May 1, 2020

Extension of COBRA deadlines due to COVID-19 outbreak

 

Participants and their dependents may encounter problems in their health coverage portability due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Accordingly, timeframes for various Federal notifications, including COBRA, are being extended until 60 days after the end date of the declared National Emergency. Under COBRA, this extends the election periods and premium due dates.

The U.S. Department of Labor Web site explains this extension in further detail and gives examples of how this extension and others can help.

You can also call the Benefits Fund office for more information at (877) RN BENEFITS [762-3633].

April 6, 2020

Mental health care support from Express Scripts

To help our participants on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis navigate through this unprecedented time, the NYSNA Benefits Fund has expanded your access to a selection of virtual and online mental health care, support, and resources. 

From Express Scripts

Get the support you need to think and feel better with SilverCloud , offered through Express Scripts, a digital mental health platform with programs to help you reduce symptoms of stress, improve your sleep, and build resilience at no cost to you. You can access the programs from anywhere on your desktop, cell phone, or tablet. Visit SilverCloud for more information or to start your mental health program.

 

March 19, 2020

Federal Response Act provides COVID-19 testing and services at no cost to participants

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act has been passed and went into effect on March 18, 2020. This Act affects NYSNA Benefits Fund participants and their families by providing certain mandates for medical coverage related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). This means, effective immediately, Benefits Fund participants and their eligible dependents are not required to pay copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance for:

  • Testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19 or the detection of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) as approved by the FDA;
  • Items and services provided during health care provider office visits, urgent care center visits, and emergency room visits only when related to the testing for COVID-19 (this includes temporary walk-up or drive-through testing locations)

These rules will remain in effect until either the national emergency declared by the President or the public health emergency issued by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is lifted.

 

March 16, 2020

COVID-19 testing for Benefits Fund participants

If you have been exposed and are ordered to be tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19), NYSNA Benefits Fund participants and their eligible dependents are eligible to receive the appropriate diagnostic test at no cost to you.

 

March 16, 2020

Prescription supply reminders

The Benefits Fund strongly encourages our participants to make sure they have an adequate supply of required prescription medications on hand. Keep in mind, a 90-day supply of prescription medication can be refilled after you have used at least 75 percent of the current supply, so there's no need to wait until the last minute. If you fill your prescriptions through the Express Scripts mail order service, the refill date can be found on your prescription bottle label.

You may also find out the status of your prescription refills by going to your member account at www.express-scripts.com.

 

March 16, 2020

Telemedicine visits are covered

 

Please be aware, if telemedicine "visits" are an option from one of your medical providers, these "visits" are covered for NYSNA Benefits Fund participants with their applicable office visit copayment.

 

March 13, 2020

Message from our CEO

Recognizing the ongoing challenges and uncertainty that coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing at home and around the world, the NYSNA Pension Plan & Benefits Fund staff want you to know that our highest priority remains the health and well-being of our participants and your families.

While at the moment, the Plan & Fund office is operating as normal, we have established various contingency plans that will allow our staff to continue providing a high-level of service to our participants in the event those operations are disrupted. If and when that occurs, more information about how to contact us or our benefit partners will be provided on this page and through additional communication methods..

Additionally, the Plan and Fund office staff have taken steps to mitigate the spread of the virus locally, including limiting unnecessary travel, conducting meetings by teleconference, practicing social distancing, providing additional sanitizer dispensers and disinfectant wipes throughout the office, and establishing procedures to encourage employees who feel sick to stay home.

The NYSNA Pension Plan & Benefits Fund understands the important front-line position of our participants during this crisis and we thank you for your dedication. You should be confident that our staff will be here for you during this challenging time.

As always, please call us at (877) RN BENEFITS [762-3633] with any questions or concerns.

For additional information regarding this ongoing situation provided by public health and other government agencies, please consult the following resources:

Ronald F. Lamy
Chief Executive Officer, NYSNA Pension Plan & Benefits Fund

 

March 10, 2020

Communications Representative Suspends On-site Visits

On-site facility visits by Sharron Carlson, our communications representative, are currently on hold for the foreseeable future. Please check back soon for future visit dates. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pension or healthcare benefits, please call us at (877) RN BENEFITS [762-3633] Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.