The annual health benefits open enrollment provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to make changes to current benefits which become effective January 1, 2015. The open enrollment period will be October 15 thru 5 p.m. on November 14, 2014.
Please read below for the most frequently asked open enrollment questions.
Q: Will the rates change in 2015?
A: The 2015 rates are posted on the state benefits website at www.dbm.maryland.gov/benefits. The medical rates for regular employees remained the same and the pharmacy rates increased slightly. The dental PPO rates remained the same and the new dental HMO rates are less than the 2014 dental HMO rates.
Q: Will contractual and other variable employees be eligible for subsidized health benefits?
A: Due to the Affordable Care Act, subsidized medical and prescription coverage for contractual/variable hour employees who work 30+ hours/week or 130 hours/month may be available. Employees in this classification could include contractual (contingent), lecturers, and adjuncts if they meet the threshold for hours worked under the law. Employees in these groups who may qualify for coverage will be contacted by the OHR/Benefits office mid-October.
Q: Do I have to re-enroll in flexible spending accounts this year?
A: Yes, flexible spending accounts do not carry over from year to year. Enrollment is required every new plan year.
Q: How can I get help if I have questions about open enrollment?
A: The best ways to get help are:
- Email the benefits staff at openenrollment@towson.edu
- Visit Towson’s open enrollment website at www.towson.edu/openenrollment
- Visit the benefits office during walk-in hours:
Beginning on 10/16/14, walk in hours will be 9 am – 1 pm on Mondays & Thursdays and 12 – 4 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are no walk-in hours on Wednesdays or on Monday, 11/17/14. Other times are by appointment.
Open enrollment outreach sessions are planned on the following dates below. The open enrollment outreach sessions are available for faculty and staff to meet with a benefits staff member to ask questions or deliver their completed open enrollment forms.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014 – 1 – 3 p.m. – Liberal Arts 3150
Thursday, October 30, 2014 – 2 – 4 p.m. – Enrollment Services 306
Monday, November 3, 2014 – 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. – General Services Building, Main Conference Room
Thursday, November 6, 2014 – 3 – 6 p.m. – General Services Building, Main Conference Room
Friday, November 7, 2014 – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Towson Center Kinesiology 200
Monday, November 10, 2014 – 1 – 3 p.m. – Cook Library 411
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 9 – 11 a.m. – Stephens Hall 216
Thursday, November 13, 2014 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Administration Building 120
