Greene County sets May 11–22 open enrollment; new insurer adds guaranteed‑issue life and short‑term disability

Greene County Human Resources told employees at a staff presentation that open enrollment for the 2026 benefits year will run May 11 through May 22 and ends promptly at 4:00 p.m., and laid out vendor and plan changes that staff must address during that window.

Autumn Clark, who identified herself as the HR specialist for Greene County, led the session and told employees they can make changes to medical, dental and vision plans during the window and must re‑enroll for voluntary life and disability. Clark said a 3% increase applies to medical plan rates but that "employee‑only coverage still remains at $0," and she noted county contributions to health savings accounts ($110 for individual plans, $130 for family plans).

Why this matters: The presentation paired concrete deadlines and dollar figures with new enrollment opportunities and a vendor change that requires action. Clark repeatedly urged employees to review the benefits guide, attend informational sessions and use the enrollment portal so they do not miss the one‑time opportunities and the May 22 deadline.

Key changes and deadlines Autumn Clark announced Greene County is switching life and disability coverage from Mutual of Omaha to Lincoln Financial. Basic employer‑paid life insurance increases from $15,000 to $25,000 at no cost to employees. Clark said the voluntary life and disability plans "must re‑enroll" and will not roll over automatically; she emphasized that "this type enrollment will not be available again under the same conditions."

Under the Lincoln Financial offering, employees may enroll in up to $150,000 in life insurance as a guaranteed‑issue amount during this open enrollment period (no medical questions required). Clark said any coverage over $150,000 will be subject to evidence of insurability.

Short‑term disability and maternity coverage Clark described a new short‑term disability benefit through Lincoln Financial with a 14‑day waiting period and up to 12 weeks of benefit paid weekly at 60% of salary (capped at $1,000 weekly). She said maternity leave under the short‑term disability benefit would be six weeks for natural delivery and eight weeks for cesarean delivery, and that the short‑term disability runs concurrent with FMLA.

HSA and contribution limits Clark outlined county HSA contributions (county contribution: $110 individual, $130 family) and explained HSA funds roll over year to year and can be invested when balances exceed $1,000. In response to an attendee question, Amanda, an HR team member, stated the combined annual maximum HSA contribution for employee and employer is $4,400 for employee‑only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage.

Enrollment process, tools and assistance Clark instructed employees to use mprbenefits.com (also referenced during the session as benefitsolver.com/Businessolver) to make selections and to update mailing addresses so insurance ID cards are delivered correctly when changes generate new cards. She listed informational sessions where HR, MPR and Lincoln Financial representatives will be available to answer detailed questions (May 11 Sheriff’s Office Media Room 1:30–3:30 p.m.; May 12 Public Safety Center 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and historic courthouse 1:30–3:30 p.m.; May 13 Highway Department Building B 8:00–10:00 a.m.).

New no‑cost services Clark introduced two new specialty virtual care services provided at no additional cost: Hinge Health, a virtual physical‑therapy platform that does not require a referral, and Visana, a women’s‑health telemedicine option with board‑certified physicians.

Next steps and contact Clark urged employees to review the 2026–2027 benefits guide once it is published, to attend an informational session if possible, and to contact HR with plan‑specific questions. She closed by thanking attendees and encouraging anyone with unanswered individual questions to follow up with HR staff after the session.

Attribution: Quotations and specific plan details in this article are drawn from statements by Autumn Clark (HR specialist) and an HR team member identified as Amanda during the Greene County benefits presentation.