The Empire Plan is a unique health insurance plan designed especially for public employees in New York State. Empire Plan benefits include inpatient and outpatient hospital coverage, medical/surgical coverage, Centers of Excellence for transplants, infertility and cancer, home care services, equipment and supplies, mental health and substance abuse coverage and prescription drug coverage.
KATHY HOCHUL
Governor
TIMOTHY R. HOGUES
Commissioner
NY25-06
TO: New York State Health Benefits Administrators
FROM: Employee Benefits Division
SUBJECT: 2025 Special Option Transfer Period for PBA Represented Employees – April 1 Benefit Changes
DATE: March 25, 2025
It was previously announced that due to the recently ratified contract between the State of New York and the Troopers and Supervisors of the New York State Police represented by the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), there would be a Special Option Transfer for benefit and rate changes effective April 1, 2025. Please note: This announcement indicated premium changes would be reflected in paychecks as early as March 26, 2025. However, due to a system error, the updated deductions will not occur in this check which may result in a credit or debit balance due from the enrolled member.
The correct premium amount will be charged in the April 9, 2025, paycheck, including the applicable premium charge or credit missed in the March 26, 2025, paycheck. Refer to the February 2025 NYSHIP Rate Changes effective April 1, 2025, flyer for the correct rate information and to HBA Memo NY25-03 for additional information on the Special Option Transfer. Letters notifying PBA enrollees of the charge were mailed March 24, 2025 (see attachment).
If you have questions about this memo, contact the HBA Helpline at 518-474-2780. To access the HBA Manual and for information regarding the benefit and rate changes affecting these groups, visit HBA Online.