Benefits rates, online open enrollment will be available Thursday

Payroll & Benefit Services concludes negotiations with state

Though Payroll & Benefit Services had expected to post final rates and launch the open enrollment web application today, both have been delayed one day.

Because of last-minute successes achieved in the negotiation process with the state, final benefits rates that include the university contribution will be ready at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 6, when the web application also will go live. Look for the Enroll Online Now button at the upper right of all web pages at www.cu.edu/pbs/openenrollment.

In light of recent federal health care reform legislation, dependents up to age 27 may be enrolled beginning in the 2010-11 plan year. PBS still is working on interpreting the regulations and how the legislation affects federal qualified or nonqualified tax status for these dependents. Under the regulations, employees and retirees enrolling a same gender domestic partner (SGDP) and the partner's children are generally considered nonfederal/nonqualified tax dependents, and are subject to additional taxes (imputed income). PBS will provide more information on the open enrollment website as soon as possible.

Remember, if you are adding new dependents for coverage effective July 1, you must verify their eligibility with PBS during the open enrollment period. Required documents must be submitted by 5 p.m. May 21. There is no guarantee of dependent coverage if required documents are not received by the due date.

To enroll, go to www.cu.edu/pbs/openenrollment, where you'll also find more information about:

• What's new
• Plan comparisons
• Enrolling dependents
• Defaults, should you take no action during open enrollment