12/23/08 - Choose your health insurance option for 2009: The Department of Civil Service has published the 2009 NYSHIP rates and announced the option transfer deadline for 2009. The deadline has been extended to January 5, 2009. Plan and rate comparisons are available from your agency Health Benefits Administrator or online (Click Here).* No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance plan or if you are a retiree. Retirees may change health insurance options at any time, once during a 12-month period. If you wish to change your health insurance plan, ask your agency Health Benefits Administrator for Health Insurance Transaction Form PS-404. If you are enrolling in a NYSHIP HMO, or changing to another NYSHIP HMO, also ask for an HMO enrollment form. Return the completed form(s) to your agency Health Benefits Administrator no later than the extended deadline, January 5, 2009.
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*The Empire Plan has adopted a flexible formulary, effective January 1, 2009. Some drugs will be moved from one coverage level to another; some will no longer be covered. A drug may be excluded from coverage if there are therapeutically equivalent other generic or brand name drugs available. Copies of the new formulary were included in the recent mailing to Empire Plan enrollees of the 2009 Empire Plan At A Glance publication, and can be accessed here by clicking on the following links:
2009 Empire Plan Formulary: Alphabetical Listing Therapeutic Listing
12/22/08 - SEFA Appeal: Year-after-year, State employees are making a difference in the lives of New Yorkers, both on and off the job. One of the ways is by supporting the annual State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA), which is currently underway. The slogan for this year’s campaign, A World of Difference, is appropriate, given the difficult economic times faced by so many New Yorkers. OMCE supports the SEFA campaign and urges its members, and M/C employees generally, to join in making A World of Difference in the lives of less fortunate New Yorkers by giving generously to this year’s appeal.
12/22/08 – Retiree Vacation Exchange Payments: Some members who participated in the 2008 M/C Vacation Exchange Program before they retired have asked us when they can expect to receive their vacation exchange payments. The Comptroller’s Office advises that once official authorization is received from GOER and the Division of the Budget, a payment date will be set and instructions released to agency payroll offices on how and when to process the payments. We will post a notice here once the pay date is set.
12/15/08 - Deferred Compensation Limits for Calendar Year 2009: The Office of State Comptroller has issued a payroll bulletin advising agencies of the maximum contribution limits for employees enrolled in the Deferred Compensation Plan in calendar year 2009, pursuant to IRS Section 457 regulations. The 2009 limits, which will be effective with paychecks dated 1/15/09 for Institution payroll employees and 1/7/09 for Administration payroll employees, are as follows:
The regular annual contribution amount for Deferred Compensation has been increased from $15,500 to $16,500.
An additional deferment is available to employees age 50 and over. These employees can defer up to $5,500 in addition to their regular contribution amount for a combined total contribution limit of $22,000 in 2009. However, employees cannot choose to have both the “Retirement Catch-Up” and the “50 and Over Catch-Up” additional amounts deferred in the same year.
Questions regarding Deferred Compensation deductions and catch-up plans may be directed to the NYS Deferred Compensation Helpline at 1-800-422-8463. The NYS Deferred Compensation website at www.nysdcp.com may provide additional information.
11/24/08 - Free Credit Score: As credit becomes increasingly difficult to obtain, it’s more essential than ever for you to know how lenders and credit issuers are judging you. With a special limited-time offer available through our Union Plus benefits affiliation, we are able to offer OMCE members an opportunity to get their free credit score online. There are no credit card entry or purchase requirements. This offer ends December 17, 2008 and a limited quantity of free scores are available on a first-come/first-served basis. Login to the OMCE Members Only page (Click Here), go to Union Plus - Working for Working Families and follow the instructions on how to receive your free credit score.
11/21/08 M/C Vacation Exchange Update 3: We have received official word, contained in a memorandum from the Governor's Office of Employee Relations to agency HR Directors, concerning rescission of the 2008 M/C Vacation Exchange Payments. The memo reads, in part, as follows:
"In light of the State's difficult fiscal situation, the Director of the Budget has determined that previously authorized payments to employees participating in the 2008 M/C Vacation Exchange Option Program will not be made. Eligible employees who had opted to participate in this program had earlier exchanged up to five days of accrued annual leave for monetary compensation.
Accordingly, annual leave credits previously exchanged during the 2008 eligibility period should be restored to participating M/C employees' annual leave balance on January 2, 2009, which will allow these credits to be used throughout the 2009 calendar year. Those employees who elected to participate as M/Cs but who have since changed bargaining units should have their credits restored following the vacation maximum date that applies to that union; for example, April 2, 2009, for PS&T employees. This will ensure that employees will have a year to reduce their vacation maximum to 40 days.
Employees who elected to participate but who have since separated from service or who separate from service on or before January 1, 2009, will receive payment. The Office of the State Comptroller will issue a payroll bulletin regarding this matter."
11/20/08 M/C Vacation Exchange Update 2: The Governor has decided to rescind the Division of the Budget’s authorization, given earlier in March of this year, of the 2008 M/C Vacation Exchange Program. As a consequence, the State will renege on the December 2008 payments that were to be made for vacation credits exchanged between April 1 and July 1. We are awaiting official word, but we understand that credits exchanged will be restored effective January 2 and M/C employees will have until December 31, 2009 to use them. Meanwhile, our lawyers are looking at our legal options and we will advise members via a posting here on our website as to the actions we will be taking. In the event we file a lawsuit, we will be looking for OMCE members who participated in the 2008 Vacation Exchange Program to serve as named plaintiffs. We believe this action by the Governor is completely counter productive, does nothing to significantly reduce the projected deficit and ignores the many alternative savings proposals we submitted.
