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.
GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12239
www.cs.ny.gov
COMMISSIONER
NY09-10
PE09-07
TO: Health Benefits Administrators of New York State Agencies; Health Benefits Administrators of Participating Employers
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: Medicare & NYSHIP for NY/PE Retirees, January 2009
DATE: February 25, 2009
Updated Publications
We are happy to announce that a new version of Medicare & NYSHIP for NY and PE Retirees is at the printer and will be shipped to agencies shortly.
Medicare & NYSHIP for NY and PE Retirees replaces the May 2006 version. Please remove copies of the old publication from your shelves and recycle them when you receive your shipment. The January 2009 version includes information about Medicare Advantage plans, Part B reimbursement and Medicare and NYSHIP claims coordination.
Distribution
This publication can be a part of your new retiree packages. (It is also appropriate for Domestic Partners of active employees turning 65.) If you place an order online for the New Retiree Quick Order package, there will be a form inside for the retiree to order the book. When the retiree reaches 64, a letter will be sent from the Department to remind them that they must enroll in Medicare three months before their 65th birthday. The Medicare & NYSHIP DVD, AL0796, is a good companion piece to give along with the book.
We will send you a supply equal to 2 percent of your enrollment to distribute to your Empire Plan enrollees.
Publications Available on Our Web Site: www.cs.state.ny.us
Please check the web site for new publications. We generally post publications when we sign off for printing. This publication will be available on HBA Online under Publications & Forms and on NYSHIP Online. Click on Using Your Benefits and then Publications.
Ordering Publications
You can order additional copies of this publication [AL0869 Medicare & NYSHIP for NY/PE Retirees/January 09] by using the Publications Supply Order Forms enclosed with your shipment. Or, instead of faxing the form, you can order on HBA Online under Publications & Forms. If you need help accessing HBA Online, please call the Help Desk or your processor. Please wait until you receive your shipment before ordering.
If you are unsure of how to order publications or have questions about this distribution, please call the Communications Unit at 518-457-7577.