USI » Human Resources » Benefits

Open Enrollment

It's Open Enrollment time! The Open Enrollment period begins Thursday, November 3, 2005, and ends Friday, November 18, 2005. All changes made during this time will be effective January 1, 2006.

Open enrollment memos were mailed to all faculty and staff members on November 3, 2005.

An Open Enrollment Fair will be held on Monday, November 14, 2005, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, in the University Center Carter A-B. Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., Welborn Health Plans, Health Resources, Inc., The Nyhart Company (Flexible spending account administrator), and Spectera (new vision insurance provider) will be in attendance. The vendors will be available to address any questions and/or concerns you may have. Group meetings are also being offered on November 14. Refer to the schedule in the open enrollment memo for more details. Please stop by to learn about 2006 benefit options and register for some door prizes.

Medical/Dental Insurance - Employees have the opportunity to evaluate their health insurance needs and make changes in coverage. Employees may change their current coverage or add eligible dependents to their health insurance plan.

Flexible Spending Account - Employees may renew their annual elections or enroll for the first time. This plan allows for the payment of eligible medical/dental expenses and dependent care 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. Employees who choose to participate in the spending accounts will need to re-enroll each calendar year. New in 2006, the University will adopt the grace period as allowed under IRS notice 2005-42. Adopting the grace period will allow employees to use 2006 funds remaining in their flexible spending accounts at the calendar year end for purchases through March 15, 2007. The grace period will only apply to the unremibursed medical and dental expenses. The dependent care flexible spending account will still need to be exhausted in calendar year 2006.

Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance - Employees may purchase additional term life insurance at low group rates on a payroll deduction basis for themselves, their spouses, and/or dependent children. Employees may purchase up to $500,000 or five times annual earnings, whichever is less. The life insurance program is offered by Prudential Life Insurance Company. Please note that this insurance plan is strictly voluntary and is offered as a supplement to University-provided life insurance.

NEW IN 2006 - Optional Vision Coverage - Employees have the option to elect optional vision coverage through a pre-tax payroll deduction with Spectera as the provider. The plan covers annual exams (after co-payment), spectacle lenses, frames, contact lenses, and a one-time discount on laser vision correction services. It also allows employee choice of facility/provider both within and and outside the network; retail and private practices are included. Please note that it is not necessary to participate in the University medical insurance plan to enroll in the optional vision plan. Additional information concerning the new plan will be available at the Open Enrollment Fair or in the Human Resources Department.

Forms may be picked up at the Human Resources Office, the Open Enrollment Fair, or some of the forms are available within the appropriate links to the left.

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 464-1781 or 464-1988.

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