The Daily Bulletin Archive

The annual Option Transfer Period—the time to choose the health insurance option you want for 2021—is open through Thursday, December 31. The New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) offers employees the choice of the Empire Plan or a NYSHIP-approved health maintenance organization (HMO) serving the area where they live or work.

The "Choices" booklet explains the available NYSHIP options if you are considering changing your health insurance option for 2021 or wish to review your current option. You can find "Choices" and other option transfer publications on the NYSHIP Online website. Select your group and plan when prompted, and then select Health Benefits and Option Transfer. Choose Rates and Health Plan Choices for the most up-to-date option transfer information.

A limited number of "Choices" booklets will also be available in the Benefits Office. Please call if you wish to receive a paper copy. Rate information will be sent directly to enrollees' homes. Information is also available on the Buffalo State Benefits website.

If you have coverage under another employer-sponsored health insurance program, you may be eligible to opt out of NYSHIP coverage in exchange for an incentive payment. If you are interested in participating in the Opt-Out Program for 2021, please contact the Employee Benefits Office. It is no longer necessary to re-enroll in the Opt-Out Program each year. No action is required for current Opt-Out enrollees who are still eligible and wish to remain in the program for 2021.

Except under limited circumstances, you cannot change options outside the annual Option Transfer Period, which ends on December 31, 2020.

Other changes permitted during the Option Transfer Period without a qualifying event:

• Change from family to individual coverage
• Voluntarily cancel your coverage
• Change your tax-election option (pre-tax to after-tax or after-tax to pre-tax)

To change your health insurance option during the Option Transfer Period, please return the completed and signed Health Insurance Transaction Form (PDF, 78 KB) to the Employee Benefits Office (Cleveland Hall 410) by Thursday, December 31. You may also change your option online using MyNYSHIP. All changes will be effective Thursday, January 7, 2021.

No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option.

If you have questions, please contact the Benefits Office, 878-4821.