BULLETIN 2005 - 02
TO ALL BENEFIT CONTACTS
Via Fax

Open enrollment for health benefits will be from May 2 – 13, 2005.

Open enrollment is the opportunity for employees to sign up for health benefits if they did not do so when first eligible. It’s also the opportunity to change health plans or add eligible unenrolled dependents.

As in previous open enrollments, BAS will conduct an open enrollment conference for agency personnel. This is your opportunity to learn first-hand what the changes are for the next benefit year and to learn about open enrollment plans and processes. You will be notified when a date is determined.

A Comparison Chart and Guide will be distributed to agencies in mid April for distribution to employees for their use during open enrollment.

Employees wishing to make a change may do so on the BAS Web site or by using a paper enrollment form that is returned to agencies.

Benefits that may be enrolled in or changed during open enrollment include: health (either the PPO plan or an HMO); dental; vision; supplemental life; and for bargaining unit employees, the prepaid legal plan. Although employees may enroll in long term care year-round, it is also promoted during open enrollment.

Unlike health benefits, the health care spending account (HCSA) is a benefit administered on a calendar year basis. A special open enrollment for the HCSA will occur toward the end of the year.

More details will be forwarded to you as open enrollment plans are finalized.

If you have any questions, please contact Benefits Customer Service at (614) 466-8857 or send an email to benefits@das.state.oh.us.