Human Resources – Benefits highlights top employee resources for open enrollment 2020

Open enrollment for 2020 benefits began Tuesday (Oct. 29) for employees at the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses. All employees are asked to actively enroll by 6 p.m. ET Nov. 12. 

Via the dedicated open enrollment website, employees have access to a variety of helpful resources throughout the two-week open enrollment window. The top resources are highlighted below and cover medical plan choices, how to enroll for 2020 benefits, working spouse coverage, finding a HealthSync provider and how Medicare affects health savings accounts (HSA) for those approaching age 65.

Choosing the right medical plan

The biggest decision for most employees is deciding which of the medical plans offered by Purdue best suits their needs (and the needs of their family if applicable). The “Choosing the Right Medical Plan” video takes a look at all three plans -- Purdue Health Plan (PPO), Purdue Health Plan Plus HSA 1 and Purdue Health Plan Plus HSA 2 -- and provides information and comparisons to help make the best choice. Note: The PPO election will be allowed only for those who were enrolled in that plan in 2019, and 2020 will be the last year this plan will be available.

Enrolling in 2020 benefits

For those needing additional information on how to enroll -- or who work best following video or recorded presentations -- the following will be extremely useful.

• How to Enroll in Benefits video: The video walks employees through the enrollment process step by step with Benefitfocus screenshots that will be seen during enrollment.
• Recorded Open Enrollment presentation: For employees who were unable to attend a live presentation before open enrollment or those who would like a quick review, the recorded PowerPoint presentation highlights key enrollment information, including what’s new for 2020.

Understanding the working spouse premium

In 2020, to allow for employees to continue to cover their working spouses under Purdue’s medical plans, new premium tiers were added. However, not all employees whose spouses work will be required to pay the premium. These three resources can help employees determine if they will be affected by the premium.

• Working Spouse Guide: Employees can follow the guide to see how and if the premium applies to their family as well as if a Working Spouse Premium Waiver form is required.
• Working Spouse Premium Waiver form: Employees who meet the waiver criteria for covering a working spouse must fill out and upload this form in Benefitfocus by Dec. 2.
• Instruction on how to upload Working Spouse Premium Waiver form: These detailed instructions provide step-by-step, detailed instructions on to upload the Working Spouse Premium Waiver form.

Finding a HealthSync provider

HealthSync, a new provider network added to the medical plans in 2020, offers patient-focused care and lower costs. Employees can choose providers from the Anthem PPO network as in the past as well as providers within the HealthSync network. Via the “How to Find a HealthSync Provider” instructions, employee can easily look up HealthSync providers based on type of care, specialization and more. Additionally, the “HealthSync Statewide Providers” map shows a list of hospitals and medical offices within the HealthSync network. 

Reviewing how Medicare and Social Security affect HSAs and health care

Employees who are approaching age 65 in 2020 will have to make some decisions about Medicare and perhaps Social Security. The “Medicare/Social Security Impact on Healthcare/HSA” video will show employees how these are all connected and the effects they could have.    

Questions

Questions should be directed to Human Resources – Benefits at the employee’s respective campus.

• West Lafayette campus: Email hr@purdue.eduor via secure email at HR Help or call 765-494-2222 or toll-free at 877-725-0222.
• Fort Wayne campus: Email: hr@pfw.eduor call 260-481-6840.

PNW Westville and Hammond campuses: Email: hr@pnw.edu or call 219-989-2251.