Vision Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions
- I am getting married soon. Can I add my new spouse and/or stepchild(ren) to my coverage or do I have to wait until there is an open enrollment period?
You have within 60 days after the date of marriage to add your spouse and/or stepchild(ren) to your health and/or dental coverage. After 60 days, you can add them during the annual open enrollment period or through a "special enrollment" or "late enrollment" event. The latter applies to health coverage only. You must provide a copy of your marriage certificate as well as your spouse's social security number and sign the appropriate document(s) prior to the coverage going into effect.
- I am resigning or my appointment expires at the end of the month. How long will my coverage be in effect?
Coverage is effective through the end of the following month in which you resign or the appointment ends. If you work a few days into a pay period, the State Controller's Office will deduct any required premiums as long as there is enough net pay to cover that premium.
- Can I continue my vision benefits if I resign or when my appointment expires?
Yes. COBRA Continuation Coverage provides you the option of continuing your medical, dental and/or vision plans for up to 18 months (or longer in some cases). You would be responsible for paying the entire premium amount to the carriers, plus a 2% administrative fee. The provisions of COBRA also apply to dependents who lose coverage. Please contact Office Of Human Resources for further information.
- How do I apply for COBRA?
If you would like to continue your group benefits, you may do so by completing the COBRA election form. This form is automatically mailed to employees upon their separation from the University.
- At what age are my children deleted from my vision plan?
Dependent children are covered until the first day of the month following their 23rd birthday. Example: Their birthday is September 3rd - their benefits will end on September 30th.
- Can I continue to pay for insurance for their vision insurance coverage?
Yes, you may apply for COBRA for your dependent child. You may continue their insurance for a maximum of thirty-six (36) months.
- Can I have COBRA premiums deducted from my pay warrant?
No, you will make direct premium payments to the vision carrier.
- Do I have to wait until I've attended New Employee Orientation before I can sign up for health benefits?
No, you may enroll in benefits prior to attending the New Employee Orientation. Please complete your enrollment forms within 60 days of your hire date.
- When will my benefits begin?
Your benefits begin the first of the month following your date of hire as long as the Benefits office received the vsion enrollment form by the end of the month that you were hired. Example: Your date of hire was on September 2nd, if Benefits received your enrollment form by September 30th, you can enroll in vision benefits effective October 1st.