NY State Members Insured by CIGNA

Attention New York State Members Insured by CIGNA!

Dear Guild Member

The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT) health care coverage for New York State, is provided through CIGNA HealthCare of New York City. As of February 1 2003, CIGNA will no longer be providing health care coverage as per its prior agreement through TEIGIT to New York State. TEIGIT is currently negotiating health care coverage for New York State and will inform the Guild as soon as they have formalized an agreement.

Meanwhile, members who have signed on should read the announcement sent to TEIGIT from CIGNA to be fully appraised of this very recent decision:

CIGNA HeathCare of New York will no longer be providing coverage to New York associations starting February 1 2003. The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT) is a New York association for these purposes. This means that your current CIGNA HealthCare coverage will terminate as of midnight on January 31, 2004.

If you are a New York individual, Sole Proprietor or Small Employer, you can obtain replacement coverage from CIGNA HealthCare of New York. Additional information about your options is provided below.

1.
Depending on your income level, you may be qualified for the Healthy New York program. Individuals, Sole Proprietors and Small Employers (defined as those employing between 2 and 50 employees) may obtain information about CIGNA Heat Care of New York

2.
If you are a New York individual or Sole Proprietor who is not eligible for the Healthy New York program because you exceed the
income limits, you are eligible for standard Commercial Individual products offered by CIGA HealthCare of New York. Information on these individual plans, as well as the individual plans offered by other carriers, can be found by accessing the following web site: http://icontract01.ins.state.ny.us/chealth.html and selecting the following option: "Premium Rates for HMO Standard Individual Health Plans by County" http://www.ins.state.ny.us/ihmoindx.htm

3.
If you qualify as a New York small employer (employ a minimum of 2, but not more than 50 regular payroll employees), you may purchase small group coverage from CIGNA Health Care of New York by calling 201-533-700 (ask for the small case unit). You may also contact your broker to explore the small employer coverage's available to you from other carriers.

Unless TEIGIT elects to change coverage sooner (unless your eligibility for TEIGIT coverage terminates sooner), you will continue
to have access to all the benefits you currently have under your coverage until midnight on January 31 2003. CIGAN HealthCare of New York intents to serve you fully for as long as you are a covered member. If you have any concerns about specific healthcare needs, I encourage you to contact your Members Services department at the number listed on your CIGNA HealthCare ID card for information and assistance.

4.
Alternate coverage plans can be still be obtained through the Guild. Check http://www.gag.org/benefits/insur.php for details.

Ammon Turner
Deputy Executive Director
Graphic Artists Guild
90 John St., Ste. 403
New York, NY 10038
Tel: 212-791-3400 x 107
Fax: 212-791-0333
admin@gag.org
www.gag.org

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