Last modified: October 28, 2020
The Empire Plan members have nationwide network access, starting Jan. 1, 2021.
Starting Jan. 1, 2021, members of The Empire Plan will have in-network access to the UnitedHealthcare Options preferred provider organization (PPO) network for all states and U.S. territories outside of New York.
The Empire Plan Supplement will be included with the 2021 UnitedHealthcare Care Provider Administrative Guide. When the guide is posted, the supplement will apply to care providers in all markets outside New York, as well as national care providers and a limited number of providers in New York with The Empire Plan specifically added to their UnitedHealthcare Participation Agreement.
Identifying members of The Empire Plan
Members are New York State government employees, local government employees with Empire Plan or Excelsior Plan benefits, graduate student employees in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP), retirees and their dependents. Empire Plan benefit ID cards have “New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)” and “The Empire Plan” on the front of the card. Recent cards also have the UnitedHealthcare logo. Cards aren’t replaced each year and some valid cards may look different.
You’ll be able use UHCprovider.com tools to verify member eligibility and coverage, submit prior authorization requests and advance notification, submit claims and check claim status.
Different carriers manage coverage for The Empire Plan
Learn more
We’re here to help
There is one consolidated phone number for The Empire Plan, 877-7-NYSHIP (877-769-7447) that you can call to contact the different programs and carriers.
If you have other questions, please contact your UnitedHealthcare provider advocate or network contact. Thank you.