Addiction Treatment for NY State & Government Retirees — NYSHIP Coverage Continues

Addiction Treatment for NYSHIP Retirees

New York State and local government retirees who maintained NYSHIP coverage during their working years can continue NYSHIP coverage in retirement. NYSHIP retiree coverage includes behavioral health benefits — including addiction treatment — under the same plans available to active employees.

Retirement brings significant life transitions. Loss of occupational identity, reduced social connection, chronic pain that was managed through prescription medications, and increased alcohol consumption are all more common among retirees. Many people who successfully managed substance use or dependency during their working years find it escalates after retirement. Your NYSHIP retiree coverage can help.

NYSHIP Retiree Behavioral Health Coverage

Substances Commonly Misused by NY State Retirees

• Alcohol — by far the most common. Retirement increases daily drinking opportunity and removes work-related constraints on drinking.
• Prescription opioids — many retirees have chronic pain from careers in corrections, public works, or other physical occupations. Long-term opioid prescriptions create dependency.
• Benzodiazepines — anxiety medications prescribed for retirement-related stress, anxiety, and sleep disruption can cause dependency.
• Kratom — marketed as a natural supplement for pain and energy, kratom is popular among retirees managing chronic pain without wanting prescription opioids.