Department of Management Services

Eligibility and Enrollment

Eligibility

Certain State of Florida employees, retirees and their dependents are eligible to participate in the benefits offered under the State Group Insurance Program. Select a category to learn more.

Salaried Employees

OPS Employees

Retirees

Spouse Program

Dependents

Surviving Spouse

Eligible Former Employees

COBRA

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows employees, retirees, and their families, to continue coverage of health, dental and vision benefits through their employer group plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances, including:

  • Voluntary or involuntary job loss
  • Reduction in the hours worked
  • Transition between jobs
  • Death
  • Divorce
  • Other life events

Individuals have 60 calendar days after the qualifying event occurs, to enroll in COBRA. Qualified individuals who enroll in COBRA coverage pay the entire premium plus a 2-percent administrative fee. There is no administrative fee if you elect to continue your HRA through COBRA.

Click here( Adobe PDF Document 531.73 KB ) for more information about COBRA coverage.

Enrollment

You may enroll for state benefits when you first become eligible as a new hire or because of a Qualifying Status Change event during the year. You may make changes during Open Enrollment each year or enroll if you are an active employee.

The following will guide you through the enrollment process and get to the plan of your choice in five easy steps!

  1. Turn off the browser's pop-up blocker and log in to People First.
  2. Select Start or the Open Enrollment link and then follow the simple steps to confirm dependent eligibility and register new dependents. Enter your People First password and select Certify to complete the dependent verification process.
  3. Select Enroll Now to start. Your current benefits and what you will have next year are side by side so you can easily verify or change your elections.
  4. Click Change, Add, or Cancel to make updates.
  5. Once you've confirmed your choices, enter your People First password and click Complete Enrollment.

Enrolling Dependents

When you enroll in family coverage, you may also register and enroll your eligible dependents. You should have their Social Security number, date of birth, and you may be required to submit documentation proving their eligibility.

Making Changes to Your Plan

You can make changes to your elections:

  • During Open Enrollment: Your once-a-year opportunity to make any changes you want.
  • As a New Hire: You have 60 days from your date of hire to enroll.
  • Because of a Qualifying Status Change (QSC) event: You can make changes during the plan year only if you experience a QSC event that results in a gain or loss of eligibility. Documentation of certain events is required.
  • Spouse Program: If you and your spouse are state employees, you can participate in the Spouse Program and pay less for health insurance at a reduced premium. To enroll, you must experience an appropriate QSC event and submit a completed Spouse Program Election Form and send it to the People First Service Center or log into your People First account to upload your form. Make online elections in People First to enroll, change or cancel any plan other than health insurance.
  • Surviving Spouse: If you are the surviving spouse of a state employee or retiree and you were covered under the plan at the time of your spouse's death, you have 60 days to enroll in health insurance coverage. People First will send you an enrollment package upon notification of the death.
  • When Coverage Begins and Ends
  • Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug (MA-PD) Plan enrollment is open year-round.

Call People First at (866) 663-4735 if:

  • You go off state payroll for any reason;
  • You or your dependent becomes eligible for Medicare;
  • Your dependent becomes ineligible for coverage; or
  • Your spouse becomes employed by or ends employment with the state.