STATE OF CONNECTICUT
NANCY WYMAN COMPTROLLER	OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER 55 ELM STREET HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1775	MARK OJAKIAN DEPUTY COMPTROLLER

COMPTROLLER'S MEMORANDUM NO. 2001-22

March 26, 2001

TO THE HEADS OF ALL STATE AGENCIES

I. INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this memorandum is to announce that the Office of the State Comptroller ("OSC") is sponsoring an open enrollment for employees who do not participate in the State of Connecticut Group Life Insurance Program.

II. BACKGROUND

Comptroller's Memorandum No. 2001-03 dated January 18, 2001 announced the enhancement of the Supplemental Employee Benefits Program. Of the new offerings, employee participation in the Term Life Insurance product, made available by Medical Life Insurance Company (the "Carrier"), is contingent upon the employee's participation in the Group Life Insurance Basic Program ("Basic Program"). Therefore, in an effort to provide all employees with the opportunity to participate in the Term Life Insurance product, OSC has authorized an open enrollment period under the Basic Program without the need for Evidence of Insurability.

III. DISCUSSION

A. Open Enrollment Period

Open enrollments will be conducted on an agency by agency basis and will extend for a period of 30 days. The Carrier's representative will contact your agency regarding the scheduling of the open enrollment for your employees. However, you may contact them directly at (888) 269-2744 with questions related to open enrollment scheduling.

B. Enrollment Eligibility

The open enrollment period is extended to employees who were eligible for coverage under the Basic Program and either waived coverage or neglected to enroll after meeting the eligibility requirements. This opportunity is also extended to employees who have applied for and been denied coverage under Evidence of Insurability. Employees failing to enroll during your agency's enrollment period must furnish Evidence of Insurability if they subsequently decide to participate in the Basic Program.

C. Effective Date of Coverage

Basic Program coverage will become effective the first day of the second month following the end of your agency's open enrollment period. Paycheck deductions will begin the first paycheck following the effective date of coverage. (For example, if your open enrollment period ends May 31, coverage becomes effective

July 1 and the first deduction will take place on paycheck date July 13.) Note that employees must be considered actively at work on the effective date; otherwise, coverage becomes effective on the day they return to work.

D. Payroll Procedures

Employees should return completed Medical Life Insurance Company enrollment forms (ML9009S) to their agency personnel/payroll office. Personnel/payroll staff must verify the appropriate level of Basic Program coverage that the employee is eligible for. Please write "Open Enrollment" on the top of the enrollment form.

Due to the nature of this open enrollment, OSC has arranged for the Carrier to process deduction maintenance, therefore do not enter open enrollment forms into the OSC payroll system. The Carrier will collect all the open enrollment forms during your agency's open enrollment period. Agencies should keep a copy for your records. The Carrier will supply agencies with a report containing the appropriate employee information for reconciliation purposes.

E. New Employees

Enrollment procedures and effective dates for new employees have not changed; they are unaffected by the open enrollment. New employees must meet the initial eligibility requirements established under the Basic Program.

III. CONCLUSION

Administrative and related concerns regarding the Group Life Insurance Program may be directed to the Employee Benefits Unit of the Retirement & Benefit Services Division at (860) 702-3543. This is a unique opportunity for employees to obtain Basic Program coverage without the need for Evidence of Insurability; therefore, your assistance is essential in making this open enrollment a success.

Very truly yours,

Nancy Wyman

State Comptroller

NW/SW/nm

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