Benefits Roundtable

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Discussion Points

NYSCOPBA - SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2011

SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS FOR SUMMER COVERAGE 2012

APSU/PBANYS - SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD (MARCH 1, 2012 - MARCH 31,2012)

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR PLAN YEAR 2012 

PEF -- SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2011

TAX-DEFERRED CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2012

2012 NYS FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT OPEN ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN

MANAGEMENT/CONFIDENTIAL (NU 06 &13) -- SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOER 1, 2011

CSEA -- SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2011

SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS FOR SUMMER COVERAGE 2011

2011 NYS FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT UPDATE

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD 2011

COVERING YOUR YOUNG ADULT DEPENDENT

SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE 10/01/2010

FACULTY SUBJECT TO EXTRA DEDUCTIONS FOR SUMMER HEALTH CARE

SUNY ORP MEMBERS: FINAL PHASE OF THE EMPLOYEE AND EMPLOPER CONTRIBUTION RATE CHANGES

NYS EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (ERS) AND TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (TRS) TIER 5 BENEFIT INFORMATION

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD 2010

YOUNG ADULT OPTION -- EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2010

NYSCOPBA -  SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD (May 4, 2012 - June 4, 2012)

As a result of the recently ratified collective bargaining agreement, the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) premium contribution sharing arrangement is changing for Enrollees in Law Enforcement positions represented by NYSCOPBA with a retroactive effective date of October 1, 2011.  A Special Option Transfer Period is being made available to these employees as a result of premium contribution changes. 

For employees in positions SG-09 or lower, the State's contribution rate is 88% of the cost of the enrollee's coverage and 73% of the cost for dependent coverage. For employees in poisitions SG-10 or higher, the State's contriubtion is 84% of the cost of the enrollee's coverage and 69% of the cost for dependent coverage.

Since premium deductions for coverage beginning with the period including October 1, 2011 have already been taken, the increase in the cost of NYSHIP coverage will be calculated, and this differential will be applied to the paychecks dated June 20, 2012.   This retroactive health insurance special adjustment for NYSHIP premiums will be coordinated to impact the same paycheck in which retroactive payments will be disbursed in accordance with the 2009- 2016 agreement between the State and NYSCOPBA. 

In addition to this special adjustment, the health insurance regular premium deductions will reflect the benefit changes effective July 1, 2012. 

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you wish to change your health insurance plan, you must complete the Health Insurance Transaction Form PS-404.  The completed form will need to be returned to Human Resources, Erwin 219, by June 4, 2012, close of business.
• No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option.
• The regular Annual Option Transfer Period, usually held at the end of the calendar year, will be available and you will have the opprotunity to review health insurance plan options and rates for 2013 as you normally do.

SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS FOR SUMMER COVERAGE 2012

Employees who receive their salary in less than 26 paychecks must have extra health insurance deductions taken prior to their removal from the payroll to pay for coverage during the summer months.  All extra deductions will be taken before the employee goes off the payroll for the summer.

Extra deductions, in addition to your regular health insurance deduction will be taken.  The paychecks impacted by the special deductions will be as follows:

Part-time Employees that receive 20 paychecks

Check Date                Deductions

05/09/2012                2 extra deductions for 6/20 & 7/4

05/23/2012                2 extra deductions for 7/18 & 8/1

06/06/2012                2 extra deductions for 8/15/ & 8/29

Full-time Employees that receive 21 paychecks

Check Date                Deductions

05/23/2012 2 extra deductions for 7/4 & 7/18

06/06/2012      2 extra deductions for 8/1 & 8/15

06/20/2012 1 extra deduction for 8/29

If you have further questions about these deductions, please contact me at X5616 or email at phipps@geneseo.edu.

APSU/PBANYS - Special Option Transfer Period (march 1, 2012 - march 31, 2012)

The collective bargaining agreement ratified on January 31, 2012 will result in NYSHIP rate and premium contribution changes. The new rates will be in effect through the end of 2012. As a result of these changes, there will be a Special Option Transfer Period during the month of March. 

