Benefits

Eligibility

Full-time and part-time employees with appointments that are expected to last three months or longer are eligible. Part-time employees must also work at least half-time on a regularly scheduled basis to be eligible.

Eligible employees have access to the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)

Dental and vision enrollment is administered by the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund.

Disability and/or life insurance benefits may be available through your union.

Effective Dates

• Health Insurance: After 28-day waiting period (if hired on or after October 1, 2023)
• Dental & Vision Insurance: After 28 days of employment 

Eligibility  

Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants represented by GSEU who are active on the State payroll and work at least half an assistantship are eligible for the following benefits:  

• Health, dental and vision insurance through the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)
• Disability and/or life insurance benefits may be available through your union.

Effective Dates for SEHP

• U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents:  
  • Coverage will begin the day HR receives your enrollment form, if the form is submitted within 45 days of your appointment (initial enrollment period).
  • Enrollment after the initial enrollment period is subject to a 30-day waiting period, from the date of request — unless you provide proof that your previous insurance coverage was terminated. 
• F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders: Coverage begins on the date of your appointment, regardless of the date HR receives your enrollment form.

Eligibility

Full-time and part-time employees with appointments that are expected to last three months or longer are eligible. Part-time employees must also work at least half-time on a regularly scheduled basis to be eligible.

Eligible employees have access to the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)
• M/C life insurance
• Disability benefits:
  • Classified Employees Only: Income Protection Plan
  • Professional Employees Only: Group Long-term Disability

Note: Disability and life insurance benefits through the University are only available for eligible M/C employees.

Effective Dates

• Health Insurance: After 28-day waiting period (if hired on or after October 1, 2023)
• Dental & Vision Insurance: After 28 days of employment 

Eligibility  

Full-time and part-time employees with appointments that are expected to last three months or longer are eligible. Part-time employees must also work at least half-time on a regularly scheduled basis to be eligible.

Eligible employees have access to the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)

Disability and/or life insurance benefits may be available through your union.

Effective Dates

• Health Insurance: After 28 day waiting period, if hired on or after October 1, 2023
• Dental & Vision Insurance: After 28 day waiting period, if hired on or after October 1, 2023

Eligibility

Full-time and part-time employees with appointments that are expected to last three months or longer are eligible. Part-time employees must also work at least half-time on a regularly scheduled basis to be eligible.

Eligible employees have access to the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)

Disability and/or life insurance benefits may be available through your union.

Effective Dates

• Health Insurance: After 28 day waiting period, if hired on or after October 1, 2023
• Dental & Vision Insurance: After 28 day waiting period, if hired on or after October 1, 2023 

Eligibility

Full-time and part-time employees with appointments that are expected to last three months or longer are eligible. Part-time employees must also work at least half-time on a regularly scheduled basis to be eligible.

Eligible employees have access to the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)

Disability and/or life insurance benefits may be available through your union.

Effective Dates

• Health Insurance: After 28 day waiting period, if hired on or after October 1, 2023
• Dental & Vision Insurance: After 28 day waiting period, if hired on or after October 1, 2023 

Eligibility

Full-time employees hired for a period of at least three months; part-time academic employees who teach 6 or more credit hours; and part-time professional employees employed at one-half of full-time equivalent professional obligation for at least three months, are eligible for the following benefits:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA)
• Group long-term disability benefits

Employees who do not meet either the course load or salary requirements above, but otherwise meet eligibility requirements, are eligible for:

• Health, dental and vision insurance, but they are responsible for paying the full-share costs
• Flexible Spending Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA), only if they are receiving regular, biweekly checks

Note: Part-time professional employees hired before January,1, 2019, need to earn at the rate of $16,249 per year or more (amount subject to change) for benefit eligibility.

Dental and vision enrollment is administered by the UUP Benefit Trust Fund. Disability benefits through the University are only available to eligible UUP employees.

