What is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment (November 1 - 15) is a once-a-year opportunity for benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to their health plan elections, now completed in Workday.
Open enrollment elections go into effect the following January 1. This is the only time each year employees can change health benefits, unless they experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, or the birth of a child.
What can I do during open enrollment?
Enroll in or change your medical and/or dental coverage
Add or remove qualified dependents, including a spouse or state-registered domestic partner to/from your health plan
Waive your medical coverage if you are covered by another employer-based group medical insurance, TRICARE, or medicare
Enroll or re-enroll in option pre-tax savings programs such as Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) or the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
Do I need to do anything for open enrollment if I am not making changes?
Yes! This is our first year in our new HR system Workday, so all employees need to log into Workday and make benefit elections, even if you are not making any changes. In addition, please confirm that your personal contact information is up to date.
How can I prepare for open enrollment?
If you are a Kitsap County benefits-eligible wishing to make changes to your health plans during the open enrollment period, follow these simple steps to prepare ahead of time:
- 1. Verify your address in Workday
- 2. Prepare dependent verification: if you are planning to add any dependents, state law requires that you submit valid dependent verification within Workday.
- 3. Contact insurance plan providers. Contact or set up a meeting to discuss any questions. Due to COVID-19, we are not holding benefits fairs, however, providers are offering digital meetings to answer your questions.
How do I select benefits/make changes during open enrollment?
Beginning on November 1, 2020, you can log into Workday to select your 2021 benefits. In the "Announcements" section click on the Open Enrollment announcement to begin. Follow this job aid/video to see step by step how to make your selections.
