HR Question of the Week

HR Question of the week

Do I need to complete Open Enrollment if I am not making any changes to my coverage?

Yes, because there are several changes to the benefits offered for 2013, including new dental plans and new IRS regulations on the maximum you can contribute to a Health Care flexible spending account. Even if you do not want to make any changes to your current coverage, you need to select your dental plan, your Flexible Spending Account contribution (if applicable) and enroll for the opt-out option (if applicable). Your elections for the latter two plans will not roll over from 2012.

The open enrollment booklet detailing the benefits elections is available online; you will not receive a hard copy. Faculty and staff can access the booklet and other resources through the Open Enrollment website.

The annual Open Enrollment period for eligible faculty and staff to select medical, insurance and other benefits-related options for 2013 began Sunday, Oct. 14 and will run through 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26.

The enrollment process will be done online through the My HR tab in FlashLine. Just look for the Open Enrollment link in the Employment Details tab.

Several computer labs are scheduled throughout the Open Enrollment period for employees who may need assistance completing the process. You can view the schedule at the Open Enrollment website.

Questions may be directed to the Benefits Office at 330-672-6947 or benefits@kent.edu.