Effective Dates

• Health Insurance: After 28-day waiting period (if hired on or after October 1, 2023)
• Dental & Vision Insurance: After 28 days of employment 

The preferred provider organization (PPO) is the Empire Plan, which covers:  

• Surgical/medical care through UnitedHealthcare
• Hospitalization through Anthem Blue Cross
• Mental health/substance abuse treatment through Carelon Behavioral Health
• Prescription drugs through CVS Caremark

Contact Information

• UnitedHealthcare (Medical/Surgical; Physical/Chiropractic; Home Equipment): Call 1-877-769-7447 and select Option 1. For TTY, call 1-888-697-9054. See a list of UHC providers. 
• Anthem Blue Cross (In/outpatient Services at a Hospital/Hospice/Nursing Facility; Pre-Certification for Hospital Admission; Discharge Planning): Call 1-877-769-7447 and select Option 2. For TTY, call 1-800-241-6894. 
• Carelon Behavioral Health (Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment): Call 1-877-769-7447 and select Option 3. For TTY, call 1-855-643-1476. 
• CVS Caremark (Prescription Drugs): Call 1-877-769-7447 and select Option 4. For TTY, call 1-800-863-5488. 
• Pre-approval (MRIs, MRAs, CT/PET Scans & Nuclear Medicine): Call 1-888-333-9067. 

NYSHIP offers four HMO options, which are:

• Capital District Physicians' Health Plan (CDPHP)
• EmblemHealth HIP
• MVP Health Care
• Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York (NENY)

All four HMOs provide comprehensive hospital, medical and surgical, mental health and substance abuse, and prescription drug coverage.

Contact Information

• CDPHP: 518-641-3700 or 1-800-777-2273. For TTY, call 1-877-261-1164.
• EmblemHealth HIP: 1-877-244-4466 or TTY 1-877-208-7920
• Highmark BlueShield of NENY: 1-800-888-1238 or 518-220-4600. For TTY, call 800-888-1238 extension 711.
• MVP Healthcare: 1-888-687-6277. For TTY, call 1-800-662-1220.

The Pre-tax Contribution Program (PTCP) allows employees to have their share of the health insurance premium deducted from their paycheck before taxes are withheld, which could lower their tax liability.  

In exchange for the tax savings, PTCP enrollees are required to maintain the same pre-tax health insurance deduction throughout the entire plan year (unless a pre-tax qualifying event occurs, and a change is requested within 30 days).

You must elect to participate in PTCP in writing. Please see the NYSHIP Enrollment section below for instructions.

Not sure if you’re enrolled in PTCP? Check your paycheck in the SUNY HR Self-Service portal.

• If you are enrolled, your paycheck will show Regular Before-Tax Health in the Before-Tax Deductions section. 
• If you are not enrolled, your paycheck will show Regular After-Tax Health in the After-Tax Deductions section, which means your health insurance premium is deducted from your wages after taxes are withheld. 

All premiums (rates) are charged biweekly (every two weeks). All rates are for the 2025 calendar year.

Rates for CSEA, NYSCOPBA, PEF & M/C classified employees at Grade 9 and below, UUP professional employees with annualized salaries of less than $50,885, and M/C professional employees with annualized salaries less than $50,885

Rates for CSEA, NYSCOPBA, PEF & M/C classified employees at Grade 10 and above, UUP professional employees with annualized salaries of more than $50,885, and M/C professional employees with annualized salaries more than $50,885

Rates for PBA of NYS employees at Grade 9 & below 

Rates for NYSCOPBA and PBA of NYS employees at Grade 10 & above

You can enroll in health insurance or add dependents either upon the initial eligibility period, within 30 days of a qualifying event or throughout the year with an eight- to 10-week waiting period. UAlbany also offers an annual Option Transfer Period (see below.)

You will not be automatically enrolled in health insurance, even if eligible.

To apply for coverage or add a dependent, please complete a NYSHIP Transaction (PS-404) Form and submit it via mail or in person (University Administration Building, Suite 300) with the required documentation:

• Your Social Security card and, if applicable, all dependents’ social security numbers
• Copy of birth certificate(s) for yourself and, if applicable, all dependents
  • A passport will be accepted instead but only for you and your spouse/domestic partner. Birth certificate copies must be provided for children.
• Marriage certificate or domestic partner certification, if applicable
  • For marriages/domestic partnerships over one year old, you must also provide proof of current joint ownership or financial obligation (such as the prior year’s tax return, a current bank or mortgage statement or a homeowners policy).
  • If enrolling a domestic partner, please also complete the Domestic Partner Packet for Professional & Classified Employees.
• Statement of Dependence for any children who are not your biological children, legally adopted children or dependent stepchildren, if applicable

Please use the following plan codes:

Note: Do not email or fax files that contain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers. 