11/14/08 - M/C Vacation Exchange Update 1: We met with the Governor in New York City on Thursday (11/13) and stated our objections to his proposal to rescind the payment of this year’s M/C Vacation Exchange program. We secured agreement that, before any further action is taken, we would be given an opportunity to present OMCE’s proposals for alternatives to eliminating the vacation exchange program. To that end, we are scheduled to meet with the Director of the Budget on Monday (11/17), at which time we will be restating our objections and presenting our ideas on alternatives to cutting the program. We appreciate the Governor’s consideration of our concerns, but we are prepared to consider litigation of the issue, if necessary. And looking ahead, we will be working in consort with the unions to address the Governor’s other budget cutting proposals that, if adopted, will affect the entire workforce.
11/10/08 - 2010 US Census: OMCE has been asked by the Director of the US Census Bureau’s Capital District office to assist the Bureau in its nationwide recruitment of staff for the 2010 US Census. The Bureau is recruiting NOW to hire thousands of part-time census takers. The Albany office is also recruiting to fill three management positions for the Capital District census. Besides good pay ($11 - $18.75 hourly, depending upon the job), you’ll have flexible hours, paid training, and the chance to work close to home. Census taker jobs are excellent for retirees and anyone who wants to earn extra money working part-time.
Census taker applicants must be able to speak English, and individuals with bilingual skills in English and other languages are encouraged to apply. Call 866-861-2010 to apply or, for information, go to: http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.
Take the Census practice test here: http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/documents/Practice_Test.pdf
Applications for the Capital District management positions will be accepted from US citizens only, residing in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Greene and Columbia counties. Click on the links below for information and instructions on how to apply:
Assistant Manager for Quality Assurance - http://www.census.gov/robos/www/job/AMQA-Albany-Ext-31Dec08.pdf
Assistant Manager for Recruiting - http://www.census.gov/robos/www/job/AMR-Albany-Ext-31Dec08.pdf
Assistant Manager for Technology - http://www.census.gov/robos/www/job/AMT-Albany-Ext-31Dec08.pdf
11/6/08 - Home Heating Oil Discounts for OMCE Members: Available through OMCE Union Plus and Citizen Action Fuel Group, as described below.
Union Plus
Through our program provider, HEAT USA, the Union Plus Home Heating Oil Discount means you'll receive a free service contract from a highly-rated local full-service company. Plus you'll save an average of $200-$300 annually - or 15-25 cents per gallon on fuel oil purchases.
Who benefits? OMCE members who heat their homes with oil and live in the following areas: New York City (all five boroughs), Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Dutchess counties, New Jersey (call), Western New York (call) and Connecticut (call).
The home heating oil discount includes: 15-25 cents per gallon savings on full-service fuel oil purchases; $50 certificate for free heating oil; $10 off the 1st year's membership fee--OMCE members pay only $15, instead of the regular $25 annual fee; free service contract on your home heating system, including 24-hour emergency service, extensive parts and labor coverage and annual system cleaning and tune-up—a $100 value!
To learn more, call 1-800-660-0691 or join online via the OMCE Member Login. After you have logged in, click on the Union Plus link. On the Union Plus page, click on House and Home and then select Home Heating Oil.
Citizen Action Fuel Group
Citizen Action Fuel Group (CAFG) is a non-profit fuel buying group sponsored by Citizen Action of New York. CAFG uses its mass purchasing power to lower prices for members. CAFG members can save as much as 15 cents per gallon on fuel oil and kerosene. CAFG serves 21 counties in New York State: Broome, Cayuga*, Chenango*, Columbia*, Cortland, Delaware*, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Herkimer*, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Otsego*, Saratoga, Tioga and Wyoming.
*Partial
If you live in CAFG’s service area, join with other home heating fuel users as a member of CAFG and receive regular delivery and services like budget payment plans, automatic delivery and 24-hour emergency assistance at a discounted price. Membership in CAFG provides all the quality and flexibility of purchasing your fuel through a full-service dealer, without the full-service price. OMCE members pay a one-time membership fee of $5.00.
To learn more, call 1-800-559-4645 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, or join online at www.cafg.org. (On the Apply Now page, be sure to select OMCE -$5 One-Time in the drop-down menu under Participating Union.) Call CAFG with any questions you may have about fuel purchasing or home heating in general. If you would like to compare prices, be ready with some of your delivery tickets. CAFG will be happy to tell you the price its members paid in your area on any date.
10/30/08 - State Budget Crisis: As you know, with the State facing perilous fiscal times, Governor Paterson has imposed severe limits on spending by agencies, as well as a hiring freeze, and has called the Legislature back into session on November 18 for another round of mid-year budget cuts. In testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee yesterday, the Governor also called on Washington to come to the aid of New York and other states with a federal economic stimulus package for the states. Last week, the Governor met with leaders of the State’s major public employee labor organizations, including OMCE President Barbara Zaron, and invited the leaders as representatives collectively of the major stakeholders (i.e. State employees) to present him with their proposals for addressing the budget crunch. The Governor indicated that he plans another such meeting with the leaders later. (Scheduled for November 13.*) Meanwhile we have developed and submitted our proposals (View here® OMCE Proposals for Budget Savings Measures), which include a novel succession planning proposal (View here® Succession Planning Incentive), and OMCE has initiated an ongoing dialogue with the Governor’s Office, Division of the Budget and Civil Service Department, which we will be maintaining regularly. Check back for updates we will post here as developments warrant. Also, please feel free to send your ideas and suggestions to help alleviate the budget gap to OMCE for review.
