Open Enrollment Period

Most enrollment changes are permitted ONLY during the annual open enrollment period, which generally occurs in October-November and takes effect on the following January 1, the start of the new benefit plan year. (For some exceptions to this rule, see Permitted Changes After Open Enrollment and the accompanying discussion.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Employees MUST reestablish enrollment in DCRA and MERA each year during open enrollment. Thus, your DCRA and MERA coverage choices for one plan year will not automatically carry over into the next plan year. Increases in life insurance coverage are not permitted unless evidence of insurability is provided.

Permitted changes during open enrollment

The following changes are permitted during open enrollment, in addition to changes in life insurance coverage and electing to enroll in the Extended Outpatient Mental Health Benefit.

Health Insurance

  1. Participants may choose a different health insurance option or discontinue health insurance coverage.
  2. Participants may change the type of coverage, i.e., individual, employee + one or family.
  3. Eligible employees may initiate coverage.

Dental Insurance

  1. Participants may change the type of coverage, i.e., individual or family, or they may discontinue dental insurance coverage.
  2. Eligible employees may initiate coverage.

Optional Long Term Disability Insurance

  1. Eligible employees may initiate coverage, subject to a one-year waiting period for any pre-existing condition.

Vision Insurance

  1. Participants may change the type of coverage, i.e., individual or family, or they may discontinue vision insurance coverage.
  2. Eligible employees may initiate coverage.