2010 Frequently Asked Questions

Campus Benefit Administrators

UNH Human Resources - Kristie Camacho at 603-862-0509 or Susan Nolan at 603-862-0504

UNH-Manchester Human Resources – Stacey Silva at 603-641-4166

PSU Human Resources – Carol Kuzdeba at 603-535-2250 or Sherry Osgood at 603-535-3188

KSC Human Resources - Karyn Kaminski at 603-358-2486

GSC Human Resources –Valerie LeBrun at 603-862-4537

USNH Human Resources –Maggie Hyndman at 603-862-0933

Vendor Contacts

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care - 1-888-333-4742 - http://www.harvardpilgrim.org/usnh

Northeast Delta Dental - 1-800-537-1715 -
http://www.deltadental.com

WageWorks - 1-877-924-3967 -
http://www.wageworks.com

Employee Benefit Plan Administration - 1-800-578-3272 -
http://ebpanh.com/

  1. I didn't get a package, when will I get one?
  2. What is my USNH Identification Number?
  3. Where can I find what my USNH Identification Number is?
  4. I used to use my alternate identification numbers to log onto MyUSNHBenefits.net will this number still work?
  5. The log-in site does not recognize my USNH ID number?
  6. Why is a Personal Identification Number (PIN) required?
  7. I haven’t previously logged into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net what is my PIN?
  8. How do I update my Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
  9. How do I change my address?
  10. Do I need to participate in Open Enrollment if I do not want to make any changes to my benefit elections?
  11. I just became eligible for benefits a few months ago; do I have to enroll in Benefits during Open Enrollment?
  12. My spouse and I are both employed by USNH in benefits eligible positions. How will our benefits work related to covering dependents?
  13. Others in my department have different medical rates than me. Why?
  14. All I have on my enrollment for medical choices are the EBPA Plan, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a waive option. Why?
  15. Which Medical and/or Dental plan is better?
  16. Where can I find more information on the medical and dental plans USNH offers?
  17. Do I have to elect a Primary Care Physician (PCP), if I am electing a Harvard Pilgrim Plan?
  18. Can you explain The Harvard Pilgrim’s Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan that’s displayed on my worksheet?
  19. If I elected medical coverage for the first time or changed plans during open enrollment when will I receive my ID cards?
  20. I need to provide Medical Insurance for my dependents, but they reside out of state. What do I do?
  21. Who is eligible for coverage under my Harvard Pilgrim Medical Plan?
  22. Who is eligible for coverage under my EBPA medical plan?
  23. Who is eligible for coverage under my Dental Plan?
  24. Do students need to be verified as students during Open Enrollment to remain on medical and dental plans?
  25. Why do I need to provide my dependents’ Social Security Numbers if I am enrolling or enrolled in the health plan?
  26. Can I add or remove dependents from coverage? Can I add or drop coverage?
  27. I was making my 2010 elections and adding dependents under the “Dependent Section” and I don’t see a Stepchild designation. What should I do?
  28. Can you please provide me with information regarding New Hampshire Legislation which expanded dependent coverage?
  29. What are the premium and tax implications of adding a NH Legislation dependent to my Harvard Pilgrim Medical Plan?
  30. Can you provide me with information regarding New Hampshire’s Ex-Spouse Legislation allowing continued health coverage?
  31. What are the premium and tax implications of continuing coverage for my ex-spouse on my Harvard Pilgrim Medical Plan?
  32. Can you provide me with information regarding Same-Sex Marriage in New Hampshire?
  33. What are the premium and tax implications to add a spouse to medical and dental plan?
  34. What is imputed income?
  35. I am Full Time Active Status appointment (75% to 100%) enrolled in the medical plan, am I eligible for the HRA?
  36. What is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
  37. How does the HRA work in 2010?
  38. I am eligible for the HRA and I am enrolled in the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account for 2010, how do they work together?
  39. Can you explain the dental plan carryover benefit?
  40. How does the Health Care Flexible Spending Account work?
  41. I am unable to enter an amount for my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in the online benefit enrollment system?
  42. How long can I use my 2010 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
  43. Will I receive a new Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit card for 2010?
  44. How does the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account work?
  45. Who is the new carrier for the Life Insurance Plan are there any enhancements to the plan?
  46. What changes during open enrollment can I make to my Life Insurance coverage?
  47. Not all of the beneficiaries I listed online appear on my enrollment worksheet. Does this mean they were dropped from coverage(s)?
  48. How do I modify a Life/Long-Term Disability insurance beneficiary's record?
  49. What changes during open enrollment can I make to my Long-Term Disability Insurance?
  50. Can I enroll or change my Voluntary Benefits during Open Enrollment?
  51. How/When can I enroll and/or make changes to my Retirement Benefits elections?
  52. If I don’t finish completing my enrollment online, what happens to my elections?
  53. I want to confirm my web elections. Can I have a confirmation emailed to me?
  54. I can’t print my confirmation statement?
  1. I didn't get a package, when will I get one?
    Packages were mailed the week of October 19, 2009 to eligible participants using the postal (permanent) mailing address on file with USNH. You do not need the packet to complete your Open Enrollment elections. You can log into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net to access USNH’s online enrollment website or contact your Campus Human Resources Office for assistance.
  2. What is my USNH Identification Number?
