CSEA Health Benefits Department: We’re here for you! A chief responsibility of the CSEA Health Benefits Department is the oversight of negotiated health benefit arrangements. Our primary goals include developing, enhancing and expanding health related benefits, while containing costs to employers and our members. The Health Benefits Department acts as a valuable resource for all CSEA divisions (State, Local Government and Private Sector) by providing direct assistance and support to staff, local and unit officers and rank-and-file members. The department has two components: the Joint Committee on Health Benefits and the Local Government/Private Sector Division. Each unit has its own area of responsibility, but function together to provide the most comprehensive understanding of health insurance coverage and related issues: health care reform, health care trends, market products, Medicare coordination and wellness, to name a few. Joint Committee on Health Benefits The CSEA-NYS Joint Committee on Health Benefits (JCHB), pursuant to Article 9 of the New York state contract, is primarily responsible for the oversight and administration of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). The NYSHIP program includes the Empire Plan and health maintenance organizations located throughout the state. Our staff is always available to answer member inquiries and to help with a wide variety of issues including claims, appeals, eligibility, retirement and coordination of benefits. The JCHB works hard to keep members informed about any changes made to the NYSHIP program through The Work Force, attending information days, the CSEA website at www. cseany.org and leadership mailings. Local Government/Private Sector Division The Local Government/Private Sector Division is here to provide CSEA members and labor relations specialists with a valuable resource to ensure that members’ rights and needs are being protected. Staff members have expertise with analyzing benefit designs proposed by employers and providing alternative options available in the health care industry. They are especially helpful during contract negotiations where health benefits are generally a major priority. Outside of negotiations, whenever an employer proposes changes to health care, a health benefits specialist can provide insight and clarity by preparing plan comparisons, analysis and other important information. In addition to providing the above services, the Health Benefits Department strives to educate the membership about the efficient use of their health care benefits and provides education regarding trends in the industry. Staff is available to attend information days, health fairs and to provide educational workshops and presentations. The CSEA Health Benefits Department can be reached at 518-785-4774 or 1-800-286-5242, or by email at healthben@cseainc.org. 16 The Work Force June 2014
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