u.
The
Empire Plan medical component shall include a voluntary Disease
Management Programs. Disease
Management covers those illnesses identified to be chronic, high cost, impact
quality of life, and rely considerably on the patient's compliance with
treatment protocols. The current Disease Management Programs for
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction, Asthma, Congestive Heart Failure, Sleep Apnea, Depression, Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
and Diabetes will continue. As soon
as is reasonably practicable, at least two additional Disease Management
Programs will be considered for addition, as recommended by an Empire Plan
carrier. As soon as
practicable, additional Disease Management Programs will be created for Chronic
Kidney Disease, Eating Disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder. Also, as soon as thereafter
practicable, the Disease Management Programs will provide benefits for
nutritional services where clinically appropriate. The Joint Committee on Health
Benefits will work with the State and Empire Plan carriers in the ongoing
oversight of this benefit.