QUOLKE’S CORNER #138
OPEN ENROLLMENT 2012
Just a reminder to everyone that November is Open Enrollment month. If you are currently enrolled in the medical, drug, vision, or life insurance plans are satisfied with your benefit coverage you DO NOT need to take any action. However, you may want to go online, just to verify what the District has listed in the computer for you. You must go online if any of the following apply to you:
- You want to make changes to current medical, dental, or life insurance coverage.
- You have previously opted-out of benefits. You must opt-out every year.
- You have previously opened a Flexible Spending Account, you must renew every year. The amount that you selected for 2012 WILL NOT carry over.
- You would like to open a Flexible Spending Account.
A Flexible Spending Account is an IRS pre-tax dollar benefit covering healthcare as well as child and dependent care.
Per the CBA, there are two types of Flexible Spending Accounts. One is for un-reimbursed medical, drug, dental, or vision expenses that occur over the calendar year. In general, if you anticipate out-of-pocket expenses not covered by health care (braces, Lasik surgery, deductibles, copays) you can enroll and have pre-tax payroll deduction to cover expenses. While these pre-tax dollars go into an account, they do not continually roll-over. If you do not use those dollars in the specified time period you lose those dollars. Please see page 10 of the Open Enrollment Benefits Summary on the CMSD website, www.healthscopebenefits.com, or call Healthscope at 877-385-8775 for more information.
The second is for dependent care which helps pay for child care or costs for the care of dependent adults unable to take care of themselves. Please see page 10 of the Open Enrollment Benefits Summary on the CMSD website, www.healthscopebenefits.com, or call Healthscope at 877-385-8775 for more information.
To make any changes, opt-out, renew a Flexible Spending Account, or enroll for a Flexible Spending Account go to www.cmsdjobs.com/esjobs/benefits.asp You will need you pin number. Pin numbers were U.S. mailed at the beginning of November. If you need a pin number you can email gracie.cole@cmsdnet.net OR robin.d.andrews@cmsdnet.net OR joyce.c.mcdonnold@cmsdnet.net.
All changes must be made by midnight on November 30. Please do not wait until it is too late. If you have specific questions that you need answered by the Employee Benefits Department here are phone numbers that you can call: Gracie Cole (216) 574-8298, Robin Andrews (216) 574-8252, or Joyce McDonnold (216) 574-8368.
In Union,
David