Effective October 1, 2011,  the State will contribute 84% of the cost of the enrollee's coverage and 69% of the cost for dependent coverage.  Since premium deductions for coverage beginning with the pay period including October 1, 2011 have already been taken, the increase in the cost of NYSHIP coverage will be calculated, and this differential will be applied to the paycheck dated March 28, 2012. This retroactive health insurance special adjustment for NYSHIP premiums will be coordinated to impact the same paycheck in which retroactive payments will be disbursed in accordance with the 2011-2016  agreement between the State and PBANYS for APSU employees. 

In addition to this special adjustment, the health insurance regular premium deduction amount taken from this check will reflect the 2012 NYSHIP premium in effect beginning April 1, 2012. 

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you wish to change your health insurance plan, you must complete the Health Insurance Transaction Form PS-404.  The completed form will need to be returned to Human Resources, Erwin 219, by March 30, 2012, close of business.
• No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option.
• The regular Annual Option Transfer Period, usually held at the end of the calendar year, will be available and you will have the opprotunity to review health insurance plan options and rates for 2013 as you normally do.

---

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION TRANSFER 2012

The New York State Health Insurance Rates have been released for Plan Year 2012.  NYSHIP Choices and Rates publications are broken down a bit differently this year depennding on an employee's negotiating unit status.  Here is all the relevant information:

 

• The NYSHIP Option Transfer Period 2012  ends December 30, 2011.
• To make changes to your health insurance plan, complete the NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404) found in the General Forms at:  HR Forms.
• Forms must be submitted to Human Resources by December 30, 2011 (close of business).
• Health Coverage for Plan Year 2012 will be effective January 5, 2012.
• The earliest paycheck in which a deduction change will be made is the check of January 4,  2012. (If you change plans, because of processing time, most paycheck changes will be made later in January and will include retroactive adjustments for coverage beginning January 5, 2012.)
• No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option and you still qualify for your current plan.

I encourage you to complete the option transfer forms as soon as possible. This will help to avoid retroactive premium adjustments and should allow you to receive new health plan identification cards. Choices 2012, a summary of health insurance plans, and Rates and Deadlines are available at:   Health Insurance.

A link to this booklet and other resources are listed below. I encourage you to review these resources before you decide to change insurance carriers for plan year 2012.

Useful Links and Information

Choices Book 2012:

• Choices 2012 Settled (CSEA, M/C, & PEF)
• Choices 2012 Unsettled (UUP, NYSCOPBA, ALES/PBANYS)

Local Plan Rates:

• PEF
• CSEA & M/C
• UUP, NYSCOPBA & ALES/PBANYS

Comparing Your NYSHIP Options

MyNYSHIP -- (Side-by-Side Comparison Chart tool)

Choosing the health insurance plan to cover your needs and the needs of your family requires careful research. As with most important purchases, there is more to consider than cost. The first step in making a good choice is understanding the similarities and the differences between your NYSHIP options. There are two types of health insurance plans available to you under NYSHIP: The Empire Plan and NYSHIP Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The Empire Plan is available to all employees. Specific NYSHIP HMOs are available in the various geographic areas of New York State. Depending on where you live or work, one or several NYSHIP HMOs will be available to you. The Empire Plan and NYSHIP HMOs are similar in many ways, but also have important differences. In addition to reviewing the Choices 2012 booklet for co-pay costs, read through the booklet for helpful information that highlight differences in your available health plan choices.

NEW for Plan Year 2012:  The Opt-Out Program for CSEA, M/C & PEF NYSHIP Enrollees

Effective January 1, 2012, NYSHIP will offer the Opt-Out Program which will allow eligible employees of New York State who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance to opt out of their NYSHIP coverage in exchange for an incentive payment. The incentive payment is $1000 for waiving individual coverage or $3000 for waiving family coverage on an annual basis.  The incentive payments will be prorated and reimbursed through your biweekly paycheck throughout the year (payable only when an employee is on the payroll). The incentive amount will be credited to the employee's biweekly pay check and will be treated as taxable income. The biweekly incentive amounts will be $38.46 for opting out of Individual coverage ($1000/26 paychecks) or $115.38 for opting out of Family coverage ($3000/26 paychecks).  Incentive payments to employee participating in the Opt-Out Program for 2012 will begin as soon as practicable after January 1 when necessary program changes are in place. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Opt-out Program, the eligible employee must meet two eligibility criteria to receive the incentive payment:

