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Benefits and Resources

 

Health Insurance Information for SUNY Potsdam Employees

Retirement Information for SUNY Potsdam Employees

Other Benefit Information for SUNY Potsdam Employees

Benefits Forms

Resources for SUNY Potsdam Employees

General Pre-Retirement Planning Resources

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Resources

Financial Pre-Retirement Planning Resources

Benefits Updates

Option Transfer Period ends December 31, 2024.

  • NYSHIP 2025 Rates
  • Health Insurance Choices 2025 
    This booklet explains the options available to you under the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) for your health insurance and other elections.
    • The maximum out-of-pocket limits for covered, in-network services under The Empire Plan have changed for 2025.  These limits are initially determined during the collective bargaining process and updated annually thereafter based on negotiated agreements. See the chart on page 18 of the choices booklet for more information about how out-of-pocket limits apply to each Empire Plan program.
       
  • Pre-Tax Contribution Program
    You may update your election to pre- or post- tax contributions during the Option Transfer Period by completing the Health Insurance Transaction Form (Sections 1-12 & Section 16).
     
  • Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) 
    The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) allows eligible full- and part-time employees to exchange previously accrual annual and/or personal leave for a credit to be applied toward the employee share of their NYSHIP premium on a bi-weekly basis. Employees who are Management/Confidential or represented by CSEA, NYSCOPBA, PBANYS, PEF or UUP employees who accrue annual leave time are eligible.  
  • New York State Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    Open Enrollment from November 1, 2024 - December 9, 2024
    • Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) is the FSA administrator for NYS.  TASC also provides FSA enrollment through Bentek.
    • The annual maximum contribution for the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) will increase to $3,300 for 2025.
    • There are three important benefits for employees:  Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) and the Adoption Advantage Account.
    • Please visit the FSA website for more information.

Retirement

  • TIAA Representative, Turkessa Amoah is available for in-person appointments during the dates and times listed below.  Meetings will be held in Raymond Hall’s 6th Floor Conference Room.  You may call 800-732-8353 to schedule an appointment or click here to schedule your appointment.
    • Wednesday, December 18: Available from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
  • Voya Representative, Stephen Donella, Jr. is available for in-person appointments on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.  Meetings will be held in Raymond Hall’s 8th Floor Lounge. You may call 315-682-3532 or email Stephen.donellajr@voyafa.com to schedule an appointment.
  • SUNY Voluntary Savings Plan & NYS Deferred Compensation Plan changes for 2025
    • New catch-up category: If you are going to be age 60-63 in 2025, you are eligible for an additional catch-up amount of $3,750.
    • Please see the breakdown below:
      • Annual Contribution Limit: $23,500
      • Age 50 or older Catch-Up Contribution Limit: $7,500
      • Age 60-63 Catch-Up Contribution Limit: $3,750
      • Total Contribution Limit for age 60-63: $34,750 
    • Employees can contribute to BOTH the SUNY Voluntary Savings Plan 403(b) and NYS Deferred Compensation 457(b). Contributions do not offset between the 403(b) and 457(b) plans, therefore, maximum annual contribution limits apply to each plan separately.
      • For BOTH plans, Under age 50 – maximum contribution limit, $47,000
      • For BOTH plans, Over age 50 - maximum contribution limit, $62,000
      • For BOTH plans, Age 60-63 - maximum contribution limit, $69,500

NYS/UUP JLMC Empire Knowledgebank (EKB)

  • EKB offers FREE online learning.  This month the spotlight is on Process Improvement.  Click here to access the EKB guidelines and application.

Make your SEFA Pledge today!

SEFA (State Employees Federated Appeal) is your opportunity to make a difference in your community by donating to one of the 1700+ charities registered in the SEFA campaign.  No pledge is too big or small, every dollar makes a difference!  Imagine the impact we could make if we all gave just one dollar! Start Something Good!

Pledging is now OPEN! Make your pledge today by clicking HERE! View e-Pledge Instructions here

WellNYS Daily To-Do Email

State employees may sign up to receive a daily email that has a WellNYS Daily To-Do message.  The messages provide creative suggestions, interesting facts, or inspiring quotes that recipients can practice. You may unsubscribe at any time. Sign-Up for WellNYS Daily To-Do

It’s Move Time Emails

State employees are invited to register to receive an email titles, It's Move Time. The emails are intended to encourage you to practice a simple movement during your workday.  Three emails will be sent every week at random times. Sign-Up for It's Move Time Emails

Option Transfer Period

  • The Option Transfer Period for 2025 begins November 1st and ends December 9th.  You may view more information here.
     
