NYSHIP Rate Change Results in Special Option Transfer Period.

NYSHIP: Life Expectancy Table for CSEA Represented State Employees Effective 10/1/11

The Actuarial Table of Life Expectancy has been updated to reflect the fact that Americans are living longer. This will impact the monthly sick leave credit amount that is used toward your premium payments in retirement. Since we are living longer, the number of months of life expectancy at retirement has increased and the amount of monthly sick leave credit will be lower. The new table will apply to employees represented by CSEA who retire on or after October 1, 2011.

Instructions for calculating sick leave credit are in your NYSHIP General Information Book. Also, the online calculator has been updated to reflect the new table. If you need assistance, contact your agency Health Benefits Administrator usually located in your personnel office.

NYSHIP Rate Change Results in Special Option Transfer Period

The following information is intended for CSEA represented Executive Branch enrollees - enrollees employed by the State of New York covered by one of the following CSEA collective bargaining agreements; Administrative Services Unit, Institutional Services Unit, Operational Services Unit or the Division of Military and Naval Affairs.

The CSEA collective bargaining agreement ratified on August 15, 2011 will result in a NYSHIP rate change effective October 1; 2011. For Empire Plan and HMO* enrollees who are represented by CSEA Grade 9 and below, the State pays 88 percent of the cost of the premium for enrollee coverage and 73 percent for dependent coverage. For Empire Plan and HMO* enrollees who are represented by CSEA Grade 10 and above, the State pays 84 percent of the cost of the premium for enrollee coverage and 69 percent for dependent coverage.

*The State's dollar contribution for the non-prescription drug components of the HMO premium will not exceed its dollar contribution for the non-prescription drug components of the Empire Plan premium.

The new rates linked to below (shown along with the increase from the current rate) will be in effect through the end of 2011. As a result of these rate changes, there will be a Special Option Transfer Period from September 1 through September 30, 2011.

If you wish to change your health insurance plan, see your Health Benefits Administrator (HBA) as soon as possible and ask for a Health Insurance Transaction Form PS-404. Return the completed form to your agency HBA by September 30, 2011. The NYSHIP Rate Change Flier, which includes the October 1, 2011 rates, as well as additional information regarding the date of the earliest paycheck in which a deduction change will be made, will be sent by the NYS Department of Civil Service directly to enrollee homes.

No action is required if you wish to keep your current health insurance option. The annual rate change and annual Option Transfer Period for 2012 will occur later this year as usual.

Click on the below document for teh rates.