    Your USNH Identification Number (USNH ID) is a unique 9-digit number recently assigned to you by the University System, which ongoing will be the identifier used by WISE and MyUSNHBenefits.net.
  3. Where can I find what my USNH Identification Number is?
    If you were hired prior to October 15, 2009, you can locate your USNH Identification number by logging into WISE, click on the “Personal Information” file cabinet, and then select the display “Your USNH ID” heading. If newly hired after October 15, 2009, contact your Campus Human Resources Office.
  4. I used to use my alternate identification number to log onto MyUSNHBenefits.net. Will this number still work?
    No, your alternate identification number has been replaced by your new 9-digit USNH ID number. This is the number to be used to log onto MyUSNHBenefits.net.
  5. The log-in site does not recognize my USNH ID number?
    You must enter only the 9 digits into the box. It will not accept any number with a dash.
  6. Why is a Personal Identification Number (PIN) required?
    In order to protect your security a PIN is required for access to the www.MyUSNHBenefits.net enrollment website.
  7. I haven’t previously logged into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net, what is my PIN?
    When you initially login you will use your birth month and date ~ mmdd. You will be required to change your PIN the first time you log into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net.
  8. How do I update my Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
    You can update your PIN by accessing the www.MyUSNHBenefits.net website. Login, and click on the option “Change Your PIN” at the top of the home page.
  9. How do I change my address?
    In order to make a change to your address, complete the Change of Address Form available at www.MyUSNHBenefits.net under “USNH/Vendor Benefit Information & Forms”. Completed forms should be returned to your Campus Human Resources Office. You will need to contact the appropriate retirement vendor, either Fidelity or TIAA-CREF directly to update your address.
  10. Do I need to participate in Open Enrollment if I do not want to make any changes to my benefit elections?
    USNH provides you direct access to your benefit information and we need your assistance to confirm that the information is correct for you, your spouse/civil union spouse and/or dependents. You also need to go online to re-enroll each year that you wish to participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and to update or designate a beneficiary for your life/long-term disability insurance.
  11. I just became eligible for benefits a few months ago; do I have to enroll in benefits during Open Enrollment?
    Yes, the benefits that you elected were for 2009. If your benefits become effective in November or December your elections, with the exception of Flexible Spending Accounts, will automatically carry forward into 2010. A 2010 Flexible Spending Account election will need to be manually processed, contact your Campus Human Resources Office.
  12. My spouse and I are both employed by USNH in benefits eligible positions. How will our benefits work related to covering dependents?
    If you and your spouse are both eligible for coverage, only one will be able to enroll eligible dependents. An employee cannot be covered as an employee and a dependent.
  13. Others in my department have different medical rates than me. Why?
    Rates are based upon eligibility and appointment status. Please refer to your personalized Benefits Enrollment Worksheet or log into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net for information on plan options and rates available to you.
  14. All I have on my enrollment for medical choices are the EBPA Plan, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and a waive option. Why?
    These are the medical plan choices that are available to you based upon your current postal (permanent) mailing address.
  15. Which Medical and/or Dental plan is better?
    Medical and dental plan selection is a personal choice. Information regarding the various plans/options can be accessed at www.MyUSNHBenefits.net under “USNH/Vendor Benefit Information & forms”.
  16. Where can I find more information on the medical and dental plans USNH offers?
    Information regarding the various plans/options can be accessed at www.MyUSNHBenefits.net under “USNH/Vendor Benefit Information & Forms”. Each Harvard Pilgrim plan can be accessed directly on Harvard Pilgrim’s USNH specific web site http://www.HarvardPilgrim.org/usnh. You can call also call each medical and the dental vendor’s customer service department directly:
    • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care 1-888-333-4742
    • EBPA 1-800-258-7298
    • Delta Dental 1-800-537-1715
  17. Do I have to elect a Primary Care Physician (PCP) if enrolling in a Harvard Pilgrim Plan?
    If you enroll in the HMO or the POS plan, you need to have a PCP. If your current PCP is participating with Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, your enrollment page will reflect as “‘On File”. If you are enrolling for the first time, click on the link to Harvard Pilgrim http://www.HarvardPilgrim.org/usnh which directs you to the provider page which allows you to select a provider. You will need to know the Harvard Pilgrim provider number to complete your online enrollment. If you do not elect a PCP, Harvard Pilgrim will assign you to a PCP. You can change your PCP at any time by contacting Harvard Pilgrim Customer Service 1-888-333-4742.
  18. Can you explain the Harvard Pilgrim’s Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan that’s displayed on my worksheet?
    The PPO plan is available to those employee’s whose postal mailing address is outside of the Harvard Pilgrim network. A schedule of benefits is located on USNH Human Resources website at http://usnh.edu/hr/benefits/benefits.html
  19. If I elected medical coverage for the first time or changed plans during Open Enrollment when will I receive my ID cards?
    You should receive your ID cards in the latter part of December.
  20. I need to provide Medical Insurance for my dependents, but they reside out of state. What do I do?
