The Health Insurance Option Transfer Period is open now through Dec. 31

The 2022 New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) Option Transfer Period runs from now through Dec. 31, 2021, meaning now is the time for New Paltz faculty and staff to make their choices and/or updates for their health care coverage in 2022.

During the Option Transfer Period, state employees have multiple options for adjusting or updating their coverage status and plan options, including:

Changing from Family to Individual coverage (regardless of whether a qualifying event has affected your dependents’ eligibility)

Changing from Individual to Family coverage (late enrollment provisions apply)

Voluntarily canceling coverage (regardless of whether a qualifying event has affected your eligibility)

Enrolling in NYSHIP (late enrollment provisions will apply)

Changing participation status in the Pre-Tax Contribution Program (without a qualifying event)

Enrolling in Young Adult Option (YAO) coverage for children up to age 30 who no longer qualify for dependent-status NYSHIP coverage.

Additional details, instructions and forms for each option can be found below or on the SUNY Benefits webpage.

All required documentation must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion (HAB 603) or scanned to benefits@newpaltz.edu no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.

 

Requesting a Change in New York State Health 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, 2021.

 

Electing to Opt-Out

Eligible employees may elect to:

Enroll in the Opt-Out Program for the 2022 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 2022 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 2022 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.

 

Enrolling Eligible Family Members in the 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 2022 Booklet.