Department of Civil Service

PE94-14

TO: Participating Employer Health Benefits Administrators
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: September 1994 Empire Plan Report
DATE: September 12, 1994

We have enclosed an advance copy of the September 1994 Empire Plan Report. Note that this is a draft. Please do not distribute it to employees in case there are last minute changes. The Report introduces the Empire Plan's Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP) and new emergency room benefits. A separate memo will explain the benefit changes.

We are sending you a copy of the CSEA version for New York State employees, but the benefits will be the same for all groups affected. The benefits are effective October 1, 1994, for employees of Participating Employers, their retirees, vestees, dependent survivors, enrollees on Preferred List and enrollees who have benefits through COBRA.

Employees will receive the final version of the September Report by first class mail at their home addresses in late September. You will receive a supply equal to 20 percent of your enrollment. Please do not distribute these copies to employees; save them for new hires and for any employees who do not receive copies by mail.

The Report will be mailed first class to retirees, vestees and dependent survivors and employees on Preferred List. You also will receive five copies of the Retiree version of the September Report. These are for you to give to employees enrolled in the Empire Plan when they retire.

HBA Updates in EMS: Beginning this month, you may also read communications updates on the HBA Updates Window in EMS. We will keep you informed about Empire Plan Reports, HMO Reports, Option Transfer materials, posters and other information you need to keep your employees informed about NYSHIP.

Publications Supply Request Form: The attached Publication Supply Request Form is updated to allow you to order recent publications. Do not write anything in the borders or white space on the form. Please photocopy the form as needed.

If you are unsure how to order the publication you want, or if you have questions about this distribution, please call the Auriella Baker, Communications Unit at (518) 457-7577. Our FAX is (518)457-2494.