MES Weekly Digest - October 16, 2023

Health Benefits Open Enrollment for 2024

Open enrollment has now started. The deadline to make all changes to your benefits is Friday, November 9 at 5 p.m.

This is your opportunity to enroll in health benefits, make any needed changes to your current coverage elections, or re-enroll in your spending account plans. Changes made during open enrollment will become effective on January 1, 2024, and can be confirmed by checking the first paycheck in January.

What's changing this year? (Click items for more information.)

• There are slight rate increases to the health, prescription, and dental plans, but no changes to the vendors or plan designs.

• The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) maximum deferral increases to $3,050.

• There are some updates to the optional Wellness Incentive program.

• Employees and retirees can now enroll eligible domestic partners and their dependents in benefits programs during open enrollment.

• Please note: Unlike other dependent benefits, the cost of domestic partner benefits is taxed due to Federal tax laws. Those who plan to use domestic partner benefits should carefully read all literature and consult a tax professional with questions.

Where can I get information about the benefits plans?

Open enrollment packets were mailed to home addresses earlier this month. You can also view the same information on the MES Intranet and find additional information on MyMDBenefits (available in Spanish and English).

How do I make changes?

If you need to make changes to any of your benefits plans, review all the plan options and complete a "2024 Satellite Enrollment Form." This must be filled out and emailed to [email protected] no later than Friday, November 9 at 5 p.m. Forms received after the deadline cannot be processed (no exceptions).

Do I need to re-enroll in my FSA?

Flex spending accounts do not roll over to the new year. You must re-enroll to have this benefit in 2024. Details can be found in your open enrollment packet or at MyMD Benefits. Changes made during open enrollment will become effective on January 1, 2024.

Do I have to make changes?

No. If you have no changes, no action is needed.

How can I learn more?

There are 10 regional fairs scheduled at locations around the State. You can visit with all the plan representatives and learn what's available. Maryland Dept. of Budget and Management will also be scheduling virtual benefit fairs throughout the open enrollment period to answer questions.

Cybersecurity Training

The MES IT Department has noticed a recent uptick in the number of phishing emails that staff are receiving. It's vital that all staff are vigilant for fraudulent emails and refresh themselves on cybersecurity risks regularly.

To support this goal, IT is organizing a mandatory, online training. The training will launch next Monday, October 23 and be available until Thursday, November 23. A link will be sent directly to your email next week.

Training should take around an hour and will cover five topics/modules:

• 2023 Common Threats
• Introduction to Data Protection
• QR Codes: Safe Scanning
• 2023 Your Role: Internet Security and You
• A Guide to Dealing with Password Breaches

If you're a billable employee, please use cost center "CC1211 Employee Organization and Development." If you have any questions or problems completing the training, please contact IT Support.

Cox Creek Open House, Saturday, October 21

When: Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Where: 1000 Kembo Road, Curtis Bay, Maryland 21226

Looking for free, family-friendly weekend activities? Or maybe opportunities to learn more about awesome MES projects while supporting your teammates? Come to the Cox Creek DMCF Open House, hosted by the Port of Baltimore!

The open house is a great chance to experience this unique site and learn about the work happening there. You can enjoy tours, go on self-guided birding walks, see the preserved wetlands, and learn about the Swan Creek Nature Trail being built. There's also plenty for kids to love, including "touch a truck" activities, fishing, and games. We hope to see you there!

For more information about the Cox Creek Open House, contact Mackenzie Miller.