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NYC Health Benefits Program
Health Benefits Program Fall Transfer Period
The Fall 2023 Annual Health Benefits Program Transfer Period begins November 1, 2023 and ends November 30, 2023. Health plan changes requested during the Transfer Period will be effective January 1, 2024 and the new payroll deduction, if applicable, will begin with your first full paycheck in January 2024.
If you do not wish to make any changes to your current health plan, you do not need to do anything during the Transfer Period.
During the Annual Transfer Period, you may:
- Transfer into any health plan listed in this notice for which you are eligible,
- Add or drop the Optional Rider,
- Add or drop dependent(s), or
- Waive benefits
Employees with access to Employee Self-Service (ESS) may make changes to their health benefits online.
Employees who do not have access to ESS can make changes to their health benefits by completing the Health Benefits Program Application. Completed applications should be submitted to your agency HR/Personnel Office for processing.
If you are making changes to your health benefits plan/option, please review the following Health Benefits Program materials:
- Health Plan Rate Chart for Employees
- Summary Program Description (SPD)
- Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)
- Links to the Health Plans’ websites for additional health plan and contact information
Browse Coronavirus-Related Information
Employee Responsibilities & Health Benefits Assistance
Your Responsibilities
It is important that you know how your health plan works and what is required of you.Read More
Here are some important things that you need to remember:
- Complete an enrollment form to add new dependents (newborn, adoption, marriage) within 30 days after the event;
- Notify your agency and your health plan in writing when your address changes;
- Review your payroll check to ensure appropriate premiums are deducted;
- Know your rights and responsibilities under COBRA continuation coverage.
Coverage for Employees 65+
If you're age 65 or over, still working for the City and enrolled in the NYC Health Benefits Program, do not use your Medicare card when you visit your doctor's office. Instead, be sure to use the member ID card provided to you by your current HBP health plan.
If You Need Assistance
Who you should contact for assistance and when you should contact them. Read More
Contact your agency health benefits or payroll office or NYCAPS Central at (212) 487-0500. Department of Education employees should contact HR Connect at (718) 935-4000:
- For questions concerning eligibility and enrollment
- For questions regarding deductions for health benefits
- For Transfer Period information
- To obtain a Health Benefits Application
- To obtain information and an application for COBRA benefits
- To change your address
- If health coverage has been terminated for you and/or your dependents
Employees with access to Employee Self Service (ESS) through CityShare can check their coverage status and make changes.
When Should I Contact My Health Plan?
Find out when you should contact your Health Plan. Read More
(Refer to your health plan identification card or plan booklet for telephone numbers.)
- If you have questions regarding covered services
- To obtain written information about covered services
- For information about the status of pending claims or claim disputes
- For claim allowances (How much will a plan pay towards a claim?)
- For health plan service areas
When writing to a health plan, include your name and address, certificate number, date(s) of service, and claim number(s), if applicable. Some plans also allow inquiries through their web sites.
When Should I Contact My Union/Welfare Fund?
Find out when you should contact your Welfare Fund.Read More
For information about:
- Prescription drug coverage (if applicable)
- Vision benefits
- Dental benefits
- Life Insurance (if applicable)
When Should I, As An Active Employee, Contact The Health Benefits Program?
Find out when an active employee should contact the HBP.Read More
- To add or drop a domestic partner
- Prior to retirement, if you have questions concerning your health benefits as a retiree
Inquiries and questions can be emailed to healthbenefits@olr.nyc.gov