General Questions

When is Open Enrollment for changes effective for January 1, 2012?

Open enrollment will take place October 31st thru November 18th, 2011. All benefit changes and/or new enrollments must be submitted using the Employee Online system no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday November 18th.

What is the process for submitting plan and dependent changes during Open Enrollment?

Open Enrollment changes, including medical and dental plan changes, dependent additions/deletions, FSA and LTD will have to be done through the Employee Online system. Paper forms will only be accepted for enrollments to Additional Life Insurance; forms are available on the Open Enrollment website.

How do I access the Open Enrollment Employee Online system?

The Open Enrollment Employee Online system is accessible through the City’s intranet or through the City’s internet (www.riversideca.gov). From the City’s internet, click on the Online Services link then click on the "Employee Online" link.  From the intranet page, you must click on the “Employee Online” link.

What is my Employee Online login? Who do I contact if I forgot my password?

Your login is your 5 digit employee identification number.

If you have forgotten your password and have an e-mail on file, you can utilize the “I forgot my password” link located on the main login screen. A temporary password will be e-mailed to the e-mail address on file. You can also contact the IT Help Desk at (951) 826-5508 during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5) to have it reset.

What if I am on an approved Leave of Absence and cannot access a City computer during the Open Enrollment period?

If you are on an approved leave of absence during the Open Enrollment period you can still access the Employee Online system through the City’s internet (www.riversideca.gov) under the Online Services link.  If you need further assistance, please contact the Human Resources Benefits Team at (951) 826-5639.

Do I need to login to the Open Enrollment Employee Online system even if I am NOT making any benefit changes for 2012?

No, all existing benefits will carry over to the new year, EXCEPT for the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). If you want to continue to participate in either the flexible spending health or dependent care programs you must designate new amounts and submit your request through the Employee Online system.

Can I go back and make additional changes after I submit my benefit changes online?

Yes, you may access the Open Enrollment system as many times as you need during the Open Enrollment period and make additional changes to any online changes submitted up until November 18^th.   You must first delete any existing pending requests before you can submit a new one. Please contact Human Resources at (951) 826-5639 if you experience any problems.

Where can I find out about plan change updates and new 2012 rate information for each of the Health and Dental plans?

Plan summaries and 2012 rate information for the various Health and Dental plans can be found on the Human Resources Benefits webpage under the “Open Enrollment” link. (http://www.riversideca.gov/human/benefits/benefit-open-enrollment.asp)

When do I begin paying for any new benefit changes made to my medical and/or dental coverage?

Medical and dental premiums are paid a month in advance; therefore, benefit premiums for 2012 will be reflected on your first paycheck in December dated 12/2/11.

When will my Open Enrollment changes take effect?

Any plan changes made during the Open Enrollment period to your medical and/or dental coverage and flexible spending accounts will be effective January 1, 2012.  Coverage effective date for Additional Life Insurance will vary based on the completion of the medical underwriting process (as applicable).

I need to change my address with my Medical and/or Dental provider, what is the process?

You will need to submit your address changes through the Employee Online system.  Once you have accessed the system, under Personal Information, click on "Home Address", click on "Update Record", make any necessary changes and click submit.

What if I miss the Open Enrollment deadline of November 18th?

If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline to submit changes to your medical and/or dental plans or add eligible dependents, you will need to wait until next year's Open Enrollment season to make these changes; unless you experience a Qualifying Event.

What if I experience a Qualifying Event during the month of November?

If you have a Qualifying Event (marriage, birth of a child, lost of coverage, etc.) during the month of November (1st-30th), you may add eligible dependents to your medical and/or dental plan within 30 days of your qualifying event. Please note that qualifying events during the month of November are handled separately from Open Enrollment changes. Coverage effective date for Qualifying Events is December 1, 2011 as supposed to January 1, 2012.  To submit your request, you will need to complete paper enrollment forms (only for qualifying events in November); please contact the Benefits division at (951) 826-5639 to obtain forms.

I want to sign up for Additional Life Insurance during Open Enrollment; how do I submit my request?

