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.
DAVID A. PATERSON
GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12239
www.cs.ny.gov
NANCY G. GROENWEGEN
COMMISSIONER
NY08-31
TO: New York State Health Benefits Administrators
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: Annual Notices: Creditable Coverage and IRMAA
DATE: October 31, 2008
Creditable Coverage Letter to all NYSHIP enrollees
In late October, the Employee Benefits Division mailed a Creditable Coverage letter to all NYSHIP enrollees except for enrollees of the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP). This letter (attached) fulfills the annual creditable coverage notice requirement for 2008.
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, and referring HMO enrollees to their HMOs.
IRMAA letter for enrollees currently receiving Medicare Reimbursement
In late October, the Employee Benefits Division mailed an IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount) letter (attached) to all enrollees currently receiving Medicare reimbursement from NYSHIP.
If an enrollee or a dependent was charged and paid an additional amount above the base 2008 Medicare Part B premium of $96.40, the enrollee may apply for additional reimbursement from NYSHIP. The attached letter explains what types of proofs will be needed to apply and the process.
The 2008 Creditable Coverage and IRMAA Notices are also available on NYSHIP Online in the “What’s New” section and HBA Online in the “You Should Know” section.
If you have questions about NYSHIP benefits, please call your Employee Benefits Division (EBD) processor. If you have questions about this distribution, please call EBD Communications at 1-518-457-7577.
Attachments:
2008 NY/PE COBRA Notice of Creditable Coverage – 10/08
2008 NY/PE Notice of Creditable Coverage – 10/08
IRMAA Notice – 10/08