Office of Human Resources
Benefits Bulletin Board

Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan presentations

2 minute overview: SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan

7 Minute VSP Plan highlights: SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan (VSP) Presentation

We are pleased to let you know that the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER) Work Life Services (WLS) will again offer virtual Spring 2023 NYS Pre-Retirement DIRECTIONS Sessions from February – June 2023. Using the WexEx platform, these live sessions will be conducted bi-weekly over 2 days using the following schedule and agenda:

Session Dates:
 
February 
Webinar Session I: Feb 21st & Feb 22nd  
 
March 
Webinar Session I:  Mar 7th & Mar 8th   
Webinar Session II:  Mar 21st & Mar 22nd  
 
April
Webinar Session I: Apr 4th & Apr 5th   
Webinar Session II: Apr 18th & Apr 19th 
 
May
Webinar Session I:  May 2nd & May 3rd                                 Webinar Session II:  May 16th & May 17th   
Webinar Session III:  May 30th & May 31st   
 
June
Webinar Session I: June 13th & June 14th                            Webinar Session II:  June 27th & June 28th  
 
Regular Bi-Weekly Agenda:
 
Tuesday - Day One
10:00 am - 10:30 am                     Overview: Self-Help Guide
10:30 am - 11:30 am                     NYS Deferred Compensation Program
11:30 am - 11:45 pm                     Break
11:45 pm - 1:30 pm                       New York & Local Retirement System
 
Wednesday - Day Two
10:00 am -10:15 am                      Overview: NYS Pre-Retirement Planning Website
10:15 am - 11:15 am                     Social Security
11:15 am - 11:30 pm                     Break
11:30 pm - 1:00 pm                       Health Insurance (NYSHIP)
 
These important and informative DIRECTIONS webinars will provide the exact same live training as the in-person seminars including the same valuable information as provided by the same presenters.  As these are popular events, prior attendance rules will continue to apply.  All employees will only be able to attend one (1) complete webinar session, one (1) time in their career. And, when live seminars do safely return, employees who attended these webinars will not be permitted to register and attend the live seminar.
 
Prior eligibility criteria will also remain consistent. One (1) attendance in their employment career is open to any employee who 
•       is at least 50 years of age and 
•       is eligible to retire in 5 years
 
These popular DIRECTIONS webinars are provided to NYS agencies state-wide.  So, with extremely limited availability, we ask that registrants be mindful of their reservation and required attendance at both sessions.  
 
Please Note: the deadline to register for any full session is two (2) weeks prior to the session start date. 
 
Please feel free to contact Ellen Brown at ebrown@esf.edu with any questions you may have about these valuable retirement planning sessions. 

December 2022 Spotlight on Professional Writing Skills

The State of New York provides a $50,000 accidental death benefit and a tuition benefit for dependent children for New York State employees who die as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury.

Both benefits are available to the following State employee groups:

Administrative Services Unit   02
Agency Police Services Unit   31
Institutional Services Unit   04
Management/Confidential   06
Operational Services Unit   03
Security Services Unit   01 & 21
State University of New York—   13
Management Confidential

Accidental Death Benefit

The accidental death benefit is paid only if an employee dies as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury and the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) issues a determination providing for payment of a death benefit under the Workers' Compensation Law. The accidental death benefit is $50,000, paid to the employee's surviving spouse and children. If there are no beneficiaries, the benefit is paid to the deceased employee's estate. The benefit is in addition to other State death benefits and is paid to the beneficiaries in the same proportion as the WCB determination. Employees in bargaining unit codes 01, 06, 07, 17, 18, 21, 31, 61, 62, and 91, whose beneficiaries receive full payment under the Federal Public Safety Officers Benefit Act (42 USC 3796, et seq.) are not eligible for the accidental death benefit. Members of the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU), bargaining unit code 28, are entitled to the accidental death benefit only.

Dependent Children Tuition Benefit

This benefit provides college tuition assistance to dependent children of New York State employees who die as a result of an accidental on-the-job injury. For the purpose of this benefit, dependent children are those designated by the Workers' Compensation Board to receive a death benefit.

Tuition assistance is paid in full if a dependent child attends an undergraduate college or community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. In addition, some bargaining units will provide tuition assistance at the SUNY tuition rate if the dependent child attends a private college or university in New York State. This benefit is for tuition only and does not cover fees mandated by the college, room and board, books, or incidentals. The State pays the benefit directly to the college.

The 2023 NYSHIP Option Transfer and Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) Election Period

The 2023 NYSHIP Option Transfer and Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP) Election Period runs from Thursday, December 1, 2022, through Friday, December 30, 2022.

