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
DANIEL E. WALL
EXECUTIVE
DEPUTY COMISSIONER
PE00-09
PA00-06
TO: Participating Agency and Participating Employer Health Benefits Administrators
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: Extended Benefits for Graduating Students
DATE: April 28, 2000
The June 2000 Empire Plan Reports will announce the new Extended Benefits for Graduating Students.
On the reverse side of this memo is a poster for your use in explaining the Extended Benefits for Graduating Students. Because this benefit begins on May 1, 2000 and many students graduate in May or June, you may want to copy and post it on bulletin boards at your work site. If you are a Health Benefits Administrator in an agency with regional offices, please distribute notices to the regional locations as well.
New York State Health Insurance Program Changes for
Participating Agencies and Participating Employers
Who Are Enrolled for NYSHIP Benefits
Extended Benefits for Graduating Students
Effective May 1, 2000
An unmarried dependent student, 19 years of age or older but under age 25, who graduates from an accredited secondary or preparatory school, college or other educational institution, may continue coverage for up to three months following the end of the month in which course requirements for graduation are completed.
The extension of benefits is not automatic. You must complete and submit an application form (PS-465) to your agency Health Benefits Administrator before your dependent completes the course work necessary for graduation.
Your graduated dependent student will be eligible for COBRA coverage following the three-month extension of benefits.
Contact your agency Health Benefits Administrator for forms and additional information.
