SUBJECT:

Annual Benefits Open Enrollment Period

The annual Benefits Open Enrollment begins at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2015 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 Pacific Time.

Representatives from the various health insurance plans will be providing medical plan presentations for faculty, staff and retirees. Benefit plan carriers and Benefits staff will be available to answer questions, provide additional information if needed, and discuss plan details. Employees will have an opportunity to attend a Benefits Open Enrollment Fair located at the La Jolla campus and the Hillcrest Medical Center.

Hillcrest Medical Center Benefits Open Enrollment Fair
Monday, November 2
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Medical Center Library - Courtyard

Campus Benefits Open Enrollment Fair
Tuesday, November 3
9:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Price Center West - Red Shoe Room

Details regarding the Campus presentations can be found at:
http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/admin/2016OEPres.pdf

Full details on health insurance options for 2016 including information on medical plans, premium costs, and tools to assist employees and retirees with medical plan choices are available at the Open Enrollment website: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/oe/. Employees who do not wish to change their current health and welfare coverage do not need to take any Open Enrollment actions.

Open Enrollment is also the time to enroll or re-enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) which allow employees to set aside funds to pay for health and/or dependent care while providing tax savings. Employees must enroll in FSAs during Open Enrollment to participate in 2016, even if they are currently enrolled. This year, due to IRS changes, the annual limit for the Health FSA will increase to $2,550 (formerly $2,500). There is no change to the DepCare FSA which will remain at $5,000. The annual maximum contribution for individuals enrolled in the Blue Shield Health Spending Account will remain at $3,350. However, the maximum annual contribution for the family rate will increase to $6,750 (formerly $6,650).

During Open Enrollment, employees can also enroll their eligible dependents, including children, up to age 26 in their plans. Additionally, the ARAG legal plan will be open for enrollment.

All Open Enrollment actions will be effective January 1, 2016. For questions or assistance with Open Enrollment, please contact the Human Resources Department Benefits Office at (858) 534-2816 or the person in your department who handles benefits information. Health Sciences/Health System faculty and staff should call (619) 543-3200.

Robert A. Crouch Assistant Vice Chancellor - Human Resources Janet Kamerman Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences Human Resources