Open enrollment period underway for benefits-eligible employees

KALAMAZOO—The open enrollment period for Western Michigan University health care benefits and flexible spending accounts began Nov. 12 and will continue through 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7.

Health care benefits

Open enrollment for health care benefits is available for WMU retirees, benefits-eligible nonbargaining employees, and employees who are members of the American Association of University Professors; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; Michigan State Employees Association; and Police Officers Association.

During open enrollment, employees and retirees have the option of adding eligible dependents to their health care coverage.

Elections made during the 2012 open enrollment period are effective Jan. 1, 2013. Visit wmich.edu/hr/openenrollment to review the detailed information mailed to employees and retirees.

Flexible spending accounts

Employees who wish to participate in an FSA in 2013 must enroll or re-enroll during this year's open-enrollment period.

FSAs offer an opportunity to use pre-tax dollars to pay for dependent-care expenses or qualified medical expenses that are not covered by health care benefits. Current as well as new participants must submit an FSA enrollment form to Human Resources by the deadline.

That form is part of the BASIC Flex enrollment booklet and is available online at wmich.edu/hr/openenrollment and in print from the Human Resources office, 1300 Seibert Administration Building.