benefitsFOCUS: Get ready for your annual benefits Open Enrollment period (8/1 – 8/18)

benefitsFOCUSWhat’s the BIG news?

Your annual benefits Open Enrollment* period (August 1st through August 18th) begins SOON. Get ready for it by visiting the Open Enrollment info site. Even if you’re not planning on making any changes to your current lineup of benefits, be prepared for the new plan year by visiting the info site. Who knows? This could be the year where you explore new options or learn something you didn’t know about our plans and how to best use them!

WHY is Open Enrollment such BIG news?

Open Enrollment is your ONE time of year to make any change you wish to your current medical or dental elections: you can add/drop/change a plan or add/drop dependents. It’s also the one time of year when you can enroll in a medical or dependent care flexible spending account (FSA). REMEMBER: FSA contracts do not roll from one year to the next; you must re-enroll if you wish to participate in an FSA next year, even if you have a rollover balance at the end of the current medical FSA plan year. It’s also a great time to verify your plan elections and confirm other information about you and your covered dependents.

How can I learn more about my options or get assistance during Open Enrollment?

So many ways! You can:

  • Attend an Open Enrollment info session (great for asking questions and getting answers!):
    • Monday, July 31: COB McIntire, Lane Auditorium, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
    • Monday, August 7: COB McIntire, Lane Auditorium, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
    • Friday, August 11: COB 5th, Room A, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
    • Monday, August 14: COB 5th, Room A, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
  • View (and listen to) our Open Enrollment presentation online—24/7!
  • Learn when/where you can get help on a walk-in basis, or schedule personal Open Enrollment assistance appointments

All of this, and so much more, can be found on your Open Enrollment info site.

We’ll be sending out lots of useful information throughout the Open Enrollment period, so be sure to stay informed by reading your benefitsFOCUS announcements as you receive them!


For more information about your employee benefits, our web pages are always available when you are. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at 296-5827 or benefits@albemarle.org.