Open Enrollment Now Active

The annual enrollment period for Sampson County Schools Benefits Plan will be April 14, 2025 to May 29, 2025. Elections made during this enrollment period will be effective for the plan year September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026. Please note, it is the responsibility of the eligible employee to complete the benefits enrollment and confirm elections for the next plan year.

All employees should take the upcoming opportunity to review the benefits offered under the cafeteria benefits program. A cafeteria program allows eligible employees to deduct the cost of certain benefits from their gross pay before taxes, which results in decreased taxable income. One of the best and most efficient ways to decrease taxable income and increase spendable income is by taking advantage of voluntary benefits. Pierce Group will continue to assume the following employee benefits:

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Colonial Life Supplemental Benefits

• Legal Resources

• Telemedicine

Important Information About Your Upcoming Enrollment

Elections made during this enrollment period, April 14, 2025 to May 29, 2025, may not be changed during the plan year. The only exception is for a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. A plan change due to a family status change must be initiated within 30 days of the qualifying event.

Employees will have the option to enroll in flexible spending accounts, dental, vision, and most Colonial products online this year. During the open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits Counselor will be partnering with your Principal/Site Supervisor to schedule a time for a group briefing followed by individual appointments. We highly encourage all employees to consider taking advantage of the new benefit offerings. For assistance, your benefits booklet with the new benefits available can be found by clicking HERE.

Employees who are currently enrolled in one of the flexible spending accounts (medical expense reimbursement or dependent care reimbursement), must re-enroll during the open enrollment if you desire to continue contributing to your flexible spending account.

• If you do not take any action, your current medical reimbursement or dependent care

  contributions will stop effective August 31, 2025.

• The 2024 -2025 plan year ends on August 31st. You have 90 days from that date to file claims

  for qualified services received during the plan year. Terminating employees have 90 days from

  their termination date to file claims for qualified services received prior to the last day of the

  plan enrollment.

We are pleased to announce during this year’s annual enrollment period, the following Colonial Life benefits will be offered on a Guaranteed Issue basis, meaning you will be able to elect the benefit regardless of health issues! This applies to the following benefits: Medical Bridge, Disability, Critical Illness, Individual Term Life and Whole Life. Please see your Pierce Group Benefits Counselor for further details.

Important notice regarding disability policies! If you enrolled in a disability policy prior to 2023, your policy may not include all the provisions offered in the EDA 1100 plan. Please meet with your Benefits Counselor to review your disability plan and understand your unique coverage.

We encourage you to schedule a time with your Pierce Group Benefits Counselor who will be provided to you by your Principal/Site Supervisor to complete your enrollment. If you have any questions concerning the enrollment, please refer to the Pierce Group Benefits Counselor assigned to your location following your group briefing.

Elections made during this enrollment period may not be changed after May 29, 2025. The only exception is for a qualified status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Service Code. A plan change due to a family status change must be initiated within 30 days of the qualifying event.

Employees working 30-hours or more are eligible to participate.

NEXT ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITY: Spring 2026