OPEN ENROLLMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BENEFIT SELECTION FORMS
1) I am not making any changes to my benefits selections for this coming school year, do I need to submit any paperwork? YES, you need to complete and submit the online Benefits Elections Form indicating that no changes are being made. This includes employees who decline or Waive insurance coverages.
2) Why do I need to submit the online Benefits Elections Form if I am not making any changes for this coming school year? Submitting the online document creates a record that you have received Open Enrollment information, including the new rates, that you were offered an opportunity to make changes, and that you agree to continue to participate in the benefits that you previously selected. The IRS requires that this be done on an annual basis as part of the Affordable Care Act.
3) I have submitted the online Benefits Elections Form indicating changes in coverage for this coming school year, am I done? MAYBE. If you are changing from the PPO and enrolling in the HDHP/HSA health insurance policy, you will also need to open a Health Savings Account (HSA) once your account has been enabled. We will send you an email when you are enrolled with Anthem so that you can open your savings account with our current provider. For other changes, if you are cancelling your insurance you will receive an acknowledgement. If you are adding a new dependent to your health policy and your last names are different, Anthem will require proof of eligibility before the policy change becomes effective.
4) Can I mail, email or fax enrollment forms or supporting documentation instead of filling out your easy on-line open enrollment form? We will accept and prefer to receive PDF versions of forms and documents via email to OpenEnrollment@reg4.k12.ct.us. Please put your Last Name and the word "FORM" on the Subject Line of the email (ex: SMITH FORM). Do NOT FAX forms to the business office or send duplicate copies if you have already emailed or mailed your forms. Please give 48-72 hours to receive a confirmation receipt.
5) How do I know that you received my forms? You will receive an email confirmation 48-72 hours after emailing your form. Please allow extra time if you have mailed your forms. If you have completed the online Benefits Enrollment Form as required, we will know what forms are needed and contact you if we have not received them.
6) During Open Enrollment, can I drop in to Central Office and ask a few questions? Should you have questions that cannot be answered on this page or the District website, please email slemieux@reg4.k12.ct.us with your question or to schedule a phone call to address your issues. Please be patient as phone calls and emails may take some time to return during this busy enrollment period.
7) What are the premium rates for this coming plan year? Each bargaining unit has a tab on the open enrollment page, under the BENEFITS tab. Open the link to access the tab for your particular bargaining unit. Rates are found on page 7 or 8 of each guide.
8) I am enrolling myself or a new dependent for the first time in Medical and/or Dental Coverage. When will coverage begin and when will I receive my ID card(s)? Coverage will be effective July 1 and you will receive your cards in the mail approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of coverage. If you are enrolling in the HDHP you will also need to open an account with our provider for your Health Savings Account.
9) Will I get new Medical and Dental ID cards for the new plan year? NO. If you are currently enrolled in Medical and Dental coverage, you will not receive new cards. Your current ID number will remain the same.
10) Can I change my coverage at any time during the plan year? NO. Unless there is a “Qualifying Life Event”, you may not make changes to your benefit elections outside of the Open Enrollment period. Examples of qualifying life events include marriage, divorce, birth of child, adoption, death, loss of coverage, spouse’s new job, and open enrollment of spouse’s insurance.
HEALTH INSURANCE WAIVER PAYMENTS FOR DECLINING HEALTH INSURANCE
1) Am I eligible for a Health Insurance WAIVER Payment if I decline the Medical and/or Dental insurance? No. We do not have that provision.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS (FSA)
1) I am currently enrolled in the Flex Medical or Flex Dependent Care Plan and want to continue for this coming school year, does this plan carryover to next year? NO, you must re-enroll and indicate the amounts you want withheld for each plan.
2) Can I enroll in a FSA account if I am not enrolled in the Medical Insurance? Yes, if your bargaining unit offers the FSA benefit. However, IRS limits and individual circumstances need to be reviewed. Please contact Sheila LeMieux at Central Office to confirm eligibility (860) 526-2417 Ext 1456
3) Does any of the remaining money in my current FSA account carryover to the next plan year? No, this is a use it or lose it type account. You must use the DCA funds during the plan year, but can submit claims for a limited period after the end of the plan year.
4) I am re-enrolling in the FSA account for this coming school year. Will I be issued a new Benny card? If your card is not expiring, the new dollars are added to the existing cards.
5) I didn’t receive my new Benny card, who should I contact? The cards arrive in an envelope that looks innocuous. Sometimes employees do not realize their Benny cards are inside so we encourage you to look for the envelope. In order to replace the card, it must be reported lost or stolen so a new card will be issued with new account numbers. It will take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive the new cards.
VOLUNTARY LIFE AND EXTRA LIFE COVERAGE
1) I am currently enrolled in the Voluntary Group Term Life or Voluntary Extra Life plans and am making no changes. Do I need to complete any forms? NO. Forms only need to be returned if you are enrolling for the first time, terminating coverage, or making changes to your coverages. Dawn Pearson, Accounting Coordinator, will make any updates necessary to beneficiaries. You can email her at dpearson@reg4.k12.ct.us or call her directly at 860-526-2417 ext 1453
2) Where can I find the rates for the voluntary Group Term Life and LTD coverages? Rates and information can be found on the District website or by contacting Dawn Pearson (dpearson@reg4.k12.ct.us, or 860-526-2417 Ext. 1453).
3) I want to enroll, terminate, or change my benefit elections for the Extra Group Term Life and/or LTD plans. Do I need to complete any forms? Yes, you need to complete the Extra Life Enrollment/Change Form and return it by mail or email by June 15th. A change in benefit amount will change your premiums. If you are requesting an increase in coverage or enrollment in extra life, you are required to complete an Evidence of Insurability Form along with the Enrollment Form. Coverage is not guaranteed and will be determined by group term life underwriting.