New Employee Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is my deadline to enroll in Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Benefits?
A: New Employees have 30 days from your date of hire to elect your benefits online.
Q: What happens if I take no action to enroll?
A: You will not be able to enroll in medical, dental or vision benefits until the next Open Enrollment period for benefits for coverage to become effective July 1st.
Q: I want to decline all benefits; do I have to do anything?
A: Yes, all benefit-eligible employees should log on to ADP and make an election, even if declining insurance for the current calendar year. If you wish to decline your benefits, select ‘Waive’ for each benefit type. You will need to assign beneficiary information for the employer paid Basic Life Insurance.
Q: I don’t need the benefits, but my dependents do, can I just enroll them?
A: No, employees must be enrolled in the benefit to add dependents.
Q: How long can I cover my child on my insurance?
A: Children may be enrolled on your insurance until the last day of the month in which they turn age 26, regardless of marital and/or employment status.
Q: Do I have to complete the Dependent Eligibility Audit if I add a dependent?
A: Yes, you will need to provide the required documentation to prove that your dependents are eligible to participate in UPHS benefits (this includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, etc.). Our third-party administrator, ADP, will request this information from you directly via U.S. mail, and via email after you enroll.
Q: How do I enroll if I am only wanting dental or vision benefits?
A: Select ‘Waive’ for each benefit that you would like to decline and choose the coverage level and applicable dependents for each benefit that you wish to enroll in.
Q: If my spouse is not covered by my health insurance, can I use my Health Care Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account for their out-of-pocket medical expenses?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I enroll in the Health Saving Account (HSA) if I am enrolled in Penn Care PPO?
A: No, you must be enrolled the Penn Care HDHP to be eligible to enroll in the Health Saving Account (HSA).
Q: Can I enroll in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) if I am enrolled in Penn Care HDHP?
A: No, you must either elect no health coverage or enroll in the Penn Care PPO in order to enroll in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA).
Q: Do I use the Dependent (Day) Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) for my dependents’ medical bills?
A: No, the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) is for dependent day care expenses necessary while you (and your spouse, if you’re married) are attending school on a full-time basis or working. This would normally be day care expenses for children, but you can also use this account to reimburse day care for other dependents, such as spouses, parents, or grandparents, who cannot care for themselves. Your dependent must live in your home at least eight hours a day to be eligible or to enroll for this benefit.
Still have questions? Contact Health Advocate at 833-424-8747.
