OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD
The Health Insurance Option Transfer Period begins now and runs through December 31, 2025. During this time, you may elect to change your health insurance options. We encourage you to review your health care needs to determine if a change is appropriate. If you do not wish to make any changes, your current health insurance election will remain the same for 2026.
To assist with your evaluation, all employees should review the 2026 Choices booklet and the 2026 Option Transfer Guide, which provide specific coverage information for each health plan.
Your health plan options for 2026 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), are available by calling 877-769-7447 or by visiting the Employee Benefits Division website.
CHANGES NYSHIP ENROLLEES MAY MAKE DURING THE OPTION TRANSFER PERIOD
You may make the following changes during the Option Transfer Period:
- Change from Family to Individual coverage while dependents are still eligible (no qualifying event required).
- Change from Individual to Family coverage (late enrollment provisions apply).
- Newly enroll in a NYSHIP plan (late enrollment provisions apply).
- Voluntarily cancel your coverage while still eligible, without a qualifying event.
- Newly elect the Opt-Out Incentive (see the 2026 Choices booklet for eligibility).
- Change your PTCP (Pre-Tax Contribution Program) election from pre-tax to after-tax or vice versa (change reflected in the 1/14/26 pay check).
OPT-OUT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
You do not need to renew your Opt-Out Program election. Your incentive will continue in 2026 unless you choose to make a change.
Note: UUP employees are not eligible for the Opt-Out Program.
PREMIUMS
Please review the 2026 Bi-Weekly Rates for changes to your deductions. The earliest you will see rate changes reflected will be in the paycheck dated December 31, 2025.
TO CHANGE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION
To change your health plan, submit form PS404 along with any required proof documents.
If you are electing the Opt-Out Incentive, you must submit both PS404 and PS409.
All forms and proof documents as applicable must be submitted here by December 31, 2025.
Any changes made during the Option Transfer Period will take effect January 1, 2026.
COVERING YOUR YOUNG ADULT CHILDREN
Parents may keep their young adult children on their family health plan until the end of the month in which the child turns age 26, regardless of financial dependency, student status, or marital status (coverage does not extend to the child’s spouse or children).
You may add dependent children at any time during the plan year; however, without a qualifying event, a five–pay period waiting period may apply.
2026 Young Adult Option monthly premiums:
- Empire Plan: $1,194.83
- HIP HMO: $1,491.14
Note: This expanded coverage does not apply to dental or vision plans.
If you have questions regarding the Option Transfer Period, please call or email HRS_benefits@stonybrook.edu