The Human Resources Department is pleased to announce we can now accept Tuition Remission applications online through the USM’s new Tuition Remission system for Fall 2019.  UMBC is excited to be the first campus to use the new system for its employees.  Other USM institutions will begin utilizing the system over the next year for their employees.   

The USM Tuition Remission System is user friendly and allows for secure online processing and tracking of tuition remission applications.  In addition, the process has been streamlined for quicker approval.  Employees will sign into this system using their myUMBC login.

Please note:  Employees applying for a dependent child/spouse will need the Student ID of the USM institution they are attending in order to use this system.  

Employees who have already submitted a paper form for the Fall 2019 semester, do not need to apply again via the USM Tuition Remission system.  Applications for future semesters should be submitted via the online system.

The Tuition Remission webpage has also been updated to include the following: 

• Link to the new Tuition Remission System
• Semester deadlines and restrictions 
• Eligibility information 
• Links to Tuition Remission policies 
• Tuition tax information 

Thanks to all the UMBC representatives for their participation in the testing of, and feedback on, the new system.  We look forward to utilizing this new online system.  Please feel free to provide any feedback or questions to hrbenefits@umbc.edu 

SPS Workday for Benefits is now Live! 

At this time, only New Hires and Employees with a qualifying event (such as marriage, birth of child, divorce, loss of coverage, etc.) or employees experiencing a change in eligibility should log into the SPS Workday system. 

All other employees will have the opportunity to use the SPS Workday system during Open Enrollment this Fall 2019. 

SPS Workday Tips!

• Visit the SPS Workday page for instructions on how to access the system, enroll/make changes in Workday, and how to reset your password.
• Learn where to find your SPS ID (also know as your W#)
• New Hires and Employees experiencing a job change will receive an email from stateofmaryland@myworkday.com to notify them of a “Benefit Event” in which they can enroll or make changes.
• New Hires should be assigned an SPS ID/W# within 2-3 weeks of being entered into the payroll system (PeopleSoft). Please see your payroll preparer with questions regarding being entered into the payroll system.
• New Hires will have 60 days from their hire date to enroll in health benefits via the SPS workday system. Coverage will be made effective on the 1st of the month following the hire date.
• Employees adding dependents will need to upload required documentation such as the marriage certificate for adding a spouse and a birth certificate to add a child. 
• Contractual employees who wish to enroll in coverage should visit the ACA Eligibility page for more information and must be on a valid contract to enroll in health benefits via the SPS Workday system. 

It’s that time of year and Open Enrollment is fast approaching.  Please join us for our Annual Health Benefits Fair on Wednesday, October 10th from 11-1pm in the University Center Ballroom.  

More Information about the Open Enrollment period, rates, and changes will be posted Benefits are now posted on the HR website under Benefits Open Enrollment.

Here are some things to expect with regards to this year’s Open Enrollment:

• Open Enrollment will run from October 15th through November 15th

• Employees will use the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to make changes to their benefits and/or to sign up for Flexible Spending for 2019

• Individual Open Enrollment Packets are expected to arrive by October 15th.  We will contact departments with instructions for packet pick up.  Departments will deliver Open Enrollment Packets to their faculty and staff (those who currently have benefits).

• Contractual Employees & Retirees will receive Open Enrollment Materials to their home.

• We have a new Life & AD&D Vendor:  MetLife effective January 1, 2019.  Employees currently enrolled in AD&D and Life will automatically be enrolled with MetLife.  Employees are encouraged to update their Beneficiary, forms will be online after October 15th. 

• State Wellness Activities will need to be completed in 2019 to get the free copays to your Primary Care Doctor and the reduced copays to specialists. 

• 2019 Premiums (Rates) are now posted on the HR website 
• Questions about Open Enrollment?  Please email hrbenefits@umbc.edu

Meet Savannah, our new MRSP Nationwide Retirement Specialist.

She will be visiting UMBC on Wednesday June 13^th from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm and is taking one-on-one appointments.

She can help you:

• Enroll in the 401(k) / 457 / 403(b)
• Learn about the tax advantages of a Roth plan!  (Nationwide is the only vendor who offers Roth)
• Increase Contributions
• Consolidate Your Accounts
• Review your Investment Options
• Please note:  Contractual Employees are eligible to participate in all Supplemental Plans 

In response to the State changes announced earlier this month, UMBC created a dedicated webpage with information and resources for retirees:  UMBC Retiree Prescription Plan Changes Webpage:  https://hr.umbc.edu/benefits/retiree-prescription-plan-changes/

The State of Maryland’s Department of Budget & Management (DBM) recently announced a change to retiree prescription drug coverage effective January 1, 2019.   This does not impact active employees, but will impact current retirees, their dependents, and prospective retirees in their planning process. 

“Effective January 1, 2019, State Medicare-eligible retirees will no longer receive prescription drug coverage under the State health plan, and will need to enroll in a Medicare Part D for prescription drug by then to ensure there is no gap in coverage.  Retirees’ dependents who have not yet reached Medicare eligibility will see no change; they will continue to be eligible for both prescription drug and health benefits until they reach Medicare eligibility. Active State employees who are Medicare-eligible, but are still working, will likewise see no change in prescription drug and health benefits.” 

Below are links with more information regarding the recent announcement.  The Department of Budget & Management will be communicating directly to all current retirees and will be posting additional information to their site when it becomes available. 

Full Announcement:  http://dbm.maryland.gov/benefits/Pages/EGWP.aspx

DBM Website:  http://dbm.maryland.gov/benefits/pages/default.aspx

Prospective retirees can contact hrbenefits@umbc.edu with questions about the planning process.