Mississippi Administrative Code
Title 27 - Personnel
Part 120 - Mississippi State Employee Handbook
Chapter 4 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Section 27-120-4.6 - INSURANCE

As a benefit to its employees, the State of Mississippi provides a life and health insurance plan to assist its employees with the cost of such insurance. The State and School Employees' Life and Health Insurance Plan (hereinafter referred to as "the Plan") provides State employees and their dependents with many options for health and life insurance coverage. All new employees are provided with a Summary Plan Description (hereinafter referred to as "SPD") that describes in more detail the Plan's benefits, eligibility and how to use the Plan. New SPDs are sent to enrolled employees every year when changes occur in the Plan. Also, all enrolled employees receive the Health Plan Update, a newsletter that is distributed throughout the year to give more information about Plan benefits.

All new employees must enroll in the Plan or waive coverage. Enrollment in the Plan is effective on an employee's first day of employment; however, an employee must complete his or her enrollment paperwork within thirty-one days of his or her hire date. Additionally, there is an annual Open Enrollment period for coverage effective the following plan year.

Depending on the employee's specific employment status, the State of Mississippi pays some portion of the health insurance premium and life insurance premium for the employee. The Plan also allows employees to cover their dependents under the Plan by paying the premiums for their dependents through payroll deductions. Eligible dependents include a lawful spouse, as well as the enrollee's child up to age 26. Dependent children who meet eligibility requirements at the time of enrollment may remain covered regardless of age if permanently physically disabled or mentally disabled, are incapable of self-sustaining employment, and depend upon the enrollee for 50% or more of their support. The disabling condition must have occurred prior to the dependent's 26th birthday.

For additional information, you may contact your Human Resources Office, the Department of Finance and Administration's ("DFA") Office of Insurance, or visit the DFA website at http://www.dfa.ms.gov.