Making benefit changes during a pandemic

Normally, your benefit elections stay in effect for the full year and you can make changes during the year only if you have a qualified status change. But, 2020 isn’t a normal year. So the DOL and IRS have adjusted some rules to make it easier to manage your benefits to fit your changing needs given the COVID-19 outbreak.

During the Outbreak Period (March 1 until the COVID-19 national emergency ends*), these new rules allow you to:

  • Change your FSA elections. You may add, increase, decrease, or stop contributions to a Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). (Any decrease will be limited to the amount you have already spent in your account.) Your change will be effective on the date you contact the Rockwell Automation Service Center.
  • Carry over more in your Health Care FSA. Rockwell is increasing the amount of unused funds that can carry over to the 2021 plan year—from $500 to $550.
  • Submit 2019 FSA claims. The deadline for submitting your 2019 claims has been extended to 30 days after the Outbreak Period ends.
  • Change your health coverage. You and your covered dependents can elect, add, or change (but not drop) medical, dental, and vision coverage—with or without a qualified status change. Any change will be effective on the date you contact the Rockwell Automation Service Center to make the change.
  • Change your health coverage after a qualified status change. If you have a change in status, you may make mid-year changes to your coverage that are consistent with your status change. If the change in status occurs during the Outbreak Period, report the change to the Rockwell Automation Service Center within 31 days after the Outbreak Period ends.
  • Enroll after a significant change in cost or coverage. A significant change in cost or coverage for you or a dependent—your spouse’s coverage changes or is eliminated or your cost of coverage increases, for example— is considered a HIPAA special enrollment event. (See more examples in this notice.) If you experience one during the Outbreak Period, you can make changes consistent with the event if you contact the Rockwell Automation Service Center within 60 days after the Outbreak Period.

You can learn more about these changes here. To ask questions or make a coverage change, go to EmployeeConnect > Your Benefit Resources or call the Rockwell Automation Service Center at 1.877.687.7272.

* The end date is subject to change and may vary by geographical location based on the extent of the outbreak in certain areas of the country.