  • Health Insurance Choices 2025 - This booklet explains the options available to you under the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) for your health insurance and other elections.

    The maximum out-of-pocket limits for covered, in-network services under The Empire Plan have changed for 2025.  These limits are initially determined during the collective bargaining process and updated annually thereafter based on negotiated agreements. See the chart on page 18 of the choices booklet for more information about how out-of-pocket limits apply to each Empire Plan program.
     
  • Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP)
    The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP) allows eligible full- and part-time employees to exchange previously accrual annual and/or personal leave for a credit to be applied toward the employee share of their NYSHIP premium on a bi-weekly basis. Employees who are Management/Confidential or represented by CSEA, NYSCOPBA, PBANYS, PEF or UUP employees who accrue annual leave time are eligible.  
  • New York State Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    Open Enrollment from November 1, 2024 - December 9, 2024
    • Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) is the FSA administrator for NYS.  TASC also provides FSA enrollment through Bentek.
    • The annual maximum contribution for the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) will increase to $3,300 for 2025.
    • There are three important benefits for employees:  Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA) and the Adoption Advantage Account.
    • Please visit the FSA website for more information.

Retirement

TIAA Representative, Turkessa Amoah is available for in-person appointments during the dates and times listed below.  Meetings will be held in Raymond Hall’s 6th Floor Conference Room.  You may call 800-732-8353 to schedule an appointment or click here to schedule your appointment.

  • Wednesday, November 20: Available from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 18: Available from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.

Make your SEFA Pledge today!

SEFA (State Employees Federated Appeal) is your opportunity to make a difference in your community by donating to one of the 1700+ charities registered in the SEFA campaign.  No pledge is too big or small, every dollar makes a difference!  Imagine the impact we could make if we all gave just one dollar!  Start Something Good!

Pledging is now OPEN! Make your pledge today by clicking HERE!

View e-Pledge Instructions here

WellNYS Daily To-Do Email

State employees may sign up to receive a daily email that has a WellNYS Daily To-Do message.  The messages provide creative suggestions, interesting facts, or inspiring quotes that recipients can practice.  You may unsubscribe at any time. Sign-Up for WellNYS Daily To-Do

 It's Move Time Emails

State employees are invited to register to receive an email titles, It's Move Time.  The emails are intended to encourage you to practice a simple movement during your workday.  Three emails will be sent every week at random times. Sign-Up for It's Move Time Emails

Option Transfer Period

  • The 2025 option transfer information, deadlines and health insurance premium rates will be arriving soon to your home address.  This information will also be posted on the NYSHIP website -  Planning for Option Transfer 2025
     
  • Health Insurance Choices for 2025 explains the Option Transfer Period and the benefit plans and programs available under NYSHIP for the upcoming year, including the Opt-out Program and the Pre-Tax Contribution Program.
     
  • Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP): November 1, 2024 - December 9, 2024 - PEP allows eligible full- and part-time employees to exchange previously accrued annual and/or personal leave for a credit to be applied toward the employee share of their NYSHIP premium on a bi-weekly basis.  Employees who are Management/Confidential or represented by CSEA, NYSCOPBA, PBANYS, PEF or UUP* are currently eligible to participate in PEP. *UUP employees may only forfeit annual leave (Vacation Leave) for their PEP credit.
     
  • Pre-Tax Contribution Program (PTCP): PTCP allows employees to have their share of the NYSHIP health insurance premium deducted from their paycheck before taxes are withheld, which could lower their tax liability.  In exchange for the tax savings, PTCP enrollees are required to maintain the same pre-tax health insurance deduction throughout the entire plan year (unless a pre-tax qualifying event occurs).
     
  • Flex Spending Account (FSA):  FSA offers three negotiated benefits - the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA), the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAA), and the Adoption Advantage Account.  They are types of flexible spending accounts, administered in compliance with sections 125 and 129 of the Internal Revenue Code, that you employees a way to pay for health care, dependent care, or adoption expenses with pre-tax dollars.  Enrollment is voluntary and the employee decides how much to have taken out of their paycheck and put into their accounts.  The State of New York retains the services of an FSA administrator to manage the Flexible Spending Account.  Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) is the FSA administrator.  Enrollment is done through Bentek on behalf of New York State and TASC.
     
