Getting Started with NYSHIP

Date Posted: 07/02/2026

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Getting Started with NYSHIP

Welcome to the New York State Health Insurance Program!

This guide will help you understand the basics of NYSHIP and what you need to choose. If you have any questions, you should talk with your health benefits administrator (HBA).
 

Note: This guide is intended for active employees of New York State and their dependents. The information may be different if you are NYSHIP-eligible through other means. 

Picking a Plan

For most people, the most important part is picking a health insurance plan.

Your Options:

The Empire Plan

Available for all NYSHIP enrollees, The Empire Plan has worldwide coverage, making it incredibly flexible. The Empire Plan is a self-insured PPO.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

Regional plans tied to specific geographic areas; the counties you live in and/or work in will determine which NYSHIP HMOs are available to you. 

Common differences between the plans (and where to find them) include:

  • The biweekly cost, also known as the premium. You can compare premiums in the publication Health Insurance Rates. 
  • Costs for health services and supplies (including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance). You can compare the costs of common situations using the Plan Comparison Tool ((LINK NEEDED)).
  • Unique benefits, such as wellness programs or hearing aid coverage, will be different between each plan.  You can see the highlighted benefits in the publication Health Insurance Choices.

Already insured? 

If you already covered under another health insurance policy, let your HBA know. You can still choose to enroll in or decline NYSHIP coverage.

If you decline and your health insurance is not through NYSHIP, you may be eligible for the Opt-out Program. Through the program, you can get a cash incentive in your biweekly paychecks if you meet certain requirements. Contact your HBA to learn more. 
 

Dental and Vision

Dental and vision benefits are also available, although the specifics will depend on your bargaining unit/union or your Participating Employer. 

If your bargaining unit is

  • APSU (represented by PBANYS)
  • C-82
  • NYSCOPBA
  • PBA
  • PEF
  • PIA
  • Management/Confidential
  • Legislature

then your dental and vision benefits are administered by NYS Department of Civil Service. Visit our dental and vision page to learn more about your benefits.

If your bargaining unit is

  • CSEA
  • DC-37
  • UCS
  • UUP

then your dental and vision benefits are administered by an employee benefit fund through your union. Reach out to your union to learn more. 

Paying Pre-Tax or After-Tax

If you're employed by New York State, you can participate in the Pre-Tax Contribution Program. This means, while choosing your health insurance plan, you can decide if your premium will be deducted as pre-tax or after-tax from your paycheck.

Pre-tax status means that your biweekly premium is charged before taxes. 

After-tax status means that your biweekly premium is charged after taxes. 

Choosing pre-tax status may lower your tax liability (how much tax you pay annually). However, it can also affect your ability to change health insurance options mid-year. Talk with your HBA if you have questions.

Other Related Programs

You may qualify for other health insurance—related programs, either available through NYS or your bargaining unit/union. Some common ones include the Young Adult Option and the Flex Spending Account.

Specific program availability and eligibility may vary. Talk with your HBA to learn what is available for you.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding your specific situation, speak with your HBA. They will be familiar with the benefits that are available to you.

You can also call the EBD hotline at 518-457-5754. They can point you towards the resources that you’ll need.