Open Enrollment FAQs

Benefits administered and/or purchased through OCEA are separate from the County medical plans.

When is the OCEA open enrollment?

Open Enrollment dates are typically held in September. For 2024 Open Enrollment is Sept. 6-20.

What if I don’t want to make any changes?

It is not necessary to complete any enrollment forms if you are happy with your existing plans and do not wish to make any changes.

What benefits do I have currently?

Your current benefits are listed on your open enrollment introduction letter sent with the Benefits Enrollment Guide.

What plan changes are allowed during open enrollment?

Health & Welfare Option Packages: 1, 2, or 3 (Offered at no cost to the employee.)
Supplemental Dental PPO
Supplemental Dental HMO
Supplemental Disability – Level 1 or Level 2
Adding dependents to the Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Vision Service Plan (VSP) for part-time employees

When can I cancel my benefits?

You may cancel supplemental benefits as follows:

Supplemental Dental – during open enrollment, or 31 days from a qualifying event. (See brochure for definition of “qualifying event”)
Supplemental Vision – during open enrollment, or 31 days from a qualifying event.
Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment – anytime throughout the year.
Supplemental Term Life – anytime throughout the year.
Supplemental Disability – anytime throughout the year.

When can I add or cancel dependents from my plans?

Supplemental Dental – during open enrollment, or 31 days from a qualifying event.
Supplemental Vision – during open enrollment, or 31 days from a qualifying event.
Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment – dependents are not eligible for the plan.
Supplemental Term Life – dependents may apply anytime throughout the year subject to approval of evidence of insurability by Standard Insurance, or 31 days from a qualifying event. Dependent coverage may be cancelled anytime throughout the year.
Supplemental Disability – dependents are not eligible for the plan.
Health & Welfare Options 1, 2 or 3: Movement from one Option to another can only be done during open enrollment, or 31 days from a qualifying event.

How do I make changes to my existing benefits?

A signed enrollment form is required if you want to make changes to the dental and vision plans.

How do I cancel benefits for myself and/or my dependents?

A signed written request must be received at OCEA’s headquarters.

Is Supplemental Term Life part of open enrollment?

No. However, you may apply anytime throughout the year subject to approval of evidence of insurability by Standard Insurance.

Is Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment part of open enrollment?

No. However, you may apply anytime throughout the year. No evidence of insurability is required by Standard Insurance.

When can I sign up as an OCEA member?

Anytime. The membership application form is located:

In the Health & Welfare Enrollment Guide mailer.
Or, you may submit an application online: Complete and Sign 100% Online
Or, you may submit an application by mail. Print the form. Fill it out completely, then mail to: OCEA, 830 N Ross St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
Or, you may submit an application by email. Print and complete the form, then email to: benefits@ocea.org

Are OCEA members eligible for additional benefits.

OCEA members have access to purchase enhanced supplemental benefits. The options include higher benefit levels, lower co-pays, and expanded coverage (both in the scope of benefits and the availability of coverage for eligible family members).

How long does a new hire have to enroll in the Health & Welfare Plan Benefits?

A new employee has 45-days from date of hire to submit the enrollment form.

What is the difference between Option Packages 1, 2, and 3?

All three Health & Welfare options are offered at no cost to the employee.

Option Package 1 – Provides dental, vision, term life and disability benefits to full-time employees only.
Option Package 2 – Provides dental, vision, term life and disability benefits to full-time employees. Option 2 may include dental benefits to eligible family members.
Option Package 3 – Provides dental, term life and disability benefits to part-time employees. This option may include full-time employees who do not select either Option 1 or 2.

How do I use the dental and vision plan(s)?

Delta Dental PPO plans: You may receive services from a dentist of your choice. To maximize the plan benefits, you may consider going to a Delta Dental PPO network provider. Contact Delta Dental at deltadentalins.com or (888) 335-8227.
DeltaCare USA HMO plans: Employees who select a DeltaCare HMO plan will receive notification from DeltaCare USA as to the dental facility they are assigned. You may contact DeltaCare USA to verify your assigned dentist and/or change dental offices by contacting deltadentalins.com or (800) 422-4234.
Vision Service Plan (VSP): To receive the best benefit, use a vision provider contracted with VSP. You may contact VSP at vsp.com or (800)-877-7195.

What happens if I am medically disabled from work?

OCEA administers disability coverage for medical, non-work-related disabilities. You may call OCEA for a claim form or download the form at ocea.org.

I am a retiree. Does open enrollment apply to me?

No. Retired members meeting eligibility requirements may enroll in either the Supplemental HMO Dental and/or Vision anytime throughout the year.

When is County open enrollment for medical benefits?

Medical benefits are provided by the County, not OCEA. Open enrollment for those benefits will be Oct. 16, 2024 through Nov. 5, 2024. Call the County’s Medical Benefits Center at (833) 476-2347 for all questions about County medical benefits and County open enrollment.

What if I can’t find the Enrollment Guide that was mailed to me?

You may find the Health & Welfare Enrollment Guide and forms online at ocea.org/benefits.

What if I have more questions?

For further detail, please refer to the 2025 Enrollment Guide.

You may also contact an OCEA Benefits team member at (714) 835-3355.