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Working at Cornell

Contract College Health Care

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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. 

Special Option Transfer Period for contract college health plans: June 1 - 30, 2023

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

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

www.mvphealthcare.com

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