February 11, 2013

Open Enrollment: What you need to know

Open Enrollment is the once-per-year opportunity for Lewis & Clark employees to look at existing benefit plans, evaluate any anticipated needs, and make adjustments for the upcoming plan year.

Open Enrollment is the once-per-year opportunity for Lewis & Clark employees to look at existing benefit plans, evaluate any anticipated needs, and make adjustments for the upcoming plan year.     

“Great news this year—there is no increase in benefit premiums!” said Barb Lipinski, benefits and compensation analyst. “Our plans have also remained the same in plan offerings and design.”

Important dates:

Open enrollment begins on Monday, February 11, and continues through Friday, March 8. Changes take effect April 1, 2013.

Employees cannot make changes at any other time than open enrollment without an appropriate “qualifying event” and supporting documentation. 

Human Resources must receive all Open Enrollment forms no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2013. Forms received after that time will not be processed.

During open enrollment employees can take the following actions:
  • Change current medical or dental plans
  • Add or drop dependents from medical or dental plans
  • Cancel medical or dental coverage entirely
  • Participate in a Health or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (the IRS regulations require that employees re-enroll each plan year)

For more information on plans, rates, and changes please review the 2013 Open Enrollment Guide.

If employees choose to keep current benefits:

If you are not changing your current medical or dental plan for 2013, you do not need to submit any paperwork.

However, if you wish to participate in a Flexible Spending Account, you must complete the Allegiance Flexible Benefits and Debit Card Open Enrollment Form. Please note: Re-enrollment is necessary each year.

Questions?

Find out more at the Benefit and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Stamm, Templeton Campus Center. The fair provides information on topics such as alternative care and financial health—and offers healthy activities including the following:

  • Free chair massage
  • Cooking demos
  • Biometric screens
  • Nervous system scans
  • Glucose screenings

For more information, visit the Open Enrollment webpage or contact Barb Lipinski (blipinski@lclark.edu or 503-768-6234).