12/6/2004

HCSAccounts
PEF members who enrolled in the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) for 2005 should be aware that they have an opportunity to change the annual election amount they designated previously. Each enrollee will receive a confirmation notice from FBMC, the program administrator, in early December. When they receive the notice, they should follow the instructions for submitting changes/corrections to FBMC, which must be received by December 15, 2004. If an enrollee misses the deadline for submitting corrections, his/her original annual election will remain in effect.

There are many changes scheduled to be implemented for the Empire Plan and the various HMO plans in 2005. HCSA enrollees should review these changes and determine if they need to modify the amount of their annual election for the coming year.

For more information, please contact Deborah Stayman at 1-800-342-4306 ext. 283.

2005 HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM RATES ISSUED - TRANSFER PERIOD EXTENDED!
The deadline for members to change their health plan option has been extended to December 24, 2004. Members must submit their request to their agency Health Benefits Administrator by close of business on this date in order to change options. The NYS Department of Civil Service extended the deadline because there was a delay in distributing the health plan comparison booklet called Choices to state agencies and facilities.

PRE-TAX TRANSIT PROGRAM UPDATE
From the Desk of Roger E. Benson

November 29, 2004

I am pleased to inform you that the Office of the State Comptroller has expedited their approval of the contract with WageWorks for the long awaited pre-tax transportation program. With this approval, the contract is now finalized and implementation of the program will begin.

Although no timetable has yet been announced, the contract does require that the vendor begin offering benefits no later than 90 days from the date of execution of the contract. Running that deadline from the November 24 approval date, we should expect the program to be operational by the end of February, and there is some possibility that enrollment could begin even sooner.

We will continue to provide you with updated information as it becomes available.

EMPIRE PLAN 2005 PREFERRED DRUG LIST
The Express Scripts 'Empire Plan Preferred Drug List (PDL) for 2005' is posted on the PEF website. As of 1/1/05, benefits provided will depend on whether a drug is generic (Tier 1), preferred brand name (Tier 2), or non-preferred brand name (Tier 3). Copayments will be based on the drug, the days' supply, and whether the prescription is filled at a retail pharmacy or the mail service pharmacy. For details visit http://www.pef.org/healthbenefits/prevnewsarticles/empire_plan_2005_pdl.htm

FAQ
Q. I am being considered for an M/C position and am currently a member of PEF who receives the longevity bonus. Will the bonus be used to calculate my new salary in the M/C position?
A. Yes. This recently negotiated provision applies to any eligible PEF employee who is promoted to another PEF position or to a position represented by any other bargaining unit that is subject to Section 130 and Section 131.2a of Civil Service Law.

- NYS/PEF TUITION PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Tuition Program Applications are now available. Courses in session on September 14, 2004 and those beginning September 15, 2004 through March 31, 2005 will be considered for eligibility. Essentially, this covers courses taken during the Fall 2004 and Spring 2005 semesters. To get your application or read about the programs click here http://www.goer.state.ny.us/train/services/tuitionpst.html

- FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT and EMPIRE PLAN CLAIM FORMS
Now you can download and print claim forms for the Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Advantage Account and Empire Plan (for non-participating provider services) at the PEF Health Benefits web site. Click on www.pef.org/healthbenefits/forms.htm.