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.
Here are some frequently asked questions about this year’s open enrollment.
Q: Am I required to complete a paper enrollment form?
A: You need to complete and submit a paper enrollment form if any of the following applies to you:
- You are enrolled in one of the discontinued plans – Aetna EPO, Aetna POS, CareFirst POS, United Healthcare POS, and United Concordia Dental HMO.
- You want to change your benefits or dependents
- You want to have a flexible spending account for 2015
If you are enrolled in plans that are being offered in 2015, you do not want to make changes to benefits or dependents, and you are not electing flexible spending in 2015, no action is required.
Q: What happens if I do not complete an enrollment form?
A: Your current benefit elections will roll over for the new plan year, EXCEPT THE DISCONTINUED MEDICAL AND DENTAL PLANS AND THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS. Those plans will not roll over to the new plan year.
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: Will I be able to make changes to my benefits once open enrollment closes on 11/14/14?
A: 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 2015 Benefits Guide.
Q: Will the rates change in 2015?
A: The 2015 rates are posted on the state benefits website. 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 I receive a new health plan ID card?
A: Yes, all participants will receive new ID cards regardless of whether they are making plan changes or remaining in the same plan.
