Open enrollment for health insurance, the health insurance buy-out program and flexible spending accounts began Wednesday, April 3, 2024 and continues through Wednesday, May 1, 2024 for an effective date of July 1, 2024.
IMPORTANT: It is not currently open enrollment for the non-unit MetLife dental plan. Dental open enrollment occurs in the fall of each calendar year.
Health Insurance
Now is your opportunity to enroll in or change your current health insurance plan.
UniCare is changing its name to Wellpoint. All current UniCare members will receive new cards. There are some enhancements being made to the plan. Attached is a presentation from Wellpoint on the enhancements and information about the website.
All the same health plans will be offered with no changes to co-pays or deductibles but there will be an increase in monthly premiums. You should take this opportunity to review your options to make sure that your current health insurance plan is the best fit for you/your family. Please keep in mind that once you choose a health plan, you cannot change plans during the year, unless you move out of the plan’s service area, or you are retiring. If your doctor or hospital leaves your health plan network, you must find a new participating provider in your chosen plan.
Please review the 2024-2025 State Employee Benefits Guide to assess your health insurance plan options. Using the MyGICLink benefits portal, you will be able the make your enrollment changes online. Please be advised that if you are adding a spouse to your health insurance plan, you must provide/upload a copy of your marriage certificate. If you are adding a child/dependent to your health insurance plan, you must provide/upload a copy of the dependent’s birth certificate.
Register and log in to the MyGICLink portal at mygiclink.my.site.com.
Additional resources are available on the GIC website.
Submit any changes by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Health Insurance Buy-Out Program
During this year’s Open Enrollment, if you are insured with GIC for health coverage from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 and you have access to a non-GIC employer-sponsored plan that meets IRS “minimal value” criteria, you may participate in the buy-out Program.
The benefit is 12 taxable monthly payments equal to 25% of the July 1, 2024 full-cost premium based on the health plan and coverage level (individual or family) in effect on January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024. If you enroll and are accepted for the buy-out, you will receive the monthly reimbursement in your paycheck starting in August 2024. You will be required to maintain Basic Life Insurance.
The chart with the sample monthly payment amounts can be found on the GIC website. You may apply for the buy-out program by logging into the MyGICLink benefits portal or by requesting and completing the Buy-Out form via the GIC DocuSign Link.
Register and log in to the MyGICLink portal at mygiclink.my.site.com.
Make your election by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Life Insurance and LTD Updates
You may apply for optional life insurance and LTD during open enrollment or at any time during the year.
You may also apply for the reduced, non-smoker status rate for your optional life insurance if you have been tobacco-free for at least 12 months (have not smoked cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe, nor used snuff, chewing tobacco or a nicotine delivery system). The reduced optional life insurance rate will be effective July 1, 2024.
You may apply for the reduced optional life insurance rate and also apply for long-term disability coverage by logging into your MyGICLink benefits portal.
Register and log in to the MyGICLink portal at mygiclink.my.site.com.
Submit any changes by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Open enrollment for the FSA (flexible spending accounts) begins Wednesday, April 3, 2024, and continues through Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Current and new enrollees that wish to enroll for FY25 may do so by going to www.massfsatasc.com. If you are a new enrollee and once your enrollment is approved, you will receive an email (or letter if you did not provide an email) from TASC with instructions on how to register and sign into the TASC website.
IMPORTANT: You must take action if you wish to participate in the flexible spending accounts in FY25 by going to www.massfsatasc.com. You must complete your online enrollment by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Membership Discount
The open enrollment for the discount on BJ’s membership is being offered through Friday, April 26, 2024.
If you wish to apply for membership or renew your current membership at the discounted rate, please complete the membership form and mail it to Kim Sbrogna or call the 800 number and use the promo code highlighted below.
BJ’s MEMBERSHIP DEALS
Partnership Support Center Phone #: 800-313-8887
PROMO CODE 450352 - EXPIRES 4/26/2024
New Members – only $20 for the Club Card membership (regularly $55) or $60 for the Club+ Card membership*
Renewing Members - only $50 for the Club Card membership or $100 for the Club+ Card membership*
*Club+ Card members receive 5 cents off/gallon at BJ’s Gas and earn 2% back in rewards on most BJ’s purchases
IMPORTANT NOTE: The promo code does not work online or in-store, you MUST call the 800 number above to use.
Submit your membership form by mail to Kim Sbrogna or call the Partnership Support Center at BJ’s by Friday, April 26, 2024.
Please email Benefits at Benefits@umassp.edu for any questions.