Documents & Publications Library

Learn more about your NYSHIP coverage. Our collection of publications, flyers and documents provide in-depth explanations about your health insurance. Use the filters below to help find what you need.

NYSHIP Information, Enrollment and Eligibility

Effective Date 12/01/2023

NYSHIP General Information Book

Get easy-to-understand details on benefits, enrollment and coverage through life events or retirement.

Effective Date 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026

Health Insurance Choices for 2026

Compare your 2026 plan options and decide which coverage is best for you.

Effective Date 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026

NYSHIP Rates and Deadlines

See how much each NYSHIP plan option will cost you in 2026.

Effective Date 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026

NYSHIP Rates and Information for Direct-Pay Enrollees

See how much each NYSHIP plan option will cost you in 2026.

Effective Date 09/01/2026

NYSHIP and Young Adults

This publication outlines the coverage available to young adults under NYSHIP and highlights key considerations as your family navigates this new chapter.

Effective Date 12/01/2025

Dependent Survivor Checklist

A quick guide to reporting a NYSHIP enrollee's death and, if eligible, enrolling yourself in dependent survivor coverage.

Effective Date 09/01/2025

Planning for Option Transfer for 2026

Learn how, whether and when to change your plan option for 2026.

Effective Date 01/01/2012

New York State Employee Cafeteria Plan (Pre-Tax Contribution Program)

Understand how to save on out-of-pocket medical and dependent care costs through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Empire Plan Benefits

Empire Plan Certificate

A comprehensive overview of your Empire Plan coverage. This document includes all benefits effective through January 1, 2025. This updated version is only available online and includes all amendments to the Empire Plan Certificate of January 1, 2021.

Effective Date 01/01/2024 - 01/01/2025

Empire Plan Certificate Amendments

Amendments to your Empire Plan coverage. This document describes benefit changes effective January 1, 2024, through January 1, 2025.

Effective Date 01/01/2026 - 12/31/2026

Empire Plan At A Glance

Quickly see key 2026 benefits, coverage details and copayment amounts.

Effective Date 05/01/2026

Empire Plan Report

Learn what's changing in 2026, including copays, coverage and virtual care updates.

Effective Date 01/01/2026

Out-of-Network Reimbursement Disclosures

Understand your rights, costs and protections when using out-of-network care.

Effective Date 06/01/2026

Empire Plan Preventive Care Coverage Guide

Take advantage of the preventive care services covered by The Empire Plan.

Retirement and Medicare

Effective Date 03/01/2026

When You Retire

What to know before separating from State service, including requirements for continued NYSHIP coverage in retirement.

Effective Date 03/01/2026

Medicare and NYSHIP

Understand how NYSHIP changes once you're Medicare-eligible and how NYSHIP and Medicare coordinate your care.

Effective Date 10/01/2024

Medicare and NYSHIP Flyer

See how enrolling in Medicare affects your NYSHIP benefits and what coverage to avoid.

Effective Date 07/01/2022

Disability Retirement and Your NYSHIP Coverage

Find out what happens to your NYSHIP coverage if you take a disability retirement.

Effective Date 03/01/2026