Enrollment

Everything you need to know about enrollment and changing your NYSHIP coverage. 

Open Enrollment

The Open Enrollment period occurs annually in December. During this time, you can:

  • Enroll in NYSHIP with no waiting period
  • Change your NYSHIP plan to either The Empire Plan, a NYSHIP HMO, or participate in the Opt-Out Program
  • Switch to Individual or Family coverage
  • Change your Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) status or deduction 
  • Enroll in the Young Adult Option

Coverage Options

A comprehensive overview of your options as a NYSHIP enrollee, including coverage costs, enrollment periods and changing your option. 

Coverage Options

Changing Your Enrollment

In some situations, NYSHIP will allow you to change your enrollment outside of the Open Enrollment period. Below are some common situations. Speak with your HBA or Agency Contact to learn more.

Enrolling a Dependent

A dependent can be a spouse, domestic partner, or child. If your dependent is eligible for NYSHIP but not yet enrolled, you have options. To learn more about the specific requirements for enrolling:

Spouse, Domestic Partner and Divorce Coverage

Dependent Children Coverage

Loss of Coverage

If you’re signing up for coverage because you lost other employer-sponsored health insurance, you won’t have a waiting period. Your coverage start date will be based upon the date of your application. If you apply:

  • 30 days or less after your loss of coverage, your coverage will be effective on the date you were first eligible
  • More than 30 days after your loss of coverage, a late enrollment period will apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Open Enrollment lets you change your NYSHIP health insurance plan to an eligible option. Open Enrollment typically takes place in December each year. During this period, you may:

  • Change your NYSHIP plan to either The Empire Plan, a NYSHIP HMO, or participate in the Opt-Out Program
  • Change from Family to Individual coverage
  • Change from Individual to Family coverage
  • Cancel your coverage
  • Enroll in NYSHIP

To be eligible, an employee must meet the following conditions:

  • Be expected to work at least three months
  • Work 20+ hours per week OR earn at least $2,000 annually OR be a local elected official, legislative body member, school board member, public authority board member (with 6+ months service), or receive their main family income from public employment
  • Not already be enrolled in NYSHIP as an employee

Some groups, like volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services, might qualify. However, they must pay the full premium cost.