Open Enrollment is just around the corner, from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15. Make sure your home mailing address is correct in PeopleSoft by Oct. 6. Open Enrollment and benefit changes information will be mailed to your home later this month. Here’s a few reminders to help you plan ahead:

• Benefit Access Fees: If you choose the KingCare PPO medical plan and you cover a spouse or state-registered domestic partner, a monthly Benefit Access Fee is automatically applied each year. If you qualify for an exemption, you must indicate this each year during Open Enrollment.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs save you money by reducing your taxable income. To participate in the Health Care FSA and Dependent Day Care FSA, you must enroll each year during Open Enrollment.
• Medical plan options: The Kaiser SmartCare and Regence KingCare Select medical plans have higher quality scores, lower deductibles and copays, and no Benefit access Fees. Determine if the time is right for you and your family to switch to one of these plans during Open Enrollment.
• PCP reminder: Make sure you select a Primary Care Provider (PCP). Research shows that people with a PCP enjoy better health outcomes. Seeing your PCP regularly can also help save money and avoid more costly care, such as an emergency room visit. Call the number on the back of your medical ID card for help selecting a PCP.
• Beneficiaries reminder: Review your beneficiaries and use the following contacts to make changes. King County no longer keeps beneficiary information; what is listed in PeopleSoft may not be current.

1. Life and ADD Insurance; Securian; 866-293-6047
2. Retirement Plan; Dept. of Retirement Systems; 800-547-6657
3. Deferred Compensation Plan; T. Rowe Price; 888-457-5770

Look for more information in the coming weeks. In the meantime, sign up for an Open Enrollment Learning Session.