Page 17 - Work Force December_2022

NYSHIP state employees prepare for option transfer period
PLANNING FOR OPTION TRANSFER
FOR 2023
September 2022
For employees of the State of New York, their enrolled dependents, COBRA enrollees with their NYSHIP benefits and Young Adult Option enrollees
Option Transfer • Opt-out Program • Pre-Tax Contribution Program • Productivity Enhancement Program
New York State Department of Civil Service, Employee Benefits Division, Albany, New York 12239 • www.cs.ny.gov/employee-benefits
It’s time to consider your NYSHIP health option for 2023.
The “Planning for Option Transfer for 2023” publication was recently mailed to your home to help you determine which options are best for you and your enrolled dependents.
This publication includes information about the upcoming option transfer period, which is when you can make changes to your 2023 NYSHIP option. The “Health Insurance Choices guide for 2023” contains a more detailed comparison of NYSHIP benefits. The Choices guide will be available from your agency health benefits administrator (HBA). Please watch your mailbox for 2023 rate information and option transfer information and deadlines.
Important dates to remember: • Flex Spending Open
enrollment period. The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a negotiated employee benefit for state employees that offers a way to pay unreimbursed health care expenses (Health Care Spending Account),
dependent care expenses (Dependent Care Advantage Account) or adoption expenses with pre-tax dollars. Enrollment in the FSA is voluntary; you decide) how much money to have taken out of your paycheck (up to plan maximum amounts) and put into your account. Open enrollment began Nov. 1, 2022 and runs through Dec. 12, 2022.
• Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) enrollment period. PEP allows eligible full-time and part-time state employees to exchange previously accrued annual and/or personal leave for a credit to be applied toward their NYSHIP premium. During negotiations, CSEA was successful in negotiating an increase to the PEP days allowed for use. Enrollment began Nov. 1, 2022 and runs through Dec. 12, 2022.
• Pre-tax Contribution Program
(PTCP) election period: Runs concurrently with the 2023 option transfer period.
The annual NYSHIP option transfer period and the young adult option enrollment dates will be announced as soon as the 2023 premium rates have been approved by the state.
The NYSHIP option transfer period is the time to make any changes to your NYSHIP health plan enrollment without a qualifying event. Changes permitted during the option transfer period include choosing a health insurance option:
• The Empire Plan
• A NYSHIP HMO (in the service
area where you live or work) • The Opt-out Program (for
eligible employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance)
Other changes allowed during the option transfer period include:
• Changing from Family to
Individual coverage
• Changing from Individual to
Family coverage *
• Newly enroll in NYSHIP coverage *
(*Waiting periods may apply)
Option Transfer materials and additional information regarding comparing NYSHIP plans be found online at https://tinyurl.com/nyship- plan-comparison.
December 2022
The Work Force 17