Eligible employees who are currently enrolled in NYSHIP and wish to participate in the Opt-out Program, must elect to opt out during the annual Option Transfer Period and attest to having other employer-sponsored group health insurance each year. If you elect to Opt-out you will need to complete the:

• NYS Health Insurance Transaction form (PS-404), and 
• the 2012 Opt-out Attestation Form (PS-409)

Opt-Out Program FAQs - Click Here

**NEW** New York State Health Insurance Program Opt Out Program for 2012 -
Additional Eligibility Rules for NYS Employees Represented by CSEA

PEF -- Special Option Transfer Period effective october 1, 2011

The Special Option Transfer Period will begin November 4, 2011  and run through December 5, 2011.

Effective October 1, 2011, the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) premium contribution sharing arrangement is changing for PEF represented employees. A Special Option Transfer Period is being made available to PEF represented employees as a result of the premium contribution changes. The annual rate change and Option Transfer Period for plan year 2012 will occur later this year, as usual.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Since premium deductions for October coverage and November have already been taken, the increase in the cost of NYSHIP coverage for October and November will be deferred and included in premium contributions for six bi-weekly pay periods beginning with the check date January 4, 2012.  
• Forms to request an option change are available in the Human Resources Office (Erwin 219) and at our HR Forms Page. All forms must be received in the Human Resources Office or postmarked by December 5, 2011.  Online option changes are NOT available during the Special Option Transfer Period.
• No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option. 

Enrollees who are considering changing their health insurance plan effective October 1, 2011 should carefully review the following:

• 2011 NYSHIP Choices booklet, the
• Empire Plan Report, the
• NYSHIP HMO Special Report
• NYSHIP Rate Changes
• PEF Local 2011 Rates -- Effective 10/01/2011

TAX-DEFERRED CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2012

The State University of New York Voluntary Savings Plan - 2012 Universal Availability Notice

The 2012 IRS maximum limits for tax-deferred contributions have been announced. The following information will inform and/or assist you with:

• how to cancel or change your current contribution,
• continue to participate at your current contribution amount, or
• enroll into a SUNY Voluntary Savings Program (supplemental tax-deferred annuity 403(b) or 457 plan)
• 2012 Retirement Plan Limits

Please be advised that all state employees are eligible to enroll in both a tax-deferred annuity and the New York State Deferred Compensation (NYSDCP) and contribute up to the limits outlined below. You can contribute to both plans (403(b) and 457) in calendar year 2012 and contribute up to $34,000.00

SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plans

Cancel or Change Your Contribution:

• Complete and sign the Salary Reduction Agreement form and return this form to the Payroll Office, Erwin 220.

 Continue to Participate:

• No action is necessary if you are contributing up to or at $17,000.00.
• Due to IRS regulations, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) will set all employee limits to $17,000 for the 2012 calendar year. Therefore, if you are eligible (50 years of age and over and/or meet the 15 years of full-time service) and you wish to exceed the $17,000 limit you MUST complete a new Salary Reduction Agreement.  Employees who wish to make this change for the first check in 2012 must have the Salary Reduction Agreement to the Payroll Office by Wednesday, December 07, 2011.
  

 Enroll:

• Open a new account with a provider selected from the Investment Provider List.  Complete necessry forms with the provider. .
• Complete and sign a new Salary Reduction Agreement form
• Return the Salary Reduction Agreement form to the Payroll Office, Erwin 220

New York State Deferred Compensation Plan (NYSDCP)

• For enrollment information or to make changes to your existing contract, please contact NYSDCP directly at 1.800.422.8463 or www.nysdcp.com

 2012 Retirement Plan Limits

• Employees may contribute up to $17,000 tax deferred in 2012
• Employees who are age 50 and older may contribute an additional $5500, up to $22,500
• Employees who have at least 15 years of full-time service may also contribute an additional $3,000 per year ($15,000 lifetime), up to $20,000
• Please Note:  If you have 15 years of service or more and your normal contributions will exceed $17,000 (or $22,500 if you will be age 50 or more in 2012), contact TIAA-CREF at 1.800.842.2776 to verify your allowable contribution and have a maximum deferral calculation prepared for you.  You are responsible for ensuring that the amount of your contributions will not exceed your maximum allowance for the calendar year.

