The Option Transfer Period for UUP employees, during which the union members can change their health insurance coverage carrier, is now in effect and runs through Aug. 30.

The effective date of change will be Aug. 28.

Forms must be completed and have a signature date no later than Aug. 30.

Detailed information on the Empire Plan, Community Blue and Independent Health can be found on the Civil Service website. 

To qualify for the Opt-Out Program, UUP members must have been enrolled in a New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) by April 1, 2012. Workers who became newly eligible for NYSHIP benefits after April 1, 2012, must have been enrolled since their first date of eligibility.

The annual incentive payment is $1,000 for opting out of individual coverage and $3,000 for opting out of family coverage.

Further information on the Option Transfer and Opt-Out Programs, new 2013 health insurance rates and forms are on the University Human Resources website at under “Quick Start.”