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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act


UWF PPACA (OPS) Health Insurance FAQs

Will OPS employees be able to enroll in State Sponsored health insurance plans?

Yes, eligible OPS employees will be able to enroll in State sponsored health insurance plans during an open enrollment period during the fall 2013 with an effective date of January 1, 2014.

What are the eligibility requirements?

OPS employees who are currently employed and were employed prior to April 1, 2013 and have an average of 30 hours per week for the period of April 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013 will be eligible for enrollment. Also eligible will be OPS employees who are hired anytime after April 1, 2013 and are in positions that will require that they continuously work 30 hours or more on an ongoing basis. Eligible OPS employees will be notified by the People First Service Center when they are eligible for State of Florida sponsored health insurance and when they may enroll in State of Florida sponsored insurances.

How will OPS exempt employees' hours be determined?

The Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) is charged with determining eligibility for insurance benefits which will require that universities report hours of effort (work) each pay period. Human Resources Department is currently working on a method for exempt employees to report hours and to report hours to DMS so that a proper determination of eligibility can be made.

Will OPS employees be able to enroll in other types of pre-tax insurance offered by the State of Florida?

Yes, OPS employees who have been notified by the People First Service Center that they are eligible for State of Florida sponsored health insurance may also enroll in other State of Florida sponsored Supplemental insurances such as cancer, dental, hospitalization, short term accident & disability, vision, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account and the Health Saving Accounts (associated with the Health Investor plans). Employee will pay the normal premiums for these insurances (there are no university associated contributions to these supplemental insurance plans) OPS employee who later separate from the university may be eligible for Federal COBRA insurance options as determined by the People First Service Center.

How will employees be informed if they are eligible?

The People First Service Center will contact eligible employees and inform them of their eligibility and the process for enrollment.

When can I enroll in the plans if I am eligible?

Normally eligible employees may enroll in pre-tax insurances during the Open Enrollment period (This year October 21, 2013 through November 8, 2013) or during the period of eligibility immediately after hired (Those dates will be provided by People First).

Will I be able to obtain individual or Family coverage?

Yes, new eligible OPS employees will be able to elect either individual coverage of family coverage based on the information we have at this time. Rates will be published by the People First Service Center during open enrollment. This will apply to both State health and supplemental pre-tax benefits.

What are the employee premiums?

Employee premiums for the standard plans for Individual coverage will be $25.00 bi-weekly (2 deductions per month or 24 deductions per year). Employee premiums for family coverage (employee plus one or more eligible family members) will be $90.00 bi-weekly (2 deductions per month or 24 deductions per year). Employee premiums for the High Deductible/Health Investor plans for Individual coverage will be $7.50 bi-weekly (2 deductions per month or 24 deductions per year). Employee premiums for family coverage (employee plus one or more eligible family members) will be $32.15 bi-weekly (2 deductions per month or 24 deductions per year).

Do I have to enroll in health insurance?

The Federal Government individual mandate places a tax penalty on those who are not covered by a qualified health insurance plans by January 1, 2014. The tax penalty is set and will be increased each year that an individual is not covered by a qualified plan. The Federal government has established rates and coverage thresholds for qualified plans.

What options will an OPS employee have if they are not eligible for the employer sponsored plans?

The federal government will be establishing State exchanges (Marketplace in Florida) that will provide individual coverage options through private providers that participate in the exchanges. The administrators of the exchange will be providing public information efforts once the exchange is operational.

How Can I get more information?

For more information about coverage offered by your employer, please visit myFlorida.com/myBenefits or call People First at 1-866-663-4735, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. The Marketplace can help you evaluate your coverage options, including your eligibility for coverage through the Marketplace and its cost. Please visit HealthCare.gov for more information, including an online application for health insurance coverage and contact information for a Health Insurance Marketplace in your area.