Page 17 - Work Force October 2025

EBF dental plans include three annual cleanings, exams
Most dental plans stop at two cleanings and exams per year, but your CSEA Employee Benefit Fund (EBF) dental plan goes a step further.
Since 2016, the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund Trustees have approved three cleanings and exams annually for all members and their eligible dependents. This enhancement was incorporated into our dental plans during scheduled upgrades in 2016 and 2017.
This extra cleaning is more than just a perk. It is a powerful tool for prevention. Regular dental visits do more than polish your teeth; they give your dentist the chance to check for cavities, gum disease, and even early signs of oral cancer.
For many EBF members, that third cleaning has caught issues before they turned into costly and painful procedures.
Three makes a difference
Dental and medical professionals agree that prevention is key to
maintaining good health. An extra cleaning each year helps to:
• Fight gum disease – Gum health is directly tied
to overall health, with connections to diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.
• Catch problems early – Frequent checkups give your dentist more chances to spot small issues before they become big ones.
• Support higher-risk members
– People with diabetes, who are pregnant, smokers and older adults often need extra monitoring to keep their oral health on track.
• Save money long-term – Preventing a root canal, crown, or extraction is far less costly than treating one.
Outside the annual maximum
One of the best parts of this benefit is that it sits outside of your annual maximum. That means the
extra exam and cleaning don’t reduce the dollars available for other dental services. Your maximum stays intact for fillings, crowns, dentures and other covered care.
Benefit for you
This enhancement reflects the commitment of our union and the EBF Trustees to go beyond the industry standard. Many commercial dental plans still limit patients to two visits per year, but CSEA fought for better. It’s a reminder that your benefits are negotiated and managed with your health in mind.
Don’t leave it on the table
If you’ve been scheduling two
cleanings a year, you could be leaving part of your benefit unused. Please be sure to discuss with your dentist to determine if a third cleaning could benefit your oral and overall health.
The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund provides negotiated dental, vision, and reimbursement benefits for New York State employees, Unified Court System and more than 600 local government units. Our benefits aim to enhance the well-being of CSEA members and their families while saving money on the care they need.
Use our Benefits Search tool at cseaebf.com to determine which EBF benefits have been negotiated into your contract.
prescription medications and many over-the-counter products. Detailed information is included in the Planning for Option Transfer 2026 guide. Visit oer.ny.gov/FSA to enroll.
Employees who participated in the PEP or FSA for plan year 2025 must re-enroll to participate in 2026.
The 2026 NYSHIP rates, as well
as various dates and deadlines for the annual open enrollment period, will be included in the Rates and Deadlines for 2026 flyer. This flyer will be mailed by the State and posted on Civil Service’s website online once the rates have been approved. Please see future Work Force editions for updates.
‘Planning for Option Transfer for 2026:’ Available important dates, deadlines
We are approaching that time
of year when active New York state employees begin to consider their NYSHIP health options for 2026.
“Planning for Option Transfer for 2026” was recently mailed to enrollees’ homes. The publication includes important information about the Option Transfer Period to be held later this year, as well including important information on voluntary programs that have been negotiated to help save costs for CSEA state employees.
Option Transfer Period – dates TBD
The Option Transfer Period is the time of year when enrollees
can change their NYSHIP option
for the next plan year. The Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP), which allows health insurance premiums to be deducted from wages before taxes are withheld, will run concurrently with the annual Option Transfer Period. During the Option Transfer Period, enrollees can elect or change their NYSHIP participation and/or PTCP participation. Please look for additional information.
Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) – Enrollment Period is Nov. 1 – Dec. 8, 2025.
This negotiated program allows eligible full and part-time employees to exchange previously accrued leave
in return for a credit to be applied toward their NYSHIP premium. Detailed information is included in the Planning for Option Transfer for 2026 guide. Please see your agency health benefits administrator with questions or to enroll.
Flex Spending Account (FSA) – Enrollment Period is Nov. 1 – Dec. 8, 2025
This negotiated program allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for 2026 health care, dependent care or adoption-related costs. Funds placed into a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) may be used to cover a wide range of eligible expenses, including copayments,
October 2025
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