The New York PS 409 form is an Opt-out Attestation Form used by employees to confirm they have other employer-sponsored health insurance. By completing this form, employees can opt out of NYSHIP coverage and receive a financial incentive. If you need to fill out this form, click the button below.
The New York PS 409 form, officially known as the Opt-out Attestation Form, serves a crucial role for employees participating in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). This form allows eligible employees to opt out of NYSHIP coverage if they have alternative employer-sponsored health insurance. By opting out, individuals can receive a financial incentive of $1,000 for waiving individual coverage or $3,000 for waiving family coverage, which will be distributed as taxable income over the course of the plan year. To complete the form, employees must provide personal information, including their name, address, and details about their alternative health insurance coverage. Additionally, they must attest to their eligibility and understanding of the program requirements, which include reporting any changes in their health insurance status. The PS 409 form must be signed and submitted alongside a PS 404 Enrollment Form to ensure compliance with NYSHIP regulations. This process is designed to support employees while ensuring that they have access to necessary health benefits, reflecting the state’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce.
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
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.
Filling out the New York PS 409 form is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for employees who wish to opt out of NYSHIP coverage and receive a monetary benefit in return. To ensure that your application is processed smoothly, follow the steps outlined below.
After completing the form, submit it along with the PS 404 Enrollment Form to your agency's personnel office. Make sure to keep a copy for your records. The information you provide will be used to process your request for opting out of NYSHIP and to ensure you receive the appropriate benefits.
The New York PS 409 form, also known as the Opt-out Attestation Form, is used by employees of the State of New York to opt out of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). By completing this form, employees can attest that they are covered by other employer-sponsored group health insurance and, in return, receive a monetary incentive. This program allows for a $1,000 incentive for opting out of individual coverage and $3,000 for family coverage.
Eligibility for the PS 409 form is primarily for employees who are either newly eligible for NYSHIP or currently enrolled in it. To qualify, employees must have other employer-sponsored group health insurance coverage. Additionally, employees must be enrolled in NYSHIP prior to April 1st of the previous plan year to opt out unless they are newly eligible or participating during the Annual Option Transfer Period.
When employees opt out of NYSHIP using the PS 409 form, they will receive a taxable amount added to their bi-weekly paychecks. Specifically, opting out of individual coverage provides $1,000, while opting out of family coverage offers $3,000. This amount is distributed over the plan year and is considered taxable income.
On the PS 409 form, you will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and marital status. Additionally, you must include details about your other employer-sponsored health insurance, including:
Once you opt out using the PS 409 form, you generally cannot change your decision mid-year unless you experience a qualifying event, such as a change in employment status or a family status change. If a qualifying event occurs, you must notify your personnel office within 30 days to enroll in a health insurance plan without a waiting period.
If you are newly eligible for NYSHIP, you can enroll in the Opt-out Program by submitting the PS 409 form no later than your first date of eligibility. Along with the PS 409, you must also complete a PS 404 Enrollment Form to finalize your opt-out election.
For additional information regarding the PS 409 form or the Health Insurance Program, you can contact your Agency Health Benefits Administrator. If further assistance is needed, you 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 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Failure to provide the necessary information on the PS 409 form may interfere with the processing of your request. The information collected is essential for the Department of Civil Service to verify your eligibility for the Opt-out Program and to ensure compliance with state laws regarding health insurance coverage.
Incomplete Employee Information: Failing to fill in all required fields, such as name, address, or date of birth, can lead to processing delays.
Incorrect Marital Status: Selecting the wrong marital status may affect eligibility for family coverage and the corresponding opt-out amount.
Missing Alternate Insurance Details: Not providing complete information about the other employer-sponsored health insurance can result in denial of the opt-out request.
Not Attesting to Coverage: Failing to sign the attestation section indicates that the employee is not confirming their coverage under another plan, jeopardizing the application.
Ignoring Reporting Obligations: Not understanding the requirement to report changes in insurance status can lead to complications in eligibility.
Choosing Family Coverage Without Dependents: Electing to opt out of family coverage without having eligible dependents can invalidate the application.
Missing Signature and Date: The form is invalid if the employee’s signature and date are not included, regardless of the accuracy of the other information.
Submitting After Deadlines: Failing to submit the form by the required deadlines, especially for newly eligible employees, can result in loss of the opt-out opportunity.
Not Understanding the Tax Implications: Employees may overlook that the opt-out amounts are taxable income, which could affect their financial planning.
