Monthly Program Updates
Pre-Retirement Planning Information
New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)
If I end my employment before retirement age, will I still be eligible to continue NYSHIP coverage when I qualify for retirement?
To be eligible for coverage as a retiree, you must maintain continuous NYSHIP coverage from the time you leave the payroll until you are eligible to retire.
You must have the required benefits-eligible service and be enrolled in NYSHIP either as an enrollee or dependent when you leave the payroll. If you are eligible to continue coverage as a vestee but fail to make the required premium payments as a vestee, coverage for you and your dependents will be terminated permanently. You may not reenroll as a vestee at a later date, and you lose eligibility for coverage as a retiree. As a vestee, you must pay both the State and employee shares of the premium and you will be billed monthly.
Contact your HBA before your last day of work to see if you are eligible to continue health coverage as a vestee.
For additional Health Insurance information, go to the Self-Help Guide to Pre-Retirement Planning, Chapter 10 at: Self-Help Guide
For Pre-Retirement Planning information, go to: DIRECTIONS: Pre-Retirement Planning Information.
NYS Network Child Care Center Highlight
This month we are spotlighting the Children’s Place at State Ed
The Children’s Place at State Ed Inc., located in the State Education Building in Albany, began offering child care in 1990. The Center serves children and families of State employees as a priority and the community at large. The Center offers developmentally appropriate programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. All infants are cared for by providing individualized care, unique to each baby.
Children are provided with many rich and challenging hands-on experiences in classrooms that are organized into clearly defined learning areas, such as language, blocks, math, dramatic play, art, music, and manipulatives. A secure outdoor playground is located adjacent to the center. A music program is offered once a week for toddlers and preschoolers and all children have access to the surrounding cultural activities near the Empire State Plaza.
Some quick facts about the Children’s Place at State Ed:
- The Center is open year-around, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- The Center has a licensed capacity of 68 children, infants through five years of age.
- The Center serves a healthy and balanced breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack.
To learn more about the Children’s Place at State Ed, visit their website at: www.childrensplaceattheplaza.org or call the Center at (518) 474-2918. You can also email the Center at: [email protected]
For a full list of the NYS Network Child Care Centers and additional child care information, go to: NYS Network Child Care Centers.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mental Health Stigma
Many people with mental health issues struggle with the negative effects of stigma. They have been either blamed for their condition, told to just try harder, or have been discriminated against because of fear, false beliefs, and misinformation. These negative associations with mental illness can cause people to feel ashamed and may prevent them from seeking the help they desperately need. We all can do more to address this important issue.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests ways to overcome stigma:
- Speak up about your own mental health issues
- Express equality between physical and mental illnesses
- Educate yourself and others
- Be language conscious
- Show compassion for people with mental health issues
The Mental Health Association of New York State offers a training on mental health and wellness that addresses the stigma of mental illness.
For resources related to mental health or any other issue, contact your EAP coordinator using the coordinator listing or call 1-800-822-0244.