NYSPA Asks Governor to Intervene To Correct Parity Violation

NYSPA recently contacted Governor Cuomo to ask for his assistance in eliminating Value Options' recently re-instituted prior authorization requirement for psychotherapy benefits under the Empire Plan, the health plan for state employees and their families.  As the new behavioral health administrator for the Empire Plan, Value Options announced, effective January 1, 2014, a new prior authorization requirement to be imposed on all psychotherapy services that exceed a 10-visit limit.  As described in more detail in our letter to Governor Cuomo, NYSPA strongly opposes the prior authorization requirement because it represents a clear violation of federal parity law and regulations.  A copy of NYSPA's letter to Governor Cuomo may be viewed here.