The Empire Plan is a unique health insurance plan designed especially for public employees in New York State. Empire Plan benefits include inpatient and outpatient hospital coverage, medical/surgical coverage, Centers of Excellence for transplants, infertility and cancer, home care services, equipment and supplies, mental health and substance abuse coverage and prescription drug coverage.
ANDREW M. CUOMO
GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12239
www.cs.ny.gov
PA11-19
PAEX11-17
TO: Health Benefits Administrators of Participating Agencies
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: Creditable Coverage Letter and CHIP Notice
DATE: October 14, 2011
Creditable Coverage Letter to all NYSHIP enrollees
In mid October, the Employee Benefits Division (EBD) began mailing a Creditable Coverage Letter to all Participating Agency enrollees. This letter (attached) fulfills the annual creditable coverage notice requirement for 2011.
While it may not pertain to an enrollee at this time, if the enrollee or a dependent should become eligible for Medicare Part D, they will have the proof of coverage information they need. We are directing enrollees to call Social Security, Medicare and The Empire Plan toll free number with their questions.
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The CHIP Notice, also a required annual notice, is enclosed with the Creditable Coverage Letter to save postage. It explains the Medicaid and CHIP offer of free or low cost health coverage for children and families to anyone who might need this assistance. A copy is attached.
Participating Agencies must notify employees NOT enrolled in NYSHIP
Federal law requires employers to send the CHIP notice to all employees. NYSHIP is providing the notice to enrollees as a courtesy to Participating Agencies; however it is the employer's (Participating Agency) responsibility to ensure that employees not enrolled in NYSHIP receive the notice.
You may photocopy the attached notice or use the pdf on HBA Online.
Where to find Notices Online
The 2011 Creditable Coverage Letter and 2011 CHIP notice are available on NYSHIP Online in the "What's New" section, HBA Online in the "You Should Know" section and the Notices section on NYSHIP Online and HBA Online.
If you have questions about NYSHIP benefits, please call your processor at the EBD HBA Help Line at 518-474-2780. If you have questions about this distribution, please call EBD Communications at 518-457-7577.