Frequently Asked Questions
About the State of Iowa Plans
ADMINISTRATION HEALTH DENTAL LIFE/LTD FLEX


Table of Contents


ADMINISTRATION QUESTIONS  Back to Top

  • When will my coverage's start under the Merit-State of Iowa Plan?
  • What is a Family Status Change, who should I notify and when should I notify someone of the change?
  • Where can I obtain a copy of the Benefit Certificate for my medical and dental insurance?
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    HEALTH QUESTIONS Back to Top
  • What changes can be made in health plans in future open change periods?
  • Where can I find if I have met my out-of-pocket maximum on my medical insurance?
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    DENTAL QUESTIONS  Back to Top
  • May I use any dentist even if he/she is not on the provider list?
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    LIFE/LTD QUESTIONS  Back to Top
  • Can I change the beneficiaries on my life insurance plan and TIAA-CREF accounts?
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    FLEX QUESTIONS Back to Top
  • Where can I find out how much I have remaining in my Flexible Spending Account?
  • Where can I get forms to submit for my Flex reimbursement?
  • How often can I be reimbursed for my out-of-pocket expenses on my Flex plan?
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    Administration Answers Back to Top

    1.  When will my coverage's start under the Merit-State of Iowa Plan?

     As a new employee, your medical and dental coverage will begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.  Life insurance will begin the first of the month following your hire date.  Disability insurance begins after 12 months of employment.
    Changes to your medical and dental plan made during open enrollment become effective January 1st of the following year.


    2.  What is a Family Status Change, who should I notify and when should I notify someone of the change?
            Call the ISU Benefits Office (294-7680) when:

  • You get married, to add your spouse to your insurance
  • You have a newborn baby, to add the baby to your insurance
  • You get a divorce, to drop your spouse from your insurance
  • Your spouse loses or gains employment, to add or delete your spouse on your insurance
  • Your child is no longer a full-time student, to drop your child from your insurance
  • Your child goes back to school full-time, to add your child to your insurance
  • Your family member dies, to remove the family member and to review your coverage
    •  You have 30 days from the date of the event to change your insurance coverage!
     

    3.  Where can I obtain a copy of the Benefit Certificate for my medical and dental insurance?
     

    Benefit Certificates are on-line:
  • Medical
  • Dental
    •  You may also contact the ISU Benefits Office at 294-7680 if you require a paper copy.
    Health Answers Back to Top

    1.  What changes can be made in health plans in future open change periods?

      You will be able to change from one plan to the other without pre-existing limitations or statement of health. Open change periods will be scheduled annually in October for January 1 (following year) change date.
    2.  Where can I find if I have met my out-of-pocket maximum on my medical insurance?

            The Benefits Office does not have that information.  You should contact your insurance carrier.

       
    Dental Answers Back to Top

     

    1.  May I use any dentist even if he/she is not on the provider list?

      Yes. You are not restricted to Delta Dental Dentists. Please keep in mind that if you use Delta Dental participating dentists you will not be balance billed.
    Life/LTD Answers Back to Top

    1.  Can I change the beneficiaries on my life insurance plan and TIAA-CREF accounts?

            Certainly, just give the Benefits Office a call (294-7680) or stop by and we can provide the correct form for you to change your beneficiaries.

    Flex Answers Back to Top

     

    1.  Where can I find out how much I have remaining in my Flexible Spending Account?

           We do not have that information.  You should contact the flexible account administrator at 1-800-624-2755.

    2.  Where can I get forms to submit for my Flex reimbursement?

            Flexible Reimbursement Form        or contact the Benefits Office at 294-7680.

    3.  How often can I be reimbursed for my out-of-pocket expenses on my Flex plan?

            Flexible Reimbursement Schedule    or contact the Benefits Office at 294-7680.
     
     
     
    Questions and Comments can be mailed to benefits@iastate.edu