Open enrollment to begin

Open enrollment will begin Oct. 28 through Nov. 18, giving all MGH and MGPO staff the opportunity enroll in or change their benefits. Employees will receive a package in the mail that includes an open enrollment newsletter, medical comparison chart, rate sheets and enrollment instructions. They also will receive schedules of upcoming QuickStops, which are informational fairs where MGHers can ask Benefits staff members questions, and BENEFAIRS, which are sessions featuring representatives from companies working with the MGH to provide benefits.

Also, a new student verification process has been established. Open enrollment packages will include an Over-Age Dependent Verification Form for staff members with dependent children between the ages of 19 through 26 who are full-time students. If these children are covered by the employee's MGH health insurance plan, the employee must complete and return the verification form to the Benefits Office by Nov. 18, or the child's insurance will be cancelled beginning Jan. 1. Staff must verify their child's student status annually during open enrollment. Under the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Act, employees may add or continue health coverage for over-age dependent children who are not full-time students by completing the Over-Age Dependent Verification Form and returning it to the Benefits Office by Nov. 18.

The 2008 limits for tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) contributions have just been released, and they are the same as those for 2007: Employees can contribute up to $15,500 to their TSA next year if they are under age 50, or up to $20,500 if they are age 50 or older.

Last, MGH and MGPO staff can enjoy a vision premium holiday during November and December and a dental premium holiday in December — just in time to put that extra money away for holiday shopping.

For more information about these updates, contact the Benefits Office at (617) 726-8133 or ibenefits@partners.org.