Major Error in LAUSD Open Enrollment Deadline

The open enrollment packet sent by LAUSD to employees says that open enrollment ends on November 20, 2005. In fact, it's still open until November 27, 2005.

NORTHRIDGE,CA PRWEB) November 25, 2005 -- LAUSD employees, who received their open enrollment benefits packages about a week late this year were surprised to learn that the deadline had already expired by the time they sat down to peruse the options and make their choices.

Most employees probably just shrugged and put the packet aside thinking, we'll I've blown it for another year.

However, TaxMama called LAUSD benefits administration and spoke with a staff member named Peter, who revealed that registration will remain open until November 27, 2005.

This is of critical importance, since there are changes to the medical care providers and the coverage.

For instance, Cigna Dental has been dropped. Anyone with Cigna coverage is automatically defaulted to DeltaCare PMI (DHMO). While this may be a good alternative, it may not be the right choice for some employees' families who might prefer Delta Preferred Option or United Concordia. It will be important to check with your dentist and other care providers to see what coverage they accept.

EyeMed Vision Care has been added, which covers 100% of most costs at places like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical and Sears. This could save some members hundreds of dollars.

Medical coverage has changes - and out of pocket limits have increased to $1,500 on some basic policies.

Also, there is a Medical Opt Out Plan which will pay employees $1,000 cash, prorated over 12 pay periods. This is a taxable benefit. But it may be worth while for those whose spouse has full medical coverage elsewhere - or even whose spouse works for LAUSD and gets full family coverage.

Updating your open enrollment is especially important if you are paying for dependent care. You may allocate $5,000 each of dependent care and health care expenses to to the flexible spending account (FSA). This would save you the cost of FICA, Medicare, and federal and state income taxes. This could save you nearly 40% - or $4,000 - if you allocate the full $10,000 to FSA.

Who would need to put up to $5,000 into the medical account? Families who have adults or children with orthodontia, or who plan to get laser eye surgery, or who are paying for chronic care for young or senior family members.

The good news on the Flexible Spending Accounts is that you will be able to get reimbursed for 2005 claims incurred anytime from 1/01/2005 - 03/15/2006. This means you have a new extension period of up to 2 1/2 months to spend the money in your account. AND you may submit the receipts up to June 15, 2006 to get paid from 2005 funds.

Open enrollment and changes can be made from LAUSD's website http://benefits.lausd.net or via their automated telephone system at 1-800-527-1482.

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