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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the NY44 Health Benefits Plan?
 
The plan is a self-funded tax exempt Article 44 trust providing health benefits to employees and eligible retirees of Erie 1 BOCES and participating school districts. The Nova / Independent Health option provides services for residents of the eight Western New York counties of Allegany*, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming. Beech Street Network provides coverage for Independent Health enrolleess who permanently live outside the eight-county WNY coverage area. 
 
The MVP option provides services for residents in all other counties in New York state (with the exception of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming, metro NYC and Long Island).
 
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2. Who do I contact when I have questions?

Your first call should be to your Human Resource Department or your Benefits Administrator; they can be found under the Contacts tab now.  

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3. How can I find a doctor?
 
You can access the provider directories online under the Nova / ndependent Health Option tab or MVP Option tab.
 

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4. What do I have to do to be eligible for the $25 Physical Exam reward? This is an annual reward!

In order to be eligible, you must get a physical exam from your primary care physician. Signed documentation from the enrollee’s or dependent’s primary physician stating that enrollee or dependent has had a physical exam must be submitted. It must contain the patient's name, exam date and doctor's signature on office letterhead, a referral form or a prescription form. For more information, read the guidelines. 
 

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5. How do I submit a Fitness Activity Reimbursement Claim?

The reimbursement plan year runs from July 1 - June 30. You pay upfront and then get reimbursed for participating in a sustained, on-going physical fitness program or for the  purchase of fitness equipment for home. A list of approved programs / equipment are found on the Claim Form. Payment receipts and copies of any program / equipment literature needs to be mailed with the completed claim form. For more information, see the Fitness Activity Reimbursement Program page.  

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6. What's the eligibility for coverage for children ages 19 - 26?
 
If your child is between the ages of 19 and 26, the NY44 Health Benefits Plan Trust, in compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 for Children of Enrollees between the age 19-26, requires photocopies of the child's social security card and birth certificate be on file in your district office. You must also complete and sign page 2 of the enrollment application. A child's coverage with the NY44 Health Benefits Plan Trust will end on the last day of the month in which he/she reaches his/her 26th birthday. Enrollees in grandfathered plans are required to notify the Benefit Administrator to end their child's coverage with the NY44 Health Benefits Plan Trust at such time as he/she is eligible for health benefits coverage through his/her employer.
 

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7. Is there coverage for out-of-area college students?
 
Nova / Independent Health option: Students attending school outside the eight-county area of WNY have emergency medical and hospital coverage as in-network. Routine care will not be covered. All prescription drugs are covered as in-network.

MVP option: College students have emergency medical, hospital coverage and routine care as in-network. 

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8. Can Nova / Independent Health or MVP change our medical or prescription drug benefits?
 
No. Only the Trustees of the NY44 Health Benefits Plan can change the plan benefits.
 

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9. When I enroll in the NY44 Health Benefits Plan, can I keep my own doctor?

Nova / Independent Health and MVP have provider networks that are far-reaching in scope. Most enrollees do not have to change their primary care physicians when they join the plan.
 

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10. What if I have ideas to improve or enhance the Plan?
 
Board Trustees have been assigned to act as liaisons with each school district: five trustees appointed by the labor organizations and five trustees appointed by Erie 1 BOCES administration. You should contact the Trustee that acts as liaison with your collective bargaining unit. Click on your school's name to see the Trust liaison assigned. 

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11. What is the difference between the summary grid and the summary plan description?
 
The Benefit Summary Grid is a four-page synopsis of the plan; it's the easiest way to find out co-payment and coverage for hospital visits, dental plan, vision plan and more. Your benefits are organized by service and listed by in-network and out-of-work. This would be your first point to gather information. If you cannot find an answer to your question, your next place to look is the Summary Plan Description (SPD), which is the legal document outlining plan details. Grids and the SPDs can be found under the Nova / Independent Health Option tab or the MVP Option tab.
 
 
 

*Allegany County providers are determined by the school district's location.