SUNY Resources

SUNY Universal Availability Notice

SUNY Voluntary Savings Program

SUNY Tax-Deferred Savings Brochure

403(b) & 457(b) Comparison

2012 NYS FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT OPEN ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN

2012 PLAN YEAR RESOURCES
Printable NYS Flex Spending Account Brochure - Click Here 
Printable NYS Flex Spending Account Enrollment Book - Plan Year 2012 - Click Here
2012 Flex Spending Account Enrollment Information - Click Here 
2012 Health Care Spending Account Information - Click Here
2012 Dependent Care Account Information - Click Here
FAQs - Click Here

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR 2012

• The current DCAAccount Employer Contribution ends at the end of 2011.  Future availability of the Employer Contribution depends on the outcome of negotiations between the State and the unions that participate in the program.  For Employer Contribution updates, please visit our website at http://www.flexspend.ny.gov/ or call (800) 358 7202.

ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Enrollment begins on October 14, 2011  and ends November 14, 2011.
Open Enrollment Calendar - Click Here.

PAPERLESS ENROLLMENT
Enroll online at www.flexspend.ny or by calling the toll-free hotline at 800.358.7202.
For additional tips and information for successful enrollment -  Click Here

Please Note:
If you are currently enrolled in a Flex Spending Account for plan year 2011, you must re-enroll to continue participation for plan year 2012.

BENEFIT OVERVIEW
The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a state employee benefit that saves you money by allowing you to pay for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars. Under this program you can choose to enroll in the Health Care Spending Account (HCSAccount) and/or the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAcount). The HCSAccount lets you set aside any amount from $100 to $4000 as pre-tax salary annually to pay for health care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance or other benefit plan. The DCAAcount allows your family to set aside up to $5000 in pre-tax salary for eligible child care, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses. Both benefits are open to New York State employees. Employees who wish to enroll in the HCSAccount also must:

• be permanently employed or expect to be employed for the entire calendar year in which they plan to enroll. Employees who work on a semester basis are also eligible.
• be annual-salaried
• work at least half time
• meet the eligibility criteria for enrollment in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) and
• be either M/C, CSEA, PEF, UUP, NYSCOPBA, or PBA.

PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS

There will be 24 payroll deductions for employees who receive 26 paychecks. Employees who work on a semester basis who receive less than 26 paychecks per calendar year will need to plan their deductions accordingly if you plan to enroll.  For more information, Click Here.

USE IT OR LOSE IT
Due to the tax advantages of participating in the FSA, the IRS has strict guidelines regarding contributions. Any money that remains unclaimed in your account after the runout period (90 days after the 2011 plan year or March 31, 2012) is forfeited. Employees should carefully estimate expenses accordingly.

MANAGEMENT/CONFIDENTIAL (nu 06 & 13) SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2011

The Special Option Transfer Period will begin on September 1, 2011 and run through September 30, 2011.

The NYSHIP rate changes are the result of collective bargaining and are being administratively extended to M/C employees.  There will be a Special Option Transfer Period during the month of September. The regular annual rate change and Option Transfer Period for plan year 2012 will occur later this year, as usual. 

Please Note: No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option.  Rate changes will be reflected in pay check dated September 28, 2011.

Enrollees who are considering changing their health insurance plan effective October 1, 2011 should carefully review the following:

• 2011 NYSHIP Choices booklet, the 
• August 2011 Empire Plan Special Report that describes October 1 benefit changes , the 
• NYSHIP Rate Changes Effective October 1, 2011 flyer

CSEA SPECIAL OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD FOR NYSHIP RATE CHANGES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2011

The Special Option Transfer Period will begin on September 1, 2011 and run through September 30, 2011.

