Page 17 - Work Force July-August 2021

On the Road with The Empire Plan
ON THE
ROAD
WITH THE EMPIRE PLAN | 2021
For NYS Employees | Retirees, Vestees, Dependent Survivors and Enrollees covered under Preferred List Provisions of New York State Government and their enrolled Dependents, COBRA Enrollees with their Empire Plan benefits,
Young Adult Enrollees
Planning a trip? It’s good to know that no matter where you or your family go, you have the protection of The Empire Plan.
Remember, plan ahead and take the 2021 “On the Road with The Empire Plan” with you. The updated version of “On the Road with The Empire Plan” is available through the health benefit administrator at your agency or work location or can be accessed on NYSHIP’s website; tinyurl.com/ontheroad2021.
This publication includes contact and benefits information for Empire Plan programs that enrollees can reference while they are traveling or when their dependents are away from home.
Empire Plan coverage is available worldwide and not just for emergencies. Most parts of The Empire Plan have two levels of benefits. If you use an Empire Plan participating provider, medically necessary covered services and
supplies can be accessed with
little or no cost. If you use a nonparticipating provider, medically necessary covered services and supplies can be accessed, but deductibles, coinsurance and benefit limits may apply.
The Empire Plan has nationwide participating provider networks. For assistance locating a network Empire Plan provider, call the Empire Plan at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and select the appropriate program. The telephone prompts for Empire Plan programs are;
1. Medical/Surgical Program 2. Hospital Program
3. Mental Health/Substance
Abuse Program
4. Prescription Drug Program 5. Empire Plan Nurseline
(Registered nurses available
24 hours a day/7 days a week) The Empire Plan’s Telemedicine
Program, through LiveHealth Online, makes receiving health
care convenient when at home or traveling. LiveHealth Online allows Empire Plan enrollees and covered dependents to seek medical or mental health appointments virtually with no out-of-pocket cost.
Virtual visits with board-certified doctors (medical) or licensed therapists (mental health) can be held using a smartphone, tablet,
or personal computer. Contact LiveHealth Online at 1-888-548-3432,
24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you plan to travel this summer,
we encourage you to review the newest version of “On the Road
with the Empire Plan.” Be sure to bring this document along with
your doctor’s contact information and health insurance identification card(s) with you in case you or your family need medical care while away from home. Safe travels!
Dependent going to college? Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date
Is your child off to college this fall? If you’ve made a checklist of items to pack and things to take care
of before he or she goes,
you may want to add just one more item — make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date.
Your child
received all of
their vaccinations
as a young child,
so they are set for
life, right? Not so.
Not only do many
vaccines given to
children wear off over
time, many vaccines that
adults need may not have been given as a young child. HPV and meningitis are examples of vaccines that may be recommended.
College students are at higher
risk for certain infections. Students living in close proximity to others, such as in a dorm or a shared apartment, are at higher risk of contracting meningitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), keeping up-to-date with recommended
vaccines is the best defense against meningitis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges
moved to online college classes. As colleges and
universities have started welcoming students back on campus, the American College
Health Association (ACHA) published specific guidance on COVID-19 vaccination, stating
that where state law and available
resources allow, ACHA recommends COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all on-campus college and university students for fall semester 2021, including exemptions for medical contraindications.
This recommendation applies to all students who live on campus and/or participate in on-campus classes, studies, research, or activities. Students should research their current school policies on required vaccinations. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ ACHAFall2021.
Questions regarding vaccination coverage should be addressed through your health plan (number on the back of health insurance card). Empire Plan enrollees can contact United HealthCare at 1-877-7NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and press 1.
July-August 2021
The Work Force 17