*(View here→ Additional Proposals for Budget Savings Measures)
10/30/08 – Reimbursement: Medicare Part B Income-Related Amount (IRMAA): The Civil Service Department has mailed a notice to NYSHIP Medicare-Primary enrollees containing instructions for obtaining reimbursement of any income-related monthly adjustment amounts paid by enrollees and dependents in 2008 beyond the standard Medicare Part B Premium. NYSHIP continues to reimburse the standard Part B premium ($96.40 monthly during 2008), but reimbursement of the income-related monthly adjustment requires submission of a specific request for reimbursement to the Employee Benefits Division per the instructions contained in the Civil Service mailing. The instructions read, in part, as follows:
If you and/or any of your Medicare primary enrolled dependents received a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) requiring the payment of an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) in addition to the standard 2008 Medicare Part B premium of $96.40, and the additional amount was deducted from monthly Social Security benefit payments or you paid it directly, you are eligible to be reimbursed for this additional premium by NYSHIP.
In order to receive IRMAA reimbursement, you must provide the Employee Benefits Division with a copy of the IRMAA notice you and/or any of your Medicare primary enrolled dependents received from the SSA in late 2007 that advised of the monthly Medicare premium for 2008. You must also provide proof of payment of your Medicare premium. Acceptable proof of payment is a copy of the 1099-MISC form that you and/or your Medicare primary enrolled dependent will receive from SSA by January 31, 2009, or billing statements of premium paid directly to SSA.
If you need a replacement copy of your 2008 IRMAA notice, which was mailed to you in late 2007, contact your local Social Security office. The location of your local office can be found in your local telephone book or at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices/. This website can also be accessed to request a replacement copy of the 1099-MISC form.
You are encouraged to submit your request for NYSHIP reimbursement no later than May 31, 2009. Refunds will be sent as a separate check to your address of record. The refund process will take 60-90 days from receipt of documents.
If you have any questions, you may call the Employee Benefits Division at (518) 457-5754 (if you are located in the 518 area code) or 1-800-833-4344 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
10/21/08 - Reminder: State offices will be open on Election Day, November 4, 2008 and Lincoln's Birthday, February 12, 2009. Both days have been designated as floating holidays. Managerial/Confidential and other eligible employees, including employees for whom these holidays are pass days, will receive floating holiday credit to be used on a date of their choice, subject to agency procedures for requesting time off. The floating holiday credits may be charged in quarter-hour units and must be used by November 2, 2009, and February 11, 2010, respectively.
10/17/08 - The Social Security Administration has announced that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a 5.8 % COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) in 2009. The 2009 COLA is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index during the one-year period from the third quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008. The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will also increase in 2009, from $102,000 to $106,800.
10/10/08 - Upcoming Enrollment Dates to Keep in Mind:
2009 Flex Spending Account September 22 - November 14, 2008
Save money by paying for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars. Under this program, you can choose two benefits: Health Care Spending Account, under which you set aside up to $4,000 ($100 minimum) in pre-tax salary to pay for non-reimbursed health-related expenses; and Dependent Care Advantage Account, which allows you to set aside up to $5,000 in pre-tax salary for eligible child care, elder care or disabled dependent expenses. To enroll, go to www.flexspend.state.ny.us or call 1-800-358-7202. If you are currently enrolled, you must re-enroll to continue your participation in 2009.
2009 Productivity Improvement Program (PEP) October 27 - November 28, 2008
Eligible full and part-time employees may exchange previously accrued vacation credits and/or personal leave in return for a credit to be applied toward the employee share of the NYSHIP (NYS Health Insurance Program) premium. Up to three days may be forfeited in exchange for a premium credit of up to $450. If you are currently enrolled, you must re-enroll to continue your benefit in 2009. Ask your agency/facility personnel office for details and an application.
2009 Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) November 1 - November 30, 2008
Your share of the health insurance premium may be deducted from your wages before taxes are withheld, which may lower your taxes. You were automatically enrolled in PTCP when you became eligible for health insurance, unless you declined. (Your paycheck shows whether you are enrolled in PTCP.) No action is required to keep your current pre-tax status. If you wish to change your pre-tax selection for 2009, see your agency/facility Health Benefits Administrator for assistance in determining if you have had a qualifying event, as defined by the IRS, and to complete a health insurance transaction form by the November 30 deadline.
10/2/08 - Alternative Work Schedules: The Civil Service Department has issued a policy bulletin setting forth step-by-step procedures for State agencies to follow in developing, securing approval and implementing alternative work schedule programs. It has long been State policy (since 1978) to encourage alternative work schedules when consistent with agency operating and programmatic needs, but agencies are now starting to look at alternative work schedules with a greater degree of urgency than before, given the fiscal belt-tightening called for by the Governor. The September 2008 bulletin, Attendance and Leave Policy Bulletin #2008-05, Alternative Work Schedule Approval Procedure, provides for consultation by agencies, when developing new alternative work schedule proposals or proposing revisions to existing alternative work schedule programs, with the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations, the Civil Service Department’s Attendance and Leave Unit and the unions representing affected bargaining unit employees. There is no specific provision in the policy requiring agencies to consult with M/C employees or their representatives. However, we encourage members to be vigilant and seek every opportunity to participate in development or revision of their agencies’ alternative work schedule programs. OMCE is available to provide advice and consultation to members and agencies and to review agency alternative work schedule proposals and changes. In recent months, we have reviewed and consulted on two such agency alternative work schedule proposals. We have initiated discussion with the Civil Service Department on ways to ensure that agencies consult with their M/C employees when developing new or revised alternative work schedule proposals. We welcome member questions, suggestions or comments. Call or email us at 800-828-6623 or nysomce@gmail.com.
9/30/08 - Location Pay Increases: Chapter 10 of the Laws of 2008 (M/C Pay Bill) provided for an increase in Location Pay, to $3,026 for Downstate employees (NYC, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties) and $1,513 for Mid-Hudson employees (Orange, Dutchess and Putnam counties). The increases will be effective September 25, 2008 for employees on the Institution payroll (paycheck dated 10/23/08) and October 2, 2008 for Administration payroll employees (paycheck dated 10/29/08). Location Pay for employees in Monroe County remains at $200.
