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Take your benefits with you when you retire
In 2002, the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) introduced our Retiree Dental Plan. The success of this program led to the introduction of a complementary Retiree Vision Plan in July 2016.
Over the years, CSEA retirees have seen the value of these benefits in maintaining their health and well-being long after active employment.
What you need to know
Not all CSEA members have access to both plans. Be sure
to check with your employer to determine in which plans you are eligible to participate. You can also search for your employer on our website at cseaebf.com. Use the Retiree Benefits Tab to initiate a search for your EBF retiree benefits.
• You have a maximum of
90 days from your official retirement date or 90 days from your COBRA end date due to retirement to elect the program(s).
• A negotiated EBF dental or vision plan must be effective on the date of your retirement.
• A separate retiree memorandum of agreement signed by your employer is required for either/ both program(s) to be eligible for participation.
• If you are eligible and elect both programs, you must pay your monthly premiums through the recurring payment program. A discount is available on your monthly rates if you select
both programs. The recurring payment program offers
three convenient ways to pay. Monthly deductions can be taken from a checking, savings or credit card account.
• Coverage is offered in three tiers: Retiree; Retiree +1 and Family.
• You have the option to select COBRA first or access the retiree programs immediately.
• EBF has a dedicated contact for questions about the program. Call 1-800-323-2732 and select COBRA/Retiree Department to find out more.
Retiree Dental Plan
If you retire and have EBF coverage in your contract, you may be eligible to access EBF’s Retiree Dental Plan. This plan includes
an annual cap of $1,800. Set plan allowances make it easy to see what procedures are covered and how much is covered for each procedure. Participating dental providers accept the plan allowances as payment in full. A multi-tiered rate structure gives you the flexibility to cover yourself, two people or a family.
Retiree Vision Plan
If you retire and have EBF coverage in your contract, you may be eligible to access EBF’s Retiree
Vision Plan. The program covers one eye exam and one pair of glasses
or a start-up supply of contact lenses every 12 months. There are no co-payments or deductibles
while staying within the plan. Fixed co-payments for non-covered lens upgrades offer substantial savings over retail.
Empire Plan claims deadlines for calendar year 2017
Empire Plan enrollees have until April 30, 2018, 120 days after
the end of the calendar year, to submit medical expenses which were incurred during the 2017 plan year to:
UnitedHealthcare Service Corp. P.O. Box 1600
Kingston, NY 12402-1600
For the Empire Plan Basic Medical Program, the Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP) and for non-network physical therapy or chiropractic services.
Empire BlueCross/BlueShield NYS Service Center
P.O. Box 1407 — Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008-1407
For Empire Plan and non-network Inpatient or Outpatient hospital services.
Beacon Health Options, Inc.
P.O. Box 1850
Hicksville, NY 11802
For non-network mental health and substance abuse services.
CVS Caremark
P.O. Box 6590
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-6590
For prescriptions filled at non-participating pharmacies or at participating pharmacies without using your New York Government Employee Benefit Card.
Enrollees can call the Empire Plan at 1-877-7NYSHIP (1-877-769- 7447) with questions or to obtain claim forms. As a reminder, when using the Empire Plan’s toll-free telephone number, please pay extra attention to the choices offered by the automated system.
Network providers/pharmacies will submit claims directly to the appropriate insurance carrier on your behalf when provided with all necessary information. If you have a non-network claim submission, make sure you complete the requested subscriber information on the claim form, include the original billing or receipt (if requested), and don’t forget to sign the claim form.
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The Work Force 17
Visit our website to learn more about our Retiree Dental and Vision Programs: cseaebf.com or call 1-800-323-2372