The 2013 Open Enrollment (OE) period for all Maryland state insurance benefits is now underway and will last until Tuesday, April 30.
OE offers eligible faculty, staff and retirees (including eligible direct- pay employees, contingent staff, lecturers and part-time faculty) the opportunity to evaluate and compare their current benefits coverage to the coverage and costs for the new short plan year July 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013. Changes can usually be made during OE without any special enrollment restrictions.
This spring’s OE is voluntary; therefore individuals who have no changes or corrections to their plans do not need to take any action. However, regular employees who would like to have flexible spending accounts (FSA) during the new short plan year must re-enroll during OE. Remember that OE does not affect or involve either of the USM benefit plans (Unum Group Life and Long Term Disability insurance).
Changes to Take Effect July 1
The most significant change involves the introduction of Minnesota Life Insurance Company as the new group term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) carrier replacing MetLife. All current group term life and AD&D coverage will be rolled over from MetLife to Minnesota Life effective July 1, 2013. There’s no need to do anything unless you want to change or cancel your current coverage. Employees will be able to enroll in up to $50,000 of coverage for themselves on a guaranteed issue basis while eligible spouses/children are eligible for up to $25,000 of guaranteed issue coverage. Additional amounts are available subject to medical underwriting.
Other changes effective July 1 include:
- Several enhancements to women’s preventive services due to healthcare reform which will be provided at no cost to the member as long as they are received from an in-network provider
- The generic form of Zyban, also known as Bupropion, which is used as a tobacco cessation intervention will be covered by the Express Scripts drug plan with no copay
- Deductibles and out of pocket maximums for medical, behavioral health, prescription drugs and dental PPO plans will be cut in half for the short plan year
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions will be taken for 12 pay periods and the maximums will be $1,250 for the Healthcare FSA and $2,500 for the Dependent Day Care FSA
Details for this OE period, including the new benefits booklet showing the changes to the medical and life insurance plans, along with the new premium rates, are posted on the Open Enrollment link on the state’s website.
T3 is utilized as the primary means to share additional information about Open Enrollment so be sure to check it often for updates and reminders!
Questions should be directed to Dave Curtis, x4-6018, or Gail Price, x4-6017.
