Your benefits are a valuable part of your UC compensation, so make the most of them! Now that most UC faculty and staff have transitioned to UCPath online, keeping on top of your benefits is easier than ever. Here are three easy rules for managing your benefits well.
1. Check your mail
It happens to the best of us. In the middle of a busy workday, an email from UCPath or one of your benefit providers gets buried in your inbox – and then forgotten. Unfortunately, ignoring an email or letter about your benefits can lead to real problems. For example, UnifyHR works with UC to verify the eligibility of family members enrolled in UC benefits for the first time. If you miss the deadline for providing information, your family member may be disenrolled.
If you get an email or letter from UCPath or any of UC’s benefits partners, take the time to read it so you don’t miss information you need.
2. Keep your personal information up to date (including your preferred name)
You can’t read your mail if you don’t receive it! Be sure to add your personal email to your contact info in UCPath so you’ll receive updates while you’re away from work.
To update or customize your personal information, log in to your UCPath account and (on the left side of the screen) select Employee Actions, then Personal Information. Click through the options to make any changes, including a few you may have forgotten:
- Update your preferred name on your dashboard. (Some notices will maintain your given name for legal reasons.)
- Keep your emergency contact up-to-date, so that UC can contact your designated person should something happen to you at work.
- Support diversity. Help UC track its progress on employee diversity by sharing your veteran status, disability status, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
3. Manage change
When your life changes, make sure your benefits keep up. For example, if you:
- Return from a leave, confirm that you’re re-enrolled in any benefits you put on hold.
- Transfer to a different UC location, consider whether you’ll need to switch to a medical plan with providers near your new home.
- Welcome a new member to your family, take advantage of your special enrollment period to add your family member to your benefits.
Know your deadlines, so you can update your benefits elections within the time allowed. And after you’ve made a change, review your paycheck to make sure your payments are in order. Because of recent changes to UC benefits programs for relief during the pandemic, you may have more time and options than usual for making changes.
On the left side of your UCPath homepage, select Employee Actions, then Health and Welfare. Click through the options to review your benefits and make any changes. If you’re making changes related to COVID-19, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Need help?
Sign in to your UCPath account to use the live chat feature on a variety of pages, or click on “Ask UCPath Center” to submit a question.
You may also contact the UCPath Center to speak with an associate Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., at 855-982-7284.