Employee Express Date: Mon, 25 Jan 1999 10:14:23 -0500 To: "USGS Employees" From: "Leila J. McKamey" Subject: Employee Express In Reply Refer To: Mail Stop 601 MEMORANDUM To: All U.S. Geological Survey Employees From: Robert Hosenfeld Personnel Officer Subject: Employee Express (Supervisors, Managers, and Team Leaders: Please ensure that employees without access to e-mail receive a copy of this message.) The mandatory use of Employee Express during the health benefits open season has been an outstanding success providing an increased level of service to employees. As a result, employees had greater control over their health benefits enrollment. In fact, most employees received their identification cards within a couple weeks of enrollment rather than having to wait over a month as previously experienced. We are aware, however, that some employees have encountered problems with the Employee Express system. Some of these difficulties were system related, while others were provider related. Some of the problems encountered were: 1. Some employees did not receive a written verification of the open season change. However, the Employee Express Service Desk has been very prompt in providing this verification either by fax or mail upon the request by this office or the employee. 2. Some health carriers were not notified by January 3, 1999, of the open season enrollment. Employee Express is aware of this problem and has been working with my staff to resolve the situation as it occurs. 3. A few health carriers are continuing to request a Health Benefits Registration Form (SF-2809). Because Employee Express is an Office of Personnel Management (OPM)-sponsored program, we will be reporting recurring carrier problems to OPM. We are pleased to report that all problems reported to this office were resolved promptly. We will continue to work to remedy any problem as soon as we become aware of it and will strive to ensure that there are no further problems. In addition, we have received a number of positive comments from employees who were pleased with the ease and speed of Employee Express, and the quick receipt of their identification cards. Employees are reminded that if they do not have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to make allowable changes through Employee Express, they must call 1-800-827-6254 and request a new PIN. The new number should be received within 5 to 7 days. Because use of Employee Express is mandatory, my staff can no longer accept forms for those changes which can be made through the automated system. Questions or problems regarding Employee Express should be addressed to your regional Employee Express representative as listed below: Headquarters Kathy Takacs 703-648-7434 Norcross Hazel Day-Gaston 770-409-7749 Central Region Emily Alexander 303-236-5900, x352 Tamara Erlsten 303-236-5900, x336 Michelle Schindler 303-236-5900, x370 Darlene Welton 303-236-5900, x342 Western Region Michele Bollier 650-329-4096 Susan Kalb 650-329-4115