Enrollment requests for Additional Life Insurance will not be accepted through the Open Enrollment Employee Online system; employees will need to submit the Life Insurance form which can be located in the Benefits -Benefits forms website under Life Insurance/Long Term Disability section.  All forms must be submitted to the Human Resources office by 5:00 p.m. on November 18^th.

I want to enroll in Long Term Disability during Open Enrollment; Am I eligible? How do I submit my request?

Executives, Management I and II and IBEW Supervisory employees are eligible to enroll in LTD during the Open Enrollment period or upon promotion. Enrollment requests for LTD will be accepted thru the Open Enrollment Employee Online system. Premiums are paid by the employee on an after-tax basis.

Employees in the Fire and Police Units may enroll in LTD coverage through their respective associations. IBEW Field employees are automatically enrolled in LTD coverage.

Employees in the General, Confidential and Refuse units/group are not eligible to participate in LTD; these units/groups are covered by the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.

Dependent Information

Who are considered my eligible dependents?

Eligible dependents that you may want to add to your medical and/or dental plan are outlined in Personnel Policy V-9 Health Insurance and include:

• Spouse – husband, wife or registered domestic partner
• Child –a biological or adopted child, a stepchild or a legal ward (guardianship)
• Grandchild (Legal dependent other than child) –a biological, adopted or step-grandchild for whom the employee has legal guardianship. A child of covered eligible dependent.

What are the new age limits for dependents to be covered by the City's Health, Dental, and Vision plans?

Per the new Health Care Reform Law, eligible dependents can be covered under the employee's health plan up to age 26. The City has also extended Dental and Vision coverage to these dependents.

If I am adding an eligible dependent, do I need to submit any supporting documentation with my employee online request (marriage certificate, student enrollment, etc)?

If you have added an eligible dependent during the Open Enrollment period, you must submit supporting documentation to the Human Resources Benefits Division by 5:00 p.m. on November 18th. Be sure to indicate your 5 digit employee ID number at the top right hand side of any documentation.  Please refer to the Dependent Verification information sheet for additional information.

Can I email or fax my dependent eligibility documents?

Yes, you may email a scanned copy of the documentation to citybenefits@riversideca.gov or fax it to 951-826-2421 or you may stop by the Human Resources Office and drop off a copy personally.  All documentation must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 18th.

How do I verify and/or correct dependent information?

If dependent information (social security number, date of birth, address, etc.) is listed incorrectly in the Employee Online system, you may correct it by clicking "Dependent Information” and selecting the appropriate dependent. You will be redirected to another screen where you will be able to override existing information with correct information. When finished click the “save” button.

How do I add a dependent to the “Dependent Information” screen?

You may add a dependent to the “Dependent Information” screen; simply click on the “add record” button and complete all required information about your dependent. Keep in mind that adding dependents to the “Dependent Information” screen DOES NOT add them to your medical and/or dental coverage; please refer to subsequent questions for additional information.

How do I drop an existing dependent from my coverage?

If you wish to drop an existing dependent from your medical and/or dental coverage you may do so by following these easy steps:

1. Click on the Medical/Dental link under Coverage Type.
2. On the "Update Enrollment Benefit Screen" uncheck only the box next to the dependent(s) you wish to remove from your coverage (Note: An unmarked checkbox next to the dependents name will tell the system you do not want to enroll that dependent into your plan.)
3. Check the arbitration certification checkbox to acknowledge that you have read and agree to the arbitration language.
4. Click the "Save" button to process your request.

Do I need to designate a Primary Care Physician for each dependent?

The Open Enrollment Employee Online system does not allow for designation of a Primary Care Physician (PCP). However, if you are a NEW member to Anthem Blue Cross HMO or Delta Care HMO, you will need to designate a PCP for yourself or your dependent(s). This will consist of a two-step process.

1. You must first locate a doctor near you by accessing the provider’s website: please visit Anthem Blue Cross or Delta Care.
2. Once you have decided on a PCP, you must contact Blue Cross at 800-227-3613 or Delta Care at 800-422-4234 any time after December 15, 2011 to inform them about your PCP designation. PCP selections are not required for Blue Cross PPO, Kaiser, Delta Dental or Local Advantage.

