By MIKE LEE

For the first time in more than four decades, a new, comprehensive, and equitable health care plan will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, for New York City’s municipal workforce and pre-Medicare retirees. The NYC Employees PPO (NYCE PPO) Plan administered jointly by EmblemHealth and UnitedHealthcare will replace the City’s current health care plan for active employees currently held by GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield.

After more than two years of an extensive negotiated acquisition process, DC 37 and partner unions in the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) voted overwhelmingly to approve the NYCE PPO Plan on Sept. 30.

In a joint statement, the MLC said, “This is the outcome of years of research, deliberation, and negotiations to develop a health plan that addresses what matters most to our members: comprehensive medical coverage, accessible care, and zero premiums. We’ve been able to improve benefits, expand the network of providers while allowing our members to keep their existing doctors, and maintain premium-free health care without increasing out-of-pocket costs, especially important in an economic climate where every cent counts for our members’ bottom line.”

During the process, the MLC maintained its stance that any new plan for the City’s public workers must rein in rising health care costs, preserve zero premiums, and maintain or improve access to providers. The result is a modernized, equitable health plan that responds to members’ concerns while enhancing and expanding premium free health benefits.

The new plan holds the line on in-network co-pays, reduces preauthorizations by half, and ensures that members can keep their doctors. The NYCE PPO also expands coverage for tens of thousands of pre-Medicare retirees living outside the New York City area, tapping into UnitedHealthcare’s national network of providers.

The NYCE PPO dramatically expands access to mental and behavioral health care, including a robust telehealth component. Members will have access to medical and hospital care through a single member ID card, mobile app, and access portal at nyceppo.com.

Other benefits received through DC 37’s Health & Security Plan, such as dental and optical, remain unchanged by this update.

The city’s health insurance open enrollment period took place from Nov. 1-30. After an extensive review of the NYCE PPO contract, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander found that the procurement process complied with all procedural and public notice requirements. Lander registered the NYCE PPO contract effective Nov. 13.

It’s Easy to Find A Doctor Near You

With NYCE PPO, you now have access to an expanded network of EmblemHealth care providers and facilities in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley (Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester counties). Plus you have nationwide access through the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network and the UnitedHealthcare behavioral health network. There is also coverage in Puerto Rico through the MAPFRE network.

Need help finding an in-network doctor or medical facility? Go to nyceppo.com or sign in to the NYCE PPO app to search for providers near you. Prefer to speak with someone? Call 212.501.4444 (TTY: 711) and a NYCE PPO Customer Service representative will assist you.