NYSUT sent out a notice earlier this year regarding the NYSHIP dependent eligibilty audit. The audit was directed strictly to those members with family Empire Plan coverage and who obtain their health coverage through school districts of local governements.
April 15, 2016, was the deadline for participants to submit verifying dependent information to the plan for the purpose of coverage. It was reported yesterday that as of 04/14/16, 26,000 Empire Plan participants had not submitted their dependent verification information. If this information is not submitted, dependents will be removed from coverage, and most would lose coverage retroactive to 01/01/16.
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 participating members have questions, members can call HMS Solutions (the NYSHIP dependent verification vendor) 1-855-893-8477.