Note: Opt Outs Cannot Be Done Online and Must Be Renewed Each Year

Opt Out Details

You may opt out of the “basic plan” (all benefits) or you may opt out of health and dental benefits only, if you are currently covered by a separate group health insurance plan, or will be covered by Jan. 1, 2016.

You must provide proof of the separate group health insurance plan participation, and sign an affidavit before the opt-out will be approved. You will need to fill out a new form which is available through your benefits coordinator.

Note: Opt outs cannot be done online and must be renewed each year.

The “basic plan” described in the law consists of the following: health, dental, basic life and disability insurance. If you opt out of the “basic plan,” you are no longer eligible for any of those coverage’s through the state. Because Basic Life insurance is a prerequisite for the optional Supplemental Life and Dependent Life, those are eliminated as well. However, if you opt out of health and dental only, you may retain both life and disability insurance. State employees who opt out can still take advantage of vision insurance offered by the state, as well as flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Employees must opt out each year because the election does not rollover.

If you are considering opting out of the “basic plan,” please understand you are forfeiting the normal benefit allowance provided by your agency. In lieu of that benefit allowance, you will get $150 per month from your agency. That $150 can be used to pay for vision coverage, FSA contributions, and/or added to your net pay as taxable income. If you are considering opting out of health and dental only, the $150 per month can be used to purchase additional life insurance, vision insurance, FSA contributions and/or added to your net pay as taxable income.
Excluding Dependents from Coverage

You can exclude your spouse from health, dental and/or vision coverage while covering other dependents on these benefits. Your spouse must sign the appropriate spouse exclusion form. Check with your benefits coordinator for more information.

You can exclude dependents who do not reside with you, are married, are not financially dependent on you for support, have other group coverage or are eligible for Indian or military health benefits.