News

 

Passing The Pension Bomb : EJ McMahon and Josh Barro report on New York's Exploding Pension Cost

Health Insurance Cost Sharing: New York State's Model for Localities: Report from the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government

"Out of Balance:  Comparing Public and Private Sector Compensation Over 20 Years" finds that employees of state and local government earn an average of 11% and 12% less, respectively, than comparable private sector employees.

E.J. McMahon, “Iceberg Ahead: The Hidden Cost of Public-Sector Retiree Health Benefits in New York,” Empire Center for New York State Policy, October 2010. http://www.empirecenter.org/Documents/PDF/iceberg-final.pdf.

 
Comptroller DiNapoli Announces increases in Employer Contributions to the Retirement Fund

The Announcement generated increased negative attacks on public employee pensions. Click Here to read Announcement

                                                                            

What Is Open Book?

"Open Book New York gives the public a roadmap to follow their tax dollars and brings more accountability to state spending.” More...

Medicare: Medicare Part B Reimbursement Information Letter

A 2010 Medicare Reimbursement Information letter and application form were mailed on May 19 & 20, 2010, to all NYSHIP enrollees receiving Medicare Part B premium reimbursement.

The letter included an application with instructions on how to apply for the difference between the standard reimbursement amount ($96.50) and the higher amount paid ($110.50).

The letter is NOT for anyone who pays more than the $110.50. Those enrollees will be notified separately in early 2011 so they can apply for the Income Related Medicare Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) reimbursement.

 

Specialty Pharmacy Program

When taking a medication that is part of the Specialty Pharmacy Program, enrollees receive enhanced services that include disease and drug education, compliance management, side-effect management and safety management. Also included in this Program are expedited, scheduled delivery of your medications at no additional charge, refill reminder calls, and all necessary supplies such as needles and syringes applicable to the medication.

Click here to see the complete list of specialty medications included in the Specialty Pharmacy Program. Each of these drugs can be ordered through the Specialty Pharmacy Program using the Medco Pharmacy Order Form.

To request refills or to speak to a specialty-trained pharmacist or nurse regarding the Program, call The Empire Plan toll free at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447), choose The Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program, and ask to speak with Accredo, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The New York Times News about retirement, including commentary and archival articles published in http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/r/retirement/index.html

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State Announces New York State Consumer Website to Help New Yorkers Find Least Expensive Prescription Drugs- The Search NY Drug Prices website searches drug prices by zip code, city, or county; provides brand-name and generic drug prices; lists pharmacies’ addresses and phone numbers; and provides driving directions. It was developed and will be maintained by the Department of Health. http://www.rx.nyhealth.gov