State of California

M E M O R A N D U M


TO:       PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT LIAISONS           DATE:  January 31, 1994
                                        Reference Code:  94-05

          THIS MEMORANDUM SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO:

               ALL PERSONNEL OFFICERS, PERSONNEL TRANSACTION 
               SUPERVISORS AND PERSONNEL TRANSACTION STAFF

FROM:     Department of Personnel Administration


SUBJECT:  Group Legal Services Plan -- Annual Open Enrollment

   
   The annual open enrollment for the Group Legal Services Plan will be conducted from March 2, 1994 to April 30, 1994.  This enrollment process is open to all employees currently eligible.
   
   There are currently over 145,000 employees eligible for this benefit.  An informational packet will be mailed to the homes of all eligible employees by mid-February.  This packet will also include an enrollment form for the employee's use.  However, departments are responsible for maintaining an adequate supply of enrollment forms and plan brochures.

    On the enrollment authorization forms printed for this year's open enrollment, the employee's copy is a golden rod color rather than the previous green color.  However, departments should continue to use the old forms until their supply is depleted.
   
   There are approximately 5,000 employees currently enrolled in the Plan.  These employees are not required to reenroll to continue coverage.  However, they may make changes to their coverage during the open enrollment.
   
   Employees whose enrollment forms have been correctly completed and are received at   the State Controller's Office by March 10th will have an April 1, 1994 effective date. Forms received by April 10th will have a May 1, 1994 effective date.    
   
   Updated information regarding the Legal Services Plan's eligibility criteria, enrollment procedures, effective dates, etc. is included in the attached section from DPA's Benefits   Training Manual.  In addition, we have attached a "Question and Answer" page which addresses 20 of the most commonly asked questions.  It will facilitate Personnel Office staff in answering employee's questions, and departments may elect to reproduce copies and make them available to employees inquiring about the Plan.  The provider, Midwest   Legal Services (MLS), is also available to answer calls directly from employees.  MLS can be reached by calling 1-800-247-4184.
   
    Your assistance in communicating information regarding the open enrollment to eligible employees as well as staff responsible for processing enrollment documents is critical to the continued growth and success of the Legal Services Plan.
   
   If you have any questions regarding the Legal Services Plan or the information contained in the attachments, please call Vallita Lewis, Benefits Program Manager, at (916) 324-9362 or Calnet 454-9362.
   
   
   
   Robert K. Clifford
   Assistant Chief
   Benefits and Training Program