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Human Resources

Annual Enrollment

Human Resources > Annual Enrollment

Group Insurance Commission (GIC) Annual Enrollment
Wednesday, April 3 – Wednesday, May 1, 2024

The Group Insurance Commission’s (GIC) annual enrollment period begins Wednesday, April 3, 2024 and will end on May 1, 2024, for insurance enrollments and changes effective on July 1, 2024. If you want to keep your current GIC health plan, you are not required to complete any paperwork, your insurance coverage will continue automatically.  Please note, however, that you must re-enroll in the flexible spending accounts (HCSA and/or DCAP), if you wish to continue that benefit.

Open Enrollment is your one-time annual opportunity to:

  1. Change your GIC health insurance plan online via MyGICLink
  2. Cancel your GIC health insurance plan without documentation
  3. Participate in the Buy-Out program
  4. Add or remove dependent(s) from your GIC health plan without a qualifying event
  5. Enroll in the $5,000 Basic Life Insurance policy
  6. Enroll, or re-enroll online to participate in the HCS/DCAP administered by TASC

Please use the following link to access the GIC’s 2024-2025 Benefit Decision Guide to help you make an informed decision about your benefit options during Annual Enrollment: GIC Annual Enrollment Information

Health Insurance Buy-Out:

If you have access to a non-GIC employer sponsored health insurance (for example, through your spouse) it may pay to participate in the Buy-out Program. If you were insured with the GIC on or before January 1, 2024, and continue your coverage through June 30, 2024, you may apply to buy-out your health plan coverage effective July 1, 2024.  Use MyGICLink to submit your completed Buy-Out form no later than May 1, 2024.

Under the Buy-Out plan, eligible state employees receive 25% of the full-cost monthly premium in lieu of health insurance benefits for one 12-month period of time. For more information regarding the GIC Buy-Out program visit: GIC Buy-Out Program

Optional Life Insurance Non-Smoker Benefit:  During Annual Enrollment, if you have been tobacco-free (have not smoked cigarettes, cigars or a pipe nor used snuff, chewing tobacco or a nicotine delivery system) for at least the past 12 months, you are eligible for reduced non-smoker Optional Life Insurance rates. You will be required to periodically recertify your non-smoking status in order to qualify for the lower rates.

Flexible Spending Accounts(HCSA & DCAP): Enroll by May 1, 2024, for the FY25 Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) for benefits effective July 1, 2024, through June 30,2025. (Grace period: 9/15/2025).

  • Healthcare Spending account: Minimum $250; Maximim $3,200
  • Dependent Care Assistance Program Minimum $250; Maximum $5,200

Remember FY24 remaining balances will not rollover to the new plan year.

Important Details:

The Unicare Health Insurance plan name is changing to WellPoint effective July 1, 2024. Current members will receive new health insurance cards prior to the start of the new plan year.

Note:GIC health insurance premiums have increased

The deductions for the new plan rates will commence on June 7th pay-date. For information regarding plan and premium changes please visit the following website: https://www.mass.gov/lists/gic-benefit-rates

Go Digital(RECOMMENDED):If GIC has your email address on file, we encourage you to utilize GIC's self-service portal for quicker and more efficient open enrollment elections. You can access MyGICLINK and register online at: MyGICLink Members Benefits Portal| Mass.gov.

If the MyGIC system does not recognize your email address you will receive a notification indicating “your contact information cannot be found”. If you receive this notice, please email benefits@umb.edu

Alternatively, you may also access the online GIC forms and submit electronically at: GIC(salesforce-sites.com)

Quick Links:

GIC 2024-2025 Benefits Decision Guide

MyGIC Registration

Flexible Spending Account Annual Online Form

GIC Annual Enrollment Information

Questions?

  • To speak with a GIC Representative, please contact form 617.727.2310
  • Email the Benefits team: benefits@umb.edu
  • For specific questions regarding coverage type, services, and tiering, please contact insurance carrier directly. The contact information is in the GIC Decision Guide