As a result of the 2011-2016 agreement between the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and the State, the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) premiums will change effective October 1, 2011 for CSEA-represented employees.There will be a Special Option Transfer Period during the month of September. The regular annual rate change and Option Transfer Period for plan year 2012 will occur later this year, as usual. 

Please Note: No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option.  Rate changes will be reflected in pay check dated September 28, 2011.

Enrollees who are considering changing their health insurance plan effective October 1, 2011 should carefully review the following:

• 2011 NYSHIP Choices booklet, the 
• August 2011 Empire Plan Special Report that describes October 1 benefit changes , the 
• NYSHIP HMO Special Report, and the
• NYSHIP Rate Changes Effective October 1, 2011 flyer

Special deductions for summer coverage

Employees who receive their salary in less than 26 paychecks must have extra health insurance deductions taken prior to their removal from the payroll to pay for coverage during the summer months.  All extra deductions will be taken before the employee goes off the payroll for the summer.

Extra deductions, in addition to your regular health insurance deduction will be taken.  The paychecks impacted by the special deductions will be as follows:

Part-time Employees that receive 20 paychecks

Check Date                Deductions

5/11/11                       2 extra deductions for 6/22 & 7/6

5/25/11                       2 extra deductions for 7/20 & 8/3

6/8/11                         2 extra deductions for 8/17 & 8/31

Full-time Employees that receive 21 paychecks

Check Date                Deductions

5/25/11      2 extra deductions for 7/6 & 7/20

6/8/11      2 extra deductions for 8/3 & 8/17

6/22/11      1 extra deduction for 8/31

If you have further questions about these deductions, please contact me at X5616 or email at phipps@geneseo.edu.

nys fLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT UPDATE

During the 2011 NYS Flex Spending Account (FSA) Open Enrollment Period, we received communications that the Fringe Benefits Management Company (FBMC), a Division of Wageworks, would no longer serve as the NYS Flex Spending Account administrator.

We recently received an update concerning the administration of our Flex Spending Accounts.  FBMC will continue to be the administrator for the 2011 plan year.  As a result, FBMC will continue to process all claims for 2010 and 2011 plan years. FBMC's phone number, fax number and address will remain the same as well.

FBMC Contact Information:

• FBMC
• FBMC phone number:  1.800.342.8017
• State of New York FAX line: 1.800.743.3271
• US Postal Address: Fringe Benefits Management Company, P.O. Box 1820, Tallahassee, FL 32303
• NYS Flex Spending Account Online:  http://www.flexspend.ny.gov/

HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION TRANSFER 2011

• Option Transfer Period 2010 begins December 2, 2010 and ends December 31, 2010.
• To make changes to your health insurance plan, complete the NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404) found in the General Forms at:  HR Forms.
• Forms must be submitted to Human Resources by December 31, 2010 (close of business).
• Health Coverage for Plan Year 2011 will be effective January 6, 2011.
• The earliest paycheck in which a deduction change will be made is the check of January 5, 2011. (If you change plans, because of processing time, most paycheck changes will be made later in January and will include retroactive adjustments for coverage beginning January 6, 2011.)

I encourage you to complete the option transfer forms as soon as possible. This will avoid retroactive premium adjustments and should allow you to receive new health plan identification cards. Choices 2011, a summary of health insurance plans, and Rates and Deadlines are available at:   Health Insurance, Dental and Vision

A link to this booklet and other resources are listed below. I encourage you to review these resources before you decide to change insurance carriers for plan year 2011.

USEFUL TOOLS, LINKS AND INFORMATION:

• Choices 2011
  
• NYSHIP Rates and Deadlines 2011 - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011
• Local Plan Rates 2011
  
• Local Plan Rates 2011 -- Co-Pay Comparison Chart
• MyNYSHIP -- (Side-by-Side Comparison Chart tool)
  
• Interested in Self-Service MyNYSHIP? Click here.