9/8/08 - More on Spending Reductions: On Friday, Governor Paterson sent a memorandum to state agency heads directing them to prepare budget requests for the 2009-10 fiscal year that call for no increases and keep spending at 2008-09 levels. The Governor's directive was accompanied by a “call letter” from Budget Director Laura Anglin, in which she cited a projected deficit in 2009-10 of more than $5.4 billion, even with the recently enacted hiring freeze and this year's 10% reduction in agency spending. The annual call letter guides agency heads on preparation of their annual budget requests which, this year, are due for submission no later than October 3. You can read Governor Paterson's memorandum and Budget Director Anglin's Call Letter by clicking on the links below:
Governor Paterson's Memorandum (pdf, 46.7kb) Budget Director's Call Letter (pdf, 30.3kb)
8/1/08 - Spending Reductions/Hiring Freeze: As you know, Governor Paterson has ordered Executive Department agencies to implement an immediate $630 million reduction in 2008-09 spending, along with a freeze on hiring. This represents a 7% cut on top of the 3.35% agency spending reductions already called for in the 2008-09 budget. He is also calling the Legislature back to Albany for a special session to identify an additional $600 million in reductions. Yesterday, we initiated contact with the Division of the Budget on this (a contact we expect to maintain for the duration of the fiscal crisis) in order to ensure we are kept abreast of developments affecting our members and to afford opportunities for OMCE and member input on ways to navigate the current fiscal year’s shortfall and future years’ budget gaps. In that connection, we invite our members to write or email us at any time with suggestions—after all, who better to know than those whose job it will be to manage this crisis? Or, if you have questions or would like to discuss, give us a call. Here’s our contact info:
OMCE, 3 Washington Square, Albany, NY 12205-5523
1-800-828-6623 (456-5241 from within Area Code 518)
8/1/08 - Mileage Rate Increased: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an increase in the standard mileage rates allowance for the final six months of 2008. The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight (8) cents from the 50.5 cent rate that was in effect for the first six months of 2008. New York State reimburses its employees for business use of privately owned automobiles based on the IRS mileage rates allowance. By adhering to the IRS allowance, reimbursements for mileage are not taxable to the employee. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year, but said it made this special adjustment for the final months of 2008 in recognition of recent gasoline price increases. The State Comptroller’s website has been updated to reflect the July 1 mileage rate increase (www.osc.state.ny.us/agencies/travel/mileage.htm)
7/29/08 - July 2008 Empire Plan Report – Benefit Changes: By now, Empire Plan enrollees will have received the July 2008 Empire Plan Report in the mail. The four-page report describes a number of Plan benefit changes that have been made (most of them effective July 1, 2008) and encloses, within the report, corresponding amendments to the NYSHIP General Information Book and Empire Plan Insurance Certificate. The changes include (among others): $30 copay for visits to non-hospital outpatient surgical locations; inclusion of Herpes Zoster vaccination (shingles) as a covered adult immunization under the participating provider program for individuals age 55 and over; an annual diabetic shoes benefit; a prosthetic wig benefit (effective January 1, 2008); and expansion of the MRI prospective procedure review requirement (telephone call for prior approval) to also include MRA, CT and CAT scans, PET scans and Nuclear Medicine tests. We suggest you read the materials carefully to familiarize yourself with the changes and keep them handy for convenient reference. You can also access the information online at the Employee Benefits Division website (www.cs.state.ny.us/ebd/).
7/24/08 - Retiree Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): The Office of State Comptroller has announced that the 2008 Retiree COLA, payment of which begins with the September 30th pension check, will be 2.0 percent, up to a maximum annual increase of $360, or $30 monthly before taxes. The COLA equals 50 percent of the cost-of-living index and can be as much as 3 percent, but no less than 1 percent, calculated on the first $18,000 of your retirement benefit or the actual amount of the benefit, if less. This year’s 2.0 percent figure represents half of a 3.98 percent rate of inflation measured for the period March 2007 through March 2008, rounded up to the nearest one-tenth of one percent. The COLA payment permanently increases your retirement benefit and is designed to address future inflation as it occurs. Once COLA payments begin, they continue automatically and increase each September. If you are eligible for the COLA, you will receive a letter from the Employees’ Retirement System prior to your September 30th pension payment indicating how much you will be receiving. Information on eligibility requirements is available on the Comptroller’s website (Click Here) or by calling 1-866-805-0990 (474-7736, if you live in area code 518).
7/16/08 - The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom Union Member Appreciation Days: We have a supply of discount coupons for half-off the general admission rate for use by OMCE members during Union Member Appreciation Days, August 1 through August 10, 2008. Coupon is valid for up to 6 people (general admission & junior tickets). Present coupon at The Great Escape main gate and pay only half the general use admission rate, plus tax, per person. The Great Escape is located between Exits 19 and 20 of I-87 (Adirondack Northway). Call the OMCE office for coupons while they last, first-come/first-served, at 456-5241, or 800-828-6623 from outside area code 518.
