New alternative medicine benefits for Empire Plan

Effective October 1, Empire Plan enrollees have a new benefit called the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Program. Enrollees can receive services from network massage therapists, acupuncturists, dietitians and nutritionists at a 25 percent discount from normal fees.

The enrollee pays the provider directly. There are no claim forms and no reimbursement from the Empire Plan. The program is available only in New York state.

Call 1-888-447-2144 for names, addresses and phone numbers of CAM network providers. The toll-free line is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enrollees contact CAM providers directly to make an appointment.

The CAM web site at www.empireplancam.com has more information about the program, including a provider locator to help enrollees find a network provider. Enrollees may also nominate a provider on the web site.

More detailed information will be sent to Empire Plan enrollees in the Empire Plan Report's December issue.