Benefits Information

Can I switch to another medical or dental provider during Open Enrollment?

Yes, you may make changes to your existing medical and/or dental coverage during the Open Enrollment period only.

Will my current benefits rollover to the next calendar year?

If you decide you don’t want to change medical and/or dental providers, your existing coverage will roll over to the 2012 calendar year.

How do I verify that my dependents have been added to my medical and/or dental plan?

When adding a dependent through the Open Enrollment Employee online system, you will need to create a dependent profile under Dependent information. Once the dependent profile has been created, you will need to continue to Benefits selection and under Medical and/or Dental you must “Request new enrollment”, select the appropriate plan type and click “select plan”, then once in the medical screen, you must select the appropriate coverage category and place a check mark next to the dependent name you added and click submit. Lastly, click on "Benefit Summary" to review your request and verify your changes have been submitted. Print a copy for your records.

I opted out of my Medical coverage during 2011; will this selection roll-over to 2012? Do I need to submit proof of coverage?

Yes, the Health Opt-out (Health Reimbursement Program) selection you made for 2011 will carry over to calendar year 2012. No proof of coverage is needed for those employees who participated in 2011.

Employees who are new to the Health Opt-Out program for 2012 must submit proof of alternate coverage. Be sure to indicate your 5 digit employee ID at the top right hand side of any documentation. Please note that only General Unit, Management, Confidential, Executive, Fire, Fire Management, IBEW, and IBEW Supervisory employees have this option available in their medical selection screen.

If my spouse is also a City Employee and I opt out of Health coverage to be covered under his/her plan, do I need to provide proof of coverage?

No, all you need to do is send Human Resources an email at citybenefits@riversideca.gov letting us know the name and employee ID of your spouse.  If you don't have access to email, you may contact us at 951-826-5639.

What is the difference between Pre-Tax and After-Tax Plans?

When enrolled in a Pre-tax Medical and/or Dental Plan, premiums are deducted from the employee's check before Federal, State and Medicare taxes are calculated.  Having premiums deducted on a Pre-tax basis reduces the amount of taxable income.   Premium contributions made by an employee for the cost of coverage for a registered domestic partner must be paid on an After-tax basis.  In addition, an employee may not make pre-tax contributions to a Flexible Spending Account on behalf of a domestic partner.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plans

I have an existing Flexible Spending Account (FSA); will my contributions continue for 2012?

No, participation in the Flexible Spending Account plans must be renewed each calendar year during the Open Enrollment period. You must renew your contribution by following the steps indicated in the question below.

How do I enroll in the FSA plan(s) for calendar year 2012?

To enroll in one or both of the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) programs: Start by clicking on the “Benefit Selection” link in Employee Online, then follow the steps below:

1. Under the appropriate FSA plan, click on the "Request New Enrollment" link.
2. On the FSA Health Plan screen, enter an Annual Deduction Amount.
3. Click on the “submit” button to submit your request.

What is the maximum annual contribution for the FSA Health and Dependent Care Plans?

The maximum annual contribution for the Health Care Spending account is $3,000. The maximum annual contribution for the Dependent Care Spending account is $5,000. Contributions will be deducted from your paycheck bi-weekly for 24 out of 26 pay periods.

Is there an administrative fee to participate in the FSA Health or Dependent Plan?

The administrative annual fee to participate in either the FSA Health Plan, Dependent Plan or both is $72 ($3.00 per pay period will be deducted on a bi-weekly basis).

What is the contact information for the FSA if I have any additional questions regarding the plan?

You may contact Tri-AD regarding the FSA plan(s) via phone at 888-844-1372 or visit their website at https://www.tri-ad.com/home.aspx

What if I don't use the full amount I designated for either FSA Health or Dependent Care?

Any unused contributions to either your FSA Health or Dependent Care accounts will be forfeited at the end of the year.  Therefore, make sure you allocate annual contributions conservatively.