Coverage Overview
When Coverage Begins
If you submit the necessary forms and proofs on time, your spouse’s or domestic partner’s coverage will begin when first eligible.
For spouses, this is your marriage date.
For domestic partners, this is your partnership establishment date, the earliest date when you both lived together and shared finances.
NYS does not allow two NYSHIP Family coverages. Only one spouse/domestic partner of a couple may choose NYSHIP Family coverage. The other may maintain their own NYSHIP Individual coverage if they choose.
Children
Stepchildren and children of your domestic partner or spouse can be covered under your NYSHIP coverage as dependents. Click below to learn more about dependent statuses for children.
Want to enroll your family?
If you're already enrolled in NYSHIP, select your plan type to learn how to enroll your family members under your plan.
Divorce or Dissolution
Spouse
NYSHIP coverage for your former spouse will end on the divorce date set by the court. Your former spouse cannot keep NYSHIP coverage, even if a court says you must.
Submit a copy of the divorce decree to your HBA or Agency Contact.
Domestic Partner
NYSHIP coverage for your former domestic partner will end on the effective date of the dissolution of the domestic partnership.
Submit a completed Termination of Domestic Partnership for NYSHIP (PS-425.4) to your HBA or Agency Contact. You cannot register a new domestic partnership (either with a new partner or with the same partner) until one year after the form is filed.