I am happy to tell you about some of the new Empire Plan benefits that were negotiated as part of the 2007–2011 agreement between UUP and the state.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Herpes Zoster vaccine (for shingles) will be added as an adult immunization effective July 1. You need to go to a participating provider and you will have a copayment.
• Prosthetic wigs are now covered. There is a lifetime maximum of $1,500, but there is no deductible or copayment.
• Effective July 1, there is an annual diabetic shoe benefit through HCAP. At an in-network provider, the benefit will be paid in full, up to a $500 annual maximum.
• Office visits, office surgeries and laboratory and X-ray visits copayments will increase to $20 as of July 1, 2009. There will still be a maximum of two copayments per visit.
• Copays for generic drugs and preferred brand-name drugs did not increase.
• Copays for nonpreferred brand name drugs will increase July 1 as follows:
  – Retail/Mail Order (30-day supply), $40;
  – Retail (31-90 day supply), $70;
  – Mail Order (31-90 day supply), $65.
• ER visit copayments will increase to $70 as of Jan. 1, 2010.
• Effective Jan. 1, 2010, the outpatient hospital lab and diagnostic services copay will increase to $40.
• The hospital outpatient surgery copay will be $60 effective Jan. 1, 2010.
• The copay for surgery at independent facilities will be $30 as of July 1.
• The discounted Complementary and Alternate Medicine Program will be discontinued effective Dec. 31.

The Empire Plan has already mailed detailed information about the benefit changes.

If you need further assistance, feel free to call the Benefit Trust Fund at (800) 887-3863.

— Doreen Bango, Manager, UUP Member Benefits and Services