Plain-language explanations of the benefits terms you’ll see on this site.
Benefits come with their own vocabulary. Here’s what the most common terms mean.
A person designated to receive benefits (e.g., life insurance payout) in the event of an employee’s death.
This is the first person, or entity (trust) who will receive the benefit. If you have multiple primary beneficiaries, the benefit is divided among them according to the percentages you specify.
This person, or entity (trust) only receives the benefit if all primary beneficiaries are unable to receive it (for example, if they have passed away or cannot be located). Contingent beneficiaries are essentially the backup recipients.
Choices you make for health, dental, vision, and other coverage options during enrollment periods.
Summary document that outlines your current benefit elections, coverage levels, costs, and effective dates, typically available after enrollment or changes are submitted.
Your share of the cost for care, shown as a percentage. You pay this after meeting your deductible, until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum.
Summary document showing the details of elected benefits after your submission.
A set amount you may pay for care, like a doctor’s visit or prescription.
Type and level of protection provided by a benefit plan, such as medical, dental, or vision, which may vary based on selected options like individual, spouse, or family coverage.
The amount you pay each year before your plan starts to help pay for care. Some services, like preventive care, are covered right away.
Individuals such as spouses or children, who can be added to an employee’s benefit plans.
The date on which a benefit election or change becomes active.
Additional documentation for approval which may be required for certain benefit elections, such as increased life insurance.
You can be approved for certain coverage without answering health questions.
Some employer-paid benefits are counted as income for tax purposes.
Care from doctors and hospitals in your plan’s network. This usually costs less than out-of-network services.
Designated annual period when employees can enroll in or make changes to their benefit plans.
Care from doctors and hospitals not in your plan’s network. This usually costs more, and you may be balance billed — when a provider bills you for the difference between what they charge and what your plan pays.
The most you will pay in a year for covered care. After you reach this amount, your plan pays 100%.
The cost of your plan. You pay part of it through your paycheck, and your employer pays the rest.
A personal event - such as marriage, birth, or loss of coverage—that allows benefit changes outside of open enrollment.
Location within Workday where you receive tasks and notifications, including benefit-related actions.
Our team is available through Workday Help Cases to help navigate enrollment, eligibility, and plan questions. Open a Workday Help Case through Home > Personal > Help > Create Case.