Relocation

Changing your health plan when you move. 

When a move happens, it’s possible that your current health plan may no longer be available or may not provide coverage in your new area. In these situations, changing to a different plan may be allowed outside of Open Enrollment.

Woman sits on her floor surrounded by packing boxes as she labels one box with a sharpie ahead of a move.

When You Can Make a Change

You may be allowed to change your plan if: 

  • Your new home is outside your HMO's service area. 
  • Your job location is no longer within your current HMO's service area. 
  • If you relocate to an area with additional HMOs, you may choose one of those newly available options. 
  • If a covered dependent permanently moves outside your HMO's service area, a change may be allowed. 

    A dependent attending college outside the service area is not considered a permanent move. 

Request Address Change

To ensure you have continued access to benefits, you must submit your request within 30 days of your move or job location change. To submit your change, complete the NYSHIP Change of Address Form (PS-850) to your HBA or Agency Contact.

If you're a retired employee, the form may be securely faxed to (518) 485-5590, or you may mail it to:

New York State Department of Civil Service
Employee Benefits Division
Albany, NY 12239

If you want to change your NYSHIP health insurance plan option, speak with your HBA or Agency Contact for more information.

Resources

Changing Plans

Learn how to change plans, understand qualifying life events and see coverage options available to you during the Open Enrollment period. 

Changing Plans

Coverage Options

Your options as a NYSHIP enrollee, including coverage costs, enrollment periods and deadlines, and changing your option. 

Coverage Options

Things to Consider

Plan options can vary by location. Before choosing a new plan, consider: 

  • Whether your doctors are in the network
  • What services are covered
  • Your out-of-pocket costs

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