One of the many advantages to Penn State's web-based approach to the 2017 Benefits Open Enrollment (BOE) period is the ability to deliver convenient and useful information through online webinars.
However, many still prefer interpersonal communications for in-depth information and an opportunity to speak in-person to a presenter about a topic as important as selecting the benefit plan that works best for them and their families.
That’s why Human Resources is again offering Penn State employees the chance to participate in both online webinars and in-person on-campus meetings.
Gregory D. Stoner, senior director of compensation and benefits, said a theme of this year’s BOE is “Taking Time to Compare,” and both the webinars and in-person meetings were designed to provide busy faculty and staff a comprehensive, convenient and interactive resource for benefits information.
“We all share the responsibility of becoming better educated and engaged consumers of health care, and both the University and employee can play a part in managing health care costs,” Stoner said. “Penn State employees are strongly encouraged to review plan options before choosing. Attending an in-person benefits presentation or participating in one of the numerous webinars, in combination with the available online decision support tools and other resources, will prepare you to make the best choice for you and your family.”
While 2017 Benefits Open Enrollment is still over a month away, Nov. 1 to 18, hundreds of faculty and staff have already attended the first two webinars. To find a schedule of upcoming webinars and registration instructions, click webinars page. For a schedule of in-person campus meetings, click in-person meetings page.
The three-main topics covered in the webinars and in-person meetings are comparing and understanding health plan choices (PPO Savings Plan and PPO Blue Plan); what’s new for 2017; and, additional information about other benefits provided to employees. Attendees also will have the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to any benefits matter, Stoner added.
Because Penn State knows spouses are an important part of the benefits election process, they are encouraged to participate on a webinar or attend an in-person campus meeting.
Learn more about the 2017 Benefits Open Enrollment period at the BOE microsite http://openenrollment.psu.edu.