Posted in:

You may have heard discussion of Empire Plan benefit changes effective July 1, 2023, and an associated special option transfer period in June 2023. These changes and option transfer period do NOT impact active PEF members since we are still in negotiations with the state. 

The changes are a result of collectively bargained modifications to health insurance benefits negotiated with and ratified by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), and these changes also impact Management/Confidential employees in the Executive branch, the State Legislature, and retirees.  The changes negotiated by CSEA include changes in the rate of reimbursement for out-of-network medical services, which along with other changes, also resulted in a reduction in premium costs.       

As the changes in the Empire Plan do not impact PS&T members since we are still in negotiations with the State and our health insurance is not changing mid-year, PEF is not eligible to participate in this special June 2023 option transfer period.