7/10/08 - M/C Tuition Reimbursement: The Governor’s Office of Employee Relations has announced that the maximum reimbursable amount available each fiscal year under the M/C Tuition Reimbursement program has been increased to $2,000. The new amount applies only to coursework that began after January 1, 2008. For information and application forms, go to: http://www.goer.state.ny.us/mc/mctuition.html
7/10/08 - M/C Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursement: The Governor’s Office of Employee Relations has announced reinstatement of this program for the 2008-09 fiscal year. The Certification and Licensure Exam Fee Reimbursement Program is a pilot program that provides for reimbursement of certification and licensure examination fees to M/C employees. The time period covered by this program is April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. During this time, an employee can be reimbursed a maximum of $600 for certification and licensure examination fees. Note that the program does not cover fees for Civil Service examinations. For information and application forms, go to: http://www.goer.state.ny.us/mc/fee-reimb/index.html7/1/08 - Retiree Health Benefits Meetings: The Department of Civil Service, Employee Benefits Division, has announced its Fall schedule of meetings for retirees, vestees and dependent survivors enrolled in the NYS Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). The meetings are not for active employees. Each meeting will include general information about NYSHIP benefits and a discussion of Medicare. Note that meeting times vary by location. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be guaranteed. Sites are handicapped-accessible and photo ID may be required. No advance reservation is required. For the convenience of OMCE members, we have posted the meeting schedule (Click Here to view Schedule), complete with locations, dates, times and directions, on our Calendar page.
6/26/08 - Shingles Vaccine: Effective July 1, 2008, the Herpes Zoster Vaccine used to prevent shingles will be covered as an adult immunization under the NYSHIP Empire Plan Participating Provider Program for individuals age 55 or over. You pay only the office visit copay when you receive the shingles vaccination from a participating provider. There is no non-network benefit. Shingles is a painful disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in children and risk for the disease increases with age. In an August 2007 OMCE letter to Gary Johnson, Director of the Governor's Office of Employee Relations, calling upon the State to provide coverage for the vaccine, we noted studies showing the vaccine reduced the incidence of shingles among seniors by 50 percent overall, 64 percent among adults ages 60-69. About a million new cases of the disease are diagnosed each year. Without the vaccine, half of people living to age 85 will get the disease.
6/26/08 - Secretary 1 and Secretary 2 Examination Preparation Workshops: The CSEA Works Institute has announced a schedule (Click Here for Schedule) of one-day secretarial workshops that will be conducted at various locations statewide in August. Although the workshops are intended for CSEA-members, seats are expected to be available at most locations for M/C staff, as well. Non-CSEA members will be placed on a waiting list and notified of their acceptance one week before the scheduled training. The Institute staff are confident they will be able to accommodate all requests, with exception of the Rochester area--although, if someone is interested in attending the Rochester workshops, they should still apply to be put on the waiting list, in case seats become available. Cost to attend is $30 and all workshop participants will receive a copy of the Secretary 1 and 2 training booklet which covers all five topics that will be covered on the examination. We will reimburse OMCE members $15, upon submission of a receipt or cancelled check to OMCE. To apply, email Trevor.Robertson@cseainc.org with the name of the training you would like to attend in the subject line--please include the last 4 digits of your SS# and daytime phone number OR call 1-866-478-5548.
6/5/08 - Nominations: Last Call: Nominations for the OMCE Board of Directors are due by June 20, 2008. The nominations process is simple, since a member can nominate him/herself. Just submit your resume, a letter stating your interest to run for a Board seat and a statement, that can be used on the ballot, describing your background and the issues and priorities you would want to focus on as a Board member. Board members are expected to attend four Board Meetings per year (March, June, September/October and December) and to serve on at least one committee. Board members are not paid to serve on the Board, but travel expenses are reimbursed at State rates.
We need active working M/C employees who are interested in being leaders in our ongoing efforts to improve the working lives and working conditions of M/C employees, to help develop policies and programs to better serve M/C employees and to ensure that their rights and benefits are protected. For additional information, contact OMCE at nysomce@gmail.com, 518-456-5241 or, from outside area code 518, at 1-800-828-6623.
5/27/08 – Update: OMCE Job Rate Pay Parity Proposal: We have received a reply from the Director of the Budget to the M/C Job Rate Pay Parity Proposal we submitted in early April to both the Director of the Budget and the Director, Governor’s Office of Employee Relations. (See 4/8/08 news item–click here.) In a letter dated May 1, Budget Director Laura L. Anglin acknowledged OMCE’s concerns, but said they would be unable to consider our proposal at this time, due to the State’s current fiscal challenges and future economic uncertainties. She expressed appreciation for the dedication and support the State receives from its M/C employees and noted that, since the disparity we cited will not occur until April 2010, there will be ample time for them to consider the possibility of addressing this issue. Albeit not effective until April 2010, we had hoped to pin this down now with a chapter amendment to the M/C pay legislation that passed earlier in the current legislative session. In any event, we will continue to pursue this issue so that it can be resolved and timely implemented by April 2010.
5/16/08 - Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Floating Holidays: The State has designated Election Day, November 4, 2008 and Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12, 2009 as floating holidays. State offices will be open on both days and eligible employees who work on these days will be entitled, as usual, to receive floating holiday credit for use at another time. Floating holiday credit will be carried as a separate entry on time records and not merged with holiday leave or holiday compensatory time. Subject to agency/facility procedures for requesting time off, employees must use their floating holiday credits by November 2, 2009 and February 11, 2010 respectively. Questions concerning the crediting and use of floating holidays may be addressed to your agency/facility human resources office.
5/8/08 - 4th Annual Grand Prix at The Glen - OMCE Member Discount: Receive exclusive member discounts and savings to Camping World's IndyCar Weekend at The Glen, July 4-6, 2008. Weekend and Sunday-only general admission grandstand seating from $39, children 12 and under Free. Add $10, get Koni Challenge, Indy Pro Duels, wine & cheese tasting, fireworks, live entertainment & driver autograph sessions, souvenir trailers, car shows and more. Contact Mike Evranian (607) 535-2486 Ext. 351. Offer expires June 20.
