Open Enrollment
The Open Enrollment period occurs annually in December. During this time, you can:
- Enroll in NYSHIP with no waiting period
- Change between The Empire Plan or a NYSHIP HMO
- Switch to Individual or Family coverage
- 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.
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 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
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 or a NYSHIP HMO
- Change from Family to Individual coverage
- Change from Individual to Family coverage
- Cancel your coverage
- Enroll in NYSHIP