The Opt-out Program
Program Overview
The Opt-out Program allows eligible employees who have other employer-sponsored group health insurance to opt out of NYSHIP coverage in exchange for an incentive payment. This incentive payment is:
- $1,000 for opting out of Individual coverage or $3,000 for opting out of Family coverage;
- prorated and credited to your biweekly paycheck throughout the year and
- payable only when you are eligible for NYSHIP coverage at the employee share of the premium
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Opt-out Program, you must:
- be a member of a group eligible for the Opt-out Program*
- have been enrolled continuously in NYSHIP since either April 1, 2024 or your first date of NYSHIP eligibility (if that date is later than April 1)
- have other employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage
* Employees who are represented by UUP and employees of Participating Employers (PEs) are not currently eligible to participate in the Opt-out Program.
How to Enroll
If you meet the eligibility requirements and want to opt out of NYSHIP coverage for the upcoming plan year, you must:
- complete and submit an Health Insurance Transaction Form to elect the Opt-out option
- complete and submit an Opt-out Program Attestation Form to provide information about your other health insurance coverage prior to the Option Transfer deadline
Questions?
Additional information about the Opt-out Program, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, can be found in the following publications:
Planning for Option Transfer 2025
Health Insurance Choices for 2025
General Information Book (NY Active)
General Information Book (PE Active)
Please Note: This is a general overview only. If you are thinking about enrolling in the Opt-out Program for the 2025 plan year, it is strongly recommended that you review the related sections in the above-listed publications prior to making your final decision.