benefits FOCUS – Issue 2

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benefits FOCUSWelcome to benefits FOCUS, our benefits update series that will run bi-weekly during the spring, and quarterly thereafter. Whatever subject we cover, we hope you will find benefits FOCUS a quick and important source of timely information about your Albemarle County Benefits. There’s a lot going on in the benefits world …

Issue 2 – April 10, 2014

What’s the BIG news?

Beginning next week—leave benefits focus groups! The advent of a new VRS retirement plan (the “Hybrid” plan) in January leaves us with a dilemma that must be addressed—what do we do about our current leave policies when one group of employees has state-mandated leave benefits and administration that are different, and potentially better, than what other employees have? Join us and let us know what you think! There are several remaining sessions for you to choose from:

  • April 17 – Albemarle High School, lower cafeteria, 4-5 p.m.
  • April 23 – Western Albemarle High School, cafeteria, 4-5 p.m.
  • May 14 – COB McIntire, Room 235, 12-1 p.m.
  • May 21 – COB 5th Street, Room B, 12-1 p.m.

Please register for your preferred session. There’s still plenty of space available and we want to hear from YOU.

What’s happening soon?

Your window to opt-in to the new VRS Hybrid plan closes April 30th. If you haven’t investigated your options, it’s not too late! For more information about the Hybrid Plan, please visit the VRS website. The fine print:

  • Hazardous duty staff are not eligible for the Hybrid Plan.
  • Hybrid plan opt-ins will become effective July 1st (10-month employees won’t see the change until the new school year).
  • If you want to join the Hybrid Plan, you MUST opt-in. If you do not opt-in, you will remain in your current VRS plan—automatically!
  • Whether you opt-in or not, this decision is irrevocable once the window closes on April 30th.

What do I need to remember?

Open Enrollment is moving to JUNE. Open Enrollment is your one opportunity of the year to make any changes you want to the benefits you currently have—add, drop or change! Open Enrollment will now be held during the month of June, rather than July. This change will better serve our school system employees who will be heading out on summer break, and give us the time we need to ensure accurate processing of all Open Enrollment data. Remember: Open Enrollment will be MANDATORY this year.

What will I need to pay attention to in the coming months?

We will be finalizing our plan design and premium structures for the upcoming plan year in the next several weeks. To  manage our  overall health care costs and prepare for provisions of the Affordable Care Act, we have been evaluating plan design changes. We will be making recommendations on these changes in early May to the School Board and the Board of Supervisors  and will keep you updated as information is available.

For more detailed information about your employee benefits, our web pages are always available when you are.