Important Claim Deadlines

 March 31, 2004 (90 days after the end of the calendar year) is the last day to submit your 2003 claims to:

·          United HealthCare for the Empire Plan Basic Medical Program, the Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP), and for non-network physical medicine services

·          ValueOptions for non-network mental health and substance abuse services

·          Express Scripts for prescriptions filled in 2003 at non-participating pharmacies or without using your New York Government Employee Benefit Card

 If the Empire Plan is your secondary insurer, you must submit claims by March 31, 2004, or within 90 days after your primary health insurance plan processes your claim, whichever is later. Claims submitted after the deadline will be rejected. The carriers will only reconsider their denial of these claims if you provide documentation indicating it was not reasonably possible for you to meet the deadline (for example, due to illness).

 Ask your agency Health Benefits Administrator for claim forms, or call the Empire Plan toll-free telephone number 1-877-7NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and select the prompt for United HealthCare, ValueOptions, or Express Scripts.

Mail completed claim forms with supporting bills, receipts and, if applicable, a Medicare Summary Notice or statement from your other primary insurer to:

·          United HealthCare
P.O. Box 1600
Kingston, New York 12402-1600

·          ValueOptions
P.O. Box 778
Troy, New York 12181-0778

·          Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program (Express Scripts)
Claims Review Unit
P.O. Box 1180
Troy, New York 12181-1180

 Note: If you are covered under the Empire Plan as an enrollee and as a dependent, you may submit claims for reimbursement of copayments to the Empire Plan as your secondary insurer.