EyeMed picked to provide NYS vision benefits
The state has conditionally awarded the contract for the NYS Vision Plan, which
covers more than 45,000 PEF members, to EyeMed Vision Care.
The final award is contingent upon successful negotiation of a contract between
the state Department of Civil Service and EyeMed, and its approval by the state
comptroller and attorney general. If approved, the five-year contract with
EyeMed will take effect January 1, 2007.
EyeMed Vision Care, a subsidiary of Italian eyewear maker Luxottica, is the
second largest managed vision care company in the U.S.
EyeMed administers vision care plans to more than 120 million people covered
through a nationwide network of providers that includes the retail chains
LensCrafters, Target Optical, and most Sears Optical and Pearle Vision stores.
The EyeMed customer service call center is in Mason, Ohio.
PEF members’ level of benefits will not change as a result of the switch to
EyeMed. However, some changes will result. Most members will find they have a
broader range of participating providers from which to choose.
The selection of plan-covered eyeglass frames will also differ from the current
selection. EyeMed providers carry different styles, so if a member is unhappy
with the selection at LensCrafters, for example, he might find something he
likes at a Sears Optical.
More specific information regarding the changes members can expect will be
distributed prior to January 1, 2007.
— Lorraine Simpkins
New HPV vaccine covered
A new vaccine, called Gardasil, which is designed to prevent cervical cancer and
other conditions caused by the human papillomavirus (or HPV), is now a covered
benefit for females ages 9 to 26 who are covered under the Empire Plan.
The start of coverage is retroactive to June 29, 2006.
However, the vaccine must be administered to women 19 and older by a provider
participating in the Empire Plan.
PEF members enrolled in an HMO will have a similar benefit for covered females
up to age 19 because the state Insurance Department now requires all health
plans to offer coverage for pediatric immunizations recommended by the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices. Check with the member services department
of your HMO for more information.
If you have any questions about this new benefit, call PEF health benefits at
1-800-342-4306 or 518-785-1900, ext. 283.
— Deborah Stayman
The Communicator Oct. 2006
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