Contract College Health Care
Eligible faculty and staff in the Contract College benefits program can enroll themselves and their families in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).
COVID-19 Updated benefits information: The Federal government has announced the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end May 11, 2023. Please review changes to various special benefit provisions.
Contract College Plans
Medical Plans
You may choose from two options: The Empire Plan or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in your geographic area that has been approved for participation in NYSHIP.
- Empire Plan
- Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Compare Plans
- 2023 Choices Booklet
- Empire Plan Special Report - effective July 1, 2023
- 2023 Medical Rates (pdf) - effective June 29, 2023
- 2023 Medical Rates (pdf) - effective December 29, 2022 - June 28, 2023
- 2023 Medical Comparison Chart (pdf)
Prescription Drug Program
The Empire Prescription Drug Program is administered through CVS Caremark. The Plan offers a three-tier copayment for generic, preferred brand name and non-preferred brand name medications.
Dental Plan
If you are eligible for NYSHIP health insurance, you are also eligible for the NYSHIP dental insurance. The State of New York pays the full cost of this coverage, but you must enroll to participate in the plan. Coverage is provided through EmblemHealth.
Important Phone Numbers
For Active Employees of the Contract Colleges at Cornell
General Inquiries
For Questions About: | Contact: | Phone Number: |
---|---|---|
Empire Plan Claim Problems | Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield(Hospital)In New York State and other StatesExcept Alaska |
1-877-769-7447 (option 2) |
Empire Plan Claim Problems | United HealthCareParticipating Provider Information,MPN Providers |
1-877-769-7447 (option 1) |
New York State Department of Civil Service | https://www.cs.ny.gov(click on “State Employees”) |
1-800-833-4344 |
Pre-Admission Certification
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
Elective hospital admissions (overnight stays), before the birth of a child, within 48 hours of emergency admission, before admission to a skilled nursing facility |
1-877-769-7447 (option 2) |
Prior authorization of an MRI, outpatient case management, voluntary second opinion |
1-877-769-7447 (option 1) |
CVS Caremark Prescription Drug Program
The Empire Prescription Drug Program is administered through CVS Caremark. The Plan offers a three-tier copayment for generic, preferred brand name and non-preferred brand name medications.
PREFERRED DRUG LISTING:
You can access a list of preferred drugs on the Civil Service website at https://www.cs.ny.gov. Click on State Employees, Health Benefits. First-time users will need to select “I am a New York State Active Employee” > Continue > Group = Management Confidential (MC) Legislature > Empire Plan or HMO > Finish.
Prior authorization is needed for some drugs. Please call Caremark for more specific information.
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
Locate participating pharmacies, fill a mailing order prescription, or pharmacy consultation | 1-877-769-7447 (option 4) |
Carelon (formally Beacon Health)
To be eligible for benefits, you MUST call Carelon (formally Beacon Health) BEFORE receiving any mental health or substance abuse treatment.
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
Mental health and substance abuse services for the Empire Plan | 1-877-769-7447 (option 3) |
Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP)
To be eligible for paid-in-full benefits, you MUST call HCAP as soon as your doctor prescribes home care and/or durable medical equipment supplies.
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
Precertify home care and durable medical equipment/supplies | 1-877-769-7447 (option 1) |
The Empire Plan Diabetic Supply Pharmacy (Edgepark, formerly Liberty) | 1-888-306-7337 |
Ostomy supplies from Byram HealthCare Center | 1-800-354-4054 |
Infertility Treatment
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
To receive authorization for qualified procedures | 1-877-769-7447 (option 1) |
Empire Plan NurseLine
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
Health information and advice | 1-877-769-7447 (option 5) |
HMO
For specific information contact your HMO directly
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
HMOBlue – CNYwww.excellusbcbs.com |
1-800-447-6269 |
MVP - Preferred Care |
1-888-687-6277 |
EmblemHealth (formerly GHI Preferred Dental)
Claim Forms:• Category: 954• Group Number: 11990
For Questions About: | Phone Number: |
---|---|
www.emblemhealth.com | 1-800-947-0101 |