Faculty and staff members considering enrollment in a Select Benefits medical reimbursement account for 2011 should take into account two changes stemming from the national health reform act:

1) Select Benefits participants reimbursement can now include medical expenses for children ages 19-26. These young adults do not need to be dependents, full-time students, single, living with their parents or on their parents' Cornell health insurance plan to qualify.

2) As of Jan. 1, over the counter (OTC) medications are no longer eligible for Select Benefits unless participants have a specific prescription from a physician or other legally qualified professional. This is a definite change date, meaning that even participants in the 2010 Select Benefits plan may not take advantage of the extension period (through March 15, 2011) to submit OTC medications unless they have a valid prescription, or they will be denied reimbursement.

Benefits reminder

November is the benefits open enrollment period for endowed faculty and staff, during which they can make changes to their endowed health and dental plans or enroll in Select Benefits medical or dependent care plans for 2011. The contract college option transfer period will begin when New York state announces health care rates. In addition to making health plan determinations, contract college faculty and staff can enroll in Select Benefits for 2011 during the option transfer period.

As in the past, the maximum amount that can be contributed to Select Benefits accounts (medical and/or dependent care) is $6,500. Parents receiving a child care subsidy grant for 2011 must enroll in a dependent care reimbursement account.

Also unchanged: Select Benefits is a "use-it-or-lose-it" program, so participants are advised to plan carefully. Any unclaimed funds at the end of the plan year with extension through March 15 will be forfeited. Cornell is not allowed to refund unused balances under the law.

Call the Resource Center at Benefit Services at 607-255-3936 or e-mail benefits@cornell.edu with questions.