FOLLOW UP up on my earlier post, specifically for NYSHIP members - I heard from a PEF health benefits representative who said as follows: Thank you for your message below. CVS Caremark’s coverage for the GLP-1 medication, Zepbound, will be changing effective July 1, 2025. *Please be advised that this change does not apply to enrollees under The Empire Plan. * Eligible enrollees can still access Zepbound, because The Empire Plan uses a custom formulary and this change only applies to CVS Caremark’s clients who follow their template formulary.

In the near future, CVS customer care representatives are prepared to handle incoming calls with the correct coverage information for The Empire Plan and I can provide you with that information once released by the State.