The Gavel Fall 2018

Executive Office T OWN HALL A questions and answers section directly from the employees themselves to the Executive Team

Employees generally have one opportunity each year to make changes to their benefit plans during the court’s Open Enrollment period. These elections remain in effect for the entire plan year. But, what happens if you want to make a change during the plan year? You will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period unless you experience an Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Change-in-Status event, also known as a “qualifying event”. A listing of some of the more common Change-in -Status events can be found in the 2019 Employee Benefits Guide on pages 7 and 8. You must meet the requirements in order to make a change to your medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, supplemental life insurances and/or accidental death & dismemberment insurances outside of the open enrollment period. Changes to a deferred compensation account can be made at any time during the year and do not require a Change-in-Status event. If you are unsure or still have any questions, please contact your HR Assistant.

If the fire alarm sounds, should I evacuate or wait for further instructions?

When a manager/supervisor becomes aware of a fire alarm activation, they should determine the floor location of the alarm and make a mass notification without delay using the Rapid Reach system, email, fax, phone, or other method to all employees in the building. The notification shall alert all employees of the alarm and direct those persons on the affected floor, the floor above, and floor below, to evacuate, if applicable to your building. All persons on remaining floors are to remain in place until the validity of the alarm is determined. NOTE: This evacuation procedure follows California Fire Marshal protocols for high rise evacuation practices. If an actual fire is confirmed, you should exit the building by the nearest stairwell without delay.

Got a Question?

Email courts-pio@sb-court.org to submit your question to the Executive Team.

When can I make benefit changes?