Management/Confidential Classified Group
M/C Classified 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 is with the state
- Your negotiating unit is 06
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Return to My Benefits.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance Eligibility
The University at Buffalo offers a variety of medical insurance options to suit your needs.
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.
Nadine Burns
Health Benefits Administrator
State Benefit Services
Phone: 716-645-4471
Email: nmburns@buffalo.edu
Full Time Appointments
- Appointment must be for at least six complete biweekly pay periods
- Must be paid salaried or hourly
Part Time Appointments
- Appointment must be for at least six complete biweekly pay periods
- Must be paid salaried or hourly
- FTE must be equal to or greater than .50
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 |
|
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 a certain number of days (depends on Union or Group) of their appointment begin date. If you do not attend a session and do not enroll within the specified period of time after your appointment begin date, you may be subject to a late enrollment period, which would delay your benefits.
- CSEA - Civil Service Employees Association: coverage is effective 42 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- M/C Classified: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- M/C Professional: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- NYSCOPBA - NY State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Associaiton, Inc.: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- PBANYS - Police Benevolent Association of NY State, Inc.: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- PEF - NY State Public Employees Federation: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- UUP - United University Professions: coverage is effective 42 calendar days from your appointment begin date
Questions Regarding Benefits Orientation
Customer Service
Human Resources
120 Crofts Hall
Phone: 716-645-7777
Current Employees
My Other Medical Insurance Ended
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll in Medical Insurance | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| 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 5 full pay periods (at least 10 weeks) 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 | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) | If enrolling dependents, see required documentation below | 30 days from date of prior coverage termination | 5 full pay periods (at least 10 weeks) from the date all paperwork and documentation is received |
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 |
|
Transferring Employees
I Am Changing Unions (Negotiating Units)
Contact Human Resources to verify if there will be any changes in your coverage:
I Am Transferring From Another State Employer
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 or continuation of 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 a certain number of days (depends on Union or Group) of their appointment begin date. If you do not attend a session and do not enroll within the specified period of time after your appointment begin date, you may be subject to a late enrollment period, which would delay your benefits.
- CSEA - Civil Service Employees Association: coverage is effective 42 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- M/C Classified: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- M/C Professional: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- NYSCOPBA - NY State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Associaiton, Inc.: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- PBANYS - Police Benevolent Association of NY State, Inc.: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- PEF - NY State Public Employees Federation: coverage is effective 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- UUP - United University Professions: coverage is effective 42 calendar days from your appointment begin date
Questions Regarding Benefits Orientation
Biweekly Cost
2019 Rates
Grade 9 and Below
| Plan | Bi-weekly Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | |
| Empire Plan (PPO) | $42.90 | $189.12 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY (HMO) | $38.24 | $164.10 |
| Independent Health Association (HMO) | $37.36 | $158.88 |
Grade 10 and Above
| Plan | Bi-weekly Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | |
| Empire Plan (PPO) | $57.20 | $225.09 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY (HMO) | $50.98 | $195.49 |
| Independent Health Association (HMO) | $49.81 | $189.33 |
The Opt-Out Program
If you have coverage under another employer-sponsored health insurance program, you may be eligible for an incentive payment if you opt-out of your (New York State Health Insurance Program) NYSHIP coverage.
The annual incentive payment is $1,000 for opting out of individual coverage or $3,000 for opting out of family coverage. The payment is considered taxable income and prorated and reimbursed in your biweekly paycheck throughout the year.
Eligibility
- You must be covered under an employer-sponsored group health insurance plan through other employment of your own or a plan that your spouse, domestic partner or parent has as the result of his or her employment.
- The other coverage may not allow you to opt out if it is NYSHIP coverage provided through employment with another state employer.
- NYSHIP coverage through another employer, such as a municipality, school district or public benefit corporation, qualifies as other coverage.
Ineligible Groups
- UUP (United University Professions)
- GSEU (Graduate Student Employees Union)
Enrollment
- You may be eligible to enroll when you are newly eligible for NYSHIP coverage. Human Resources can assist with enrollment during your benefits orientation.
- If you do not opt-out within a specified period from your appointment begin date (varies by union or group), you will no longer be eligible based on new employment.
