IMPORTANT: ALL MEMBERS PLEASE READ - NYSHIP Empire Plan Dependent Eligibility Audit

Please read this important memo below if you are covered by the NYSHIP Empire Plan.

TO:        Local Presidents
FROM:   Matt Jacobs, Regional Staff Dir.
DATE:    April 21, 2016
RE:        NYSHIP Empire Plan
              Dependent Eligibility Audit____________
 
The following message concerning NYSHIP's dependent eligibility audit was received from NYSUT health insurance specialist Sue Klug. If your members are covered by the NYSHIP Empire Plan, please share this with them. NYSHIP enrollees that have not completed the audit are in danger of having their dependents declared ineligible for insurance coverage.
 
NYSHIP  conducted a dependent eligibility audit for those with family Empire Plan coverage who obtain their coverage through school districts and local governments.  The deadline for participants to submit their information was 4/15/16.
 
I heard yesterday that as of 4/14/16, 26,000 Empire Plan participants had not submitted their dependent verification information.  If this information is not submitted, dependents will be removed from coverage, most retroactive to 1/1/16. I would suggest that local leaders encourage their members to review the dependent verification packet they received in February and comply with the request as soon as possible.
 
If they have questions, members can call HMS Solutions (the NYSHIP dependent verification vendor) 1-855-893-8477.