Your employment-related benefits are negotiated by New York state and your bargaining unit, GSEU (Graduate StudentEmployee Union). These are your benefits if both these are true:
Return to My Benefits.
The University at Buffalo offers you an exceptional medical insurance plan.
As part of your benefits package, you may be eligible for medical insurance. Human Resources will advise you of your eligibility based on your appointment information.
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).
The NYSHIP General Information Book provides full dependent eligibility information.
Dependents who have not obtained work authorization can visit an SSA office and request a denial letter (SSA-L676), which states that the individual is not eligible for a Social Security number. This letter does not affect an individual’s ability to request a Social Security number in the future. This option is encouraged for minor children.
Your spouse, including a legally-separated spouse, is eligible for NYSHIP coverage. If you are divorced or your marriage has been annulled, your former spouse is not eligible, even if a court orders you to maintain coverage.
For eligibility under NYSHIP, you will be required to provide additional documentation and certification of your domestic partnership.
Under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, the fair market value cost of your domestic partner’s coverage, referred to as imputed income, is considered to be a taxable fringe benefit. The imputed income will increase your taxable gross income for federal and state income taxes, as well as Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes.
The following children are eligible for coverage until age 26:
"Other" Children as defined by NYSHIP:
You may cover “other” children by filing a NYSHIP Statement of Dependence for “Other” Children (PS-457) form to verify eligibility (recertification required every two years).
Disabled children age 26 or older:
You will be required to submit a NYSHIP Statement of Disability for Dependents (PS-451) form to the Plan administrator and provide medical documentation to qualify a disabled child over age 26 for NYSHIP coverage. You will be asked to recertify periodically based on Social Security Administration criteria.
Young Adult Option:
The Young Adult Option allows a qualifying child age 29 or younger of a NYSHIP enrollee to purchase Individual health insurance coverage through NYSHIP when they do not otherwise qualify as a dependent. The young adult or their parent is required to pay the full cost of premium for Individual coverage.
All international students are required to have health insurance coverage.
Enrollment in the student plan is automatic when the credit hour threshold is met. The cost of this coverage will appear on your tuition bill.
Student health insurance is separate from the coverage offered through employment. It is not administered by Benefit Services.
A Social Security Number is required to complete enrollment in the Student Employee Health Insurance Plan (SEHP)
Coverage mandates and automatic enrollment in the Student Health Insurance Plan do not apply to domestic students.
If you enroll in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) plan, you do not need to carry the student health insurance. It is your responsibility to waive your student health insurance through the Student Health Insurance Office.
Benefit Services Does NOT Waive Your Student Health Insurance
Be sure to monitor your student account bill to ensure you have successfully waived the student medical insurance. Per your UB Financial Agreement, you are responsible for payment of all tuition, fees and other associated costs assessed as a result of your registration and/or receipt of services. All fees on your student account bill should be paid by their stated deadline to avoid late fees and penalties.
If you enroll in the SEHP plan, you will be automatically enrolled in Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage through the Student Health Insurance office as a rider to your plan. This is mandatory coverage and the cost will be added to your tuition bill.
Welcome to the University at Buffalo! Benefit Services (State) will contact you with initial benefit enrollment information. Review enrollment instructions and deadlines included in the benefit information you receive carefully. Failure to enroll timely may result in an extended waiting period for coverage to begin.
Enrollment in medical insurance is voluntary. You will not be automatically enrolled in a plan.
Communications from Benefit Services (State) will be sent to your UB email (@buffalo.edu). Set up your email to receive important benefit information.
Your Social Security Number is required to enroll in the SEHP plan. Benefit Services cannot process your enrollment without this information. International students applying for their Social Security Number must do so immediately to sucessfully enroll.
All international students are required to have health insurance coverage. Enrollment in the University's student plan is automatic when the credit hour threshold is met. This coverage is separate from the coverage offered through employment. It is not administered by Benefit Services.
If you enroll in the Student Employee Health Plan (SEHP) plan, you do not need to carry the student health insurance. It is your responsibility to waive your student health insurance through the Student Health Insurance Office.
Benefit Services Does NOT Waive Your Student Health Insurance
Contact Benefit Services (State) for guidance if you are transferring from another SUNY Institution and/or New York State Agency or changing negotiating units.
Following your initial eligibility for health insurance, you may want to enroll in a NYSHIP plan, cancel coverage or make changes to your current plan. Allowable options will be based on your request and whether or not you are experiencing a qualifying event. Contact Benefit Services (State) as soon as possible as deadlines may apply.
Benefit Services for State must receive your completed paperwork within 30 days of a NYSHIP qualifying event.
Do not use your card before coverage becomes effective or after eligibility ends. To verify eligibility dates, contact Benefit Services (State). Use of a benefit card when you are not eligible may constitute fraud. If you or a dependent uses a card when you are not eligible for benefits, you will be billed for all claims paid incorrectly on your behalf or on behalf of your dependents. You are responsible for notifying Benefit Services (State) immediately when you or your dependents are no longer eligible for SEHP coverage.
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 by State Benefit Services by the listed deadline in order for the change to be made. Forms and documentation may be uploaded securely. Contact Benefit Services for upload instructions.
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 |
Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my domestic partner
| No deadline | Determined upon review |
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 or placement of child | Date of birth or placement of child |
Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my spouse and/or 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
|
| 30 days from date of prior coverage termination | Date of prior coverage termination |
To change coverage when a qualiyfing event does not apply, there may be a waiting period for the change in coverage to take effect and the tax status of your health insurance deductions from your paycheck may be impacted.
Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my spouse and/or child(ren) | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G) | Prior to desired date of enrollment | 30 days from date all required forms and documentation are received by Benefit Services |
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 |
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 |
Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Remove my domestic partner | None | No deadline | Determined upon review |
If you want to change from family to individual coverage or remove a dependent without a qualifying event, contact Benefit Services for further guidance.
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 |
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 |
Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Termination Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cancel my enrollment | Documentation stating effective date of leave without pay | 30 days from start date of leave | Date leave began |
If you want to cancel your coverage without a qualifying event, contact Benefit Services for further guidance.
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.
Current Rates
Contact NYSHIP for current COBRA rates: 1-800-833-4344
Dental and vision plans are available in addition to your medical insurance. Enrollment is not automatic. Benefit Services (State) will contact new hires with initial benefit enrollment information. Review enrollment instructions and deadlines included in the benefit information you receive carefully. Failure to enroll timely may result in an extended waiting period for coverage to begin.
Enrollment in insurance is voluntary. You will not be automatically enrolled inthe plans. Your waiting period for coverage to begin will be based on your appointment with the University.
The State Benefit Services Team is available to answer your questions. Use our contact information below to access all team members for the fastest response.
Contact our department leaders for additional assistance.
Lissa Jasinowski
Assistant Director
Benefits and Work Life Balance
Phone: (716) 645-4488
Email: lmt22@buffalo.edu