Health Insurance

Whether you're enrolling in health insurance for the first time, updating your coverage, or exploring plan options, the information below can help. Review enrollment requirements, coverage change procedures, plan details, and helpful health insurance resources available through NYSHIP.

Enroll in Health InsuranceManage Your CoverageHealth Plans & Resources

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance through the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). If you are a new employee or have recently become benefits-eligible, it is important to review your options and complete enrollment within the required timeframe.

Use the information below to understand eligibility requirements, enrollment deadlines, available health plans, and required forms.

You may be eligible to enroll in NYSHIP health insurance if you are:

  • Newly hired into a benefits-eligible position
  • Newly eligible for benefits due to a change in employment status
  • Experiencing a qualifying life event that permits enrollment outside of the annual Option Transfer Period
  • Proof of eligibility

If you are unsure of your eligibility, contact the Benefits Office for assistance. 

Health insurance enrollment opportunities are generally limited to specific enrollment periods.

New Employees
New employees should submit enrollment forms as soon as possible after becoming benefits-eligible.

Newly Eligible Employees
Employees who become eligible for benefits due to a change in title, appointment, or employment status should complete enrollment within the applicable eligibility period.

Qualifying Life Events
Certain life events may allow you to enroll outside of the annual Option Transfer Period, including:

  • Marriage
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • Loss of other health insurance coverage
  • Other qualifying events as defined by NYSHIP

Timely submission of required documentation is essential.

NYSHIP offers a variety of health insurance options, including:

The Empire Plan
A statewide plan providing comprehensive medical, hospital, prescription drug, and mental health benefits.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Regional health plans that provide coverage through participating provider networks. Availability varies by location.

Before enrolling, review plan benefits, provider networks, and coverage costs to determine which option best meets your needs.

The following resources may be required during enrollment:

Tip: Review all instructions carefully before submitting forms to avoid processing delays.

The New York State Health Insurance Program - NYSHIP provides tools and resources to help employees make informed coverage decisions.

Helpful resource topics:

  • Health plan comparison information
  • Empire Plan information
  • HMO plan directories
  • Employee Guide to NYSHIP Benefits
  • NYSHIP program updates and publications

Employees enrolled in NYSHIP health insurance may make changes to their coverage during specific enrollment periods or as the result of a qualifying life event. Review the information below to understand when changes are permitted and what documentation may be required.

Certain life events allow employees to make changes to their health insurance coverage outside of the annual Option Transfer Period.

Common qualifying events include:

  • Marriage
  • Divorce
  • Birth of a child
  • Adoption
  • Loss of other health insurance coverage
  • Death of a dependent
  • Changes in employment status

Changes must generally be requested within the applicable NYSHIP timeframe following the event.

Employees may need to update their enrollment when family circumstances change.

Common Updates

  • Add a spouse following marriage
  • Add a newborn child
  • Add an adopted child
  • Remove a former spouse following divorce
  • Remove dependents who are no longer eligible

Supporting documentation may be required before changes can be processed.

Each year, NYSHIP offers an Option Transfer Period during which eligible employees may change health insurance plans without a qualifying life event.

During this period, employees may:

  • Change from one health plan to another
  • Enroll in a different NYSHIP option available in their area
  • Review plan costs and benefits before making a selection

Information regarding annual deadlines is released by NYSHIP each year.

To ensure uninterrupted coverage and accurate records, employees should promptly report changes to:

  • Name
  • Home address
  • Telephone number
  • Marital status
  • Dependent information

Keeping your information up to date helps prevent delays in benefit processing and important communications.

The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a valuable benefit available to NYS employees that helps you save money by allowing you to pay for eligible expenses—such as health care, dependent care, or adoption-related costs—with pre-tax dollars. By reducing your taxable income, you take home more of your paycheck. It’s a simple and effective way to get more out of your benefits and keep more money in your pocket! The FSA offers three negotiated benefits to State employees: Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA), and Adoption Advantage Account (Adoption).

The New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) offers several health insurance options to eligible employees. Use the resources below to compare plans, review coverage details, find participating providers, and access important health insurance information.

The Empire Plan provides comprehensive statewide coverage and access to national provider networks for medical, hospital, mental health, and prescription drug benefits.

Empire Plan  - At A Glance

Choosing the right health plan depends on your healthcare needs, preferred providers, and budget.

Helpful resources include:

Tip: Review provider participation before enrolling or changing plans to ensure your preferred physicians and facilities are included.


Questions About Your Coverage?
Navigating health insurance can be overwhelming, whether you're enrolling for the first time, updating your coverage, or comparing plan options. If you're unsure where to start, the Benefits Office can help guide you through the process and connect you with the appropriate resources.

📞 934-420-2107
📧 benefits@farmingdale.edu

Human Resources

Whitman Hall, Room 260
934-420-2107
hr@farmingdale.edu

Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:45pm
Summer Hours 8:30am-4:30pm

For Benefits questions/information, email benefits@farmingdale.edu.

For Payroll questions, email payroll@farmingdale.edu.

For Student Employment questions, email studentemployment@farmingdale.edu

Last Modified 9/1/26