For more information go to: 2023 NYSHIP Option Transfer

The Flex Spending Account (FSA) is a state employee benefit that saves you money by allowing you to pay for certain expenses with pre-tax dollars. Under this program, you can choose from three different benefits:

• The Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) lets you set aside any amount from $100 up to $3050 for the 2023 plan year to pay for health care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance or other benefit plan. However, only medically necessary medical, hospital, dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug expenses for you, your spouse, and your eligible dependents can be reimbursed by your HCSA.
• The Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) allows your family to set aside up to $5,000 or $2500 based on your tax filing status. In pre-tax dollars for eligible custodial childcare, elder care, or disabled dependent care expenses that are necessary for you and your spouse, if you are married, to work.
• The Adoption Advantage Account lets you pay for expenses related to the adoption of an eligible child with pre-tax dollars. Eligible state employees may contribute up to $15,950 in the Adoption Advantage Account for the 2023 plan year.

This year we have a new administrator for the FSA, Total Administrative Service Corporation (TASC). TASC will be handling enrollments for the 2023 plan year while our current vendor, Health Equity/WageWorks will be responsible for the run out of the 2022 plan year. All employees will be required to newly enroll in the new system, including those who are re-enrolling.

HEALTH CARE SPENDING

Employees will continue to access a debit card to use for eligible purchases and charges. After January 1, current FSA debit cards from Health Equity/WageWorks will be deactivated. Participants in the 2023 program who enroll prior to December 1 should receive the new TASC debit card by January 1, 2023. Those participants who enroll after December 1 and before the December 12 deadline will receive their new debit card by mid-January. However, their claims and expenses will still be eligible for reimbursement.

Plan year 2023 will also include the maximum carryover of 2022 remaining balances. After the run-out period ends on March 31, 2023, up to $610 of funds remaining in 2022 accounts will be carried over to participants' 2023 accounts for use during the 2023 plan year. Funds will be deposited into 2023 accounts by April 30, 2023.

DEPENDENT CARE ADVANTAGE ACCOUNT (DCAA)

Plan year 2023 will also include a grace period. Any remaining funds from the 2022 plan year can be used to pay for expenses incurred between January 1, 2023 and March 15, 2023.

Open enrollment will run from November 1, 2022 to December 12, 2022 ending at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations do not allow us to make exceptions for employees who miss the deadline, regardless of their reason.

In addition to the informational flyer a more detailed brochure and the 2023 FSA enrollment book will be available at https://oer.ny.gov/program-materials. You may also visit the Flex Spending Account website at https://oer.ny.gov/about-flex-spending-account-fsa to view program details online and the enrollment process. You may also call the FSA Hotline at 1-800-358-7202 for more information, where customer service representatives are ready to assist you.

To Enroll:

On November 1 the link to enroll will be available at https://oer.ny.gov/fsa, or employees can call 800-358-7202 to enroll.

The State University of New York Voluntary Savings Plan 2023 UNIVERSAL AVAILABILITY NOTICE

The State University of New York ("SUNY") provides employees with the opportunity to save for their retirement through the SUNY Voluntary 403(b) Savings Plan (the "Plan"). Participation in the SUNY Voluntary Savings Plan is a great way to build your retirement savings through pre-tax and/or post-tax payroll deduction contributions.

2023 Universal Availability Notice (PDF)

The 2023 Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) for 2023 allows eligible UUP represented and Management Confidential (M/C 13) employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation) in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share of NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis.

The enrollment for the 2023 PEP program runs from: Tuesday, November 1, 2022, through Monday, December 12, 2022.

The election form must be filed with Human Resource's Office by the close of business on December 12, 2022.

Summary with Enrollment Form

The 2023 Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) for 2023 allows eligible Classified CSEA-represented and Management Confidential (M/C 06) employees to exchange previously accrued annual leave (vacation) and/or personal leave in return for a credit to be applied toward their employee share of NYSHIP premiums on a biweekly basis.

The enrollment for the 2023 PEP program runs from: Tuesday, November 1, 2022, through Monday, December 12, 2022.

The election form must be filed with Human Resource's Office by the close of business on December 12, 2022.

PEP Information

Classified CSEA/MC Enrollment form is found at: Fillable Enrollment Form

We are pleased to announce the Partnership's 2022-2023 Tuition Benefits Program for eligible CSEA-represented NYS employees.

Some of the program highlights include:

• Eligible CSEA-represented NYS employees may apply for two tuition vouchers or tuition reimbursements. Applications must be received by March 31, 2023.
• Any course taken must be in session during the time frame of April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
• Applications will be accepted by mail (NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training, Corporate Plaza East - Suite 502, 240 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203), by fax at (518) 486-1989, or by email to tuitionapplications@nyscseapartnership.org
• Educational Advisement Services are available to members by calling (800) 253-4332 (Press Option 1) or emailing advisors@nyscseapartnership.org

For more information, call (800) 253-4332 or email learning@nyscseapartnership.org

We're thrilled to announce the return of tuition assistance for eligible employees pursuing an in-demand position in state service.

