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Outline

The New York PS 409 form is an essential document for employees looking to opt out of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). This form allows eligible employees to receive financial compensation in exchange for waiving their health insurance coverage. Specifically, individuals can choose to opt out of Individual coverage for a taxable amount of $1,000 or Family coverage for $3,000, provided they have alternate employer-sponsored group health insurance. To complete the form, employees must provide personal information, including their name, address, and details about their alternate health coverage. Additionally, they must attest to their eligibility and understanding of the program's requirements. The PS 409 form is not just a simple application; it includes important instructions for both newly eligible employees and current enrollees during the Annual Option Transfer Period. Understanding the nuances of this form can help employees navigate their health insurance options more effectively and make informed decisions about their coverage.

Sample - New York Ps 409 Form

State of New York

Department of Civil Service

Albany, NY 12239

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DIVISION 2013 OPT OUT ATTESTATION FORM

PS 409 (10/12)

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Name

Street Address

City

State

Zip

Date of Birth

Telephone Numbers

 

 

 

_____/_____/______

Home (

)

Work (

)

Marital Status

Married

 

Divorced

 

Marital Status Date

Single

Widowed

 

Separated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency Name and Address

NYSHIP HEALTH BENEFITS OPT-OUT ELECTION

Complete this section if you are newly eligible or currently enrolled in NYSHIP.

Employees must attest below that they are covered under other employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage other than the State of New York as of the opt out effective date, to be eligible for the Opt-out Program (CSEA employees, see your HBA for additional eligibility information).

Check one:

I am electing to opt out of Individual coverage in exchange for a $1,000 taxable amount.

I am electing to opt out of Family coverage in exchange for a $3,000 taxable amount (dependent information must be provided when electing Family opt-out).

Other employer-sponsored group health insurance information (must be provided)

Name of covered employee_____________________________ Covered employee’s Date of Birth_____________________

Covered employee’s SSN__________________ Name of covered employee’s employer________________________________

Effective date of alternate health insurance coverage_________________________________________________________

Name and Address of alternate health insurance coverage _____________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

ATTESTATION

All employees complete this section

I have read the Opt-out Program materials and instructions and I attest to the following:

I am covered under another employer-sponsored group health plan other than the State of New York that is in effect as of the opt out effective date and have provided my alternate plan information.

I understand that I must promptly report changes to information I have provided above which may impact my eligibility.

I understand that I may choose to opt out of Family coverage only if I have NYSHIP eligible dependents.

I understand that this election is for 2013 only.

I meet the qualifications to elect the Health Insurance Opt-out Program.

Employee’s Signature (Required) ________________________________ Signature Date (Required) ___/____/_____

NYS Department of Civil Service

Opt-out

Attestation Form

Albany, NY 12239

Page 2

– PS 409 (10/12)

Employees who can demonstrate and attest to having other employer-sponsored group health insurance may elect to opt out of NYSHIP’s Empire Plan or Health Maintenance Organizations. Employees who elect to opt out of NYSHIP will receive $1,000 for waiving Individual coverage or $3,000 for waiving Family coverage. This amount will be credited to bi-weekly paychecks as taxable income over the plan year. Unless newly eligible to enroll, employees must be enrolled in NYSHIP Individual or Family coverage prior to April 1st of the previous plan year to be eligible to opt out of that coverage. This enrollment cannot have been subject to late enrollment. In order to participate, employees must have other employer-sponsored group health insurance.

There are two circumstances when employees may elect to opt out of coverage; as newly eligible for the Opt-out Program, and, for currently enrolled employees, during the Annual Option Transfer Period. Only employees who experience a qualifying event will be allowed to withdraw their Opt-out election and enroll in a health insurance plan mid-year. See instructions below.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Newly eligible employees: Employees may enroll in the Opt-out Program no later than their first date of NYSHIP eligibility. Employees must sign the PS-409 Opt-out Attestation Form and complete a PS-404 Enrollment Form.

Current enrollees: Eligible enrollees may elect the Opt-out Program during the Annual Option Transfer Period for each plan year. Employees must sign the PS-409 Opt-out Attestation Form and complete a PS-404 Enrollment Form.

During mid-year: Employees who experience a Qualifying Event (QE) must notify their personnel office within thirty (30) days of the QE date in order to enroll in a health insurance plan without a waiting period. Employees must complete a PS404 Enrollment Form.