  • Would you like to change your NYSHIP option? Use the Plan Comparison Tool and review a list of things to consider as you review your health plan options.
    • from an HMO to The Empire Plan
    • from The Empire Plan to an HMO that is accepting new members
    • from one HMO to another HMO that is accepting new members and has a NYSHIP service area in the area where you live or work
       
  • You must notify me of any changes to your enrollment record (home address, phone number, marital status, dependent eligibility) in a timely manner.  Changes in your family status, such as the addition or loss of a dependent, may mean that you need to change your health insurance coverage from Individual to Family or Family to Individual.  If you submit a request within 30 days of a change in family status, you may make these changes without being subject to a late enrollment waiting period.

Retirement 

  • DIRECTIONS Pre-Retirement Planning Webinar– This program was developed to assist eligible New York State employees in planning for one of the most challenging and exciting periods in life – retirement! The webinars are for employees who are eligible to retire within five years. Supervisory approval is required for employees to attend webinars during the workday. The webinars are sponsored by the Office of Employee Relations and the Office of the State Comptroller, with funding provided by the collective bargaining agreements between the State of New York and the public employee unions: CSEA, PEF, UUP, NYSCOPBA, GSEU, Council 82, DC-37 and PBANYS. The Office of Employee Relations contributes on behalf of management/confidential employees. Two webinars will be held on a Tuesday and Wednesday from October through December. Employees have the option to select which webinar days to attend, and do not need to attend consecutive days in the same month.  The webinars are scheduled for Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23, Tuesday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 20, Tuesday, December 17 and Wednesday, December 18.  Click here to register.
     
  • NYSTRS Announces Fall PREP Seminar Schedule - NYSTRS offers a proactive approach to prepare for retirement: the Pension & Retirement Education Program (PREP).  The seminar educates enrollees about financial planning, understanding NYSTRS benefits, and how their future pension fits into their overall retirement picture.  The half-day seminars are free and held throughout the state.  Click here for the Fall 2024 PREP Schedule.
     
  • TIAA Representative, Turkessa Amoah is available for in-person appointments during the dates and times listed below.  Meetings will be held in Raymond Hall’s 6th Floor Conference Room.  You may call 800-732-8353 to schedule an appointment or click here to schedule your appointment.
    • Wednesday, October 16: Available from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
    • Wednesday, November 20: Available from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
    • Wednesday, December 18: Available from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
       
  • Gain Financial Insights for Life - Live Global Webinars presented by TIAA
    • Tuesday, October 1: 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. - Protecting your savings: How to recognize and prevent account takeover schemes.
      • An account takeover can put your retirement savings and other financial accounts at risk.  This webinar will cover topics that will help you protect your savings and future. Click here to register.
    • Wednesday, October 9: 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. - Quarterly economic and market update
      • Hear from the experts in our Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the market and economy that are impacting investors.  Click here to register.
    • Is Fidelity your investment provider?  The SUNY Plan Sponsor Retirement team together with Fidelity are excited to share beneficial program updates. Review the key changes happening in the SUNY Retirement Plan and how these changes may impact your account.  Informational webinars will be held on the dates listed below.  Click on the appropriate time under the date to register for the webinar. 

Domestic Violence Awareness

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), the NYS Council on Development Disabilities (CDD) and Elevatus Training, LLC are hosting a series of three live web-based trainings on the intersections of gender-based violence and developmental disabilities: Recognize, Respond, and Refer.  

  • Recognize - Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 10 a.m. - Noon
    Learn how to recognize the intersections of gender-based violence and developmental disabilities, including risk factors, rates of victimization, unique tactic of abuse, and signs of domestic and sexual violence.
    Register Now
     
  • Respond - Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 10 a.m. - Noon
    Develop skills to effectively respond to gender-based violence survivors with developmental disabilities and understand the roles and responsibilities within the provider system.
    Register Now
     
  • Refer - Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 10 a.m. - Noon
    Learn how to refer gender-based violence survivors with developmental disabilities to other service delivery systems and foster cross-system collaborations between developmental disability providers and the gender-based violence response system.
    Register Now

Save the Date 

A flu vaccine clinic will be available on campus on October 8th and October 21st.  More details will be available soon.

Professional Development

  • BizLibrary  - BizLibrary has over 10,000 training opportunities available to all employees?  Employees complete their required online Compliance Training using BizLibrary. Click on the Training & Development tab on the Human Resources web page for more information.
     
  • NYS/UUP JLMC offers free certification programs the Empire KnowledgeBank (EKB) Online Learning. This month's spotlight is on Business Operations. The EKB Guidelines and License application are available here.