Page 17 - Work Force March 2024

Importance of caring for your mental health
Mental health is an important part of overall health and quality of life that affects how we think, feel, act, make choices and relate to others.
An individual’s mental health includes the emotional, psychological, and social well- being that is important
at every stage of life,
from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Today’s
behavioral health
issues are far
from simple. When
someone’s mental
health is compromised,
the cause is not always apparent to the individual
or those around them. Finding a trustworthy and knowledgeable mental health professional is an important step when receiving treatment.
People have different reasons to consult a mental health professional. One may need a licensed provider who can prescribe medication, or
perhaps they are primarily looking for a therapist to talk through an issue.
If you need mental health care, it helps to know the provider type you are looking for.
Start by calling your insurer’s telephone number for mental health.
• NYS Empire Plan:
1-877-769-7447
(Carelon is
Option #3).
• HMO enrollees contact the
telephone number on the back of your insurance card.
Request phone numbers of participating professionals
in your area. Gather referrals - try to get at least three names and numbers.
When you call, clarify the provider’s participation with your insurance benefits and potential out-of-pocket responsibilities.
Detailed information about the Empire Plan’s mental health and substance use benefits is described
in the Empire Plan Reporting on Mental Health and Substance Use Program. Empire Plan participants can get a copy of this publication by visiting NYSHIP online at www.cs.ny.gov/employee-benefits.
When you visit log in and go under What’s New – all the updated Reporting On publications are listed.
Your health plan may also offer
a telemedicine program which
allows you to seek virtual treatment without the need to leave your home. As a reminder, Live Health Online continues to be available to Empire Plan enrollees, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the medical and
mental health needs of enrollees and dependents with no out-of-pocket costs.
Live Health online can be accessed by visiting www.anthembluecross.com/nys and clicking on “access Live Health Online click here.”
For more information about the Empire Plan’s mental health and substance use benefits and to reach Carelon’s Referral Connect, which assists in finding a network provider, call the Empire Plan at 1-877-769- 7447 and press Option #3 to be connected to Carelon.
Deadline approaching for 2023 Empire Plan claims
Empire Plan enrollees have until April 29, 2024 (120 days after the end of the calendar year) to submit medical expenses incurred during the 2023 plan year.
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 appropriate claim form, include the original billing or receipt (if requested), sign and return the claim form.
Claim submission for Empire Plan Basic Medical Program, the Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP) and for non-network physical therapy or chiropractic services:
United Healthcare
P.O. Box 1600
Kingston, NY 12402-1600
Claims submission fax (845) 336- 7716
Claim form: https://www.cs.ny.gov/ forms/UHC_3875.pdf
Claim submission for Empire Plan non-network inpatient or outpatient hospital services:
Anthem Blue Cross - NYS Service Center
P.O. Box 1407 - Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008-1407
Claims submission fax: (866) 829- 2395
Claim form: https://www. empireblue.com/nys/resources- forms
Claim submission for Empire Plan non-network mental health and substance use services:
Carelon Behavioral Health
P.O. Box 1850
Hicksville, NY 11802
Claims submission fax: (855) 378- 8309
Claim form: https://www.cs.ny.gov/ forms/cms1500-MHSA.pdf
Claim submission for Empire Plan prescriptions filled at non- participating pharmacies or at participating pharmacies without using your New York Government Employee Benefit Card use: CVS/Caremark
P.O. Box 52136
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2136
Claim form: https://www.cs.ny. gov/forms/CVSCM_Claim-Form_ commercial.pdf
Call the Empire Plan directly at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) with any questions about claims submission.
March 2024
The Work Force 17