My GIC Benefits and Family Status Changes
Questions and Answers

Q) As a new employee, when do my GIC benefits begin?
A) GIC benefits begin on the first day of the month following 60 calendar days or two calendar months of employment, whichever comes first.  Your basic life and health insurance benefits are provided on a pre-tax basis unless you opt out.  GIC benefits include: basic life, basic life and health insurance; long term disability; optional life insurance; and dental/vision for employees not covered by collective bargaining (primarily managers, legislators, legislative and executive office staff).  In addition, the GIC offers the following pre-tax programs: the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP).  DCAP enrollment is effective as of your date of hire. 

Q) Can I enroll in GIC benefits during the year?
A)  Employees and retirees can enroll in GIC coverage any time during the year with proof of loss of coverage elsewhere.  Otherwise, they must wait until annual enrollment, which takes place in the spring.

Q) How do I change my address?
A) Active employees should advise their GIC Coordinator by completing and returning the GIC Insurance Enrollment and Change Form - Form-1. Retirees must send a letter to the GIC reporting the address change. Be sure to include your name, GIC Identification Number (usually your Social Security Number), telephone number, date and signature.

Q) I am getting married; how do I add my new spouse to my GIC coverage?
A) Complete the Insurance Data Form (IDF) and include a copy of your marriage certificate. If you did not have family coverage prior to your marriage, you must also complete a GIC Insurance Enrollment and Change Form (Form 1) to change to family coverage. If you are in a GIC HMO, you must also complete the HMO application. Active employees should return forms to their GIC Coordinator; retirees should send GIC forms to the GIC and return HMO applications to the Plan.

If you are a same sex married couple, be aware that separate Massachusetts and federal tax laws govern the taxability of the health insurance benefits available to same sex couples.  The value of the health insurance benefit to the same sex spouse is taxable income for federal purposes (imputed income) and is based on the fair market value of the benefit.   Imputed income is based on 100% of the premium.  The GIC will send a letter to you to advise you of the imputed income that will be included on your payroll or pension advice when the insurance becomes effective.  If you need additional assistance determining whether or not it makes economic sense to add your same sex spouse, contact a professional tax or financial adviser.

Q) How can I add a dependent under age 19 to my GIC coverage?
A) Complete the GIC Insurance Data Form (IDF) and include a copy of your dependent’s birth certificate.  The GIC must be able to link the dependent to the insured and/or the insured’s covered spouse.  If you did not have family coverage prior to adding the dependent to your coverage, you must also complete and return the GIC Insurance Enrollment and Change Form (Form-1) to change to family coverage.  If you are in a GIC HMO, you must also complete the HMO application. 

Q) How do I drop a dependent under age 19 from my GIC coverage?
A)  Submit the following information to the GIC:  Your name, GIC Identification number (usually it is your Social Security number), and proof that your dependent has health coverage elsewhere.