Open Enrollment - May 1 - 25, 2012

Open Enrollment this year for health coverage and flexible reimbursement accounts is May 1 – 25, 2012.  For additional details, see the Spotlight newsletter and Open Enrollment information. More on state health plans may be found in the FY 2011 Health Benefits Annual Report.

It's Time to "Lighten Up"

Do you find yourself in the fast food drive thru lane too often? People may have the same obstacles trying to eat nutritious foods as they do with exercising. Learn more about CommonHealth’s new program on healthy eating and participate in the online Lighten Up Challenge!

Health Reform Will Impact Medical Flexible Reimbursement Accounts

As the state health benefits program continues to implement health reform, the maximum annual contribution for Medical Flexible Reimbursement Accounts (FRAs) will be reduced from $5,000 to $2,500 per plan year beginning July 1, 2012. There will be no effect on the contribution limit for Dependent Care Flexible Reimbursement Accounts, which will remain the same at $5,000.

Autism Coverage Available to State Employees Starting July 1, 2012

Governor Bob McDonnell last year signed legislation to provide coverage for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder for children age 2 through 6 years old. The state employee health plans were included in these bills passed by the 2011 General Assembly, which also provide a $35,000 annual cap for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. ABA coverage will take effect for state health plans beginning on July 1 of this year.

See the enrolled legislation.

Governor’s Policy on Fairness & Equity in the Workplace

Executive Directive Number One represents the Governor’s policy regarding fairness and equity in state employment. In addition to prohibiting illegal discriminatory practices in the workplace, “civility, fair treatment, and mutual respect shall be the standard of conduct expected in state government. Allegations of any violation of law or this standard shall be brought promptly to the attention of the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management for review and corrective action.” Allegations of illegal discrimination as enumerated by Executive Order Number Six (2010) and Policy No. 2.05 – Equal Employment Opportunity will be investigated. For additional information on submitting concerns under Executive Directive Number One or filing a discrimination complaint under Executive Order Number Six, click on the appropriate link.