As a new employee to the District, when do I receive my benefit enrollment information?
Benefit information will be sent within one week of starting employment with Mesa Public Schools. Benefits information will be sent through the TalentEd Records system.

When are insurance benefits effective for a new full-time employee?
As a new full-time benefits eligible employee, you have 31-days including your contract start date to enroll in benefits of your choice. Benefits are effective the first of the month following 31-days of full-time employment.

How do I enroll for Benefits?
Log on to the MPS/BenefitFocus online enrollment system within 31 days of your date of hire. If you do not enroll during your initial new hire period, your next opportunity to enroll in benefits would be during the Open Enrollment period for the following plan year. If you need help navigating the MPS/BenefitFocus online enrollment system please call 1.877.336.8082.

If I cover dependent(s), what documents do I need to provide?
In order to verify your dependent(s) eligibility see the Required Documents form. Gather your documents and upload them using the online enrollment system MPS/BenefitFocus website.

When is my dependent child no longer eligible for health insurance?
Coverage for your dependent child will remain in effect through the last of the month in which they turn 26. As a result of this status change, your child will be eligible for COBRA enrollment.

If I do not enroll for benefits as a newly benefits eligible employee, may I enroll at a later date?
The Mesa Public Schools benefit programs are pre-tax cafeteria benefits program under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code. The IRS regulations governing the program do not permit changes after open enrollment, except in very limited circumstances. Once you have elected a plan, you must stay in the selected plan, at the selected coverage level, for the full calendar year, unless there has been a qualifying event. A qualifying event can also occur in cases where your spouse's employment is terminated. You have 31-days including the date of the occurrence of the qualifying event to make changes to your benefit plan. The changes made, however, must be because of and consistent with the change of status that has occurred.

The penalty for non-compliance with the IRS regulations is the loss of the tax-exempt status for both Mesa Public Schools and the employees in the plan. Changes outside of the open enrollment period will be permitted only in accordance with the IRS regulations. For this reason, you are cautioned to be very careful in making your selections.

The qualifying reasons for the termination of individual coverage are referred to in the Plan Document/Summary Plan Description. Contact the Benefits Office if you have any questions.

Departments

Frequently Asked Questions

Enrollment & Eligibility

Premium Deductions & HSA Contributions

Mid-Year Changes With a Qualifying Life Event

Who Do I Call for Benefit Questions (Coverage, Claims, Billing)?

What Happens to My Insurance if... (Leaves of Absence, Leaving the District, etc)