Health Insurance

The program is intended to provide the fullest possible protection for you and your dependents for medical services, including hospitalization, surgical, out-patient and prescription drug care.

NYS Empire Plan (NYSHIP)

Orange County currently partially funds a medical insurance program for all government employees, called the New York State Empire Plan (NYSHIP).

The program is a traditional group insurance plan and it is a Preferred Provider Organization which enables you and your family to receive routine medical services from participating physicians, for a $25 co-payment. You can also choose to go to non-participating providers. When you use a non-participating provider, you must meet your deductible (refer to the current "At a Glance" for these amounts). The plan consists of 4 main parts:

1. Hospital Benefits insured and administered by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

2. Medical/Surgical Benefits insured and administered by United Healthcare

3. The Empire Plan Managed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program administered by Beacon Health Options, Inc (formerly ValueOptions Inc)

4. Prescription Drug Program insured and administered by CVS Caremark.

 

To learn more about the benefits, visit NYSHIP On-line

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Costs

The majority of the premium costs to provide the program is paid by the College, to the County. However, each employee who participates is required to contribute the following amounts via payroll deductions toward any coverage which they might elect for themselves or their dependents.

For more information about the cost of your health insurance benefits please contact Human Resources.

 

Eligibility Date

Coverage begins on the 1st day of the 3rd month following your application.

 

Coverage for Dependents from Age 26 through Age 29

A passed in New York State to extend health insurance coverage to young adult dependents through job-based insurance.

This law requires insurers to allow coverage for unmarried children through age 29, regardless of financial dependence, to be covered under a parent's group health insurance plan.

Premiums would be paid by the dependent's family, not the employer, and would be at group plan rates.

 

Health Care Exchange Notice

It is mandated that we, as your employer distribute the New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and your Health Coverage form from the Department of Labor, with SUNY Orange’s information. For those employees who currently have health coverage through SUNY Orange, your health coverage does not change.

The fact sheet provides you information about the health insurance coverage options available through the Health Insurance Marketplace that became effective January 1, 2014. More information on the health care reform law and the Marketplace (or “exchange”) is available at www.healthcare.gov.

New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage Fact Sheet

(If you need a more accessible version of this fact sheet, please call Human Resources at 845-341-4660)