GIC sets annual enrollment April 2–May 1; urges members to register for online member portal

The Group Insurance Commission reminded members during a March information session that annual enrollment will run from April 2 through May 1, and urged members to use the member benefit portal to review options and make changes.

Paul Murphy, the GIC’s director of operations, said the new benefit decision guides — which include rates, plan designs, carrier contacts and enrollment forms — will be posted on the GIC website and in the portal immediately before annual enrollment. He encouraged members to review options and noted that if members do nothing their coverage will continue unchanged; the GIC does not require reenrollment during open enrollment.

Murphy said the portal allows members to view benefits in real time, apply for qualifying events, update dependent and beneficiary information, and make plan changes at enrollment. He said the portal currently has “over 112,000 members participating.” For members who do not use the portal, the GIC will accept electronic DocuSign forms and downloadable forms to mail in.

Staff advised that carriers — not the GIC — issue ID cards, so members should contact their health plan for replacements or first-time cards. The presentation also said the GIC will publish tutorials and videos about the portal on mass.gov/gic and will email participants the recording of the session and the presentation slides.

Members were asked to avoid putting personal health data in the webinar Q&A because answers become public; staff provided an online contact form and phone line for personal questions.