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.
KATHY HOCHUL
Governor
TIMOTHY R. HOGUES
Commissioner
SEHP25-08
TO: Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) Health Benefits Administrators
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: SEHP Formulary Change Effective September 1, 2025
DATE: July 31, 2025
As a result of the recently ratified contract between the State of New York and the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU), enrollees in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) will be using the 2025 Empire Plan Advanced Flexible Formulary effective September 1, 2025. The ratified contract keeps current copays in place. Please review the attached letter mailing to enrollee homes on July 31 for more information.
In August, CVS Caremark will send an additional letter to enrollees and dependents who are affected by excluded drugs or drugs that are placed on a higher copayment tier. This letter will include information about the change and list covered alternative medications.
The most up-to-date version of the Empire Plan Advanced Flexible Formulary is available on the NYSHIP website.
If you need help accessing HBA Online, contact the ITS Service Desk at 844-891-1786, fixit@its.ny.gov or via chat at https://chat.its.ny.gov.
If you have questions about this memo, please contact the HBA Helpline at 518-474-2780.