Employers must notify active employees by Oct. 1 about the new optional online health insurance Marketplace (state health exchange) created by the Affordable Care Act. NYSUT members already covered by health insurance negotiated by their locals should note this is informational only and action is not required.
Because most full-time NYSUT members are covered through their employer by plans which meet the federal standards for affordability and minimum value, they do not qualify for a tax credit if they enroll through the Marketplace. Members may lose the pre-tax premium contribution from their employer if they opt into the Marketplace, where individual premiums are paid on an after-tax basis.
For some NYSUT members (part-time, temporary, seasonal, early retirees not eligible for Medicare, for example) who do not qualify for employer-sponsored coverage, or for whom coverage is deemed unaffordable, the Marketplace provides a new lower-cost alternative.
Someone with an annual income of less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($45,960 individual/$94,200 family of four in 2013), may be eligible for tax subsidies.
Family Health Plus and Healthy NY members will need to transition to the Marketplace.
Child Health Plus will continue. The Marketplace is not for people with Medicare coverage.
Please contact your employer if you have questions concerning the Marketplace notification. Contact your local president, who will work with your NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist, to answer questions about your employee health plan coverage.
NYSUT Social Services is also available to assist those uninsured members who are considering the Marketplace. Call 800-342-9810, ext. 6206.