OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD

OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD:

The Health Insurance Option Transfer Period begins now and will run until December 31, 2024. During the transfer period, you may elect to change your health insurance options. We recommend that you evaluate your health care needs to determine if a change should be made. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN, YOUR BENEFIT ELECTION WILL REMAIN THE SAME IN 2025.

To assist with your evaluation, we recommend all employees read the Choices booklet.  This booklet provides specific coverage information for each health plan.

Your health plan options for 2025 are:

• Empire Plan (877-769-7447)
• HIP (800-447-8255)

Copies of the Summary of Benefits and Coverage as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) can be obtained by calling 877.769.7447 , or by visiting the Employee Benefits Division web site to print a copy.

CHANGES NYSHIP ENROLLES CAN MAKE DURING THE OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD:

The following changes may be made during the Option Transfer Period:

• A change from Family to Individual coverage while dependents are still eligible when there is no qualifying event.
• A change from Individual to Family coverage (late enrollment provisions will apply).
• Newly enroll in a NYSHIP plan (late enrollment provisions will apply).
• Voluntary cancellation of your coverage while you are still eligible for coverage when there is no qualifying event.
• Newly electing the Opt Out Incentive (for eligibility, see the 2025 Choices).
• Change your PTCP election from pre-tax to after-tax or after-tax to pre-tax.

OPT OUT INCENTIVE PROGRAM:

You do not need to renew your enrollment in the Opt Out Program. Your incentive will continue in 2025 unless you wish to make a change. Please note, UUP employees are not eligible for the Opt Out Program.

PREMIUMS:
Please view the new 2025 Bi-Weekly Rates for changes to your deductions. The earliest you will see changes will be in the pay check you receive on December 31, 2024.

TO CHANGE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION:
To change your option, you must complete form PS-404 and return along with any required proof documents to the Benefits Unit, Administration Building 390; faxing to 632-1350; or emailing to HRS_Benefits@stonybrook.edu.

Any changes made to your NYSHIP plan will be effective January 2, 2025.

COVERING YOUR YOUNG ADULT CHILDREN:
Parents can keep their young adult children on their family health plan up until the end of the month in which they turn age 26, regardless of whether or not they are financially dependent, full-time students, or married (it does not apply to their spouse or children). You can add your dependent children at any time during the plan year however, without a qualifying event you may be subject to a 5 pay period wait. The 2025 monthly premium for the Young Adult Option under the Empire Plan for MC, UUP, PEF and CSEA is $1,112.35 and $1,446.40 for the HIP HMO. 

Note: This expansion of coverage does not apply to the dental and vision plans.

If you have questions regarding the option transfer period please call or email HRS_benefits@stonybrook.edu.

Benefits Department
Human Resource Services
Phone: 631-632-6180
Fax: 631-632-1350