Frequently Asked Questions About Open Enrollment
When is Open Enrollment?
October7–November 1, 2024
When do the changes I make during Open Enrollment take effect?
January 1, 2025
Do I need to do anything if I am happy with my current benefits?
No. You do not need to do anything if you are satisfied with your benefits and do not wish to make any changes, enroll in a flexible spending account (FSA), or designate your life insurance beneficiary(ies). Remember, if you wish to continue in an FSA, you must reenroll during Open Enrollment each year. Enrollment in your 2025 FSA plans is offered through the online Benefit Enrollment System (BES), along with your other benefit options.
I am covered by a dental, vision, and/or prescription plan only. Can I participate in the Wellness Initiatives program?
You may complete a biometric health screening to learn more about your health, but you will not receive the 1 percent reduction in your contributions to these plans. Also, you will not be able to complete a health risk assessment because it is offered only through the medical plans. Only those employees who are covered by an MCPS-provided medical insurance plan when completing their biometric health screening and/or health risk assessment are eligible for the rate reductions provided through the Wellness Initiatives program.
How do I access the online BES to make changes to my benefits?
Visit the Employee Self-Service web page and click on the Open Enrollment link, found under the blue My Benefits banner. Log in using your Outlook username and password. Detailed instructions for using BES are available in this issue of For Your Benefit.
How will I know if the BES has captured my changes correctly?
While still logged in to the BES, you will be able to view and print a benefit confirmation statement. The statement will provide a summary of your 2025 benefit elections, including FSAs as well as any benefits you have declined. In addition, the statement will include a list of your life insurance beneficiary(ies). You also will receive confirmation in your MCPS Outlook email account.
How can I learn more about my MCPS employee benefits?
- Open Enrollment Benefit Fairs
Learn more about your benefit options with representatives from ERSC and the benefit plan vendors at in-person Open Enrollment Benefit Fairs. See the dates and times for the benefit fairs in this issue of For Your Benefit.
- Open Enrollment Virtual Assistance
ERSC will offer individual assistance virtually throughout Open Enrollment. Employees will be able to register for a 15-minute Microsoft Teams meeting with an ERSC representative. Please visit the Employee Open Enrollment web page for more information and instructions for signing up.
- For Your Benefit
This issue contains important information about making changes to your benefits, FSAs, and more.
The ERSC website is always your best resource for employee benefits information. On our website, you will find—
- important Open Enrollment updates, including Open Enrollment dates, benefit fairs, benefits information, and more; and
- the 2025 Employee Benefit Summary, which includes information about all of your employee benefits.