There have been a number of reports lately from ACSS members that they have been overpaying for benefits - sometimes for a number of years! This can end up costing you thousands of dollars if you don't catch it in time.
Any changes made during open enrollment should show on your December pay warrant (for health coverage changes effective January 1, 2020), so now is the time to check if you made any changes.
Even if you didn’t make any changes for the upcoming year, be sure that your current deductions are correct.
If you have a child who has aged out (over 26), you have gotten divorced, or had another change in status, please check your deductions and/or get confirmation from your personnel department that your deductions are up to date.
While we would hope that these reported changes would be processed in a timely manner, we have had multiple reports of our members who:
- fill out new forms declaring the changes and the forms are not processed properly,
- assume (properly) that their aged out children will be automatically un-enrolled, or
- forget to fill out the forms and/or provide the proper documentation.
How do I know if I am being charged the right amount?
The employer “CoBen” contribution may be used to help you determine your enrollment as either a single party, two party, or family (three or more). The employer contribution shows on your pay warrant under the listing of “*BENEFITAMT”.
For 2019 the employer contributions for excluded employees are 1 Party $668/2 Party $1293/Family $1673.
For 2020 the employer contributions for excluded employees will be 1 Party $695/2 Party $1347/Family $1741.
Once you have double checked your deductions, if you have any discrepancies, please immediately reach out to your ACSS Labor Relations Representative and we can walk you through the process to seek reimbursement.
Even if your department or CalPERS made an error, you are typically only entitled to reimbursement for 6 months of premiums - acting quickly is key or you could be out thousands of dollars.