By signing the Opt-out Attestation, you elect to receive $3,000 (Family coverage waived), or $1,000 (Individual coverage waived); this amount will be credited to your bi-weekly paycheck as taxable income over the plan year.

The information you provide on this application is requested in accordance with Section 163 of New York State Civil Service Law for the principal purpose of enabling the Department of Civil Service to process your request concerning health insurance coverage. This information will be used in accordance with Section 96

(1)of the Personal Privacy Protection Law, particularly subdivisions (b), (e) and (f). Failure to provide the information requested may interfere with our ability to comply with your request. This information will be maintained by the Director of the Employee Benefits Division, NYS Department of Civil Service, Albany, NY 12239. For information concerning the Personal Protection Law, call (518) 457-9375. For information related to the Health Insurance Program, contact your Agency Health Benefits Administrator. If, after calling your Agency Health Benefits Administrator, you need more information, please call (518) 457-5754

or 1-800-833-4344 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

This form is invalid if it is not signed and submitted along with a completed PS 404.

Form Information

Fact Name Details
Form Purpose The PS 409 form is used by New York State employees to opt out of the NYSHIP health insurance program if they have other employer-sponsored health coverage.
Financial Incentives Employees opting out can receive $1,000 for waiving individual coverage and $3,000 for waiving family coverage, credited as taxable income.
Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, employees must be covered under another employer-sponsored group health plan and must have been enrolled in NYSHIP prior to April 1st of the previous plan year.
Governing Law The form is governed by Section 163 of the New York State Civil Service Law and the Personal Privacy Protection Law.
Submission Requirements Employees must sign the PS 409 form and submit it along with a completed PS 404 Enrollment Form for the application to be valid.
Mid-Year Changes Employees can withdraw their opt-out election and enroll in a health plan mid-year only if they experience a qualifying event.
Contact Information For assistance, employees can contact their Agency Health Benefits Administrator or call the NYS Department of Civil Service at (518) 457-5754.
Form Validity The PS 409 form is invalid if not signed and submitted with the PS 404 form.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out New York Ps 409

Completing the New York PS 409 form involves several steps to ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided. This form is essential for employees who wish to opt out of NYSHIP health insurance coverage in exchange for a taxable payment. Carefully follow the instructions below to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Begin by filling in your Employee Information at the top of the form. Provide your name, street address, city, state, zip code, date of birth, and telephone numbers (home and work).
  2. Indicate your Marital Status by checking the appropriate box: Married, Divorced, Single, Widowed, or Separated. If applicable, provide the date of your marital status change.
  3. Enter the Agency Name and Address where you are employed.
  4. In the NYSHIP Health Benefits Opt-Out Election section, select whether you are opting out of Individual coverage for $1,000 or Family coverage for $3,000. Make sure to provide dependent information if you choose Family coverage.
  5. Fill in the Other Employer-Sponsored Group Health Insurance Information. Include the name, date of birth, and Social Security Number of the covered employee, as well as their employer’s name and the effective date of the alternate health insurance coverage.
  6. Provide the Name and Address of the alternate health insurance coverage.
  7. Complete the Attestation section. Read the statements carefully and confirm your understanding by signing and dating the form.

After completing the form, ensure that it is signed and submitted along with a completed PS 404 form to your personnel office. This step is crucial for your application to be valid. Failure to do so may result in processing delays or rejection of your request.

Obtain Answers on New York Ps 409

  1. What is the New York PS 409 form?

    The New York PS 409 form, also known as the Opt-out Attestation Form, is used by employees who are eligible for the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) and wish to opt out of their health insurance coverage. By opting out, employees can receive a financial incentive in the form of taxable income. This form must be completed and submitted to confirm that the employee has other employer-sponsored group health insurance.

  2. Who is eligible to use the PS 409 form?

    Eligibility for the PS 409 form applies to employees who are newly eligible for NYSHIP or currently enrolled in the program. To qualify, employees must be covered under another employer-sponsored group health insurance plan that is effective as of the opt-out date. Additionally, employees must have been enrolled in NYSHIP Individual or Family coverage prior to April 1st of the previous plan year.