The New York PS 409 form is essential for employees opting out of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). However, several other documents often accompany this form to ensure proper enrollment and compliance with the program's requirements. Below is a list of related forms that facilitate the opt-out process and provide necessary information.
Understanding the relationship between these documents and the PS 409 form is crucial for employees navigating their health insurance options. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring compliance and facilitating a smooth opt-out process.
The New York PS 409 form is similar to the IRS Form 8889, which is used to report Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions and distributions. Both forms require individuals to provide personal information and details about their health coverage. However, while the PS 409 focuses on opting out of state health insurance in exchange for a cash benefit, Form 8889 is centered on managing tax-advantaged savings for medical expenses. Both forms emphasize the importance of accurate reporting to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.
Another document comparable to the PS 409 is the Health Insurance Marketplace application. This application collects personal information to determine eligibility for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Like the PS 409, it requires applicants to disclose existing health insurance coverage. However, the Marketplace application is geared toward obtaining insurance through government exchanges, whereas the PS 409 is aimed at opting out of existing state-sponsored health insurance for a financial incentive.
The PS 409 form also bears similarities to the COBRA election notice. Both documents address health insurance coverage options following a qualifying event, such as job loss or a change in employment status. While the PS 409 allows employees to opt out of existing coverage for a cash benefit, the COBRA notice provides information on maintaining health insurance after leaving employment. Each document underscores the necessity of timely action to maintain health coverage.
In addition, the PS 409 can be likened to the FMLA certification form, which requires employees to provide information about their health conditions and eligibility for leave. Both forms necessitate personal information and attestations regarding coverage. However, the FMLA form is focused on protecting an employee's job during medical leave, while the PS 409 is concerned with opting out of health insurance in exchange for financial compensation.
Another related document is the Medicaid application form. This form, like the PS 409, collects personal and financial information to determine eligibility for health benefits. Both documents require applicants to attest to their current health coverage status. However, the Medicaid application is aimed at qualifying low-income individuals for government-sponsored health insurance, while the PS 409 is designed for employees seeking to waive state-sponsored coverage for a monetary benefit.
The PS 409 form is also similar to the Medicare enrollment application. Both documents require individuals to provide personal information and details about existing health coverage. While the PS 409 focuses on opting out of state health insurance for a financial incentive, the Medicare application is concerned with enrolling eligible individuals in government-sponsored health care for seniors and certain disabled individuals. Both emphasize the importance of understanding eligibility criteria.
Additionally, the PS 409 has parallels with the Employee Benefits Enrollment form used by many employers. Both forms collect personal information and details about health coverage choices. While the PS 409 specifically addresses opting out of state health insurance, the Employee Benefits Enrollment form typically facilitates the selection of various benefits, including health insurance options. Both require careful consideration of existing coverage and potential benefits.
Finally, the PS 409 is akin to the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) enrollment form. Both documents require employees to provide personal information and details about their dependent coverage. However, while the PS 409 is focused on health insurance opt-out elections, the Dependent Care FSA form pertains to pre-tax contributions for dependent care expenses. Each form emphasizes the need for accurate reporting to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements.
When filling out the New York PS 409 form, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid:
Understanding the New York PS 409 form can be challenging, especially with the various misconceptions that exist. Here are four common misunderstandings about this important document:
Many believe that only newly hired employees can use the PS 409 form. In reality, both new and current employees can opt out of NYSHIP coverage during specific enrollment periods. Current employees can take advantage of the Opt-out Program during the Annual Option Transfer Period.
Some individuals fear that opting out of NYSHIP means they will have no health insurance. However, the form is designed for those who already have coverage through another employer-sponsored group health plan. It allows employees to receive a financial incentive while maintaining their existing health insurance.
It is a common belief that the amounts received for opting out of coverage are tax-free. In fact, the $1,000 for individual coverage and $3,000 for family coverage are considered taxable income and will be reflected in the employee's bi-weekly paycheck.
Some employees think they can choose to opt out whenever they wish. This is not true. Employees must adhere to specific timelines, such as being newly eligible or participating during the Annual Option Transfer Period. If a qualifying event occurs, they may have a chance to withdraw their opt-out election, but this must be done within a limited timeframe.
When filling out the New York PS 409 form, there are several important points to keep in mind. Understanding these key takeaways can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you meet all necessary requirements.
By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the process of filling out the PS 409 form with greater confidence and clarity. Always ensure that you have the necessary information and documentation ready before you begin.