Department of Civil Service

NY08-36

TO: New York State Agency Health Benefits Administrators
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: Updated NYS Vision Plan Booklets for Enrollees Represented by PEF
DATE: December 4, 2008

Effective January 1, 2009, there will be benefit changes to the New York State Vision Plan for New York State employees represented by the Public Employee Federation (PEF), their eligible enrolled dependents and to COBRA enrollees and their families with vision care benefits resulting from coverage as a PEF represented employee. EyeMed Vision Care will be mailing each affected enrollee an updated booklet that reflects these benefit changes. The booklet has also been modified to more clearly communicate existing benefits. Enrollees will receive the booklets in their home by January 1, 2009. Enrollees can also download and print a copy of the benefit booklet at www.cs.state.ny.us, choose Benefit Programs, choose NYSHIP Online, follow links and click on the link to EyeMed Vision Care.

Attached is a copy of the letter that will be sent to enrollees with their new NYS Vision Plan booklet that explains their benefit changes. In addition, EyeMed Vision Care will soon be sending you a small supply of the updated NYS Vision Plan booklets for enrollees represented by PEF. Enclosed with the booklets will be a cover letter and a NYS Vision Plan Publications Supply Request Form with instructions for requesting additional booklets from EyeMed Vision Care. The Supply Request Form can also be found on HBA Online at www.cs.state.ny.us:

• Choose Benefits Programs
• Choose HBA Online
• Enter your User ID and Password
• Choose Publications & Forms
• Choose New York State Vision Plan Benefit Booklet Order Form

If you have any questions, please contact your EBD Processor.