When You Can Switch Plans
Option 1: During Open Enrollment
During the annual Open Enrollment period (traditionally December 1–31), you can switch to a different health insurance plan. Any plan changes made will take effect January 1.
In the months leading up to Open Enrollment, NYSHIP provides information about updated benefits and premium costs for the upcoming year.
Option 2: Loss of Other Coverage
If you lose other employer-sponsored health coverage, you can enroll in NYSHIP immediately without a waiting period.
Option 3: When You Have a Qualifying Life Event
Qualifying life events let you change your NYSHIP plan outside open enrollment. In most cases, you must submit your change within 30 days.
Common life events include:
- A permanent move
(Note: a dependent moving to attend college does not count as a permanent move.) - Marriage or domestic partnership
- Birth, adoption, or placement for adoption
- You retire or vest
You can find the full list of qualifying events in your General Information Book. The qualifying event must affect eligibility for health benefits, and a request for a change in health insurance deductions due to a qualifying event must be consistent with the event.
Check with your HBA or the BSC to find out if there are additional requirements or deadlines.
How to Switch Plans
If you decide to switch plans, fill out a NYSHIP Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404) and submit it to your HBA.
To review the different NYSHIP plan options available, you can compare your benefits, coverage and costs side by side online. Health Insurance Choices publication and the NYSHIP Rates flyer are also available for detailed plan information and premium rates.
When Coverage Takes Effect
The effective date of your coverage depends on when you submit your request and the type of change you are making.
If you change plans during Open Enrollment, your new coverage will begin on January 1. In most cases, adding a dependent within 30 days of them becoming eligible for NYSHIP coverage will result in the new dependent’s coverage starting on the first day they were eligible (even if it’s retroactive).
If your dependent is added more than 30 days after they become eligible, or if they were previously eligible but not enrolled, there will be a late enrollment period unless they are added during Open Enrollment.
Speak with your HBA or the BSC for information about your specific situation.