The 2025 Option Transfer Period ends on December 31, 2024. Changes will go into effect in January 2025. For more information, please review the 2025 NYSHIP Active Rates and the 2025 NYSHIP Active Choices Booklet.

During the annual Option Transfer Period, you may:

• Change your health insurance plan (insurance carrier)
• Change your coverage from Family to Individual without a qualifying event
• Cancel your coverage entirely and, if eligible, opt-out of NYSHIP for incentive payment (see below for more information)
• Enroll in health insurance coverage, if you opted out the previous year
• Change your Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) election

If you don’t wish to change your current selections, no action is needed.

To make changes to your current selections, submit a NYSHIP Transaction (PS-404) Form and its attachments. (Please find the form and its instructions in the NYSHIP Enrollment section above.)

For assistance completing the form, please reach out to the Benefits & Engagement team at [email protected].

Forms must be submitted via mail or in person (University Administration Building, Suite 300) by the last day of the Option Transfer Period.

Note: Do not email or fax files that contain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers. 

The Opt-out Program allows eligible employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance to opt out of their NYSHIP coverage during the Option Transfer Period in exchange for an annual incentive payment:  

• $1,000 for waiving Individual coverage
• $3,000 for waiving Family coverage

For more information, please review the 2024 Planning for Option Transfer Booklet in the Option Transfer Period section above. Note: The Opt-out Program is not available for UUP-represented employees.

To cancel health insurance coverage and elect to newly participate in the Opt-out Program for an incentive payment, you must:

• Submit a completed NYSHIP Transaction (PS-404) Form. (Please find the form and its instructions in the NYSHIP Enrollment section above.) 
• Submit a completed Opt-out Attestation (PS-409) Form, with proof of other employer-sponsored health insurance coverage (such as a copy of an insurance card or a signed statement on the employer’s letterhead confirming coverage) attached.

Forms must be submitted via mail or in person (University Administration Building, Suite 300) by the last day of the Option Transfer Period.

Note: Do not email or fax files that contain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers. 

The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) allows eligible employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation) and/or personal leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share of NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis.

• Classified Employees: Classified employees who are represented by CSEA or PEF, and classified employees who are designated as M/C are eligible to participate in classified PEP. To learn more and to enroll, please review the Classified PEP 2025 Description & Enrollment Form.
   
• Professional Employees: Professional employees who are represented by UUP, and professional employees who are designated SUNY M/C (MC13) are eligible to participate in professional PEP. To learn more and to enroll, please review the Professional PEP 2025 Description & Enrollment Form.

2025 enrollment forms must be received by HR by December 9, 2024. 

Completed enrollment forms must be submitted to HR via mail or in person (University Administration Building, Suite 300), via email ([email protected]), or via fax (518-437-4731). 

For detailed information on SEHP coverage, please review these resources:

• SEHP At a Glance Booklet for 2024
• SEHP Summary of Benefits & Coverage (SBC) for 2024
• Department of Civil Service website
• 2024-2025 Graduate and Teaching Assistantship Orientation

Note: SEHP is separate from the Health Component of the Comprehensive Service Fee. 

All premium payments are made through payroll deduction. Premiums generally change on January 1 of each year.

The 2025 biweekly (every two weeks) premiums are:

• Individual Coverage: $33.59
• Family Coverage: $207.84

Eligible employees may enroll SEHP.

• Students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to enroll in SEHP. This requirement may be waived with proof of comparable coverage under another plan. 
• Enrollment is voluntary for U.S. citizens and permanent residents but must be requested within 45 days after the date of appointment to avoid waiting periods.  

Open enrollment is held each year from mid-August to late September.  

To enroll in SEHP or add dependents, please complete a SEHP Transaction (PS-404G) Form and submit it via mail or in person (University Administration Building, Suite 300) with the required documentation:

• Social Security card(s) for yourself and, if applicable, all dependents
  • International students who need to request a card should review this guidance from the Social Security Administration.
• Copy of birth certificate(s) for yourself and, if applicable, all dependents
  • A passport will be accepted instead but only for you and your spouse/domestic partner. Birth certificate copies must be provided for children.
• Marriage certificate or domestic partner certification, if applicable
  • For marriages/domestic partnerships over one year old, you must also provide proof of current joint ownership or financial obligation (such as the prior year’s tax return, a current bank or mortgage statement or a homeowners policy).
  • If enrolling a domestic partner, please also complete the Domestic Partner Packet for Graduate Assistants & Teaching Assistants.
• Statement of Dependence for any children who are not your biological children, legally adopted children or dependent stepchildren, if applicable

Incomplete enrollment packets will not be processed. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

To request continued coverage over the summer, please submit a complete Summer 2024 SEHP Request Form via mail or in person (University Administration Building, Suite 300).

