Dear fellow employees,

Our annual open enrollment period for 2012 begins on October 17, 2011 and ends on November 18, 2011. This year’s open enrollment provides the opportunity for employees to save premium and out-of-pocket costs by choosing an alternative health care plan. Please remember that the CareFirst Triple Option Maryland Point of Service ( MPOS) will only be available until December 31, 2012. We strive to offer an attractive package of benefits to meet your needs and to support the vision of the Blueprint for Progress.

This Benefits Enrollment Guide provides details on your 2012 plan options. Taking time to review these materials carefully will help you make informed choices about your benefits.

Just a Few Reminders

• Employee Self Serve (ESS) will be available this year for viewing your current benefit choices and employees will be able to enroll on line for medical, dental, vision and Long Term Disability (LTD).
• Enrollment changes may be completed using the paper enrollment form as well.
• CareFirst Triple Option MPOS Plan remains available as a medical plan option for 2012. CareFirst Triple Option MPOS will end on December 31, 2012.
• Medical plans from CIGNA are being offered for 2012. Plans include a HMO type plan – Open Access Plus – in network and a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) type plan - Open Access Plus – in/out of network. Please review the details and cost of these plans.
• CareFirst – Davis Vision remains our Vision provider. No action is required if you wish to maintain your Vision coverage.
• You must make a NEW election to participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). IRS rules have changed concerning these accounts. Please review the information contained in the benefit guide.
• An open enrollment confirmation statement will be sent to you in December confirming your elections for January 1, 2012. Review this document carefully and compare the information to your copy of the worksheet. If there is an error, please contact the Office of Benefits, Leaves and Retirements immediately so that changes can be made in a timely manner

If you have any questions, please refer to the contact listings in the front of this Enrollment Guide, call the Office of Benefits, Leaves and Retirements at (410) 887-8943, or email at benefits@bcps.org. We hope you continue to be pleased with these programs as we endeavor to maintain a competitive benefits package for you and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joe A. Hairston
Superintendent

Blueprint for Progress

Vision
Baltimore County Public Schools' graduates will have the knowledge,skills, and attitudes to reach their potential as responsible, productive citizens in a global economy and multicultural society.

Mission
The Baltimore County Public Schools' mission is to provide a quality education that develops the content knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable all students to reach their maximum potential as responsible, life-long learners and productive citizens.