During this month’s annual open enrollment period (October 1-31, 2021), eligible employees may change their coverage for the following year. Changes you make during open enrollment take effect January 1, 2022. The South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) is the state agency responsible for the administration and management of the state’s insurance programs for South Carolina’s public workforce. PEBA’s 2022 Insurance Summary (PDF) has details about open enrollment options and includes an open enrollment worksheet (PDF).
Open enrollment highlights
- This year is a “dental year.” Changes to existing dental coverage can only be made during open enrollment in odd-numbered years. After October 31, your next opportunity to make a change will be October 2023 or within 31 days of a special eligibility situation. Access the Comparing Dental Plus and Basic Dental flyer to learn more about your dental plan options.
- Active employee Dental and Vision premiums increase for 2022. Dental Plus and State Vision Plan monthly premiums will increase slightly. Health insurance premiums will not increase in 2022.
- MoneyPlus flexible spending account holders must re-enroll to continue. Medical Spending Account (MSA), Limited Use Medical Spending Account (LUMSA) and Dependent Care Spending Account (DCSA) participants are required to re-enroll for the following year. Conversely, Health Savings Account (HSA) elections will continue into the next year if an employee takes no action.
- Special note for Health Savings Account (HSA) participants: In March 2022, HSAs will move to the HSA Central platform. Employees will continue to see Central Bank branding until the transition. More information will be communicated to current participants in early 2022.
- Life Insurance increase requests. Employees who wish to enroll in or increase Optional Life insurance coverage must complete a Notice of Election (NOE) form, hand-sign it and return it to the Office of Human Resources by October 31, 2021. Employees may request up to the plan maximum which is $500,000. All requests received during Open Enrollment will be communicated to PEBA, and PEBA will initiate the distribution of the Supplemental Form. You will receive an email from MetLife in November that includes a link to the form on MetLife’s MyBenefits platform. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you will be prompted to complete a full Statement of Health. Employees who wish to enroll in or increase Dependent Life-Spouse coverage must follow the same process. Employee’s may elect up to $100,000 Dependent Life-Spouse coverage or 50% of the employee’s Optional Life Insurance amount, whichever is less. All other open enrollment changes should be made in PEBA MyBenefits.
How do I review my existing coverage and/or make changes during open enrollment?
If you’re unsure what insurance coverage you currently have, just log in to PEBA’s MyBenefits portal to find out. This is also where you’ll go to make your coverage selections during open enrollment. If you don’t already have a MyBenefits account, you’ll need to register. Access the Setting Up a New MyBenefits Account flyer (PDF) to learn how.
To review the payroll deductions associated with your current coverage, you can access your paycheck online via HR Self Service.
Do I need to do anything if I’m satisfied with my current coverage?
If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, you don’t need to do anything to continue your coverage in 2022 (unless you have a MoneyPlus flexible spending account, in which case you’ll need to re-enroll).
Additional resources and support
The Office of Human Resources’ Open Enrollment 2021 webpage is the ideal starting point and resource center for all things related to Open Enrollment.
PEBA’s open enrollment webpage is a helpful resource.
Eligible employees can access a comprehensive open enrollment overview with tools, tips and resources by visiting Tiger Training’s Learning Library. Enroll in course – Bridge (bridgeapp.com)
Virtual and limited in-person support during the open enrollment period will be available through PEBA and through the Office of Human Resources.