The Empire Plan
Preferred provider organization
| Coverage | Grade 9 & belowSalary below $52,413 | Grade 10 & aboveSalary above $52,413 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $65.99 | $87.99 |
| Family | $298.75 | $355.24 |
Benefits & Total Rewards / UUP
Medical insurance.
Clarity at every step.
Your health. Your family. Your peace of mind.
Explore medical coverage for UUP faculty and professional staff, compare costs, and
find your next step.
01 / Understand your options
View 2023 comparison chart ↗Two plans. A clear comparison.
Compare individual and family premiums per biweekly pay period.
Confirm current premiums and your salary category with Benefits before enrolling. The linked benefits comparison chart is dated 2023.
Look beyond the premium.
Find providers through NYSHIP ↗Review benefits and provider information before choosing your coverage.
02 / Before you enroll
Check your eligibility.
Coverage depends on your appointment, work schedule, and employee category.
Coverage starts on day 29.
Enroll within 30 days of your appointment. If you decline medical insurance, you may still enroll in UUP dental and vision benefits.
Enroll within 30 days of your appointment. If you decline medical insurance, you may still enroll in UUP dental and vision benefits.
Full-time faculty & professional staff
You must be scheduled to work at least six consecutive biweekly pay periods. Fee-for-service employees are not eligible for health benefits.
Part-time employees
Each category below requires at least six consecutive biweekly pay periods:
- Professional staff hired after January 1, 2019: at least 50% effort.
- Teaching faculty: six or more credits per semester.
- Faculty with primarily non-teaching obligations: an annualized salary of at least $17,583.
03 / Get covered
Enrollment, made easier.
Prepare your forms and documents together so Benefits can process your enrollment.
Already enrolled?
Use the coverage changes section for option transfers and qualifying life events.
Manage your coverage →-
Complete your enrollment form.
Use the NYS Health Insurance Transaction Form (PS-404). Select pre-tax or after-tax payroll deductions. Include the PS-425 Domestic Partner Form when applicable.
Find benefits forms ↗ -
Gather the required proof.
Attach the required documents for yourself and each spouse or dependent you are enrolling. The Department of Civil Service requires these documents; substitutions are not accepted.
Review documents & proofs ↗ -
Submit within 30 days.
Send the completed forms and copies of your eligibility documents to Benefits. Required documents may also be brought to orientation.
hrs_benefits@stonybrook.edu ↗
Enrolling after the deadline?
A five-pay-period waiting period may apply, with premiums deducted on an after-tax basis. Contact Benefits for guidance.
A five-pay-period waiting period may apply, with premiums deducted on an after-tax basis. Contact Benefits for guidance.
04 / Coverage for your family
Know who can be covered.
Understand dependent eligibility and what changes as children get older.
Eligible dependents
- Your spouse or eligible domestic partner.
- Children under age 26, including stepchildren, adopted children, and your domestic partner’s children.
- Disabled children over age 26, subject to carrier approval and the PS-451 Statement of Disability.
- Other dependent children may qualify; review the NY Statement of Dependence.
When a child turns 26
Dependent medical coverage ends at the end of the month in which your child turns 26. Eligible young adults may be able to continue coverage through the Young Adult Option.
Explore the Young Adult Option ↗Dental & vision follow different rules.
Medical dependent coverage does not extend the same age rules to dental and vision. UUP requires proof of full-time student status for eligible dependents ages 19–25.
05 / Make the most of your coverage
Life changes.
Life changes.
Your benefits can, too.
Find guidance for changing plans, getting your insurance cards, and checking payroll deductions.
COVERAGE ESSENTIALS
A little preparation. More peace of mind.
01 Keep your insurance cards handy.
02 Check your provider’s plan network.
03 Review deductions on your pay statement.
Changing your health insurance
During the annual Option Period
Typically in November or December, submit PS-404 and the required documents to Benefits to request an available plan change.
After a qualifying event
Submit PS-404 and supporting documents within 30 days of an event such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Without a qualifying event
Other changes may be possible, but a five-pay-period wait and after-tax premium deductions apply. Contact Benefits to review your request.
Finding a provider
Use NYSHIP for provider information. For help registering or accessing your enrollment information, contact Benefits at (631) 632-6180.
Insurance ID cards & using your benefits
When your cards arrive
Allow approximately six weeks after Benefits processes your enrollment form.
Before your cards arrive
Empire Plan members can contact Benefits for their card numbers and effective date. HMO members must contact their HMO directly; telephone numbers appear in the plan’s Summary of Benefits.
Replacing a lost card
Use MyNYSHIP to request replacement insurance cards. Benefits can help with registration.
Payroll deductions: timing & corrections
Allow two pay periods after submitting your enrollment form and required proof for deductions to begin.
If the amount is incorrect, changes unexpectedly, or is still missing after two pay periods, contact Benefits at (631) 632-6180. Your PS-404 election determines whether deductions are pre-tax or after-tax.
Transferring bargaining units
Waiting periods are usually eliminated for transfers within Stony Brook when there is no break in service.
Review transfer guidance ↗Leaving State employment & COBRA
Health, dental, and vision coverage continues for 28 days after the end of the pay period in which you leave State employment. COBRA continuation is then offered.
Contact Benefits for your coverage dates and continuation options.
More questions about your benefits?
Find additional answers in the Benefits FAQs, or contact the Benefits team for help with your situation.
Read Benefits FAQs ↗06 / Your benefits team
Questions? We’re here to help.
Connect with the Benefits team for enrollment, coverage, and payroll support.