Efficiency got a big boost from Oklahoma’s state employees this fall. Nearly three out of every four active state employees made their benefits choices online during the most recent Option Period.
According to calculations from the Employees Benefits Council, 26,965 employees used the online Benefits Administration System to make their selections for 2009. That’s 72.7 percent of active state employees and a 7 percent increase over last year.
“Enhancing participation in online enrollment is a high priority for us as the State’s Benefits Office,” Executive Director Philip Kraft said. “We’ve seen good, steady growth every year since online enrollment started in 2003, and this seven-percent jump is better than expected. We’re looking forward to even more participation next year.”
The Option Period for Plan Year 2009 was open from October 6 to November 3, 2008. State employees were able to change, modify or maintain coverage choices in health, dental and vision plans, as well as life insurance for themselves and their families. Employees also had opportunities to participate in health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a new mass transportation account, the OK Health wellness program and SoonerSave retirement plans.
Immediate feedback about the online enrollment through surveys at the end of the process was more positive than ever:
- “This is an AWESOME system. I was amazed at how easy it was. It was step by step and not confusing at all!”
- “I really appreciated seeing the selections I made for the previous year. It made selections for this year much easier.”
- “Wonderful, I wish all sites were this user friendly!”