1. How do I know which option to choose?

• Determine how much accrued paid leave you have available when selecting the day you want your benefits to begin. Choose the benefit waiting period option that best fits your individual situation. Note: You must exhaust all but 80 hours of accrued paid leave before being eligible to receive a short term disability benefit.
• Review the Needs Estimator to choose a plan.
• Determine the cost of the plan by visiting the Premium Calculator.

2. When you are ready to enroll, newly eligible employees should complete the enrollment process through the Hennepin County Apex Employee Self Service Portal. Current benefit eligible employees, go to the Hennepin County Benefits Unit website for instructions.

3. What happens if you don't enroll when you first become eligible?

    You may enroll at any time. However, during the first 12 months of coverage:

• If you become disabled as a result of physical disease, substance abuse, pregnancy or mental disorder and your claim is approved, your benefit waiting period is 60 days regardless of the plan you select.
• If you are disabled as a result of an accidental injury, the benefit waiting period of the plan option you select will apply.

4. What happens if I drop coverage and want to enroll at a later date?

• You will be required to submit Evidence of Insurability and be approved before coverage becomes effective.