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NYSHIP Option Transfer Period for 2021 is open now through Dec. 31

Andrew Bruso

The 2021 New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Option Transfer Period runs from now through Dec. 31, 2020, providing employees an opportunity to adjust or update their coverage status and plan option for the 2021 plan year.

During this period, employees may:

  • Change from Family to Individual coverage (regardless of whether a qualifying event has affected your dependents’ eligibility)
  • Change from Individual to Family coverage (late enrollment provisions apply)
  • Voluntarily cancel coverage (regardless of whether a qualifying event has affected your eligibility)
  • Enroll in NYSHIP (late enrollment provisions will apply)
  • Change participation status in the Pre-Tax Contribution Program (without a qualifying event)
  • Enroll in Young Adult Option (YAO) coverage for children up to age 30 who no longer qualify for dependent-status NYSHIP coverage.

All required documentation must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion (HAB 603) locked drop box or scanned to benefits@newpaltz.edu no later than Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020.

Full details about the 2021 NYSHIP Option Transfer Period, including choices, rates, benefits summaries and downloadable forms, are available on the SUNY Benefits webpage.

NYS Plan Options

Employees who wish to request a change during the Option Transfer Period (i.e., enroll in, switch between, or drop coverage in the Empire Plan or any New York State health maintenance organization) must complete and submit a Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404) by Dec. 31, 2020.

Opt-Out Program

Eligible employees may elect to:

  • Enroll in the Opt-Out Program for the 2021 plan year and cancel their New York State coverage
  • Continue their participation in the Opt-Out Program (see note below)
  • End their participation in the Opt-Out Program and enroll in New York State coverage for the 2021 Plan Year

Eligible state employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance may opt out of their New York State coverage in exchange for an incentive payment*.

  • New Enrollees: Employees who wish to enroll in the Opt-out Program for the first time must complete the PS-404 (Health Insurance Transaction Form) and PS-409 (Opt-out Program Attestation Form) along with proof of other coverage.
  • Current Opt-Out Participants: Re-enrollment in the Opt-Out Program is now automatic. Employees currently participating in the Opt-Out Program who wish to opt out again for 2021 are no longer required to make an annual re-election.
  • *UUP-Represented Employees: Employees represented by UUP may decline coverage; however, the current bargaining agreement does not provide for an incentive payment for UUP-represented employees.

Young Adult Option

Eligible adult children (unmarried adult children of New York State enrollees, up to age 30) may enroll in the Young Adult Option. Current enrollees may switch plans. For more information about the Young Adult Option, please refer to the Health Insurance Choices for 2021 Booklet.

For More Information

Full details about the 2021 NYSHIP Option Transfer Period, including choices, rates, benefits summaries and downloadable forms, are available on the SUNY Benefits webpage.