  3. What are the financial incentives for opting out?

    Employees who choose to opt out can receive a one-time payment of $1,000 for waiving Individual coverage or $3,000 for waiving Family coverage. This amount will be distributed as taxable income across bi-weekly paychecks over the plan year.

  4. When can employees opt out of NYSHIP coverage?

    Employees may opt out during two specific periods: when they are newly eligible for the Opt-out Program, or during the Annual Option Transfer Period. Current enrollees must complete the PS 409 form and a PS 404 Enrollment Form during these times. Employees can also opt out mid-year only if they experience a qualifying event, such as a change in employment status or family situation.

  5. What is required to complete the PS 409 form?

    To complete the PS 409 form, employees must provide their personal information, including name, address, and date of birth. Additionally, they must attest that they have other employer-sponsored group health insurance and provide details about that coverage, including the name of the covered employee and the effective date of the alternate insurance.

  6. What happens if I fail to report changes in my health insurance status?

    Employees are required to promptly report any changes to the information provided on the PS 409 form that may affect their eligibility for the Opt-out Program. Failing to do so could result in losing the opt-out benefits or facing issues with health insurance coverage.

  7. How can I get more information about the PS 409 form?

    For more information regarding the PS 409 form and the Opt-out Program, employees should first contact their Agency Health Benefits Administrator. If further assistance is needed, they can reach out to the New York State Department of Civil Service at (518) 457-5754 or 1-800-833-4344 during business hours, which are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Common mistakes

Filling out the New York PS 409 form can be straightforward, but many individuals make common mistakes that can complicate their applications. One significant error is failing to provide complete information about the alternate health insurance coverage. This section requires the name of the covered employee, their date of birth, and their Social Security Number. Omitting any of this information can lead to delays or outright rejection of the application.

Another frequent mistake involves misunderstanding the eligibility requirements. Employees often assume they can opt out without being currently enrolled in NYSHIP. However, eligibility hinges on being enrolled in either Individual or Family coverage prior to April 1st of the previous plan year. If an employee is not aware of this requirement, they may mistakenly submit the form, only to find out later that they do not qualify.

Additionally, some individuals neglect to report changes in their circumstances. The form clearly states that employees must promptly inform their personnel office of any changes that could affect their eligibility. Ignoring this responsibility can lead to complications down the line, including potential financial penalties or loss of coverage.

Lastly, many applicants overlook the importance of signing the form. A missing signature renders the entire application invalid. It is essential to ensure that all required signatures are present before submission. Taking the time to double-check these details can save a great deal of trouble later on.

Documents used along the form

When navigating the complexities of health insurance options in New York, several forms and documents often accompany the New York PS 409 form. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring that employees can effectively manage their health benefits and make informed decisions. Understanding these forms can help streamline the process and reduce confusion.

  • PS 404 Enrollment Form: This form is essential for both newly eligible employees and those currently enrolled in NYSHIP. It must be completed to enroll in the Opt-out Program or to make changes during the Annual Option Transfer Period.
  • Qualifying Event Notification: If an employee experiences a significant life change—such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child—they must notify their personnel office within 30 days. This notification is critical for adjusting health insurance coverage without penalties.
  • Health Benefits Program Guide: This guide outlines the various health insurance options available under NYSHIP. It provides detailed information about coverage types, eligibility requirements, and the enrollment process.
  • Dependent Information Form: Required when opting out of Family coverage, this form collects necessary details about dependents covered under the alternate health insurance plan.
  • Attestation of Coverage: This document serves as a formal declaration that an employee has alternative employer-sponsored health insurance. It is crucial for eligibility in the Opt-out Program.
  • Tax Implications Disclosure: Employees should receive information regarding the tax consequences of opting out of NYSHIP. Understanding how the $1,000 or $3,000 payments will be taxed is important for financial planning.
  • Privacy Notice: This notice informs employees about how their personal information will be used and protected under New York State laws. It reassures employees that their data will be handled with care.
  • Health Insurance Coverage Confirmation: After submitting the necessary forms, employees may receive a confirmation document verifying their alternative health insurance coverage. This is essential for record-keeping.
  • Annual Option Transfer Period Notification: This document provides details on the specific time frame when current enrollees can make changes to their health insurance coverage. Staying informed about these dates is vital.