Note: Do not email or fax files that contain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers. 

The CSEA Employee Benefit Fund provides vision and dental insurance (Individual or Family) at no cost to eligible employees.

Please visit the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund website for additional information, including coverage information and enrollment instructions.

Contact Information

• CSEA Employee Benefit Fund: 518-782-1500 or 1-800-323-2732  
  Contact the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund for information on dental and vision insurance and COBRA. 
• CSEA: 518-257-1000 or 1-800-342-4146

The Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) includes vision, dental and health insurance. 

Eligible employees may enroll in vision and dental insurance (Individual or Family) at no cost. 

To enroll, please submit a completed NYSHIP Transaction (PS-404) Form. Access the PS-404 form and instructions.

Please visit the Department of Civil Service website for additional information, including coverage information.

Contact Information

• NYSCOPBA: 518-427-1551
• PEF: 518-785-1900
• PBA of NYS: 518-433-5472
• Davis Vision: 1-888-588-4823
• EmblemHealth Group Health, Inc. (GHI): 1-800-947-0101 

The UUP Benefit Trust Fund provides vision and dental insurance (Individual or Family) at no cost to eligible employees.

Please visit the UUP Benefit Trust Fund website for additional information, including coverage information and enrollment instructions.

Contact Information

• UUP Benefit Trust Fund: 518-640-6680 or 1-800-887-3863 
  Contact the UUP Benefit Trust for information on dental and vision insurance and COBRA. 
• UUP: 1-800-342-4206
  You can also contact UUP’s parent union, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), at 1-800-342-9810. 
• Davis Vision: 1-888-588-4823
• Delta Dental: 1-800-471-7093 

DCAAs allow eligible employees to set aside a certain amount annually per household in pre-tax salary to pay for eligible dependent care expenses.  

Qualified dependents include children under the age of 13, disabled children of any age and relatives residing in the employee's home who are incapable of caring for themselves.  

For detailed information, including maximum balances and usage deadlines, please review the state Department of Civil Services' DCAA webpage.

HCSAs allow eligible employees to set aside a certain amount annually per household in pre-tax salary to pay for health-related expenses not reimbursed by insurance.  

Medically necessary medical, dental, prescription, vision and hearing expenses for enrollees and their eligible dependents may be reimbursed.  

For detailed information, including maximum balances and usage deadlines, please review the state Department of Civil Services' HCSA webpage.

Adoption Advantage Accounts (AAA) allow eligible employees to set aside a certain amount annually per household in pre-tax salary to pay for expenses related to the adoption of an eligible child.

For detailed information, including maximum balances and usage deadlines, please review the state Department of Civil Services' AAA webpage.

Group Life Insurance is offered to M/C employees and eligible dependents, with premiums depending on age and smoker/non-smoker status.  

The plan, underwritten by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, offers several options with varying amounts and coverage.  

Generally, newly hired or appointed M/C employees who enroll within the first six bi-weekly payroll periods of eligibility are guaranteed issue of a policy.  

Enrollment is considered late after the first six biweekly payroll periods and requires proof of insurability, including a Statement of Health.  

For more information, please review the following resources from the state Department of Civil Service:

• M/C Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• M/C Life Insurance Cost Calculator
• 2024 M/C Life Insurance Annual Update

A modest term life insurance policy is provided through UUP, and additional coverage may be purchased.

Please visit the UUP Benefit Trust Fund website for additional information.

A death benefit may be payable to the beneficiary of an individual who dies while employed by the University. Types and amounts of death benefits vary significantly based on which retirement system an employee has selected.

The public retirement systems — the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and the New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) — provide a benefit equal to one year's salary for each year of service up to three years maximum salary. Death benefits reduce each year beyond age 61 and are further reduced upon retirement.

Under the Optional Retirement Program, the death benefit would be the current value of the contract accumulations, paid either as income or in a single sum.

If the death benefit provided by the retirement system is less than one-half final salary, a separate state program will provide or supplement that amount to a maximum of $10,000.