USC employees are encouraged to take advantage of what is in almost all cases the only chance to re-enroll or choose new benefit options during this year’s open enrollment period, beginning Oct. 29, through Nov. 12.

Popular healthy choices incentives continue in the upcoming year. Employees who are tobacco-free, as well as those who complete an online health questionnaire and an in-person health screening are eligible for credits that will be applied to their monthly premiums.

All USC employees have the opportunity to access the high-quality care of the physicians of Keck Medicine of USC by choosing the USC Trojan Care EPO plan, now in its second year, or the USC PPO plan. The USC HMO plan includes most providers in Anthem’s HMO network, but excludes Keck Medicine providers. The Kaiser Permanente HMO plan is also an available option.

A major change in what employees will pay for medical insurance is the implementation of salary-based medical coverage premiums. The cost of insurance will be tied to the employee’s pay rate. This will help with parity in coverage at all levels of employment.

Another change is the new behavioral health benefit for USC Trojan Care EPO and PPO members: Lyra Health. This offering provides no-cost, convenient mental health care for employees who find themselves in need of short-term support.

A Health Sciences Campus Benefits Fair takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 1 at Pappas Quad.

New plans and rates take effect Jan. 1, 2019. For more information, go to https://openenrollment.usc.edu or call the HR Service Center at (213) 821-8100.

— Amanda Busick