Building partnerships through collaboration
Graduate Student Employee Union
GSEU Benefits
Your employment-related benefits are negotiated by New York state and your bargaining unit. These are your benefits if both are true:
- Your affiliation to UB is with the state
- Your negotiating unit is 28
Not Your Union?
Return to My Benefits and the Employee Profile
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Start Your Medical Insurance On Time
Sign up to attend an medical insurance orientation session so you will be covered by medical insurance.
Medical Insurance Eligibility
The University at Buffalo offers you an exceptional medical insurance plan.
As part of your benefits package, you may be eligible for medical insurance. Listed below are eligibility criteria. If you are unsure if you meet this criteria, Human Resources is available to guide you.
Tracy Czarnecki
Health Benefits and Retirement Specialist
State Benefit Services
Phone: 716-645-4490
Email: tac39@buffalo.edu
Requirements
- Appointment as a state-funded Teaching or Graduate Assistant
- Appointment is at least one-half an assistantship
- Minimum stipend of a total annual compensation of $4,122 or more
- You are a domestic student, F1 or J1 visa holder
Dependent Eligibility for Medical Insurance
You may be able to add dependent(s) to your medical insurance for family coverage. Listed below is the documentation that will be required to enroll your dependent(s). If you are unable to provide one of the required documents, contact Human Resources to discuss possible alternatives.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documentation to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
| Spouse |
|
Proof of Joint Financial Obligation
Multiple documents may be used for proof of joint financial obligation including a joint tax return, mortgage or lease agreement, bill or bank account. Financial information may be blacked out.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documents to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
Domestic Partner
|
|
| Dependent Children Under Age 26 |
|
Student Medical Insurance Waiver
As a student, you may be required to carry medical insurance. The University at Buffalo offers health insurance to students who do not have required coverage through another source. The student insurance option is a separate option from the coverage offered to you as an employee and is not administered through Human Resources.
If you enroll in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) plan,
you do not need to carry the student health insurance. Human
Resources will send a waiver to the Student
Medical Insurance Office for the duration of the time that you
are enrolled in the SEHP plan. The fee will be removed from your
tuition bill once the waiver is complete.
If you do not enroll in the SEHP plan but have other insurance, you must complete a waiver directly with the Student Medical Insurance Office. You may otherwise be automatically enrolled in coverage and charged on your tuition bill.
F1 and J1 Visa Holders
If you enroll in the SEHP plan, you will be automatically enrolled in Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage through the Student Medical Insurance office as a rider to your plan. This is mandatory coverage and the cost will be added to your tuition bill.
Medical Insurance Enrollment
New Employees
I Am a New Employee
Welcome to the University at Buffalo! Human Resources will send
you an invitation to an upcoming benefit orientation upon review of
your medical benefits eligibility. Your benefits eligibility is
reviewed by Human Resources when your employment information is
submitted by your department.
Enrollment in medical insurance is voluntary — you will not be automatically enrolled in a plan. You must attend an entire orientation session in order to enroll.
Newly eligible employees must enroll within 45 days of their appointment begin date. Coverage is effective as of your appointment begin date. If you do not attend a session and do not enroll within 42 days of your appointment begin date, you may be subject to a late enrollment period, which would delay your benefits.
Current Employees
My Other Medical Insurance Ended
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll in Medical Insurance | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
30 days from date of prior coverage termination | Date of prior coverage termination |
Dependent Eligibility for Medical Insurance
You may be able to add dependent(s) to your medical insurance for family coverage. Listed below is the documentation that will be required to enroll your dependent(s). If you are unable to provide one of the required documents, contact Human Resources to discuss possible alternatives.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documentation to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
| Spouse |
|
Proof of Joint Financial Obligation
Multiple documents may be used for proof of joint financial obligation including a joint tax return, mortgage or lease agreement, bill or bank account. Financial information may be blacked out.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documents to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
Domestic Partner
|
|
| Dependent Children Under Age 26 |
|
I Want to Enroll in Medical Insurance
If you would like to enroll in medical insurance and you have not lost prior coverage within the last 30 days, you can enroll but will be subject to a waiting period of 30 days from the time you submit all required paperwork and documentation for coverage to begin.
Deductions for medical insurance will be taken on an after-tax basis. A notice with instructions will be sent out at the end of each calendar year for you to switch to pre-tax deductions for the upcoming calendar year.
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll in Medical Insurance | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) | If enrolling dependents, see required documentation below |
30 days from date of prior coverage termination | Date of prior coverage termination |
Dependent Eligibility for Medical Insurance
You may be able to add dependent(s) to your medical insurance for family coverage. Listed below is the documentation that will be required to enroll your dependent(s). If you are unable to provide one of the required documents, contact Human Resources to discuss possible alternatives.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documentation to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
| Spouse |
|
Proof of Joint Financial Obligation
Multiple documents may be used for proof of joint financial obligation including a joint tax return, mortgage or lease agreement, bill or bank account. Financial information may be blacked out.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documents to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
Domestic Partner
|
|
| Dependent Children Under Age 26 |
|
Reappointed Employees
I Am Currently Enrolled and Have Been Reappointed
If you are reappointed to your position and you are currently
enrolled in the plan, your coverage will automatically be extended
based on the dates of your reappointment received by Human
Resources from your department. You will not need to attend an
enrollment session or submit new enrollment forms.
I Am NOT Currently Enrolled and Have Been Reappointed
Human Resources will send you an invitation to an upcoming
benefit orientation upon review of your medical benefits
eligibility. Your benefits eligibility is reviewed by Human
Resources when your employment information is submitted by your
department.
