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Insurance open enrollment period ends next week

Enrollment reminders from Human Resources

Office of Insurance Management is sending the Human Resource Office a notice about online applications that are not approved because they contain errors. HR is notifying the affected employees and asking them to resubmit their applications with corrected information. Previous applications are superceded by the newly submitted application.
The July premium will be paid on the June 18 paycheck. Employees are encouraged to check their deduction amounts to ensure that the correct rate is taken. Employees will have until June 30 to submit applications to make corrections to their July coverage.
Remember that if you chose to enroll online you need to keep the confirmation number. The confirmation number is used to verify information if you need to call Blue Cross or Group Insurance regarding your application. Information cannot be given without the number.

ITD employees have until Friday (May 28) to complete the open enrollment process to ensure uninterrupted health care coverage. Individuals who have not enrolled yet but have participated in the past will be contacted by Human Resources and encouraged to complete the process by next week's deadline.

All state employees must re-enroll or formally indicate their decision to not enroll because the state is making a transition to a new health insurance plan from Blue Cross of Idaho, which was selected over longtime provider Regence BlueShield.

Although employees can enroll in June for July coverage, procrastinating carries some inherent risks: Insurance cards and benefits could be delayed and employees may be required to provide a “make-up” payment deducted from their paychecks for the July premium.

ITD employees and their colleagues from other state agencies have two options from which to choose when enrolling in health insurance coverage through the new provider Blue Cross of Idaho. They can opt for a traditional plan that enables access to a full range of health care providers or the Preferred Provider Organization, a network of affiliated providers who have developed a lower cost contract with the state.

Online enrollment should be made through the state of Idaho’s Office of Group Insurance web site: Online Enrollment. (Note: When using the online enrollment form, you will need to provide the state of Idaho password. Use "200Idaho.") After the online process is completed, Blue Cross of Idaho will send a confirmation number. Make sure to keep it for future reference.

Employees who participate in the state’s health insurance program can take advantage of possible tax savings by enrolling in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program.

Similar to a “cafeteria” plan, FSA enables employees to set aside a portion of their paycheck before taxes are applied (thus lowering their taxable income and tax obligation). The FSA can be accessed as health charges are incurred. (Participating in the FSA program might have long-term implications on Social Security benefits, so consultation with a tax adviser would be prudent.)

Enrollment in the FSA program, re-enrollment or changing an existing account must be done during the open enrollment period. Forms are available in the Human Resource Office or District Business Offices.

The open enrollment period also is the only time employees can change their pre- or post-tax premium withholding election. The Premium Only Plan Election Forms are available from Human Resources or the District Business Offices.

Before enrolling, check the list of participating PPO providers at http://bcidaho.com/pdirectory/index_new.asp?id=

A simple comparison of monthly premiums for Traditional and PPO, along with a look at covered benefits is included in the Benefits Focus newsletter.

The enrollment process can be completed online at: https://www.bcidaho.com/enrollment/login.asp

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