In preparation for open enrollment, Human Resources is hosting a Benefits Fair on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Russell House. Benefits Office staff will be available in Room 201 to initiate open enrollment changes, and vendors will be available in the ballroom to answer your questions.

Not only will you have the opportunity to get lots of valuable information, but you will also be able to take advantage of many free or low-cost health screenings, flu shots and massages.

The Preventive Workplace Screening

Highlighting this year’s benefits fair is a FREE preventive workplace screening provided by Carolina Occupational Health. The screening includes a health risk appraisal, lipid profile, chemistry profile, hemogram, and height, weight and blood pressure check. Additional testing can be added for an additional fee. 

This $350 health screening is available at no cost for eligible subscribers and their covered spouses. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in either of the State Health Plans. If you are enrolled in the Tricare Supplemental Plan, you are NOT eligible for this benefit.

Register online by Tuesday, September 13 to schedule your appointment. The health screenings are in Room 303 of the Russell House, and appointment times begin at 7:30 a.m. and run through noon. A 12-hour fast is required for an accurate screening.

Blood Pressure and Body Fat Screenings

Campus Wellness will be onsite from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 305 to provide free blood pressure and body fat screenings. Registration is not required.

Mammogram Screenings

 The Palmetto Health mobile mammography bus will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Petigru College. Please register for your mammogram by calling 803-296-8888 (Toll free 1-800-221-9724) and indicate that you are registering for the USC Benefits Fair. You may also register online at www.palmettohealth.org. Click on “Patient or Guest Help”, then click on “Request Appointment”.

To be covered by your insurance, your last mammogram must be more than a year ago. You will need your insurance card, your doctor’s full name and mailing address, and the date the bus will be on site (September 20).

Hearing Tests

The USC Speech and Audiology Department will offer free hearing tests from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 304 of the Russell House. Registration is not required. 

Flu Shots

Thomson Student Health Center will be providing flu shots for faculty and staff in Room 301 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact the health center at 803-777-3175 regarding any associated costs. Employees must bring their health insurance cards. Flu shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Please remember that all State Health Plan subscribers may also get their flu shots for free from any participating doctor or pharmacy. For details on the flu vaccine and other PEBA Perks, visit the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA) website. 

Massages

Wiseman Family Chiropractic will be offering free group massages from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 348. Massages are available by appointment only. Space is limited. Please contact Felecia Paxton at 803-777-6650 to schedule your appointment.

Workshop

The Benefits Office will provide an overview of open enrollment from 10 to 11 a.m. in Room 205 of the Russell House. Registration is not required. There will also be a workshop on tax strategies in Room 203 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Open Enrollment Overview
10 – 11 a.m.
Russell House, Room 205

Tax Strategies 
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Russell House, Room 203

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment takes place from October 1 – 31. During this time, you may make the following changes: 

• Enroll or drop dependents from your coverage
• Change from one health plan to another plan
• Enroll or drop the vision coverage
• Enroll or drop the insurance premium feature of MoneyPlus
• Elect to participate in the MoneyPlus medical and dependent care spending accounts – don’t forget you must re-enroll each year to continue participation

Look for the Benefits Advantage [pdf] newsletter through campus mail. Published by PEBA, this newsletter provides details about open enrollment and benefits related information to state employees.

Beginning October 1, 2016, you may make changes to your coverage in My Benefits. Deductions to your coverage will be effective January 1, 2017 and will be reflected in your December 15, 2016 paycheck. MoneyPlus changes will be reflected in your January 15, 2017 paycheck.

For any questions regarding the Benefits Fair or open enrollment, please contact the Benefits Office by calling 803-777-6650 or emailing benefits@mailbox.sc.edu.

Posted August 30, 2016
Updated September 15, 2016