Benefit Information for New Employees

Welcome to Rutherford County!  On this page, you'll find the information you need to know to enroll in benefits as a newly benefit-eligible employee.

Be sure to review your Benefit Guide and watch the Benefit Overview video to familiarize yourself with the benefits available to you as a Rutherford County employee. See each benefit's webpage for more information and plan certificates.

 

 

 

 When Can I Enroll?

As a newly benefit-eligible employee, you have 30 calendar days from your date of hire to enroll in benefit, with day 1 being your hire date.

If you do not enroll in benefits within 30 calendar days, you will be considered to have waived benefits. You will have the chance to enroll in benefits again during Annual Enrollment.

If you experience a qualifying life event, you and your dependents may be eligible for special enrollment during the plan year for certain benefits. You must notify the Insurance & Risk Management Department at [email protected] within 30 days of the event to make changes following a qualifying life event. If you do not, you will need to wait until Annual Enrollment to make changes to your benefits. See https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/SpecialEnrollments for more information about qualifying life events.

 Where Do I Enroll?

You can enroll in benefits through MyBenefitsChannel. If you need help registering, logging in, or navigating the enrollment process, see the documents linked below.

Even if you do not want to elect benefits, please log into MyBenefitsChannel to assign beneficiaries to your employer-provided $35,000 term life insurance policy.

There are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • You will not be able to finalize your enrollments on a cell phone. Please use a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet to complete your enrollment.
  • You have not finalized your enrollments until you have submitted your PIN (last four of your SSN followed by the last 2 digits of your birth year) on the Sign & Submit page.
  • We recommend that you print or save a copy of your Benefit Confirmation for your records.

 When Do My Benefits Become Effective?

Your Rutherford County benefits will be effective on the first day of the month following your hire date, regardless of when you elect them during your new hire period.

The only exception is Long Term Disability Insurance (if eligible), which goes into effect on your hire date.

 Who Can I Cover On My Benefits?

You can cover your spouse and eligible children on your insurance during your new hire period, during Annual Enrollment, or if you or your dependents experience a qualifying life event. For more information about qualifying life events that would allow you to make changes to your insurance, visit https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/SpecialEnrollments.

When you enroll your spouse and/or children in medical, dental, and/or vision insurance, you'll need to provide verification documentation for them. Look over the chart below to see which documents you'll need to provide. Documents must be submitted to the Insurance & Risk Management Department within 60 days of your date of hire.

Your spouse is only eligible to be covered on your medical insurance if they are NOT offered employer group medical insurance compliant with ACA guidelines through their employer. The Spousal Healthcare Eligibility Affidavit is required within 60 days of your date of hire and annually after Annual Enrollment to continue coverage.

You can send documents by email to [email protected] or fax to 615-713-3451.

For questions about whether your dependent is eligible or the documents needed for your dependent, contact the Insurance & Risk Management Department at [email protected].

 Will I Receive The Wellness Credit?

When you enroll in medical insurance as a newly hired employee, you will receive the wellness credit premium reduction for the current plan year.

 When Will I Need To Earn The Wellness Credit?

If your hire date is before August 1, you (and your spouse, if on your medical plan) will each need to earn three Wellness Incentive points by September 30 to keep the wellness credit premium reduction for the next plan year.

If your hire date is August 1 or later, you will NOT need to earn the Wellness Incentive points by September 30, and will receive the wellness credit premium reduction for the next plan year. However, you (and your spouse, if on your medical plan) will each need to earn three points during the next point accumulation period of October 1 - September 30.

See the chart below, review your Benefit Guide, or visit https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/motivate-me-wellness-program for more information on how to earn wellness points. You can keep track of the points you've accumulated through the myCigna online portal or app.

 When Will I Begin Paying Premiums?

Regardless of when you elect benefits during your new hire period, your benefits will become effective on the first day of the month following your hire date.

If you have not elected benefits in time for premiums to be deducted on your first few paychecks, arrears will be taken for the missed premiums.

 Which Benefits Are Provided For Me By My Employer?

All employees are provided with a $35,000 employer-funded term life insurance policy. Be sure to log into MyBenefitsChannel to assign your beneficiaries during your new hire period. You may change your beneficiaries at any time by emailing [email protected].

Rutherford County Government employees are also provided with an employer-funded Long Term Disability Insurance policy that insures up to 2/3 of your monthly salary and has a 180 day waiting period. However, Community Care of Rutherford County, Smyrna Airport Authority, and Rutherford County Emergency Communications District employees are not eligible for this benefit.

 When Is Annual Open Enrollment?

Annual Enrollment is held in October each year, with benefits effective the following January 1.

 Can I Change Benefits During The Year?

Changes to your benefits may be made during your new hire period, Annual Enrollment, or if you experience a qualifying life event. More information about qualifying life events can be found on https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/SpecialEnrollments.

 Have More Questions? Review The Benefits FAQ

Find the answers to your questions about benefits, dependents, and special enrollments in the Benefits FAQ.

 Even More Questions? Schedule An Appointment With A Benefits Specialist!

If you have questions, need help enrolling, or want to talk over your benefit options, your Benefits Specialists are here to help!

Feel free to email, call, or schedule an in-person or phone appointment with us:

Phone: 615-898-7715
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Located on the first floor of:
303 North Church Street, Suite 100
Murfreesboro, TN 37130