To help guide you through open enrollment, listed below are a few frequently asked questions. For a complete list of questions, click on the link at the bottom of the page.
Q: What is open enrollment?
A: Open enrollment is the time of year when eligible faculty and staff can enroll in or make changes to health benefits without having a qualifying event, such as marriage or birth, and enroll in flexible spending accounts. If you missed your opportunity to elect or change benefits, open enrollment is the time for you! It is also a good time to review your benefits to make sure they meet your needs.
Q: When is open enrollment?
A: Open Enrollment began on October 15, 2015 and ends at close of business on November 16, 2015.
Q: Will I be able to make changes to my benefits once open enrollment closes on November 16?
A: No. You will not be able to make changes to benefits once open enrollment closes unless you have a qualifying event. Qualifying events include marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, etc. A complete description of qualifying events is in the 2016 Benefits Guide.
Q: I have life insurance and long-term disability insurance through UNUM. Are these benefits included in open enrollment?
A: UNUM life and long-term disability benefits are offered through the University System of Maryland and are not part of the state of Maryland health benefits open enrollment. If you want to change your UNUM benefits or enroll, please contact the benefits unit, as this is a separate process from the state of Maryland open enrollment.
Q: What are the key benefit changes in the 2016 plan year?
A: The key benefit changes are listed below. Please consult the 2016 Benefits Guide for details.
- Health Care Flexible Spending limit increasing to $2,550
- Diabetic supplies are now covered under the medical plans and pharmacy plan
- In-Vitro Fertilization is now available for same sex and opposite sex spouses
- Other child relatives are covered until the end of the month in which they turn age 25
- Last year for long-term care (see below)
Q. Can you tell me more about the long-term care plan ending?
A. Effective January 1, 2017 the state of Maryland will no longer offer a long-term care benefit. If you purchase coverage through Prudential during open enrollment, you must contact Prudential in late 2016 to make arrangements for direct-billing to continue your coverage after December 31, 2016.If you are currently enrolled in the plan, you must contact Prudential in late 2016 to make arrangements for direct-billing to continue your coverage after December 31, 2016.For more information please visit Open Enrollment FAQ (PDF).