4/14/08 - The Governor's Office of Employee Relations has announced the availability of the M/C Vacation Exchange Program in fiscal year 2008-09, whereby eligible M/C employees may elect to exchange up to 5 days of accumulated vacation credits (annual leave) for monetary compensation. To be eligible to participate, an employee's accumulated vacation credits must total at least 35 days during the election period, which runs from April 1 through either July 2, 2008 for employees on the Institution payroll or July 9, 2008 for Administration payroll employees. The election form is available from your human resources office. The salary base for computing payment is October 1, 2008 and payment will be made during the first week of December 2008. Compensation received is in addition to and not part of base annual salary, and is not considered salary for the purpose of computing retirement benefits.
4/8/08 – M/C Job Rate Pay Parity: OMCE is aware of and working to fix the job rate pay gap that exists between M/C employees and CSEA and PEF-represented employees in certain grades, a gap that will expand if the State’s recent agreement with PEF to further increase the job rates earned by PS&T unit employees is not matched for M/C employees. Beginning in April 2010, the new 2007-2011 contract agreement between the State and PEF provides for increases in the rates that employees in PS&T grades 1 to 25 will earn upon reaching the job rate of their grade, to meet or match the higher job rates paid employees in equivalent grade positions represented by CSEA. Grade 18 and below PS&T employees with a year at the job rate already are able to advance to the higher job rates paid their CSEA-represented counterparts in equivalent grades, as a result of an earlier contract provision for payment of job rate “merit advances” to these employees starting in April 2007. For employees in PS&T grades 26 to 37, for whom there are no equivalent “CSEA” grades, the new agreement adds $1,000 to the rate these employees will earn upon reaching the job rate.
We submitted a proposal to the State for equivalent job rate pay parity for affected M/C employees and, in light of expected ratification of the new contract by the PEF membership when ballots are counted on April 11, for inclusion of a chapter amendment to the M/C pay bill in the PEF pay bill legislation that will follow contract ratification. According to our analysis, M/C job rate pay parity adjustments will be required in grades M/C-18 through M/C-23, M-1 through M-4, and M-7, and range from a low of $208 (at M-4) to a high of $2,371 (at M-1). M/C employees in grades 17 and below already earn more at the job rate than their PEF and CSEA counterparts in equivalent grades and will continue to do so, irrespective of the new agreement the State has made with PEF. M/C-18 employees would earn an additional $1,655 at the job rate, thereby helping to alleviate the long-standing salary compression problem that has existed between M/C grades 17and 18.
We will provide additional information and updates, as soon as available. Meanwhile, OMCE members wishing to obtain a copy of our proposal, contained in April 2, 2008 letters to the Director of the Budget and to the Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations, may request a copy by calling OMCE at 800-828-6623 (456-5241, in area code 518).
3/20/08 – April 1, 2008 Salary and Other Increases for M/C Employees: The Division of the Budget and Office of the State Comptroller have issued guidelines and instructions for payment of the April 1, 2008 general salary increase (across-the-board increase in base salary of 3%) and the 2008-09 performance advances, merit awards, longevity and location payments authorized for Managerial and Confidential (M/C) employees by Chapter 10 of the Laws of 2008 (M/C Paybill). The general salary increase, performance advances and location pay will be effective 3/27/08 (Institution payroll) and 4/3/08 (Administration payroll), beginning with paychecks dated 4/24/08 (Institution) and 4/30/08 (Administration). Longevity pay (increasing to $1,000 in 2008-09 for 5 or more years of service; $2,000 for 10 or more years) is available to M/C employees in grades M/C-17 and below and is payable effective from the first day of the payroll period following completion of five or ten years of continuous service at or above the job rate. Location pay will increase on April 1, 2008 to $1,850 (Downstate) and $1,000 (Mid-Hudson). Merit awards are payable, at agency discretion, at any time during the fiscal year. (Click Here to view the 2008-09 and future years M/C Salary Schedules.)
3/4/08 - The tentative contract agreement between the State and PEF increases the job rate PS&T employees in grades 19 to 25 will earn, beginning in April 2010, to the higher job rates paid CSEA-represented employees in grades 19 to 25. Also beginning in April 2010, employees in PS&T grades 26 to 37 will each receive $1,000 pay increases when they reach the job rate. As a result of this and an earlier agreement, effective in April 2007, that increased the job rates of employees in PS&T grades 1 to 18 to the job rates paid employees in equivalent grade positions represented by CSEA, employees in PS&T grades 1 to 25 will enjoy pay parity with their CSEA job rate counterparts when they reach the job rate. And employees in PS&T grades 26 to 37, for whom there is no comparable CSEA grade—the CSEA schedule only goes up to grade 25—will earn another $1,000 when they reach the job rate.
In light of the State/PEF agreement, which is pending both ratification by the PEF membership and passage of enabling legislation, we will be submitting a proposal to the State for similar job rate pay parity for affected M/C employees who, according to our preliminary analysis, include job rate employees in M/C grades 18 and above. M/C grades 17 and below already earn higher job rates than their CSEA and PEF counterparts, and will continue to do so. Watch the OMCE website—we will be providing additional information, including a copy of our job rate proposal and progress updates, as soon as available.
Note: That M/C job rates in certain grades are less than the job rates paid their CSEA counterparts in equivalent grades is nothing new. We made two earlier attempts at securing job rate pay parity with CSEA job rates for employees in M/C grades 18 to 23, and M-1; in August 2004, with the Pataki Administration (Governor’s Office of Employee Relations) and again, in April 2007, with the Spitzer Administration (Division of the Budget). Both were unsuccessful.
