Open enrollment for benefits is open through Nov. 6

This is an active enrollment year, which means that action will be required on your part to ensure your benefits and associated costs match your circumstances. These actions include:

All employees enrolled or enrolling must certify/re-certify their tobacco status
Employees who are covering a spouse on their USG/UGA health plan must also update the spouse certification
Enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you would like one for 2021
Employees are encouraged to review their beneficiary information each year

New for 2021

Starting January 1, 2021, Anthem members will have access to an Accolade health assistant.

First point of contact for healthcare questions, large and small
Help with questions about benefit coverages, healthcare claims, finding a provider, understanding pre-authorization, explanation of benefits, etc.
Collaborate with healthcare experts to help you make informed care decisions
Dedicated health assistant(s) is available via phone, online, or chat
Accolade will replace the Anthem member services number on the 2021 ID cards

During open enrollment, employees enrolled in a USG Anthem healthcare plan will be asked to provide their mobile number and personal email address (this is optional; employees can update contact preferences and opt-out of services at any time). Those who are enrolled with Kaiser or not enrolled in any USG healthcare plan will not be asked to provide their information.

Why does Accolade want this information?

Periodically, a dedicated Accolade health assistant may reach out to employees to follow up on a prior conversation or to make sure they have answers to healthcare questions and access to the care they need
This information is important so Accolade can provide an extra level of support and work to manage your health care expenses

Shared leave and sick leave pool enrollment

University of Georgia faculty and staff who meet certain eligibility requirements may voluntarily donate unused sick leave to a shared leave pool for fellow faculty and staff. The upcoming benefits open enrollment is the only opportunity you have to enroll in or make donations to the shared sick leave pool for 2021. For more information about this program, visit USG’s website.

If you are eligible to enroll in the shared sick leave pool, you will should have received an email on Monday, Oct. 19 with the link to the shared sick leave pool enrollment site.

How do I join the shared sick leave pool?

If you wish to join the shared sick leave pool, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

Complete your provisional employment period
Donate a minimum of 8 hours sick leave during open enrollment (Oct. 21-Nov. 6) AND
Have a minimum of 48 hours remaining in your sick leave balance on January 1, 2021, to maintain the required 40-hour sick leave balance after your donation is processed in January

What if I am already a member of the shared sick leave pool?

If you are already a member of the shared sick leave pool, this is a reminder that although you are not required to donate additional sick leave to remain in the pool, you may donate up to 80 sick leave hours during the upcoming open enrollment period. Please remember that you need a minimum of 48-hour sick leave balance on January 1, 2021, to maintain the required 40-hour sick leave balance after your donation is processed in January.

Questions about the shared sick leave pool may be directed to UGA Human Resources at 706-542-2222 or via email.