Building partnerships through collaboration.
GSEU Benefits
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:
- Your affiliation to UB is with the state
- Your negotiating unit is 28
Not Your Union?
Return to My Benefits.
Medical, Dental and Vision 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. Human Resources will advise you of your eligibility based on your appointment information.
Contact the Benefits Team
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.
Department Leadership
Contact our department leaders for additional assistance.
![Lissa Jasinowski.]()
Lissa Jasinowski
Assistant Director
Benefits and Work Life Balance
Phone: (716) 645-4488
Email: lmt22@buffalo.edu
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.
A Social Security Number is Required for Dependents
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.
| Eligible Dependents | Required Documents to Enroll Dependent |
|---|---|
Domestic Partner
|
|
| Dependent Children Under Age 26 |
|
Student Health Insurance and Waiver
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.
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 Health Insurance office as a rider to your plan. This is mandatory coverage and the cost will be added to your tuition bill.
Student Health Insurance Resources
Medical Insurance
New Employees
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.
Establish Your UB Email
Communications from Benefit Services (State) will be sent to your UB email (@buffalo.edu). Set up your email to receive important benefit information.
Social Security Number is Required
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.
Student Health Insurance Waiver
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
Transferring Employees
Contact Benefit Services (State) for guidance if you are transferring from another SUNY Institution and/or New York State Agency or changing negotiating units.
Current Employees
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.
NYSHIP Health Insurance Resources
Possession of a Card does not Guarantee Eligiblity
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.
Biweekly Rates
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. You can submit your paperwork to our UB Secure Box Folder:
Adding Dependents
| 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
| GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G)
NYSHIP Application for Enrolling Domestic Partners (PS-425.1) |
| 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 | Date of birth |
| 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 |
Removing Dependents
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 |
| 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 | GSEU Health Insurance Enrollment and Change (PS-404G)
| None | No deadline | Determined upon review |
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
| 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 and one of the above events does not apply, you cannot change your health insurance.
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.
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
Current Rates
Contact NYSHIP for current COBRA rates: 1-800-833-4344
Dental and Vision Coverage
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.
Contact the Benefits Team
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.
Department Leadership
Contact our department leaders for additional assistance.
![Lissa Jasinowski.]()
Lissa Jasinowski
Assistant Director
Benefits and Work Life Balance
Phone: (716) 645-4488
Email: lmt22@buffalo.edu