Open enrollment is scheduled for November 10–23, and the HR team is planning ample opportunities for employees to ask questions about the various insurance plans available. The first opportunity is a virtual “lunch and learn” on October 23, with a Benefits Fair/Vendor Expo scheduled for October 30 (see flyer below for details). Employees can also schedule one-on-one meetings HR to ask questions as we get closer to the open enrollment window.

In the meantime, employees should review their current coverage, consider any changes in their healthcare needs, and discuss options with family members. Looking at your current coverage and reflecting on what you like – or don’t like – can help you make the best decision for you and your family this next plan year.

Slightly different this year, the City is leveraging Plan Source for employees to make their own insurance elections during Open Enrollment. This allows HR to meet with more employees and respond to questions more quickly.

Benefit summaries, plan documents, and more can be found on Citylf.org. HR will upload documents for the 2026 plan year as soon as they are available.

To help prepare for open enrollment, see the links below for the 2026 contribution limits for the HSA and Dependent Care FSA.

2026 HSA Contribution Limits

2026 Dependent Care Limits

2026 FSA Contribution Limits - Pending

Maria Pietrzak

HR Administrative Assistant II

Maria joins the Human Resources Department as the Administrative Assistant. She was formerly a classroom teacher and is excited to be joining the City of Lake Forest.

Maria enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her husband (Matt) and golden retriever (Marshall). She loves to spend time with her nieces and nephews, and recently picked up photography as a new hobby as well.

Emily Beck

Building Inspector

Emily attended Aurora University where she received dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Emily is excited to join the Lake Forest team as a Building Inspector.

Emily enjoys spending her time with her wife (also Emily) and her kids (Olive and August). Most of their time is spent on little league baseball, dance, and choir. Her son's little league team is the Cubs this year, which is fitting since she is a Chicago Cubs fan - Go, Cubs, Go!

Patrick Spencer Jr.

Maintenance Worker II

Patrick is joining the Lake Forest team as a Maintenance Worker. He is coming from the Gurnee Public Works Utility Department.

Patrick's interests include cars, camping, and guitar. He enjoys spending time with his wife (Kara) and two sons (Hayden and Patrick III).

Growing Families

Mike and Stephanie Szymanek (Fire Department)

Kennedy Samantha 09/17

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

PPO Buzz

Omada Health (Pre-Diabetes/High Blood Pressure)

BCBS PPO members who meet the clinical enrollment criteria may be eligible for the Omada Health program. Those enrolled in this plan and are at risk for Type 2 diabetes or heart disease, or diagnosed with high blood pressure, should check eligibility here: omadahealth.com/ipbc

Diabetes Management with Teladoc Health

Teladoc Health offers a diabetes management program to people with a diabetes diagnosis enrolled on the PPO plan. Click here to view the flyer.

HMO Buzz

HMO Vision Coverage

HMO members are covered for one routine vision exam per calendar year at no cost. Members must utilize EyeMed provider to cover the exam cost, and to take advantage of any hardware discounts.

Reminder for HMO Plans

The 3-digit Medical Group/PCP must be entered into PlanSource upon initial enrollment. Additionally, female HMO enrollees may also choose an OB-GYN or a Woman's Principal Healthcare Provider (WPHCP) in addition to their primary care provider.

Delta Dental Buzz

Member Connection

Employees can enjoy real-time benefit and claim information 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Member Connection at deltadentalil.com. Employees can review coverage details and history, print ID cards, check claim statues, and much more!

WEX Buzz

FSA Use-or-Lose Rule Reminder

FSA funds must be spent by end of the plan year or employees may lose the funds in the account. The carryover amount from 2025 to 2026 will be announced soon.

October is National Retirement Security Month!

This October, take a step towards a more secure financial future by enrolling in your employer's retirement plan! Once enrolled, you can take full advantage of the Retirement Adventure Zone - a fun and interactive experience filled with financial tools, tips, and services to help you power up your retirement savings.

Start your adventure here.