By familiarizing yourself with these forms and documents, you can navigate the health insurance landscape with greater confidence. Each piece of paperwork serves a specific purpose, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of your options and responsibilities as a participant in the New York State health benefits program.

Similar forms

The New York PS 409 form is an important document for employees opting out of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). Several other documents serve similar purposes or relate to health insurance benefits. Here’s a breakdown of six documents that share similarities with the PS 409 form:

  • PS 404 Enrollment Form: This form is used to enroll in health insurance plans, including NYSHIP. It requires similar personal and employment information, and is often submitted alongside the PS 409 to complete the opt-out process.
  • PS 404A Health Insurance Change Form: This document is for reporting changes in health insurance coverage. Like the PS 409, it ensures that employees keep their health insurance information up-to-date, especially after qualifying events.
  • PS 500 Health Benefits Application: This application is for employees who are applying for health benefits for the first time. It shares the requirement for personal and employer information, just like the PS 409.
  • PS 404B Dependent Enrollment Form: This form allows employees to enroll eligible dependents in health insurance plans. It parallels the PS 409 in that it requires detailed information about dependents and their coverage.
  • PS 409D Opt-out Program Confirmation: This confirmation document is provided to employees who successfully opt out of NYSHIP. It serves as a record similar to the PS 409, confirming the details of the opt-out election.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Notice: While not a form for enrollment, this notice outlines employees' rights regarding their health information. It complements the PS 409 by ensuring that employees understand their privacy rights when opting out of coverage.

Each of these documents plays a crucial role in managing health insurance benefits and ensuring that employees have the necessary information and support for their coverage decisions.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the New York PS 409 form, there are important guidelines to follow to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do read the entire form carefully before starting to fill it out.
  • Do provide accurate information regarding your alternate health insurance coverage.
  • Do sign and date the form where indicated to validate your submission.
  • Do report any changes in your health insurance status promptly to maintain eligibility.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms may be rejected.
  • Don't submit the form without the accompanying PS 404 Enrollment Form if required.
  • Don't forget to check the correct opt-out option (Individual or Family coverage) based on your situation.
  • Don't assume eligibility without confirming that you meet all requirements outlined in the instructions.

Misconceptions

Understanding the New York PS 409 form can be challenging, leading to several misconceptions. Here are four common misunderstandings about this form:

  • Misconception 1: The PS 409 form can be submitted at any time.
  • This is not true. Employees must submit the form during specific periods, such as when they are newly eligible or during the Annual Option Transfer Period. Timing is crucial for eligibility.

  • Misconception 2: Opting out of coverage means losing health insurance entirely.
  • Many believe that opting out means they will not have health insurance. In reality, employees who opt out must have other employer-sponsored group health insurance. The form is a way to confirm that coverage exists.

  • Misconception 3: The financial incentive is guaranteed regardless of circumstances.
  • While employees receive $1,000 for waiving Individual coverage or $3,000 for waiving Family coverage, this is contingent upon meeting eligibility requirements. If the conditions are not met, the incentive may not be granted.

  • Misconception 4: Changes in personal circumstances do not need to be reported.
  • Some individuals think they can ignore changes in their circumstances after submitting the form. However, employees are required to promptly report any changes that could affect their eligibility for the Opt-out Program.

Key takeaways

  • Eligibility Requirement: To opt out of NYSHIP, you must have other employer-sponsored group health insurance that is effective as of the opt-out date.
  • Financial Incentives: Employees opting out of Individual coverage receive $1,000, while those opting out of Family coverage receive $3,000. This amount is taxable and credited to your paycheck.
  • Enrollment Timing: Newly eligible employees can enroll in the Opt-out Program on their first date of NYSHIP eligibility. Current enrollees can opt out during the Annual Option Transfer Period.
  • Documentation Required: Complete the PS-409 Opt-out Attestation Form and provide details about your alternate health insurance, including the name and date of birth of the covered employee.
  • Change Reporting: You must promptly report any changes to your health insurance information that could affect your eligibility for the Opt-out Program.
  • Mid-Year Changes: If you experience a qualifying event, you can withdraw your Opt-out election and enroll in a health plan. Notify your personnel office within 30 days of the event.
  • Signature Requirement: The form is invalid without your signature and must be submitted alongside a completed PS-404 Enrollment Form.