Annual benefits enrollment
under way, ends July 31

The online HRConnect Annual Enrollment is under way. Texas A&M employees may visit the system at https://sso.tamu.edu, enter their Universal Identification Number and password and then click on HR Connect. Once in the HRConnect System, click on the large “Annual Enrollment” button.

Online audio/video presentations are available through HRConnect by clicking on “Annual Enrollment Presentations” on the HRConnect Main Menu. One presentation features changes to all of the plans and general annual enrollment information. Other presentations provide overviews of each available plan.

Those who do not wish to change their benefits, do not have to do anything. However, everyone must enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts each year if they wish to use that program. Even those who don’t plan to change their benefits, may want to go online and read the “Sept. 1 Changes” information. On the main page, highlight “Changes for 2006” on the drop-down menu, and click on “Show Category.” Employees can also view the “2006 Plan Changes” presentation by clicking the Annual Enrollment Presentation button in HRConnect.

Employees may access the HRConnect Annual Enrollment System anytime (except 8 a.m. to noon on Sundays) through July 31 to make benefit changes, which will become effective September 1, 2006. Employees may make changes as many times as they like through the July 21, 2006 deadline. The last set of changes will determine benefits for the next plan year.

Employees can also view the Annual Enrollment booklet online in two ways: By clicking on the “Annual Enrollment Booklet” button on the HRConnect main menu to download a PDF version of the entire booklet, or by clicking on the “Annual Enrollment” button to enter the system. Once in the system, use the “Information and Frequently Asked Questions” drop-down menu on the main page to select the plan or topic you wish to view; then click “Show Category.” That will either pop up the chosen section of the booklet or will bring up a list of commonly asked questions with an Annual Enrollment button at the top that you can click to bring up the booklet section.

The system also features a Premium Expense Calculator that allows you to make potential benefit choices and see the cost before you actually enter the choices in the system. The Health Care Expense Summary compares your costs under the health plans available to you.

Although you can make most benefit choices online, you will need to complete paper forms in a few cases. The system will identify those situations for you and provide a link to the online forms, which you’ll need to complete, print and send to your Human Resources office and/or to the appropriate carrier.

Those with questions about the system or benefit options may contact the Human Resources office.
Annual Enrollment information will be posted on our home page at http://hr.tamu.edu as it becomes available. The benefit changes for next year are explained online in the article at http://hr.tamu.edu/benefits/2006changes.doc.

For more information, contact Employee Benefits at hr-benefits@tamu.edu or 845-4105.