Learn About the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)
Thinking of working for New York State? Recently hired?
New York State has one of the largest and most comprehensive health care plans in the country. The New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) covers New York State public employees and their dependents. Other public sector employees and their dependents can be eligible for NYSHIP through their agency or employers. Overall, we cover 1.2 million enrollees throughout the country.
NYSHIP is administered by the New York State Department of Civil Service, and has several health plan options to choose from.
As a New York State employee, you can:
Enroll in a health plan through NYSHIP (either The Empire Plan or a NYSHIP-approved Health Maintenance Organization [HMO] in your area) or
Elect the Opt-out Program which allows you to opt out of NYSHIP health coverage in exchange for an incentive payment or
Waive benefits
Benefits under NYSHIP include:
- Preventive care services
- Inpatient and outpatient medical/surgical care and services
- Infertility services
- Mental health services
- Telehealth
- Prescription drug coverage
- Chiropractic services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy
- Gender affirming care
Want to learn more? Explore your health care publications!
Choices
Annual publication explaining Empire Plan and HMO options.
General Information Book
Explains NYSHIP rights, responsibilities, enrollment, eligibility, and types of coverage.
Empire Plan Report
Annual report summarizing recent NYSHIP and Empire Plan changes.
Search Participating Providers for the Empire Plan
Find providers in your area that participate in the Empire Plan. Providers include doctors, specialists and hospitals that accept The Empire Plan.