2/14/08 – OMCE Welcome’s Attorney General’s Lawsuit Announcment: Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday, February 13, that he will sue UnitedHealth Group for allegedly cheating customers by setting fraudulent reimbursement rates for patients. The Attorney General said the probe may involve "fraud in the hundreds of millions of dollars." Typically, insurance companies promise to pay 80 percent of the "usual and customary" cost of out-of-network medical services. But, says the Attorney General’s Office, the “usual and customary” cost information that United, through its subsidiary Ingenix, feeds into the database is manipulated to make medical services look less expensive than they really are. Cuomo said the fair market price for a 15-minute doctor's visit is $200, so United should pay 80 percent or $160 of the bill and the consumer should pay $40. Instead, Ingenix sets the rate at $77, United pays $62 and the consumer is left with the $138 difference. About 70 percent of insured Americans pay higher premiums for insurance policies that allow them to see doctors outside their insurer's network.
In April 2003, OMCE, along with the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), New York State Police Investigators Association (NYSPIA) and CSEA, joined in a pending AMA lawsuit challenging United’s application of its “usual, customary and reasonable” standards in its medical expense reimbursement practices—the very issue prompting the Attorney General’s lawsuit. In fact, an OMCE member is one of five proposed to the court as representative plaintiffs on behalf of the entire class of individuals affected by United’s practices. OMCE President Barbara Zaron welcomed the Attorney General’s announcement as confirming what OMCE and others who joined the AMA lawsuit have known for sometime and she expressed hope that Cuomo’s lawsuit will lead to a fair and speedy resolution of the pending AMA, OMCE, etc lawsuit and relief for the many individuals who have suffered adverse treatment by UnitedHealth.
2/8/08 – OMCE 2008 Legislative Relations Program: As announced in an earlier notice posted on this page, we will be conducting a revised program of legislative relations for the 2008 session. OMCE President Barbara Zaron and OMCE Executive Director Joseph Sano will meet with targeted legislators on a regular basis on our 2008 Legislative Program. OMCE members are asked to meet with their legislators in the legislators’ local district offices, either individually or in groups. We encourage such meetings throughout the session (January - June) and especially during the week of March 10. Such meetings are feasible on Thursdays or Fridays when legislators are back in their local districts. Materials needed for member advocacy with their local legislators are being prepared and will be made available—watch the website for information.
On Tuesday, March 11, a small group of Albany-based members and OMCE Board members will visit targeted legislators here in Albany. If you want to participate in our 2008 Legislative Relations activities, we need to hear from you early as to whether you wish to come to Albany on March 11 or prefer to make local district office calls. Please call us at 800-828-6623 (456-5241 in the Albany area) no later than Friday, February 22, if you are interested in participating, particularly if you wish to join us in Albany on March 11.
2/5/08 - Deferred Compensation/Retro Pay Deductions: In an earlier notice posted on this page, we notified enrollees in the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan that, once the Comptroller's Office establishes the dates for payment of the April 2007 retroactive pay increase, we would provide information about cut-off dates to make changes in the Plan deduction that would be taken from the retroactive paycheck. The pay dates have been established and here is the cutoff information and instructions we promised to provide (Click Here).
2/1/08 - Payment of 2007 Retroactive M/C General Salary Increase and Longevity Pay Increases: Today, the Division of the Budget issued Budget Bulletin D-1120 authorizing retroactive payment of the April 2007 3% general salary increase and longevity pay increases provided for M/C employees in Chapter 10 of the Laws of 2008. Retroactive payment of the 3% salary increase is expected to be made in paychecks dated February 28, 2008 (Institution payroll) and March 5, 2008 (Administration payroll). Eligible employees (M/C Grade 17 and below) with at least 5, but less than 10, years of continuous service at the job rate will also receive a longevity pay increase of $125 in addition to the $750 longevity increase they already received in April 2007. Similarly, eligible employees with at least 10 or more years of continuous service at the job rate will receive $250 in addition to the $1,500 longevity pay they received in April 2007.
1/31/08 - M/C Paybill Update: The Governor has signed the paybill into law (Chapter 10, Laws of 2008). We will notify you of payment dates, etc. once that information is available.
1/28/08 - M/C Paybill Update: The Assembly has passed the M/C Paybill and returned it to the Senate (which passed it on January 24) for submission to the Governor for signature. We will continue to provide updates here. Meanwhile, we have posted the new M/C salary schedules provided for in the bill on our website's Salary page. To view/print the bill, go to Search Legislation and enter bill number: S.6773. After displaying the bill, click: See bill text.
1/25/08 - Deferred Compensation/Retro Pay Deductions: Deductions to your New York State Deferred Compensation Plan will be taken from your 2007 retroactive salary increase paycheck at the deferral rate that is on record with the Plan. You may want to change (increase or decrease) your deferral for that specific paycheck and the Plan will help you do that. Once the Comptroller's Office establishes the paycheck dates for payment of the retroactive salary increase, you will be provided information about cut-off dates to make changes to your Deferred Compensation Plan deferral rate. Please watch our website for additional information.
1/24/08 - M/C Paybill Update: The Senate has passed the paybill and it is poised for a vote in the Assembly (A.9816-Abbate). After its expected passage there, it will be returned to the Senate for submission to the Governor for signature. We will provide further updates as soon as information is available.
1/22/08 - M/C Paybill Introduced: The 2007-2011 M/C Paybill (Governor’s Program Bill No. 42) was introduced in the Senate on Friday, January 18 (S.6773-Robach)* and is pending introduction in the Assembly. Generally, the bill provides for annual salary increases each year of 3 percent in 2007-08 (payable retroactive to April 2007), 2008-09 and 2009-10 and 4 percent in 2010-11, restoration of the vacation exchange program starting in 2008-09 (5 days) and increases in longevity and location pay. We are monitoring the paybill's progress through the Legislature and we will post updates here as soon as information is available. Also, in a separate action, the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations has announced an increase, from $1,750 to $2,000, in the maximum annual reimbursement available under the M/C Tuition Reimbursement Program. The increase is applicable to coursework that began after January 1, 2008.
