2026 Benefits Updates

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Happy New Year!

Here are some important reminders about your 2026 Benefits

Payroll Deductions:

Please review this information carefully. We ask that you verify your payroll deductions throughout January to ensure they accurately reflect the elections you submitted during Open Enrollment. Additionally, review your Benefits Statement in PDS Vista or via the emailed statement to confirm that dependent(s) listed meets the requirements of eligibility.

If you identify any issues, please notify Human Resources at Benefits@leegov.com or 239-533-2245 immediately, and no later than January 31, 2026, so that any necessary corrections can be made.


Qualifying Events

A personal change in status which may allow you to change your benefit elections any time during the year.

Qualified Status Change - Types

​Paperwork Required = Forms & Legal Documents Clear copies (color preferred)

Effective Date:

​Marriage

  1. ​Marriage certificate
  2. Social security card
  3. Driver's license or valid passport, or birth certificate
  4. Enrollment / Change form adding the spouse
  5. Beneficiary form, if applicable

  6. Spouse COBRA Acknowledgement form


​First of month following marriage, or first of month following receipt of all paperwork, if later, as long as received within 60-days of marriage.

Birth
  1. ​Birth certificate
  2. Social security card

  3. Enrollment / Change form adding the newborn

  4. Beneficiary form, if applicable

On the health plan for the first 31 days after birth

To keep the newborn covered after the first 31-days, we must receive all paperwork within 60-days from birth.


​Adoption or court appointed guardianship

  1. ​Birth certificate
  2. Social security card
  3. Adoption papers, or court documentation
  4. Enrollment/Change form adding the dependent
  5. Beneficiary form, if applicable

On the date the child is adopted or placed with you for adoption if you request coverage for the child in writing and all paperwork received within 60-days of the placement.

​Divorce or Annulment

  1. ​First and last page of the divorce decree
  2. Enrollment/Change form removing the spouse
  3. Beneficiary form, if applicable

Date of divorce if all paperwork is received within 60-days of the divorce

Failure to report the qualifying event timely may result in a reversal of claims, which will become your financial responsibility. Your spouse will be removed from the plan(s).


Eligible dependents include biological children; stepchildren
(with legal marriage documentation); adopted, foster, and eligible grandchildren.


​IMPORTANT: A qualifying event must be reported WITHIN 60 DAYS of the date of the event. Failure to report the qualifying event timely may result in a reversal of claims, which will become your financial responsibility.


Employee Assistance Program: No changes for 2026

To access services, visit www.resourcesforliving.com and enter the user information below:

Username: LCBOCC
Password: EAP

Inspira: Flexible Spending

If you participated in Flexible Spending in 2025, don't forget to use your funds and submit eligible claims:

  • Log into your Inspira member website or Inspira Financial app to check your account balance.

  • Use 2025 elected funds until March 15, 2026 for qualifying expenses.

  • Review what's eligible.

  • If you paid for an eligible expense out of your own pocket, you can submit a claim for reimbursement online.

  • Complete all 2025 claims paperwork by March 31, 2026.

If you need assistance, log into your Inspira member website. Click Help & Support to call, email, or chat.

Please remember Inspira members are not issued new cards each year since the original debit card has an expiration date 5 years from when the card is first issued.

For members who had expiring cards on 12/31/2025, Inspira reissued new cards and they were mailed out prior to the end of the year. Members who elected an Inspira Healthcare FSA for the first time effective 01/01/2026, will receive a new PayFlex/Inspira debit card.

Members who elected an Inspira Dependent Care FSA do not receive a debit card. You will file claims using the Inspira claim form or establishing a Inspira online account to file reimbursement requests at www.inspirafinancial.com.

You can register and access your account online at www.inspirafinancial.com.

Medical, Dental, or Vision: Aetna or VSP Vision Care

If you made changes to your Medical, Dental, or Vision coverages during Open Enrollment for 2026, those changes will go into effect as of January 1, 2026. You will receive new cards for Medical in the mail. You can also access your card by downloading the Aetna app on your mobile device. 

If you are a new enrollee in Vision, you will not receive a new card, but your eye doctor can verify your VSP benefits with your Social Security number.

The Standard: Additional Life or Short Term Disability

Additional Life Insurance:
If you made changes to your Additional Life Insurance Coverage amounts, you will receive a letter from the Standard approving or denying your coverage change request once underwriting has been completed.

Premiums will be adjusted on the 1st of the month after Benefits receives confirmation from the Standard on your approval.

Short Term Disability:
All new STD enrollments begin January 1, 2026. Premiums are deducted from the second check of the month.


Your Feedback Matters: We value your input! If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, our HR team is here to assist. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Benefits@Leegov.com or 239-533-2245



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