Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to some common questions regarding Open Enrollment.
Do I need to re-enroll in my Flexible Spending Accounts?
If you elected Flexible Spending Accounts in 2016 and want to continue in 2017, you will need to make an election as these plans will not roll over:
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Health Care Flexible Spending Account- you must re-elect the Health Care FSA in order to set your contribution for 2017. Any unused contributions in 2016 up to $500 will roll over for your use in 2017. Annual limits have increased from $2550 to $2600 for 2017.
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Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account- you must re-elect the Dependent Day Care FSA in order to set your contribution. The annual limit for Dependent Care FSA or dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) will remain at $5,000 for qualifying individuals and those who are married and file a joint return, and will remain at $2,500 for those who are married and file separate returns.
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Flexible Transportation Accounts - Vanpool/Transit passes remain unchanged at $130 per month while the Qualified Parking limits increased to $255 per month.
Why choose a High Deductible Health Plan?
The plan limits the maximum amount of expenses you pay in any year. After your expenses reach that amount, you do not have to pay for any other health care expenses. Premiums are drastically reduced. See the plan outline and summaries for more information. These plans have the unique feature of a Health Savings Account and lower per-paycheck costs. All of your Preventative Care, screenings and immunizations are paid 100% by the plan.
How has the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacted our plans and costs?
To date, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has had little impact on Pacific's employee health care benefits. One very positive effect has been the ability to keep dependents on our plans until they reach the age of 26. However, the costs associated with universal health care in America continue to grow. In 2018, a federal excise tax (also known as the "Cadillac tax") is one of the ways the ACA is being funded. Under this mandate, the excess of total health plan costs over $27,500 per family and $10,200 per individual per year will be taxed at 40%. Pacific is continuing to provide you information regarding health plan choices to keep health care costs manageable for both employees and for the university.
Where do I find more information about Retiree Benefits?
For information regarding retiree benefits please select Continuing Benefits.
What are some things I can do to help me save on health care costs?
Some actions you can take to help defray costs are:
- Preventive Care: Take advantage of preventive care, such as an annual exam or "well baby" checkups. Preventive care is free under all of the plans as long as you stay in network.
- Review the advantages of a High Deductible Plan with a Health Savings Account -Premiums are lower and the HSA allows you to save for health care expenses.
- Elect a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) during Open Enrollment: For employees, the Health Care FSA lets you set aside money for health care expenses such as deductibles, copays, prescriptions, eyeglasses, etc., before taxes are calculated on your salary.
- Choose generic vs. brand name prescriptions: Save money on prescriptions by requesting generic or lower-cost versions of the medicine you need, and by taking advantage of mail-order programs.
- Use urgent care facilities and limit emergency room visits: Don't run to the emergency room for needs that are better suited to a doctor's office or an urgent care clinic. Also, take advantage of your medical plan's advice nurse.
- Pacific PPO and Pacific EPO plan participants receive services and prescriptions at the Dameron Ambulatory Care Center for $0 co-pay for office visits or prescriptions when provided/filled at the facility. See the Flyer for more information.