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*To view/print the bill, go to Search Legislation and enter bill number: S.6773. After displaying the bill, click: See bill text.
1/17/08 – Reimbursement of Medicare Part B Premium Surcharge: Beginning in January 2007, premiums for some Medicare Part B enrollees increased when an income-based premium surcharge (IRMAA – Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) began to be added to their standard monthly Part B premium. The surcharge, which will increase in future years, was tacked onto the 2003 federal Medicare bill.
At the time, OMCE raised the issue of whether the State would reimburse affected retirees for the additional premium resulting from the surcharge. Medicare-primary NYSHIP enrollees already receive reimbursement for the standard Medicare Part B premium. Although we received a negative response initially, it was determined that the law requires the State to reimburse whatever premium a Medicare Part B enrollee pays.
Although NYSHIP enrollees will continue to be reimbursed the standard monthly Medicare Part B premium in the same manner as they are currently (for most retirees, via their monthly retirement check), the Department of Civil Service has set up an annual claims process for reimbursement of the surcharge and notified Medicare-primary NYSHIP enrollees of the steps they must take to obtain reimbursement for premiums paid in 2007 in excess of the standard Medicare Part B premium, which in 2007 was $93.50 monthly. Only those who paid more than the standard Medicare Part B premium are eligible to claim reimbursement.
As instructed by the Civil Service Department, claimants must provide the Employee Benefits Division with a copy of the IRMAA notice that enrollees and Medicare-primary enrolled dependents received from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in late 2006, advising of the monthly Medicare premium to be paid in 2007, and a copy of the 1099 form enrollees and their Medicare-primary enrolled dependents receive in January 2008 advising of the Medicare premium amount they actually paid in 2007. Claimants are encouraged to file their claims for reimbursement no later than May 31, 2008.
If you have any questions, contact the Employee Benefits Division at 1-800-833-4344 (457-5754 in the 518 Area Code) weekdays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. If you did not receive a notice about this from the Employee Benefits Division, call us at 1-800-828-OMCE (456-5241 in the 518 Area Code) and we will be happy to provide you with a copy.
1/11/08 – OMCE 2008 Legislative Relations Program: As noted in our November/December 2007 Newsletter, we are planning a revised program of legislative relations for the 2008 session. We will begin our advocacy this month, especially since most of the bills for which we will be seeking support will be carryover bills from 2007. OMCE President Barbara Zaron and OMCE Executive Director Joseph Sano will meet with targeted legislators on a regular basis on our priority issues, among them the M/C paybill, OCTF retiree benefits (2007 bill was vetoed) and retiree health insurance protection (prior bills vetoed). OMCE members are asked to meet with their legislators in the legislators’ local district offices, either individually or in groups. We encourage such meetings throughout the session (January - June) and especially during the week of March 10. Such meetings are feasible on Thursdays or Fridays when legislators are back in their local districts. Materials needed for member advocacy with their local legislators are being prepared and will be made available—watch the website for information.
On Tuesday, March 11, a small group of Albany-based members and OMCE Board members will visit targeted legislators here in Albany. If you want to participate in our 2008 Legislative Relations activities, we need to hear from you early as to whether you wish to come to Albany on March 11 or prefer to make local district office calls. Please call us at 800-828-6623 (456-5241 in the Albany area) no later than Friday, February 1, if you are interested in participating, particularly if you wish to join us in Albany on March 11.
1/10/08 - We have revised and extended the "must be postmarked by December 31, 2007" deadline for return of completed Union Plus Scholarship Program Applications to "must be received at OMCE headquarters by Friday, January 25, 2008." The Union Plus Scholarship Application form was included in the October mailing of the OMCE News Network, which is mailed to all members. The new deadline is firm, no exceptions or further extensions will be able to be made.
1/10/08 - Effective January 1, 2008, United Healthcare began insuring and administering The Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program, partnering with Medco Health Solutions, Inc (Medco) to provide retail pharamacy network and mail pharmacy services. Prescription drug benefits have not changed and the majority of The Empire Plan’s current network pharmacies will continue to participate, including most retail chain pharmacies (CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen’s, among others). However, there are some changes to the Preferred Drug List resulting from the annual Empire Plan review. Links to the 2008 list are available below. The list is not complete; it does not identify all of the drugs covered by the plan, just the most commonly prescribed generic and brand-name drugs.
2008 Empire Plan Preferred Drug List (Listed in Alphabetic Order)
2008 Empire Plan Preferred Drug List (Listed by Therapeutic Class)
If you have questions concerning The Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program, you can contact Medco directly using The Empire Plan toll free telephone number (1-877-769-7447). Choose Empire Prescription Drug Program (#4 on the main menu) and then select the prompt for Medco. You will be able to verify your eligibility, locate a participating pharmacy, use the mail service pharmacy, talk to a Medco representative or pharmacist, request prior authorization or file a generic appeal.
For your first visit to fill a prescription at a participating pharmacy after January 1, you may be asked to provide the following information:
Empire Prescription Drug Program Administrator: United Healthcare
RX Group: UH0712959
Bank ID Number: 610014
For mail pharmacy services, use the following addresses:
Mail prescriptions to: Medco by Mail
P. O. Box 747000
Cincinnati, OH 45274-7000
Mail completed claim forms for prescriptions from retail pharmacies to:
Medco
P. O. Box 14711
Lexington, KY 40512
Mail general correspondence to:
The Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program
P. O. Box 5900
Kingston, NY 12402-5900
For information on where to send written appeals and prior authorization documentation, contact Medco via The Empire Plan telephone number (1-877-769-7447) and follow the prompts, as instructed above.