benefits FOCUS – June 9, 2015

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What’s the BIG news?!

Now that school’s out, it’s time to spend a few minutes taking care of YOU and make your benefits decisions for next year! Need help? Here’s where we’ll be and how you can get assistance with the Open Enrollment process:

Walk-in consultations THIS WEEK for those not able to come to the COB-McIntire for assistance:

  • Cale Elementary School: Wednesday, June 10th 8am – noon
  • Hollymead Elementary School: Wednesday, June 10th 8am – noon
  • Western Albemarle High School: Wednesday, June 10th 8am – noon

Open Enrollment COB-McIntire Consultations:

  • Appointments to meet with benefits advisors (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 1 to 5 p.m., during the Open Enrollment period) and requests for copies of Open Enrollment materials can be made by contacting Human Resources at (434) 296-5827.
  • Walk-in consultations will be available in the Human Resources Department Monday-Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

What are YOU waiting for? Time’s a tickin’! The online Open Enrollment system is open NOW through June 15th. Don’t wait until the last minute—you can log-in NOW, ask questions if you’ve got ’em, and qualify to win prizes! Open Enrollment is your ONE time of the year to verify your personal information, make any changes you wish to your pre-tax medical and dental elections, enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA/Beneplus), and verify your dependent information. If you wish to participate in the medical or dental flexible (FSA/Beneplus) accounts for the 2015-2016 plan year, you MUST enroll during Open Enrollment. Remember: FSA/Beneplus contracts DO NOT roll from year to year. Any changes you make during the Open Enrollment period do not go into effect until the new plan year (September 1st for the flexible spending accounts and October 1st for the medical/dental plans). READ (BELOW) WHY YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR DEPENDENT DATA THIS YEAR!!!

You can learn more about your benefits options, see how you can get assistance, and access the online Open Enrollment system by visiting our Open Enrollment information page.

Are you REALLY giving away participation prizes???

You betcha! Here are today’s winners:

  • Lisa Breeden, Finance Department: Bocce Ball set!
  • Sandra Herndon, Child Nutrition: Throw blanket!
  • Vicky Pannell, Finance Department: LED flashlight!

So, what do I need to do (in addition to having a GREAT summer)?

Completing your online Open Enrollment session is EASY! All you have to do is go here to log-in. You’ll need to:

  • Check the box indicating you’ve read the instructions (because, of course you did!).
  • Enter your last name, exactly as it appears on your paystub.
  • Enter the last 5 digits of your SSN. (If you only enter 4 digits, you’ll have to try again …)
  • Create a password when prompted.

Once you’re in, you need to:

  • Review your information and VERIFY your dependent data (gender, date of birth and Social Security Number); read below why it’s so important that you do this!
  • Make any changes/corrections.
  • Enroll in a medical or dependent care FSA (flexible spending account); read more here about WHY the medical FSA is a great idea next year.
  • Hit the confirm button to save your visit! (If you don’t see a confirmation page that prompts you to either print or email a confirmation, you did not save the visit.)

Why do I especially need to check my dependent data?

Beginning this year, we’ll be holding your dependent data (spouse and children) in our payroll system in preparation for some new IRS reporting requirements we’ll have to meet effective January 1st. Because YOU will also be getting a new type of tax form reflecting your coverage here (including the dependents you cover), it’s VITAL that you verify your dependent data (date of birth, gender, SSN) in order to correct errors NOW, rather than later. April 14th would be a really bad time to discover incorrect data on those forms!

Where can I find more information about Open Enrollment and my benefits options?

You can learn more about:

  • What Open Enrollment is and why you should participate;
  • Plan rates and options;
  • Spousal eligibility;
  • Annual notices;
  • Why a medical flexible spending account (FSA) makes sense next year; and
  • MUCH more

by visiting our Open Enrollment information page.

Have questions? Human Resources staff are available to answer questions and help you through this process! Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 434-296-5827 if you need assistance.

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