Stanford Benefits

2015 Open Enrollment FAQs

Benefits Home / Resource Library / 2015 Open Enrollment FAQs

What is Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment is the period of time in which benefits-eligible employees and retirees may update or change their benefit elections (e.g. medical, dental, vision, flexible and health savings accounts, etc.). It is the one period during the year, unless there is a life-changing event, where modifications may be made.

When is the Open Enrollment period?

The 2015 Open Enrollment period starts on Monday, October 27 (7:00 am PT) and ends on Friday, November 14 (5:00 pm PT by phone or 11:59 pm PT online).

If I’m happy with my elections from last year and do not plan to add new dependents, do I need to take action during Open Enrollment?

No. If you are happy with your current benefits plan and have no new dependents to add, then you do not have to take any action this year; all of your elections will carry over to the 2015 plan year. However, the costs will reflect the 2015 contribution amounts.

Employees: if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), Dependent Day Care Spending Account (Day Care FSA) or Child Care Subsidy Grant you must re-enroll as these elections do not roll over. If you make your elections online, you will also see your 2015 per pay period costs so that you can plan accordingly for you and your family.

Retirees: if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you may set it up directly with HealthEquity, Blue Shield’s financial partner, or with a financial institution of your choice by making contributions on a post-tax basis.

When is the best time to make my elections?

During Open Enrollment, the highest enrollment volumes are during the first two (2) days and the last three (3) days of the period.  If you are calling the Benefits Service Center you may want to consider calling early in the morning (from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT) or later in the afternoon (2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT) Tuesday through Thursday when the call volumes are lower.

What changes are being made to health benefit plans this year?

For employees, there are a few changes to expect in 2015:

Benefit Plan Rates
While the cost of health care continues to rise, Stanford University is still one of the few employers in the Bay Area to offer two health plans (Kaiser HMO and Stanford HealthCare Alliance) that are free for employees covering themselves.

For 2015, Stanford will continue to offer employees and non-Medicare retirees the EPO, PPO and HDHP medical plans, however the cost of these plans will rise.  Remember, these plans are self-funded, which means Stanford is paying the actual cost of claims and not the insurance company. In addition, the following factors also contribute to rate increases:

  • Demographics: Age and gender are considered when it comes to costs. Stanford’s average population skews towards older employees who generally have more health care needs or require more specialized, and at times, more expensive treatments than a population comprised of younger people.
  • Service Providers: Where employees/retirees seek services impacts costs. Not all health care providers charge the same rates for the same service, and there can be a wide variance in what someone might pay. For example, a colonoscopy procedure in the Bay Area can range from under $1,000 to over $7,000 depending upon where the procedure is performed, with no disparity in the quality of services received. Therefore, it's important for employees/retirees to consider whether they are getting the best value for what the service providers charge.

To provide the best and most affordable health benefits, Stanford will continue to evaluate its rate methodology and determine the best approach to allocate its contributions toward its employees'/retirees' health care and that of their dependents.

Non-Network Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coverage
The allowed amount for non-network outpatient services (psychologists, therapists, counselors, etc.) has changed for employees and non-Medicare retirees who elect a Blue Shield EPO, PPO, High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) or Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA). Below are details on the non-network service changes:

Plan 2014 Non-Network Coverage 2015 Non-Network Coverage
Blue Shield EPO Did not cover non-network services. 80% of up to $300 in allowed charges for professional services will be covered per visit, for a maximum benefit of $240*.
Blue Shield PPO 60% of non-network services were covered after deductible. 80% of up to $300 in allowed charges for professional services will be covered per visit, for a maximum benefit of $240*.
For all other services, 60% of allowed charges will be covered.
Blue Shield High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) 60% of non-network services were covered after deductible. 80% of up to $300 in allowed charges for professional services will be covered per visit, for a maximum benefit of $240*.
For all other services, 60% of allowed charges will be covered.
Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA) Did not cover non-network services. 80% of up to $300 in allowed charges for professional services will be covered per visit, for a maximum benefit of $240*.

* Example, if bill charge is $350, 80% of $300 will be covered. 80% x $300 = $240.

Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) $500 Carryover
An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) change to the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) modifies the "use it or lose it" rule and allows participating active employees to carry over up to $500 in unused funds from one year to the next. Any 2014 FSA monies over $500 will be forfeited. The carryover funds may be accessed starting May 1, 2015, once all 2014 FSA expenses have been reimbursed. For more details on this provision, view the Health Care FSA Carryover FAQ.

Health Savings Account (HSA) Limit Increase
In 2015, the HSA limit (the amount you contribute) is now $3,350 for employee- or retiree-only ($50 increase), and $6,650 for employee/retiree + dependents ($100 increase). Note: the Blue Shield High-Deductible Plan (HDHP) is the only plan that works in conjunction with the HSA.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Direct Billing Administered by CNA
LTC insurance is an optional, after-tax benefit that helps pay many of the day-to-day expenses for nursing home and in-home care not generally covered by medical or disability plans. LTC insurance is provided through CNA. In addition to enrollment and customer service, CNA will take over direct billing for all long term care insurance coverage, starting in 2015. For employees, LTC premium payments will no longer be processed through Stanford payroll deductions beginning in January 2015. Those currently enrolled in LTC insurance will receive information from CNA about the direct billing process in October of this year. Participants will no longer see LTC information on the elections page or confirmation statement in MyBenefits when Open Enrollment begins on October 27. Stanford’s last payroll deduction will be on December 22, 2014, and at the end of January 2015, direct billing will be administered by CNA. For more information, contact CNA at 800-528-4582.

Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP) Qualification Level Increase
The Medical Contribution Assistance Program (MCAP) is a health care subsidy program that pays up to the full employee contribution of the lowest cost medical plan when spouse and/or children are covered. Employees with a combined family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of up to $77,000 (an increase from $60,000 in 2014) as stated on the most recent Federal income tax return, are qualified to apply. View the MCAP Guidelines for more information.

The University Will Pay… Current 2014 New for 2015 OE
100% of your cost for family coverage in the low-cost plan $45,000 and below $58,000 and below
75% of your cost for family coverage in the low-cost plan $45,001 – $50,000 $58,001 - $65,000
50% of your cost for family coverage in the low-cost plan $50,001 - $55,000 $65,001 - $70,000
25% of your cost for family coverage in the low-cost plan $55,001 - $60,000 $70,001 - $77,000
No Subsidy Above $60,000 Above $77,000

Out-of-Area Rate Contribution Discontinued
In 2009, Stanford introduced an Out-of-Area rate for active employees who live outside of an HMO service area or anywhere outside of California. In 2014, the University began phasing out this special subsidy, and in 2015, the Out-of-Area rate will be discontinued. All employees regardless of where they reside, will pay the same monthly contribution to health plans in which they are enrolled.

Prescriptions
In 2015, all five health care plans will cover prescriptions at 100% once the out-of-pocket maximum is met.

How may I enroll during Open Enrollment?

There are two ways to update your elections during Open Enrollment:

  1. Online: Visit the Benefits website (benefits.stanford.edu) and log into MyBenefits using your SUNet ID or Stanford ID.
    Note: MyBenefits is a mobile-aware/friendly website, so you may elect benefits using your tablet or other mobile device.
  1. By phone: Call toll free (877) 905-2985 or (650) 736-2985 (select option 9). Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. PT

I reviewed my confirmation statement and noticed I elected the wrong medical plan after Open Enrollment ended. Can I change this?

Yes. The university allows corrections to Open Enrollment elections to be made. The correction period deadline is December 2, 2014.  To submit corrections, you must call the Benefits Service Center directly, as changes cannot be made online after November 14, 2014. Please note, the correction period is not meant as an extension of the three-week Open Enrollment event. Only corrections will be accepted during this period.

I will be on vacation during Open Enrollment. Can I make elections when I return?

The Open Enrollment period deadline is November 14 (5:00 pm PT by phone or 11:59 pm PT online) so all elections must be made by that date. During your vacation, if you have access to an internet connection, you may visit the Benefits website and log into MyBenefits to make your elections. Also, starting this year, you may make your elections using your tablet or other mobile device.

I heard the Services team is moving back on campus. Where are they located and how can I contact them?

Yes, starting on January 5, 2015, an on-site services team will be located on the south campus at 3160 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304. The on-site service team will be available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to assist with health, life, retirement savings, and other benefits-related questions. To connect with a team member or to request an on-site appointment, call 877-905-2985, or submit a secure email or chat live online by logging into MyBenefits.

I heard that Stanford is implementing the $500 Carryover for Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSA) in 2015. Is that true?

Yes, in 2013, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) change to the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) modified the “use it or lose it” rule and allows participating active employees to defer up to $500 in unused funds from one year to the next. Stanford is implementing the change in 2015, which means you will be able to carry over up to $500 of unused funds from your 2014 HCFSA into your 2015 HCFSA. Any 2014 HCFSA monies over $500 will be forfeited. The carryover funds may be accessed starting May 1, 2015, once all 2014 HCFSA expenses have been reimbursed.

For example: if an employee contributed the maximum $2,500 to a 2014 HCFSA, and only $1,800 was utilized toward eligible expenses, of the remaining $700, only $500 may carry over to the 2015 HCFSA account. The extra $200 from the 2014 balance will be forfeited.

For more details on this provision, view the Health Care FSA Carryover FAQ.  

Why am I being prompted to provide a social security number for my dependents?

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that monitors the claims collections from employers for Medicare, requires all employers and retirees to provide the social security number of any employee/retiree and dependent covered through an employer sponsored medical plan. CMS uses this to cross reference any Medicare participant who also has coverage through an employer, as the employer plan becomes primary.  The prompt is an alert that information is missing for an enrolled dependent.

I checked my first paycheck in January and the deductions are not correct.  Who can I contact to update this information?

You may call the Benefits Service Center at (650) 736-2985 (enter option #9) or toll free at (877) 905-2985, or log in to MyBenefits to live chat online or submit an email during business hours. 

Please note, if you have Long-Term Care (LTC) insurance with CNA you will be direct billed by CNA in late January.  Please call CNA at 800-528-4582. LTC premium payments will no longer be processed through Stanford payroll deductions beginning in January 2015.

My coworkers received their Open Enrollment postcard reminder, but I did not get one.  How can I make sure I receive all Open Enrollment communications?

All open enrollment communications (newsletter and Benefits Summaries) are posted online on the Benefits website.  If you are an employee, you should confirm your mailing address is up-to-date in the Stanford You directory.  If you are a Retiree or LTD Term, you may contact our Benefits Service Center at (650) 736-2985 (enter option #9) or toll free at (877) 905-2985 to update your mailing address.

I am having a really hard time deciding which benefit plan to choose. Can you help?

We provide a number of decision-making tools that help you compare our medical plans, choose the appropriate amount of life insurance and find the right doctors for you that are within our networks. If after reviewing these tools you still have additional questions, you may call our Benefits Service Center at (650) 736-2985 (enter option #9) or toll free at (877) 905-2985 for assistance.