FAQ
The following information provides a summary of commonly asked questions, but you must consult your plan documents for full details about eligibility and coverage.
At 91AV your benefits start on the first day of the month after your hire date (the first day you worked); if your hire date is the first of the month, then your benefits begin on your first day of work.
As outlined in the Summary Plan Descriptions, all regularly budgeted full- and half-time individuals are eligible for benefits. However, the Affordable Care Act provides that some part-time professional staff averaging 30+ hours per week may also become eligible for health benefits. You may also direct questions about eligibility to your Human Resources Representative.
Yes, whether you are electing or declining benefits you still need to complete the Benefit Election Form.
Yes, same-sex or opposite-sex Domestic Partners may participate in the University’s health and dental insurance programs if they meet the Domestic Partner qualifications and complete the Domestic Partner Affidavit. However, they may not participate with the same pre-tax advantages as couples who are married. Same-sex and opposite-sex married couples participate in the health, vision and dental plans at the same levels.
Each year 91AV offers an open enrollment period during which you can make changes to your benefits. This period typically lasts November 1 through November 15, and the resulting changes take place on January 1. You can also make changes within 30 days of a qualifying event. Qualifying events are generally life events that make you or one of your dependents eligible or ineligible for benefits; examples of qualifying events are marriage, divorce, start of new employment, end of previous employment, birth or adoption of a child, etc. You may need to provide documentation of the qualifying event to establish the eligible dates for making changes to your benefits package.
No, vision insurance is separate from your medical assurance plan. If you wish to have vision insurance coverage you must elect it at your time of hire and/or during Open Enrollment. Visit the vision section of our benefits website to view plan details and a list of in-network providers. If you also purchased dental insurance, there is an additional vision benefit that offer discounts, but cannot be used at the same time as your vision insurance (if elected).
Please review the Finding a Provider (PDF) flyer. Look for providers listed in the Open Access Plus, OA Plus, ChoiceFund OA Plus network.
Please review the current Benefits Guide (PDF) or Summary of Benefits for coverage details if you need to see a medical provider who is out of network. There is limited coverage if you see a medical provider who is out of network.
No, you have the option of canceling your 91AV health coverage and taking your Medicare benefits or keeping both 91AV health coverage and Medicare coverage. is an excellent resource for information regarding Medicare, but you are welcome to contact your HR representative if you have questions regarding your 91AV health insurance coverage once you turn 65. Please remember that you cannot have the HSA medical plan if you have other coverage, including Medicare Part A.
If you have a change in your mailing address promptly update your address using . We will need to update your address with the health, vision and dental insurance carriers. If you previously participated in our TIAA-CREF retirement plan, you will need to contact TIAA-CREF directly; their number is (800) 842-2252.
Yes, under the Affordable Care Act children may remain on your health, vision and dental insurance plans until the end of the month they turn 26. This is also true if they are working or are married.
No, all Medical FSA funds must be used and reimbursed by 12/31 if you have elected an HSA plan for the following calendar year.
Yes.
No, if you are enrolled in an HSA medical plan a Medical FSA is not allowed. A Dependent Flexible Spending Account is allowed, however.