Review or make benefits changes beginning Oct. 1

As October quickly approaches, all benefits-eligible, MSU employees, should be thinking about Open Enrollment options.

MSU Benefits Open Enrollment for the 2019 benefits plan year will be Oct. 1-31.

"With over 15,900 faculty, staff and their dependents enrolled in MSU’s health plans, annual Open Enrollment is a great time for employees to check their benefits information," said Reneè Rivard, director of MSU HR Compensation and Benefits. Now is your chance to think about the health and wellness needs for you and your family for the next calendar year.

You can switch insurance plans, add or remove dependents from coverage or enroll in a flexible spending account or voluntary benefits. Faculty, staff and retirees must also complete the health care affidavit during Open Enrollment to continue coverage for a spouse or other eligible individual.

 “It is also a time to be reminded of the many other non-traditional benefits available to employees. For example, we have voluntary benefits like vision, home and auto insurance discounts, a prepaid legal plan and even pet insurance that can be paid through payroll deduction,” Rivard said.

What’s new for 2019? If you haven’t been in the EBS Portal since last Open Enrollment, things might look a little different due to an upgrade over the summer. There are step-by-step instructions and a How-To Enroll video to help you enroll at hr.msu.edu/open-enrollment.

There has been an increase to prescription co-pays for preferred brand-name, non-preferred brand name and specialty medications. Preferred brand-name medicines increased to $30/$60 for a 34/90-day supply. Non-preferred brand-name medicines increased to $60/$120 for a 34/90-day supply. Specialty medicines increased to $75 for a 34-day supply. Co-pays for generic medicines remain the same.

The premium threshold for spousal coverage has increased. If your spouse’s employer offers single-person coverage with an annual premium of $1,300 or less, your spouse must purchase this coverage. MSU’s health plan can serve as their secondary plan.

A couple new benefits include Livongo for diabetes management and Teladoc for online medical care. Livongo is a free program to provide the help and supplies you need to manage your diabetes. Teladoc allows you to talk with a licensed doctor anytime, anywhere.

Have questions? Get them answered at the Benefits Fair during open enrollment. You can chat with plan representatives and MSU Human Resources staff. You can also enroll online at the fair with the assistance of HR staff, get your flu shot and even a chair massage. The fair will be held on:

12 to 7 p.m., Oct. 16, Breslin Center

7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 17, Breslin Center

To learn more about Open Enrollment, view the employee and retiree open enrollment guides and other detailed information at hr.msu.edu/open-enrollment.

The MSU HR Solutions Center staff is available to answer your questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434. For long-distance, call toll-free 800-353-4434.