Have a question you don’t see here? Email adam.millis@fsw.edu.
General Information
Q: Why is FSW making this change?
A: FSW is transitioning to the State Benefits Program to provide our employees with a more cost-effective and comprehensive benefits package. This change allows us to offer better coverage options at lower costs, including reduced monthly premiums, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Additionally, this move aligns us with state legislation, specifically House Bill 5101, which was passed to enhance the overall benefits for state employees. The new plan is designed to better meet the needs of our diverse workforce and ensure that all employees have access to high-quality healthcare at an affordable price.
Q: When will the benefits move to the state program be effective?
A: The move will be effective on January 1, 2025.
Q: When is the Open Enrollment period?
A: Open Enrollment will be from October 14 through November 1, 2024, ending at 6:00 PM. All elections made during Open Enrollment become effective January 1, 2025.
Q: What happens if I don't make any benefit elections during Open Enrollment?
A: If you do not select your benefits during the Open Enrollment period, you will not have any coverage for Calendar Year 2025. There are no default benefit options/plans whatsoever.
Portal Access and Navigation
Q: How will I access the new benefits portal?
A: You will receive a User Name and Password for the People First portal via mail before Open Enrollment begins. This is where you will make your benefit selections.
Q: Can I wait until the last few days of Open Enrollment to make my selections?
A: It is not recommended to wait until the last few days as the site may be overburdened, and you might experience issues.
Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Q: Will the College continue to offer a free employee health plan option?
A: No, the College will no longer offer a free employee health plan option.
Q: What about free dental and vision coverage?
A: The College will also no longer offer free employee dental and vision coverage.
Q: What should I do if I select Spouse, Child, or Family coverage?
A: If you select Spouse, Child, or Family coverage, you will need to provide Proof of Dependents within 90 days of the election. Failure to do so will result in loss of coverage until the necessary documents are submitted.
Q: What does the coverage entail?
A: We anticipate coverage being similar or the same as the 2024 State Benefits program.
Important Deadlines
Q: When will I start receiving information about Open Enrollment?
A: Open Enrollment information will start being mailed or emailed to employees beginning September 23, 2024.
Q: Are there specific dates for reminders?
A: Yes, you will receive emails from People First on October 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2024.
Q: When is the deadline to complete my enrollment?
A: You must complete your enrollment by November 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM.
Dependent Verification and Eligibility
Q: How will I be notified about dependent verification?
A: Dependent verification notices will be sent via email or mail upon registering a dependent.
Q: Are domestic partners covered under the State program?
A: No, domestic partners are not covered under the State program. Please refer to page 16 of the Benefits Guide for a list of eligible dependents.
Medical and Pharmacy Services
Q: What will be the annual deductible for health coverage under the new plan?
A: The annual deductible for Florida Blue PPO In-network will be $250 for single coverage and $500 for family coverage.
Q: How will the pharmacy plan change?
A: The State Group Insurance Plan will use OPTUM Rx as the pharmacy administrator. It is important to review the pharmacy formulary before December 31, 2024, to check if your medication(s) are covered or require prior authorization.
Q: Will new medical ID cards be issued?
A: Yes, new medical ID cards will be issued before January 1, 2025.
Life Insurance Coverage
Q: What life insurance options will be available?
A: The State plan offers employer-paid coverage of $25,000, which is $10,000 more coverage than the plan FSW currently provides for you. New enrollees are eligible for Guaranteed Issue coverage to purchase up to 5 times their base annual earnings, up to a maximum of $500,000, without providing Evidence of Insurability (EOI). You may even choose to purchase life insurance policies on your spouse and/or child(ren).
Q: Will optional life insurance premiums change?
A: Yes, optional life insurance premiums will change based on your age and salary.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Q: What happens to my current Eagles Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
A: You will need to move your FSA to the State plan if you would like to enroll in a FSA for 2025. The maximum yearly amount for the Healthcare FSA is $3,200, and for the Dependent Care FSA, it is $5,000 per household.
Q: What should I do with my Health Equity HSA account?
A: Individuals with a Health Equity HSA account will need to decide what to do with the funds. If your account balance is $2,000 or more, you will not be subject to the administrative fee. If you enroll in the state’s High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account (HDHP-HSA), you may be eligible to transfer your HSA balance to this new account.
Additional Resources
Q: Where can I find training materials and videos about the People First portal?
A: Training materials are available and State Group Insurance Enrollment training videos can be found on YouTube.
Q: How can I learn more about the new benefits and insurance plans?
A: You can review the 2024 Benefits Guide (attached). Make sure your mailing and physical addresses are correct in Banner to ensure you receive all necessary information. To check and make changes to your address, navigate to the portal, find the FSW Quick Links card, and click "Personal Information." Email Melissa Raney if you have questions about mailing and physical addresses.
Q: What should I do if I have more questions?
A: For further assistance, contact Adam.Millis@fsw.edu or refer to the links provided in the People First portal.