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).
Long Term Care Insurance
All active, regular faculty and staff members, retirees and their eligible dependents can still enroll in Long Term Care (LTC) insurance offered by The Prudential Insurance Company of America subject to medical underwriting; there is no guaranteed issue for LTC during this OE period. LTC is the help or supervision provided for someone with severe cognitive impairment or the inability to perform the Activities of Daily Living, including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring and continence. Services may be provided at home or in a facility and care may be provided by a professional or informal caregiver, such as a friend or family member.
Remember that enrollment in the LTC plan during OE requires either direct contact with Prudential by phone at 1-800-732-0416 to obtain enrollment materials or by accessing Prudential’s website to enroll online. The state’s Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system cannot be used to enroll in LTC. (http://www3.prudential.com/cmelinks/StateMD_LTC/StateMD.html)
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.
