| Few Empire Plan benefit changes set for Yr. 2000 | |
| Health
benefits for PS&T members enrolled in the state's
Empire Plan will remain the same in the year 2000, except
for the following changes: - The deductible for expenses covered under the basic-medical component of the plan will increase from $241 to $249 each for the enrollee, for the enrollee's spouse or partner, and for all dependent children. - The maximum annual, coinsurance out-of-pocket expense for services covered under the basic medical program will increase from $1,159 to $1,198 per employee and covered dependents. These changes to the deductible and maximum out-of-pocket expense reflect the 3.4 percent increase in the medical component of the Consumer Price Index for Workers (CPI-W) for the period July 1, 1998, through June 30, 1999. In addition to these changes, Enbrel, a drug used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, will be added to the list of drugs requiring prior authorization. For all new prescriptions written for it on or after January 1, 2000, you must call Express Scripts (formerly ValueRx) and have prior authorization to receive benefits for Enbrel. More detailed information regarding this change will be included in the December issue of the Empire Plan Report. - Lorraine Simpkins |
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