COMPARING YOUR NYSHIP OPTIONS

Choosing the health insurance plan to cover your needs and the needs of your family requires careful research. As with most important purchases, there is more to consider than cost.

The first step in making a good choice is understanding the similarities and the differences between your NYSHIP options. There are two types of health insurance plans available to you under NYSHIP: The Empire Plan and NYSHIP Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The Empire Plan is available to all employees. Specific NYSHIP HMOs are available in the various geographic areas of New York State. Depending on where you live or work, one or several NYSHIP HMOs will be available to you. The Empire Plan and NYSHIP HMOs are similar in many ways, but also have important differences. In addition to reviewing the Choices 2011 booklet for co-pay costs, read through the booklet for helpful information that highlight differences in your available health plan choices.

Covering your young adult children

NYSHIP RESOURCES

Covering Your Young Adult Children

Young Adult Q & A

PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), your young adult children can be covered on your health insurance plan up to age 26. Financial dependency, student status, marital status, employment and residency can no longer be used to determine eligibility. Although the new law extends coverage to married children, it does not apply to their spouse or children.

NYSHIP COVERAGE OF CHILDREN TO AGE 26
Effective January 1, 2011, the eligibility rules for covering dependents under the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) will change to allow an enrollee's child to continue coverage as an eligible dependent up to age 26.

Please Note: 

• The extension of coverage to age 26 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) does not apply to dental and vision coverage. The same eligiblity rules and required proof of full-time student status is still required for dental and vision benefits.
• Also, beginning January 1, 2011, dependent children will be eligible for coverage under NYSHIP through the end of the month in which they reach age 26.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD
Beginning November 1, 2011 and continuing through the end of the option transfer period, enrollees can add their young adult children who are under the age of 26 as dependents to their NYSHIP coverage. Coverage will be effective on January 1, 2011.

To add a young adult child as a dependent:

1. Complete and sign the Young Adult Dependent Form found on page 6 of the Covering Your Young Adult Children flier,
2. attach proper documentation for your young adult dependent (birth certificate, Social Security card, PS 457 if required),
3. and return your completed form and documentation to Human Resources, Erwin 219. 

Please Note:

• An adult child under the age of 26 who is currently enrolled as a dependent under their parent's family coverage on January 1, 2011 will continue to be covered to age 26; no action is required by the enrollee.
• For enrollees requesting to add young adult dependents after the special enrollment period has ended, normal waiting periods apply and the effective date of coverage will be based upon the date of first eligiblity and date of request.
• Adult children who are currently enrolled in either COBRA continuation coverage or the Young Adult Option through NYSHIP will be required to indicate on the enrollment form if they wish to cancel the current coverage.
  ***Cancellation of coverage is not automatic.****

HEALTH PLAN RATES
When you add your young adult dependent to your family coverage, there is no additional premium cost to you. If you currently have individual coverage, you will need to change to family coverage which does cost more than individual coverage. View the current rates at: 2010 Health Plan Rates. Health Plan Rates for Option Transfer Period 2011 have not yet been issued; this information is usually available in late November.

Special Option Transfer Period for NYSHIP Rate Changes
Effective October 1, 2010

NYSHIP enrollees received this flier at their home informing them of this special option transfer period and rate changes:

NYSHIP Active Enrollee Rate Changes Effective October 1, 2010 Flier

Legislation passed on June 7, 2010, will result in a New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) rate change effective October 1, 2010. As a result of these rate changes, there will be a Special Option Transfer Period during the month of August.   The rate changes will be reflected in the September 29, 2010 pay check. The annual rate change and Option Transfer Period for 2011 will still occur later this year.

BACKGROUND

The Civil Service Law requires that NYSHIP enrollees and dependents that are eligible for Medicare coverage that is primary to (pays before) NYSHIP coverage be reimbursed for their cost of the Medicare Part B premium. Prior to the recent change in NYS law, the full cost of this reimbursement to State enrollees was paid by the State. Provisions of 2010-2011 Emergency Budget legislation now require that, effective April 1, 2010, the cost of Medicare Part B premium reimbursement be shared by the State and NYSHIP enrollees.

