CSEA Health Benefits Department: we’re here for you! Whether you just started your career or nearing retirement, your health insurance benefits are central to your life. That’s why CSEA works hard to protect and enhance your health coverage, largely through the union’s Health Benefits Department. The department’s chief responsibility is to oversee your negotiated health benefits, including developing, enhancing and expanding health related benefits, while containing costs to employers and our members. The Health Benefits Department acts as a resource for all of CSEA’s divisions (state, local government and private sector) by providing direct assistance and support on health benefits to CSEA leaders and activists, rankand file members and union staff. The department comprises 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, including health care reform, health care trends, market products and Medicare coordination and wellness. The CSEA-NYS Joint Committee on Health Benefits (JCHB), pursuant to Article 9 in the CSEA-New York State Executive Branch contract, is primarily responsible for the oversight and administration of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), which includes the Empire Plan and health maintenance organizations located across the state. Our staff is always available to answer member inquiries and to help with many issues, including claims, appeals, eligibility, retirement and coordination of benefits. JCHB works hard to keep members informed about any changes made to the NYSHIP program through CSEA’s publications and website at cseany.org, attending information days and membership meetings and leadership mailings. The Local Government/ Private Sector Division provides CSEA members and staff with a valuable resource to ensure that members’ rights and needs are being protected. The department’s local government/private sector division staff have expertise with analyzing benefit designs proposed by employers and providing alternative options available in the health care industry. This expertise is helpful during contract negotiations, during which health benefits are generally a major priority. It is also a valuable resource any time 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. The Health Benefits Department also strives to educate members 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 provide workshops and presentations. Need your CSEA ID number? Access your CSEA ID number for union elections, contract ratification votes, and member-only benefits offers by clicking on the “Look up your CSEA ID” tab at https://cseany.org. The CSEA Health Benefits Department can be reached at 518-785-4774 or 1-800-286-5242, or by email at healthben@cseainc.org. Visit My CSEA for all your union information Need to know who your CSEA representative is? Want to know whether your contact information, email or address is accurate with CSEA, or make changes? Visit My CSEA by logging into cseany.org to access valuable information related to you and the union, such as who your leaders are and their contact information, and your contract, if it is available. You can access nearly all of the cseany.org resources via your smartphone, too! 16 The Work Force June 2015
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