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(6) The continuation of the ambulatory surgery benefit and monitoring

of participating centers. The Joint Committee on Health Benefits will

work with the State to oversee the solicitation by the
medical/surgical/basic medical carrier of Ambulatory Surgical Centers

in bordering states and in those states where retirees commonly reside.
(7) The continuation of the Home Care Advocacy Program (HCAP)

and the ongoing review of services offered. The JCHB shall work with
the State to review and monitor the utilization of DME under HCAP,

specifically requests, approvals and denials of duplicate equipment. If
necessary the State and CSEA Joint Committee will take appropriate

action to address the issue.
(8) The Joint Committee on Health Benefits will continue to review the

impact of Domestic Partner coverage.
(9) The Joint Committee on Health Benefits will work with the State

to monitor and oversee the Specialty Pharmacy Program.
(10) If reimportation of prescription drugs becomes permissible under

applicable law, rule, regulation or other appropriate approval, the parties
agree to work through the JCHB to explore the plan’s use of such

reimported drugs and evaluate the overall impact to the Empire Plan
Prescription Drug Program. The parties will determine whether to

recommend the implementation of the plan’s utilization of such drugs if
both parties agree that it is practicable, cost effective and able to be

implemented into and become part of the current Empire Plan
prescription drug program. Implementation of the alternative drug

program for CSEA-represented employees will not take place without

the agreement of the CSEA JCHB.
(11) The JCHB will work with the State and the Empire Plan
prescription drug carriers to monitor and oversee the Enhanced Flexible

Formulary. No changes to the Enhanced Flexible Formulary shall occur

without notifying the Joint Committee in advance of the change(s).
(12) The JCHB will work with the State to develop a voluntary Value

Based Insurance Design (VBID) Pilot Program with the goal of
improving health outcomes while lowering overall costs through

copayment waivers or reductions.
(a) The JCHB will work with the State to look at a copayment waiver

program for office visits and prescription drugs when related to chronic

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