, only your benefits and HR can be an authoritative source of benefits at your employer.


Mount Sinai 401(k)

You may hear the term “401(k)” used in conversations, but here’s the key distinction:

  • Mount Sinai uses a 403(b) retirement plan—not a 401(k).

  • A 403(b) is the nonprofit-sector version of a 401(k), offering the same tax-deferred savings benefits.

  • All retirement contributions, investments, and employer matches go through this 403(b) structure.

So if you see references to a 401(k), know that Mount Sinai’s actual retirement plan is a 403(b), administered by TIAA.


Final Tips: Make the Most of Your Plan

  • Review your Summary Plan Document (SPD) regularly—it’s your source of truth.

  • Ask HR or Benefits about your eligibility for employer contributions and vesting timelines.

  • Use TIAA’s online tools to model your retirement and track your savings growth.

  • Follow IRS contribution limits and/or consult with your tax advisor to ensure compliance and take full advantage of tax-deferred growth.

  • Plan your withdrawals carefully to minimize taxes and maximize retirement income.


Understanding your benefits isn’t just a checklist item—it’s a smart move toward financial wellness. Whether you’re early in your career or nearing retirement, knowing how the Mount Sinai retirement plan works can help you plan ahead with confidence.


Disclaimer: While we believe the information in this article is correct you should check with your HR department and plan document to confirm the accuracy of anything that is written here.  You are not a client of D.R. Harris & Co. without a signed written contract from D.R. Harris & Co.


This content is for introductory educational purposes only - before acting on any of it - we strongly advise you to do your own research, consult with HR or your benefits, and consult with your own tax, legal, and financial advisor.


If you are a physician at Mount Sinai and you would like to work with a fiduciary financial advisor that specializes in physicians on how to invest your Mount Sinai 403(b) assets, feel free to contact us here to schedule an introductory call: Schedule a Call Today


Finally if you'd like to learn more about Daniel Harris and D.R. Harris & Co. you can do so here and here.

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