2019 benefits: Get ready to take action at Annual Enrollment

As you plan for Annual Enrollment, which runs this year from Oct. 17 to Nov. 7, you'll want to research your benefit options, including the new dental and vision plans, as well as supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and use the many resources available to help you make the best choices for you and your family. Here's how:

• Attend a Benefits Fair to learn more about your coverage from our vendors and get your free biometric screening. This year's events will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Homewood's Glass Pavilion and on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at East Baltimore's Turner Concourse.
• Attend a town hall to hear from the Benefits team and get answers to your questions. Sessions begin in October; the full schedule will be posted on the myChoices website at the end of September.
• Visit myChoices in October to see an overview of what's being offered at enrollment and learn more about all plan changes, in particular the dental and vision plan changes.
• Try the Medical Plan Coverage Comparison tool to get a side-by-side look at how health care services are covered under each available plan. You can customize the settings to compare the features and services that are important to you.
• Consult the Health and Welfare Handbook during the Annual Enrollment period to see plan details.

What happens if you don't take any action during Annual Enrollment?

If you currently waive coverage: You will continue to waive coverage. If you are newly waiving coverage, you must upload the medical waiver form to myChoices.

Medical: You will keep your current coverage, at the same coverage level and new plan rates.

Dental: If you are currently enrolled in the CareFirst BCBS or Cigna Dental Plan, you will default to the new Delta Dental Standard PPO Plan. If you are enrolled in the United ConcordiaPLUS® Dental HMO Plan, your coverage will carry over at new plan rates.

Vision: Your coverage will end on Dec. 31, 2018.

Flexible spending accounts: No coverage; you must enroll each year to participate.

Supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance for you (employee): Your coverage may increase to the next coverage level at the applicable plan rate, depending on your current coverage level.

Spouse and child accidental death and dismemberment insurance: Your spouse/domestic partner would have 50 percent of your benefit amount, up to $250,000 and your children would have 15 percent of your benefit amount, up to $50,000.

Dependent life insurance: You will keep your current coverage.

Short-term disability: You will keep your current coverage.

Benefits you receive automatically

As a university employee, you automatically receive benefits paid by the university for:

• Life insurance and AD&D coverage equal to $10,000.
• Long-term disability coverage for full-time employees after one year of continuous service.