Page 17 - Work Force January 2024

Vaping and its unseen impact on oral health
With a focus on keeping CSEA members healthy and saving them money, the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) believes in actively engaging and educating members about their benefits.
The EBF’s goal is to empower members with the knowledge needed to make
informed decisions,
ensuring their well-being is not only supported but also understood.
In recent
years, vaping
has emerged
as a controversial trend, with its popularity soaring among the younger generation. While the debate surrounding the overall health implications of vaping continues, a lesser-known concern has started to surface – its potential impact on oral health.
Research suggests that the seemingly harmless act of vaping
may harbor significant risks for the mouth and teeth.
The allure of vaping lies in its perception as a safer alternative
to traditional smoking. Many users believe that by inhaling vaporized nicotine or flavored liquids, they are sparing their lungs from the harmful
effects associated with combustible tobacco. However, oral health experts warn that this perception may be misguided.
One of the primary concerns
is the role of vaping in the development of dry mouth,
a condition characterized by reduced saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. A lack of saliva can lead to an increased risk of cavities, gum
disease and other oral infections. Studies have indicated that the chemicals present in vape aerosols may contribute to a decrease in saliva production, creating an environment conducive to oral health issues.
The oral repercussions of vaping extend beyond dry mouth. The
heat generated by vaping devices, combined with the chemicals in the aerosol, may irritate and damage the delicate tissues of the oral cavity. This irritation can manifest as inflammation of the gums, commonly referred to as gingivitis. If left unchecked, gingivitis can progress to more severe periodontal diseases.
Dental professionals are also raising concerns about the potential long-term effects of vaping on tooth enamel. Enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth, is susceptible
to erosion when exposed to acidic substances. Some e-liquids used
in vaping contain acids that could
contribute to enamel erosion over time, compromising the integrity of the teeth and increasing the risk of cavities.
As the debate on the broader health implications of vaping continues, it is essential to recognize the potential risks it poses to oral health. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of these risks, the evidence so far suggests that vaping is not without consequences for the mouth and teeth.
The EBF advocates for increased awareness, emphasizing the importance of regular dental check- ups and promoting a comprehensive approach to oral hygiene that considers not only traditional
risk factors but also the emerging concerns associated with vaping. Only by acknowledging and
addressing these concerns can individuals make informed decisions about their oral health in the era of vaping.
Empire Plan enrollees: Watch your mail for important information
As this edition went to press, New York state is sending the January 2024 “At A Glance” publication to Empire Plan enrollee homes.
“At A Glance” provides a summary about each of the plan components (hospital, medical, mental health/substance use and prescription drug). Empire Plan enrollees should keep the January 2024 “At a Glance” for reference, as this document, and the Empire Plan Certificate and Certificate Amendments provide a complete description of your benefits and responsibilities.
“At a Glance” also includes several additional publications. The 2024 “Empire Plan Advanced Flexible Formulary Drug List” includes the most commonly prescribed generic and brand-name drugs along with any excluded drugs with
formulary alternatives. The 2024 “Empire Plan Preventive Care Coverage Guide” includes a summary of current U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (PPACA) coverage requirements and information and resources on preventive versus routine or diagnostic services. Inserts containing information on Empire Plan Out-of-Network Reimbursement Disclosures related to the Emergency Medical Services and Surprise Bills law and a required Nondiscrimination Notice will also be enclosed.
As a reminder, Empire Plan enrollees and dependents have available to them virtual visits using Live Health Online (LHO), with no copayment. Remote health care visits using LHO are a cost-effective and convenient alternative to urgent care
centers, emergency rooms and in-person office visits.
Through LHO, you can access a board-certified doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist
or licensed therapist for a telephone or video visit on your smartphone, tablet or personal computer at no cost to you. To register, visit www.empireblue. com/nys and select the link to LiveHealth Online.
Virtual visits through LiveHealth Online are covered in full (no copayment), however, other telehealth visits you
may have with an Empire Plan participating provider are still subject to the same copayment as in-person visits.
If you need assistance, call LHO at 1-888-Live Health (1-888- 548-3432), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
ATA GLANCE
JANUARY 2024
This guide briefly describes Empire Plan benefits. It is not a complete description and is subject to change. For a complete description of your benefits and responsibilities, refer to your Empire Plan Certificate and Certificate Amendments.
For information regarding your New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) eligibility or enrollment, contact your Health Benefits Administrator. If you have questions regarding specific benefits or claims, contact the appropriate Empire Plan administrator (see page 19).
CSEA
Civil Service Employees Association
For Employees of the State of New York represented by Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)
and for their enrolled Dependents; and for COBRA Enrollees and Young Adult Option Enrollees
with their Empire Plan benefits
New York State Department of Civil Service Employee Benefits Division Albany, NY 12239 | www.cs.ny.gov/employee-benefits
January 2024
The Work Force 17