Enrollment in medical insurance is voluntary — you will not be automatically enrolled in a plan. You must attend an entire orientation session in order to enroll.
Newly eligible employees must enroll within 42 days of their appointment begin date. Coverage is effective 42 calendar days from your appointment begin date. If you do not attend a session and do not enroll within 42 days of your appointment begin date, you may be subject to a late enrollment period, which would delay your benefits.
Enrollment Session Schedule
Biweekly Cost
2017 Rates
| Plan | Office Co-Pay | Bi-weekly Cost |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | ||
Empire Plan (PPO) Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) |
$10 | $15.79 | $95.27 |
Manage My Medical Insurance
Once enrolled, you may be able to make changes to your medical insurance. Choose your event from the life events listed below to find the actions to take.
All required forms and documentation must be received in Human Resources by the listed deadline in order for the change to be made. Submit all forms and documentation to:
Human Resources
120 Crofts Hall
North Campus
Tracy Czarnecki
Health Benefits and Retirement Specialist
State Benefit Services
Phone: 716-645-4490
Email: tac39@buffalo.edu
Adding Dependents
I Got Married
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
30 days from date of marriage |
Date of marriage |
I Want to Add a Domestic Partner
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my domestic partner
|
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G)
NYSHIP Application for Enrolling Domestic Partners (PS-425.1)
|
|
No deadline |
Determined upon review |
I Had a Child
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my child |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
30 days from date of birth |
Date of birth |
My Dependent Lost His or Her Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
30 days from date of prior coverage termination |
Date of prior coverage termination |
Proof of Joint Financial Obligation
Multiple documents may be used for proof of joint financial obligation including a joint tax return, mortgage or lease agreement, bill or bank account. Financial information may be blacked out.
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documentation | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my child | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
30 days from date of prior coverage termination | Date of prior coverage termination |
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documentation | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my domestic partner
|
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G)
NYSHIP Application for Enrolling Domestic Partners (PS-425.1)
|
|
30 days from date of prior coverage termination | Date of prior coverage termination |
My Dependent Arrived in the United States
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse |
|
30 days from date of arrival |
Date of arrival |
Proof of Joint Financial Obligation
Multiple documents may be used for proof of joint financial obligation including a joint tax return, mortgage or lease agreement, bill or bank account. Financial information may be blacked out.
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my child |
|
30 days from date of arrival | Date of arrival |
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my domestic partner
|
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G)
NYSHIP Application for Enrolling Domestic Partners (PS-425.1)
|
|
30 days from date of arrival | Date of arrival |
Removing Dependents
I Want To Add a Dependent
I Am Changing from Individual to Family Coverage
If you want to change from individual to family coverage and one of the above events does not apply, you may still change but there will be a waiting period for benefits for your dependent. In addition, your deductions for health insurance will be after tax.
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
Prior to desired date of enrollment |
30 days from date forms and documentation received |
| Enroll my child | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
Prior to desired date of enrollment | 30 days from date forms and documentation received |
Proof of Joint Financial Obligation
Multiple documents may be used for proof of joint financial obligation including a joint tax return, mortgage or lease agreement, bill or bank account. Financial information may be blacked out.
I Am Already Enrolled In Family Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
Prior to desired date of enrollment |
Determined upon review |
| Enroll my child | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) |
|
Prior to desired date of enrollment | Determined upon review |
I Got Legally Separated or Divorced
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my spouse | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) | Legal separation or divorce documentation |
30 days from date of separation or divorce |
Date of separation or divorce |
My Dependent Enrolled in Other Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my dependent(s) |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) | Letter from new coverage provider stating effective date of coverage |
30 days from new coverage effective date |
Date new coverage begins |
My Dependent Left the United States
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my dependent(s) | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) | Copy of arriving plane ticket(s) |
30 days from arrival in new country |
Date of arrival in new country |
I Want to Remove My Domestic Partner
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my domestic partner |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G)
|
None | No deadline |
Determined upon review |
I Want to Remove a Dependent
I Want to Change from Family to Individual Coverage
If you want to change from family to individual coverage and one of the above events does not apply, you cannot change your health insuranance.
I Will Maintain Family Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my dependent |
GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) | None |
Prior to desired date of coverage termination |
Determined upon review |
Cancelling Coverage
I Enrolled in Other Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Termination Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancel my enrollment |
Letter from new coverage provider stating effective date of coverage |
30 days from new coverage effective date |
Date new coverage begins |
I Am On a Leave Without Pay
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Termination Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancel my enrollmen t |
Documentation stating effective date of leave without pay |
30 days from start date of leave | Date leave began |
I Want to Cancel My Coverage
If you want to cancel your coverage and one of the above events does not apply, you cannot change your health insurance.
Coverage Termination
Medical insurance coverage ends two full payperiods following your appointment end date.
The Department of Civil Service, Employee Benefits Division, will send information regarding COBRA to your home address after your coverage has terminated. COBRA is a federal law that allows the voluntary continuation of the same coverage at full cost.
Contact the Employee Benefits Division at 800-833-4344 with questions regarding COBRA continuation of coverage.
Monthly COBRA Cost
2016 Rates
| Plan | Office Co-Pay | Monthly Cost |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | ||
Empire Plan (PPO) Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) |
$10 | $255.95 | $817.88 |
Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental and vision coverage is provided in addition to your
medical insurance. Benefits take effect as of your appointment
begin date. The cost is included in your medical insurance biweekly
deduction. You must enroll in medical, dental and vision benefits
together.
Dental
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