The October Open Enrollment period for MSU employee benefits is around the corner. Benefit-eligible MSU employees can enroll in, change or cancel benefit selections for next year between Oct. 1-31, 2019.
With over 15,000 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 your and your family’s health and wellness needs 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 review 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 2020? There has been an increase to some Aetna Dental Maintenance Organization co-pays, including orthodontics, to ensure employees eligible for the plan continue to receive the full MSU contribution to the monthly premium rate. Co-pays have not changed for the Aetna Premium DMO plan.
The premium threshold for spousal coverage has increased. If your spouse’s current or former employer offers single-person coverage with an annual premium of $1,400 or less, your spouse must purchase this coverage. MSU’s health plan can serve as their secondary plan.
There are a couple new services offered through Best Doctors. In addition to offering expert second opinions on medical diagnosis, Best Doctors now offers two more services – Treatment Decision Support and Medical Records eSummary.
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:
Noon to 7 p.m., Oct. 8, Breslin Center
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 9, Breslin Center
You can also visit an HR site lab for further assistance on Oct. 4, 22, 28 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nisbet Building, 1407 S. Harrison Road.
To learn more about Open Enrollment, view the 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.