The Partnership's Statewide Targeted Tuition Program enables aspiring nurses, welders, HVAC technicians, information technology professionals, and truck drivers to receive up to two targeted benefits. This is in addition to the two standard tuition benefits available to all CSEA-represented NYS employees.

The additional benefits help employees attain their coursework faster while reducing their tuition expenses.

Statewide Targeted Tuition Programs

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Information Technology
• Nursing
• Welding

Courses must be in session, at some point, between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Applications must be received by March 31, 2023.

Statewide Targeted Tuition Program | NYS & CSEA Partnership

The NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training is pleased to announce the Fall 2022 Skills for Success catalog. Live, instructor-led courses and webinars provide CSEA-represented employees with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to meet their personal and professional development goals. Attached is the Skills for Success catalog containing course and webinar descriptions, dates, and start and end times. There are over 80 courses and webinars scheduled from September through December 2022.

For more information go to: the Partnership's website at www.nyscseapartnership.org.

CSEA-represented employees are encouraged to take advantage of these valuable training opportunities. Employees may enroll through the Statewide Learning Management System or by completing the Partnership's application form located in the catalog or online at https://nyscseapartnership.org/skills-success

Fall 2022 Skills for Success Catalog

• The New Faculty Peer Mentoring Program is being offered this fall at no cost to tenure track faculty on all 64 SUNY campuses. This is a collaboration between the Center for Mentoring, Learning and Academic Innovation (CMLAI) SUNY Empire State College and the SUNY Center for Professional Development (CPD). The program is designed to support the work of new tenure track colleagues in their first two years across the State University of New York. This Peer Mentoring Program offers new faculty an opportunity to talk about vital issues as teachers, scholars and advisors. Registration and program information can be found at https://sunycpd.eventsair.com/nfmp

• Lumen Circles, a nine week online community where you reflect on your teaching practice and connect with faculty from other campuses are also free for all SUNY faculty. Circle themes include: Active Learning; Belonging & Inclusive Teaching; Evidence-based Teaching; Teaching with OER & OER-enabled Pedagogy; and Online Teaching. Registration and more information are at https://info.lumenlearning.com/circles-suny

  Please note: SUNY ESF faculty may not be able to utilize many of the Lumen resources because we use Syracuse University’s Blackboard.

For those who want a longer in-depth program, there is the Teaching and Learning for New Faculty Certificate Program. The Certificate provides evidence that faculty have attained a basic set of essential skills and knowledge needed for teaching at SUNY. The program consists of three six-week facilitated and interactive online asynchronous courses. Discounts are available for those on CPD member campuses and who register for all three courses at once. Registration information and program completion details are available at suny.edu

My New York State Health Insurance Program (MyNYSHIP) is the online source to your personal enrollment record as a participant in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).

Once you have registered with MyNYSHIP, you can:

• View the current address contained in your NYSHIP enrollment record.
• View a summary of the health, dental and vision plans in which you and any family members are enrolled.

In addition to being able to view your personal and enrollment information, once you enter your Activation Code, you can also:

• Change your home address with NYSHIP. This will also change your address with your NYSHIP insurance carriers.
• Order ID Cards for yourself and covered family members when enrolled in The Empire Plan.

N.Y. ELECTION LAW SECTION 3-110I STATES THAT:

If you do not have 4 consecutive hours to vote, either from the opening of the Polls to the beginning of your working shift, or between the end of your working shift and the closing of the polls, you may take off up to 2 hours, without loss of pay, to allow you time to vote, if you are a registered voter.

• YOU MAY TAKE TIME OFF at the beginning or end of your working shift, as your employer may designate, unless otherwise mutually agreed.
• YOU MUST NOTIFY your employer not less than 2 days, but not more than 10 days, before the day of the Election that you will take time off to vote.

* Employers: Not less than ten working days before any Election Day, every employer shall post conspicuously in the place of work where it can be seen as employees come or go to their place of work, a notice setting forth the provisions of this law. Such notice shall be kept posted until the close of the polls on Election Day. https://www.cs.ny.gov/attendance_leave/TimeOffToVoteNotice.pdf

The Empire Plan is doing all they can to support its enrollees through this unprecedented time and has introduced a new telehealth benefit to help them access health care services remotely. LiveHealth Online lets enrollees stay home and have a video visit with a board-certified doctor or licensed therapist on their smartphone, tablet or personal computer.

If enrollees are concerned about leaving their homes to receive medical care or their ability to access care, The Empire Plan will cover telehealth visits at no cost. See the attachment for additional information and step-by-step instructions to register or enrollees who are already registered can login to www.empireblue.com/nys to get a coupon code to cover the full cost of their LiveHealth Online visit. For additional assistance, enrollees should be encouraged to call The Empire Plan at 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and select option 2 for the Hospital Program.

Note: A postcard regarding this new benefit will also be mailed to enrollees in the coming week.