    Plan eligibility is based on the employee postal (permanent) mailing address with USNH. Options available to you will be displayed on www.MyUSNHBenefits.net. A Benefit Handbook and Schedule of Benefits is located on USNH Human Resources website at http://usnh.edu/hr/benefits/benefits.html. The Benefit Handbooks will address dependent coverage.
  21. Who is eligible for coverage under my Harvard Pilgrim Medical Plan?
    The following dependents can be covered under your Harvard Pilgrim medical plan:
    • Your spouse, civil union/spouse;
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren up to age 19;
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren between the ages of 19 and 25, who are full-time students at an accredited college or university; or
    • Your unmarried children who are physically or mentally handicapped, if they were covered as your dependent before their 19th birthday or as a dependent full-time student. Eligibility is subject to approval by Harvard Pilgrim.
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren, age 19 up until their 26th birthday, who are not students, may be eligible under New Hampshire Legislation.
    • Your Ex-Spouse, if they meet the New Hampshire Legislation eligibility criteria;
    • Your domestic partner and their eligible children with an USNH approved Hardship Exception for health coverage.
  22. Who is eligible for coverage under my EBPA medical plan?
    The following dependents are eligible for coverage under your EBPA medical plan:
    • Your spouse, civil union/spouse:
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren up to age 19;
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren between the ages of 19 and 25, who are full-time students at an accredited college or university; or
    • Your unmarried children who are physically or mentally handicapped, if they were covered as your dependent before their 19th birthday or as a dependent full-time student. Eligibility is subject to approval by EBPA;
    • Your domestic partner and their eligible children with an USNH approved Hardship Exception for health coverage.
  23. Who is eligible for coverage under my Dental Plan?
    The following dependents are eligible under your dental plan:
    • Your spouse, civil union/spouse;
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren up to age 19;
    • Your unmarried children and stepchildren between the ages of 19 and 25, who are full-time students at an accredited college or university; or
    • Your unmarried children who are physically or mentally handicapped, if they were covered as your dependent before their 19th birthday or as a dependent full-time student. Eligibility is subject to approval by Delta Dental;
    • Your domestic partner and their eligible children with an USNH approved Hardship Exception for health coverage.
  24. Do students need to be verified as students during Open Enrollment to remain on medical and dental plans?
    Student status verification occurs throughout the year. Letters are sent prior to dependent’s 19th birthday, prior to annual mid year recertification in June, and prior to a dependent’s 25th birthday. During open enrollment student verification is needed if current student status is changing for 1/1/10.
  25. Why do I need to provide my dependents’ Social Security Numbers if I am enrolling or enrolled in the health plan?
    The Medicare Secondary Payer Mandatory Reporting Provisions in Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid and State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Extension Act requires that you provide a Social Security Number for your covered dependent(s) to your group health plan. Due to this regulation, you will be required to provide your dependents’ Social Security numbers to complete the enrollment in the group health plans. This new federal law requires group health plan insurers to report information to the Centers of Medicare Services (CMS) for the purpose of coordinating benefits with Medicare. The law will help CMS accurately coordinate benefits for individuals who are covered by both Medicare and a group health plan.
  26. Can I add or remove dependents from coverage? Can I add or drop coverage?
    You may add/remove eligible dependents and enroll or waive coverage during the annual open enrollment period or when you experience a qualified change of status as described in the USNH Policy available at http://usnholpm.unh.edu/USY/V.Pers/A.5.htm (USY.V.A.5.2.2). Examples of a qualified change of status are; marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child.
  27. I was making my 2010 elections and adding dependents under the “Dependent Section” and I don’t see a Stepchild designation. What should I do?
    A stepchild is designated as a “child”.
  28. Can you please provide me with information regarding New Hampshire Legislation which expanded dependent coverage?
    The State of New Hampshire Legislation (HB 790) expanded coverage for dependent children under fully insured insurance plans. Harvard Pilgrim medical insurance is the only fully insured health plan USNH offers. Therefore, your dependents can qualify for Harvard Pilgrim medical plans, if they meet the following criteria.
    • Are less than 26 years of age
    • Unmarried
    • Resident of New Hampshire, or enrolled at a public or private institution of higher education
    • Not provided coverage as named under any other group or individual health plan or entitled to benefits under certain governmental programs
  29. What are the premium and tax implications of adding a NH Legislation dependent to my Harvard Pilgrim Medical Plan?
    Each employee’s situation is different, based on the plan you are enrolled in and who you are covering on your insurance. Contact your Campus Human Resources Office to review your specific information.
  30. Can you provide me with information regarding New Hampshire’s Ex-Spouse Legislation allowing continued health coverage?
    New Hampshire’s Ex-Spouse Legislation, allows a former spouse to remain on the subscriber’s policy for up to three years after a final divorce decree. This law only applies to fully insured insurance plans. Harvard Pilgrim medical insurance is the only full fully insured health plan that USNH offers.

