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. If I want to make changes during open enrollment OR I am enrolling for the first time, what steps do I follow?
A. Please see the categories below.
- Regular faculty and staff who are currently enrolled in the state of Maryland benefit plans will make changes by using the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR) which is a telephone enrollment system. November 16 is the last day the IVR will be available.
- Regular faculty and staff who are not currently enrolled in benefits should enroll using the 2016 Active Enrollment Form. Enrollment forms must be submitted to the Benefits unit by 5 p.m. November 16.
- Contingent faculty and staff should use the 2016 Contractual Enrollment Form whether making changes to existing benefits or enrolling for the first time. Enrollment forms must be submitted to the Benefits unit by 5 p.m. November 16.
Q. Once I enroll or make changes, how will I know my changes have been processed?
A. If you make changes during open enrollment, you will receive a benefits summary statement via Towson’s secure email. Once you are alerted you have a secure email, open it promptly as it will be available for only 10 days.
Review your benefits summary statement for accuracy. It is your responsibility to report any errors. If you were required to use the IVR, return to the IVR to make corrections. If you were required to use the 2016 form, correct your summary statement and send it to the state of Maryland Employee Benefits Division to update your record. You can email the statement to EBD.mail@maryland.gov or fax it to 410-333-7104.
Q. Can I add dependents to my health plans?
A. Eligible dependents can be covered under your health plans. Eligible dependents include a spouse, biological, adopted or step-child, and other child relatives such as grandchildren, step-grandchildren and legal wards.
If you are adding dependent(s) and using the IVR to enroll them, you must also complete a Dependent Affidavit for each dependent you are adding to the plans.
If you are adding dependent(s) and using the form to enroll them, the dependent affidavit is part of the enrollment form.
Proof of relationship is also required for all dependents added to your plans. Please consult pages 43 and 44 of the 2016 Benefits Guide for more information.
Q. How can I get help if I have other questions about open enrollment?
A. The following open enrollment resources are available to you:
- Open enrollment meetings will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in UU Chesapeake I, Room 302, on October 29 and November 6.
- Visit www.towson.edu/openenrollment
- Email openenrollment@towson.edu
- Visit www.dbm.maryland.gov/benefits
- Stop by the Benefits unit during walk-in hours:
- Mondays 1 to 5 p.m.
- Tuesdays 8:30 am to 12:30 p.m.
- Thursdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Other times available by appointment
- For more information please visit Open Enrollment FAQ (PDF).
Q. What are the 2016 Wellness Program requirements?
A. A separate FAQ will be posted for the 2016 Wellness Program requirements.
