Empire Plan adds discount for alternative medicine
Effective October 1, Empire Plan enrollees have a new benefit called the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Program.
Under this program, you can receive services from network massage therapists, acupuncturists, dieticians and nutritionists at a 25 percent discount from normal fees.
You pay the discounted fee to the provider directly. No claim forms need be submitted and no reimbursements are received from the Empire Plan. The program is available only in New York state.
For names, addresses and phone numbers of CAM network providers, call 1-888-447-2144 toll-free Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Contact CAM providers directly for an appointment. The CAM web site at www.empireplancam.com has more information about the program, including a provider locator to help you find a network provider. You can also nominate a provider for the network on the web site.
More detailed information will be sent to Empire Plan enrollees in the December issue of The Empire Plan Report.
Learn about CSAccount, DCAAccount and save $$$
If you are a PEF member in the PS&T unit, you have until November 9 to enroll in two state programs that could save you a bundle on health-care and dependent-care expenses.
If you are spending more than $150 on out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision costs this year and expect similar or greater expenses next year, you should consider enrolling now in the state’s Health Care Spending Account for 2002.
You could also save on what you pay someone to care for a dependent child or adult while you work by enrolling in a Dependent Care Advantage Account, or DCAAccount.
When you enroll, the state will contribute up to $600 and you can set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax salary to pay for the care.
To request an enrollment kit, call 1-800-358-7202, or log on to www.flexspend.state.ny.us for information and forms. You can learn more about the HCSAccount and DCCAccount at the following meetings being held throughout the state:
When and Where
Oct. 1, 1 p.m. Utica — Kunsela Hall Auditorium, SUNY Utica, St. Rte. 12N (Thruway Exit 31)
Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m. Syracuse — Dining Hall, Central Region Armory, 6001 East Molloy Rd.
Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m. Rochester — Room 335, NYS Appellate Division 4th Dept., 50 East Ave. Ste. 200
Oct. 4, 9 a.m. Buffalo — Center for Tomorrow, North Campus, SUNY Buffalo
Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Plattsburgh — Angell College Center, SUNY Plattsburgh, 101 Broad St.
Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m. Millbrook — Rms. A & B, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2715 Rte. 44
Oct. 18, Noon Commack — Rms. A & B, LIA Conference Center, 80 Hauppauge Rd.
Oct. 22, 2 p.m. Manhattan — Hearing Rm. A, 1 Penn Plaza
Oct. 23, 2 p.m. Brooklyn — Rm. 346, 55 Hanson Place
Oct. 25, 11 a.m. Albany — Chancellor's Hall, NYS Education Bldg., Washington Ave.
Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m. Binghamton — Community Rm., 1st Floor, State Office Building, 44 Hawley St.,
Oct. 30, 10 a.m. Albany — Turf Rms. A, B & C, Holiday Inn Express, 1442 Western Ave.
Nov. 1, 2 p.m. Harlem — Art Gallery Rm., State Office Building, 163 West 125th St.
Nov. 2, 11 a.m. Manhattan — Training Rm. E, 12th Floor, Unified Court System, 123 William St.
Nov. 5, 1 p.m. Albany — Meeting Rm. 2, Concourse Level, Empire State Plaza.
HMO drops out for 2002
United Healthcare HMO has notified the state that it will not participate in the NYS Health Insurance Program next year.
The state Department of Civil Service will notify current enrollees in United Healthcare of the need to choose a different health plan during the annual option-transfer period. If another plan is not selected, the member will automatically be enrolled in the Empire Plan.