    For continued coverage the ex-spouse must:
    • be a resident of the state of New Hampshire
    • currently enrolled in a Harvard Pilgrim medical plan through the subscriber
  31. What are the premium and tax implications of continuing coverage for my ex-spouse on my Harvard Pilgrim Medical Plan?
    Each employee’s situation is different, based on the plan you are enrolled in and who you are covering on your insurance. Contact your Campus Human Resources Office to review your specific information.
  32. Can you provide me with information regarding Same-Sex Marriage in New Hampshire?
    The State of New Hampshire passed Legislation on June 4, 2009 which legalized Same-Sex marriage in New Hampshire. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2010. The law provides same sex gender couples the right to enter marriage and have the same rights, responsibilities and obligations as married couples. Any benefit that is provided by state law, policy, or collective bargaining agreement is covered by the law. Employees will be allowed to cover their Same-Sex spouse and eligible dependent children. An employee who enters into a Same-Sex marriage will be accorded thirty (30) days to enroll in medical and dental coverage for his/her spouse and eligible children. Parties who entered into civil unions in other states will be considered married in New Hampshire.
  33. What are the premium and tax implications to add a civil union spouse to medical and dental plan?
    Each employee’s situation is different, based on the plan you are enrolled in and who you are covering on your insurance. Contact your Campus Human Resources Office to review your specific information.
  34. What is imputed income?
    Imputed income is the fair market value of the medical and/or dental insurance coverage for a non tax dependent and is treated as taxable income to the employee. Each employee’s situation is different, based on the plan you are enrolled in and who you are covering on your insurance. Contact your Campus Human Resources Office to review your specific information.
  35. I am Full Time Active Status appointment (75% to 100%) enrolled in the medical plan, am I eligible for the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
    Yes, all active full time status employees who are enrolled in USNH medical coverage, and not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, are eligible to participate in this benefit program. This benefit is available to eligible employees who newly elect medical coverage as of January 1st or continues medical coverage in a USNH medical insurance plan.
  36. What is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)?
    An HRA is an employer-funded account that reimburses eligible employees for qualified medical expenses.
  37. How does the HRA work in 2010?
    The HRA is employer funded, for 2010 there will a one-time employer paid contribution of $500. The HRA can be used to pay for eligible Health care expenses not covered by the health plan and you decide how and when to spend the money. In addition, any remaining funds in an HRA rollover to the next year. An HRA can work as a stand alone account, or it can work in conjunction with the Healthcare FSA. Visit the website http://www.wageworks.com/. This link brings you to the main page which gives you information about HRA’s.
  38. I am eligible for the HRA and I am enrolled in the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account for 2010, how do they work together?
    The HRA can work in conjunction with the Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, although you cannot be reimbursed twice for the same expense. If enrolled in the Healthcare FSA and HRA both accounts will be available on the on same card. The FSA is deducted first then the HRA.
  39. Can you explain the dental plan carryover feature?
    The dental plan carryover maximum feature allows enrollees to accumulate additional benefit amounts to be used toward future dental expenses. The enrollee must have used their dental coverage during the current year but not to exceed $499. With this feature, enrollees may accumulate $250 in additional annual benefits for use in future coverage periods. When a dental procedure is needed that cost more than the annual maximum allows, accrued carryover benefit dollars can help make up the difference.

