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The annual Open Enrollment period for eligible faculty and staff to select medical, insurance and other benefits-related options for 2013 began Sunday, Oct. 14, and will run through 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26.

The open enrollment booklet detailing the benefits elections is available online; you will not receive a hard copy. Faculty and staff can access the booklet and other resources through the Open Enrollment website.

There are several changes to the benefits offered for next year, and Human Resources Vice President Willis Walker encourages employees to read the booklet carefully, and pay particular attention to the following areas:

• Dental Coverage – There are now three options through Delta Dental and each plan will require an employee contribution; two of the plans offer adult orthodontia coverage.
• Opt-Out Option – There is an increase in the monthly opt-out incentive; a change in the plans from which you can opt-out; and new guidelines for families where both spouses or domestic partners are university employees.
• Health Care Flexible Spending Account – IRS regulations have reduced the maximum amount an employee can contribute in a calendar year from $5,000 to $2,500.
• Prescription Drug Plan – The maximum amount you will have to pay out of pocket for any prescription is $60, unless you choose a brand name drug when a generic is available. In that case, the maximum co-pay is $100.
• The maximum coverage for life insurance provided to all full-time employees (at a level of three times the annual base salary) has been increased to $225,000.

Walker adds that while the university’s cost for health care continues to rise, Kent State will continue to absorb a portion of this amount. Last year, the aggregate employee contribution increased from 13.74 percent to 15 percent, and the university absorbed the additional cost. In 2013, the aggregate employee contributions will increase to 16 percent.

“Next year faculty and staff will see an increase in their monthly contribution, depending on the medical plan and the health care provider selected.” Walker says.  “Keep in mind that employee contributions are spread out over a tiered structure based on salary; with employees in the lower tiers paying a lower percentage and those in the higher tiers paying a higher percentage.” 

Because of the changes, each employee is asked to complete the online Open Enrollment process. Even if you do not want to make any changes to your current coverage, you need to select your dental plan, your Flexible Spending Account contribution (if applicable) and enroll for the opt-out option (if applicable). Your elections for the latter two plans will not roll over from 2012.

The enrollment process will be done online through FlashLine. Just look for the Open Enrollment link in the Top Employee Resources section of the Employee Dashboard.   

Several computer labs are scheduled throughout the Open Enrollment period for employees who may need assistance completing the process. You can view the schedule at the Open Enrollment website.

Questions may be directed to the Benefits Office at 330-672-MyHR(6947) or benefits@kent.edu.