- CSEA - Civil Service Employees Association: 42 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- M/C Classified: 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- M/C Professional: 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- NYSCOPBA - NY State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Associaiton, Inc.: 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- PBANYS - Police Benevolent Association of NY State, Inc.: 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- PEF - NY State Public Employees Federation: 56 calendar days from your appointment begin date
- You may be eligible to enroll during the Option Transfer period if you were enrolled in NYSHIP by April 1 of the prior plan year and remained enrolled through the end of that plan year.
Option Transfer Period
Each year New York state employees can change medical plans for the next calendar year.
The Option Transfer Period occurs over a specific period of time.
Except under very limited circumstances, this is the only time an employee is allowed to change plans.
Enrollment in the opt-out program does not continue automatically from year to year. You must enroll during each Option Transfer period and attest to having other coverage for the coming plan year.
Managing My Medical Insurance
Once enrolled, you may be able to make changes to your medical insurance. Listed below are events that allow you to make changes to your plan.
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.
Nadine Burns
Health Benefits Administrator
State Benefit Services
Phone: 716-645-4471
Email: nmburns@buffalo.edu
Adding Dependents
Look Up Eligibility Requirements For Dependents
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 Got Married
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| 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
| NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) NYSHIP Application for Enrolling Domestic Partners (PS-425.1) NYSHIP Dependent Tax Affidavit (PS-425.3) |
| No deadline | Determined upon review |
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 Had a Child
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my child | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| 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 | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| 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 Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my child | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| 30 days from date of prior coverage termination | Date of birth |
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline To Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Enroll my domestic partner
| NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) NYSHIP Application for Enrolling Domestic Partners (PS-425.1) NYSHIP Dependent Tax Affidavit (PS-425.3) |
| 30 days from date of prior coverage termination | 30 days from 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 | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404)
|
| 30 days from date of arrival | Date of arrival |
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. You may change the after-tax deduction during the option transfer period to take effect beginning in January of the next year.
Option Transfer Period
Near the end of every year, New York state employees can change medical plans for the next calendar year.
This Option Transfer Period lasts a specific period of time and is the only time you are allowed to change plans without a qualifying life event.
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| Prior to desired date of enrollment | 5 full pay periods from date forms and documentation received |
| Enroll my child | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| Prior to desired date of enrollment | 5 full pay periods from date forms and documentation received |
I Am Already Enrolled in Family Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enroll my spouse | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| Prior to desired date of enrollment | Determined upon review |
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 | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) |
| Prior to desired date of enrollment | Determined upon review |
Removing Dependents
I Got Legally Separated or Divorced
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documents | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my spouse | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) | 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) | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) | 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) | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) | 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 | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404)
| 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. You may change during the option transfer period to take effect beginning in January of the next year.
I Will Maintain Family Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documentation | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove my dependent | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) | None | Prior to desired date of coverage termination | Determined upon review |
Cancelling Coverage
I Enrolled in Other Coverage
| Action | Required Forms | Required Documentation | Deadline to Submit Paperwork | Coverage Termination Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cancel my enrollment | NYSHIP Health Insurance Enrollment or Change Form (PS-404) | 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 Documentation | 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 |
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. You may change during the option transfer period to take effect beginning in January of the next year.
Option Transfer Period
Near the end of every year, New York state employees can change medical plans for the next calendar year.
This Option Transfer Period lasts a specific period of time and is the only time you are allowed to change plans without a qualifying life event.
I Want to Participate in the Opt-Out Program
You may be eligible to enroll in the opt-out program during the option transfer period to take effect beginning in January of the next year. Please refer to the eligibility guidelines in the option transfer information for the upcoming year.
Option Transfer Period
Near the end of every year, New York state employees can change medical plans for the next calendar year.
This Option Transfer Period lasts a specific period of time and is the only time you are allowed to change plans without a qualifying life event.
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.
2019 Monthly COBRA Cost
| Plan | Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Family | |
| Empire Plan (PPO) | $792.19 | $1,992.35 |
| BlueCross BlueShield of WNY (HMO) | $706.12 | $1,739.20 |
| Independent Health Association (HMO) | $689.86 | $1,687.28 |
Updated 02/19
Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental and vision coverage is provided through the state of New York. There is no cost for enrollment.
Dental coverage takes effect the first of the month following 6 calendar months of employment. Vision coverage takes effect following a 56 calendar day waiting period.
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