USI » Human Resources » Benefits

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for University employees is held during the month of November each year. If an employee is interested in switching medical insurance providers, it must be done during this annual enrollment period. This is the one time throughout the year when employees are given a chance to add/change/delete dependents from their health insurance without experiencing a change in family status.

Due to federal regulations associated with the Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, employees can only change coverage or participation in the medical insurance program during the annual enrollment period or within 30 days of a qualifying event. Under these regulations, a "qualifying event" is defined as:

Marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, legal separation, or annulment;
Change in number of dependents, including birth, adoption, placement for adoption, or death of a dependent; or
Any of the following events for employee, employee's spouse, or dependent: termination or commencement of employment, a strike or lockout, commencement or return from an unpaid leave of absence, a change in worksite, or any other change in employment status that affects eligibility for benefits; or
Dependent satisfies or ceases to satisfy the requirements for coverage due to change in age, student status, or any similar circumstance; or
Change in the place of residence of employee, employee's spouse, or dependent.

During open enrollment, employees may also renew their flexible spending account annual elections or enroll for the first time. This plan allows for the payment of eligible medical, dependent care and alternate insurance expenses on a pre-tax basis. The result is a lowering of an employee's taxable income and tax liability for federal, state, and local income taxes and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxes. One change for 2004 is the ability to use these pre-tax dollars to pay for over-the-counter drugs. Please keep this in mind when selecting your annual election. Eligible employees may participate beginning on January 1 of each calendar year. Employees who chose to participate in the spending accounts will need to re-enroll each calendar year.

If you have any questions about your health/dental insurance plans, the flexible benefit spending accounts, voluntary group term life insurance or open enrollment, please contact the Human Resources Department at 464-1988 or 464-1781.

The University of Southern Indiana is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is the policy of the University of Southern Indiana to be in full compliance with all federal and state non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, orders and regulations relating to race, sex, religion, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer, USI Human Resources Department, 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47712.

8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600