    You can contact Northeast Delta Dental’s customer service department at 1-800-537-1715 for information on any carryover balance available to you and/or your covered dependents.
  40. How does the Health Care Flexible Spending Account work?
    A Health Care Flexible Spending Account allows you to put money into an account pre-tax for medical/dental expenses. Visit the website http://www.wageworks.com/. This link brings you to the main page which gives you information about Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
  41. I am unable to enter an amount for my Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in the online benefit enrollment system?
    When entering the amount for your Flexible Spending Account you should not include a dollar sign in the amount entered. FSA elections must be whole dollar increments. If pennies are entered, the amount will be rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount.
  42. How long can I use debit card for my 2009 Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) election?
    You can incur eligible health care expenses until March 15, 2010. Effective January 1, 2010, if you reenroll in a FSA for the 2010 plan year, you will be able to use your health care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit card after December 31, 2009 through March 15, 2010 to exhaust your 2009 plan year balance. You also have the option to pay for eligible expenses out of pocket and apply for reimbursement by online submission. Reimbursement forms are available at http://www.wageworks.com.
  43. Will I receive a new Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) debit card for 2010?
    Keep your health care FSA debit card that was assigned in 2009. You will be able to use it for 2010 expenses beginning January 1. Also, if eligible for the HRA you will use FSA debit card that was assigned in 2009. If your card expires in December 2009 you will receive a new card at the end of December.
  44. How does the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account work?
    A Health Care Flexible Spending Account allows you to put money into an account pre-tax for dependent care expenses. Visit the website http://www.wageworks.com/. This link brings you to the main page which gives you information about FSA’s.
  45. Who is the new carrier for the Life Insurance Plan and are there any enhancements to the plan?
    ING Employee Benefits (ING) is the new carrier for basic life insurance, supplemental life insurance and the accidental death and dismemberment insurance effective January 1, 2010. The lifetime maximum amount of coverage has been increased to $1,500,000. In addition, beginning January 1, 2010, value added services include; online will preparation, beneficiary support services, and funeral and concierge services.
  46. What changes can I make to my Life Insurance coverage?
    USNH provides four levels of group life insurance through ING Employee Benefits, during open enrollment you are able to increase coverage one level or decrease coverage. For additional information refer to http://usnh.edu/hr/benefits/benefits.html.
  47. Not all of the beneficiaries I listed online appear on my enrollment worksheet. Does this mean they were dropped from coverage(s)?
    No, your beneficiaries were not dropped from your coverage(s). There is limited space on the enrollment worksheet. You should go online to review/update your elections and print a Confirmation Statement.
  48. How do I modify a Life/Long-Term Disability insurance beneficiary's record?
    Beneficiary information can be changed or modified at any time. Log into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net
  49. What changes can I make to my Long-Term Disability Insurance coverage?
    USNH’s Long-Term Disability insurance provides an income benefit to you should you become totally disabled as approved by the insurance carrier. During open enrollment you are able to increase coverage one level or decrease coverage. Refer to http://usnh.edu/hr/benefits/benefits.html for additional information.
  50. Can I enroll or change my Voluntary Benefits during Open Enrollment?
    USNH’s annual Open Enrollment is for making changes to or electing core benefits for the upcoming year. Core benefits include Medical, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care and/or Child/Elder Care). Contact your Campus Human Resource Office to make changes to your Voluntary benefits.
  51. How/When can I enroll and/or make changes to my Retirement Benefits elections?
    You can enroll and/or make changes to your Retirement Elections at any time, but not more than once a month. Log into www.MyUSNHBenefits.net and select the option Enroll in or Change Retirement Benefits.
  52. If I don’t finish completing my enrollment online, what happens to my elections?
    If you exit out of the enrollment event, your changes will NOT be saved. You will need to log back in during the open enrollment period October 26 – November 6. Elections are not saved until your elections are confirmed.
  53. I want to confirm my web elections. Can I have a confirmation emailed to me?
    Yes, at the end of the enrollment process, you will have 3 options to select from to generate a confirmation statement (1) Print the Statement from your Browser, (2) Email the Statement to yourself or (3) Request that a copy of the Confirmation Statement be mailed to your postal (permanent) mailing address.
  54. I can’t print my confirmation statement?
    Your Pop-up blocker is most often the problem. To change the Pop-up Blocker settings:
    1. Open Internet Explorer.
    2. On the Tools menu
    3. Point to Pop-up Blocker
    4. Click Pop-up Blocker Settings.
    On some computers there will be an icon near the top of the screen that you can click on to turn off pop-up blocker settings.