
| New York City Officeof LaborRelations Health Benefits Program nyc.gov/olr | 
|
Date: October 2024
To: All Employees
Subject: Health Benefits Program Rate Changes

I) Health Plan Rates Effective October 1, 2024
Enclosed pleasefind theHealth Benefits Program rate chart effective forthe first full pay period in October 2024. Basic coverageis availableat nocost tothe subscriber undercertain plans, while other plans require a payroll deduction. Please review the deductions on your check inthe first full payroll period in October toensure thatit matches with the October 2024 rate changes.
Please be advised that these rates are subject to change.In the event of a rate change, your payroll deduction may either decrease or increase. Notice of any rate changes will be available through the Health Benefits Program website at nyc.gov/hbp.
II) Fall Transfer Period/Open Enrollment (November 1, 2024 - November 30, 2024)
This year, the annual transfer period will be held in November for active employees.During that period, employees can:
· Transfer to another health plan
· Add or drop an optional rider
· Add or drop dependents
· Change health premium contribution tax status
· Elect the Health Benefits Buy-Out Waiver Program
Any changes made during the Fall Transfer Period will become effective on the first day of the first full payroll period in January 2025.
III) Updating Your Personal Information/Domestic Partner Taxation
You may update the below information through Employee Self-Service or by contacting your Agency personnel department.Please also notify your Welfare Fund/Union separately of any changes.
· Address update
· Marital status update
· Domestic partner status update: the amount paid by an employer attributable to coverage of a domestic partner is treated as part of the participant's gross income for tax purposes.
IV) CIGNA Health Plan
Effective January 1,2025, CIGNA health plan will no longer be available for actives employees and eligible dependents. If you are currently enrolled in CIGNA, you must elect another City health plan duringthe transfer period.
V) Special Reminder to Medicare-Eligible Employees and Dependents (this does not apply to over age 65 domestic partners of employees)
Federal law requires the City of New York tooffer employees over age 65 the same coverage under the same conditions as those that are offered toemployees under age 65. The same stipulationalso applies to dependents over age 65 and
thosecovered by Medicarethrough the Special Provisions of the Social SecurityAct for the Disabled. In such cases, enrollment in a City healthplan is primary coverage,and Medicare, ifapplicable, becomessecondary coverage. Make surethat you and your dependents, if enrolled inyour coverage,inform all health care providers that your City health coverageis your and your dependent(s)primary coverage.If you and/or your dependent(s) are Medicare-eligible and want Medicare to be your primary coverage, you mustwaive your City healthcoverage.
VI) Transition to Retirement from Employee to Retiree City Health Coverage
As you get ready to retire there are many things you need to consider with regards to your health benefits. Please visit the OLR website at https://www.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/health-videos.pageto view our transition to retirement videos.
These videos will guide you through the steps involved in transitioning your health benefits from employee to retiree status. Below are some of the steps you should take to ensure your benefits transfer from active service to retiree.
· Visit your pension system to establish your retirement date and to obtain documentation of you pension credible years of service.
· Complete the Retiree Health Benefits Application/Change Form and have your HR department complete and certify Section I of the application.
· If you are retiring and youand your eligible dependents are 65 and over, you andyour covered eligible dependent must enrollin Medicare Parts A and B.Please complete a SEP form (CMS L564)for you and youreligible dependent by your Agency HR prior to applying for Medicareand Part B in order to avoid any late enrollment penalties forMedicare Part B.
· Please refer to the retiree rate chart at https://www.nyc.gov/site/olr/health/summaryofplans/health-ratechart.page. These rates are subject to change.
Thank you,
R. Carmel Boyle
Executive Director
Office of Human Resources
York College/CUNY
718-262-5259