TIMELINE

• Aug. 2:       Special Option Transfer Period begins
• Aug. 31:     Special Option Transfer Period ends - last day to change plans
• Oct. 1:        New NYSHIP health rates become effective

NEXT STEPS

• Review NYSHIP Choices 2010 Booklet,  the Local Plan Rates Effective 2010, and the NYSHIP Rate Comparison Chart.
• To switch health plans, complete the New York State Health Insurance Transaction Form - PS 404.
• Return completed form to Human Resources (Erwin 219) before or by the end of the day on August 31, 2010.
• No action is required if you do not want to change your health plan.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• If premium cost is increasing, enrollees may change to a lower cost option.
• Regardless of the change in the cost of enrollee's current option, they may change into an option for which the premium has decreased.
• Enrollees in HMOs may not change into The Empire Plan
• Enrollees in one of the three HMO option coverages for which the enrollee contribution is increasing may not change into another one of these three HMOs if the change will result in a higher enrollee contribution. 
• Enrollees may not change from individual to family coverage without a qualifying event.

RESOURCES

Instructions for Completing NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form PS 404
NYSHIPonline

Faculty Subject to Extra Deductions for
Summer Health Care Coverage

Special Deductions for Summer Coverage Memorandum

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SUNY ORP MEMBERS: Final Phase of the Employee and Employer Contribution Rate Changes

3% Elimination for SUNY ORP Members -- Final Phase

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NYS EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (ERS) AND TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (TRS) TIER 5 BENEFIT INFORMATION

Effective January 1, 2010, Legislature established a new Tier 5 for New York State public pension systems. This includes both the NYS Employees' Retirement System (ERS) and the NYS Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). Anyone entering New York State service and electing to join ERS or TRS on or after January 1, 2010 will belong to Tier 5. Rules of Tier 5 membership differ between ERS and TRS.

ERS - Tier 5 Benefit Information

ERS - Key Tier 5 Benefits Compared to Current Benefits

TRS Headlines for Tier 5 

Health Insurance Option Transfer Period 2010

• Option Transfer Period 2010 begins 12/01/2009 and ends 12/31/2009.
• To make changes to your health insurance plan, complete the NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404) found in the General Forms at:  HR Forms.
• Forms should be submitted to Human Resources by:  12/31/2009 (close of business).
• Coverage effective date is January 7, 2010.
• Earliest paycheck in which a deduction will be made is January 6, 2010.

We encourage you to complete the option transfer forms as soon as possible. This will avoid retroactive premium adjustments and should allow you to receive new health plan identification cards. Choices 2010, a summary of health insurance plans, and Rates and Deadlines are available at:  Health Insurance, Dental and Vision.  A link to this booklet and other resources are also listed below.  I encourage you to review these resources before you decide to change insurance carriers or to remain with your current carrier for your health insurance coverage in 2010.

Useful Tools, Links, and Information:

• Choices 2010- Settled
  For Employees of the State of New York who are unrepresented or in Negotiating Units that have agreements/awards with New York State beginning April 7, 2007 (CSEA, PEF, M/C, UUP) and for COBRA enrollees with their NYSHIP Benefits.

  Choices 2010 - Unsettled
  For Employees of the State of New York who are in Negotiating Units that do not have agreements/awards with New York State (Council 82, NYSCOPBA) and for COBRA enrollees with their NYSHIP Benefits.

• NYSHIP Rates and Deadlines 2010

• Local Plan Rates2010 Comparison Chart

• Co-Pay Comparison Charts -- visit MyNYSHIP for the Benefit Plan Comparison Tool.
  For instructions, click here

Young Adult Option - Effective January 1, 2010

A new state law (Chapter 240 of the Laws of 2009) allows young adults through age 29 to be covered through a parent's group health insurance policy under a new "Young Adult Option".  This new option goes into effect on January 1, 2010.  For informative details, please see the following resources:

• Young Adult Option Memo
• NYSHIP website for Young Adult Option Coverage, click here
• Request for Coverage under the Young Adult Option (YAD-NYPE 01/10 APPL), see HR Forms
• Rates

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