Invest in what matters most to you
Your Dow U.S. benefits are about you. You have access to a comprehensive benefits program while you are in the U.S. Be sure to learn more about the benefits available to you and make the most of them while you're on assignment.
Make the right choices for you
This guide provides information about the benefits available to you while you are on assignment in the U.S. Your eligibility for Dow U.S. benefits is based on your Expat agreement.
Keep reading for a general overview of the benefits available to you while in the U.S. and how to use them. You can also find detailed information about your benefit plans in the Summary Plan Description (SPDs). SPDs are important documents that summarize your benefits, describe how they work and provide you with their terms and conditions.
Follow these steps to enroll
If you are a new Expat, you'll receive an email invitation titled "Enroll in Your Cigna International health coverage through Dow” from dowbenefits@ehr.com once your information has been recorded in the Dow U.S. benefits system. The email will provide a link to the Dow U.S. Benefits Site, where you will elect your benefits. You must take action to enroll in order to have U.S. benefits coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
1. Connect to the Dow U.S. Benefits Site
Single sign-on is recommended for quick and convenient access if you are on the Dow network.
If you are away from the Dow network, you can log in directly. If you haven't visited from outside the Dow network previously, you'll need to establish a new online account. On the sign-in screen, select “Create an account.” The system will then walk you through the account setup process. If you need assistance, call (833) 693-6947 (MYDOWHR).
Select the option to enroll on the homepage.
2. Make your choices
On the Dow U.S. Benefits Site homepage, select the option to enroll from the top notification bar. The site will walk you through making your elections. Keep in mind, you can make changes to certain benefits during the year only if you have a qualifying life event. Review the Human Resources ― Life Events and Other Moments that Matter article for more information and actions you need to take.
3. Call to enroll your dependents.
You must call to enroll your eligible dependents; you will not be able to enroll your dependents without Social Security numbers online:
- Call (833) 693-6947 (MYDOWHR) and select option 1, then option 2.
- Be sure to have the birth date of each dependent you are enrolling and the mailing address on file with Dow.
- The service center representative will walk you through the enrollment process and enroll each eligible dependent. You'll receive a Dependent Verification Confirmation email for each verified dependent you enroll.
4. Submit all required documentation within 90 days.
If you are adding dependent(s) to your benefits coverage, you must provide documentation within 90 days of your enrollment date to verify the dependent(s) is eligible for coverage or benefits will be terminated. You may upload required documents online or mail them:
Online
- Go to the Family & Friends section on your Profile and follow the instructions to upload documents for each eligible dependent.
By mail
- After you have finished enrolling, visit the Dow U.S. Benefits Site.
- Go to the Family & Friends section on your Profile to print the Dependent Verification Return Form.
- Review the form for a list of documents required to verify your dependent's eligibility and make copies of those documents.
- Mail completed documents to:
Dow Benefits Service Center — Coverage Compliance Dept: Dow PO Box 981901 El Paso, TX 79998
Documentation is needed for each dependent enrolled in a Dow health care plan. Review this list for the type of documentation that will be needed to verify each of your dependents.
Spouse/domestic partner verification questions
If you cover a spouse/domestic partner under your U.S. benefits and you actively enroll during annual enrollment in the fall on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site, the system will automatically walk you through the verification process by prompting you to answer some questions. Please note your answers will not impact your spouse's/domestic partner's benefit coverage.
Enroll within 31 days
You may enroll once you receive the email invitation titled "Enroll in Your Cigna International health coverage through Dow” from dowbenefits@ehr.com. Enroll within 31 days of your assignment start date to ensure you have continuous benefits coverage. If you enroll within 31 days of your assignment start date, your benefits coverage is effective on the day you begin your assignment. If you miss this 31-day deadline, you may still elect your benefits within 90 days of your assignment start date; however, your benefits coverage will not take effect until the date you complete your enrollment, which means you may be without benefits coverage for a period of time. To avoid any gaps in benefits coverage, be sure to enroll as soon as you receive the email invitation.
Physical ID cards are not mailed. Instead, you can access your ID card through the Cigna Envoy customer portal or mobile app.
Obtaining Social Security numbers
If you are a new Expat, you can register for a Social Security number after being in the U.S. for ten business days. Visit www.ssa.gov for assistance in obtaining a Social Security number. Once received, update your family's Social Security numbers by visiting My HR Portal, then search "Change My Government IDs."
Annual enrollment
As you continue your assignment, you'll have the option each November to participate in annual enrollment. Annual enrollment is a once-a-year chance to review benefits coverage and make any changes for the upcoming year. Every year, Dow will announce the annual enrollment dates, a set time in which to make the changes, such as removing or adding eligible dependents to your benefits coverage. If you do not take action during the annual enrollment dates, the benefits you elect now will remain in effect until you leave the U.S.
Key terms to know
Get ready to enroll by reviewing common terms for U.S. benefits. Then, if you're a new Expat, be sure to watch for the email invitation titled "Enroll in Your Cigna International health coverage through Dow” from dowbenefits@ehr.com alerting you it's time to enroll!
Your benefits matter, and so do your loved ones
Name and keep your beneficiaries up to date to protect their financial security. Your beneficiary is the person who will receive benefits in the event of your death. Designating beneficiaries ― and keeping them up to date ― ensures your benefits are distributed as you wish. Read more.
Stay up to date with text messages
Sign up on the Dow U.S. Benefits Site to stay informed, focusing on important, real time, benefit news and updates only. See how.
Transitioning to your new medical plan
The Cigna International medical coverage includes the Guided Health Advisor program to help you have an easier transition while on assignment. The Global Health Solutions Health and Wellness team can assist you and your family in:
- Understanding the Cigna International Medical Plan and answering any questions
- Planning for medical needs and accessing care while on assignment so you can avoid medical emergencies
- Finding local doctors and liaising between doctors in your home country and where you’re on assignment to facilitate medical records
- Managing any chronic conditions and addressing health concerns or special needs
Access Cigna International now
We know health care isn't the same in every country ― and that's why we're here to help. Complete this questionnaire to get started.
You will find information related to local health care, required and recommended immunizations, crime rate, weather, currency, finding providers who bill Cigna Healthcare directly and accept guarantees of payment and more. Learn more.
Please note that if you are identified as having a medical condition, a Cigna Healthcare nurse may reach out to you to offer help on how best to be prepared before or during your international assignment and answer any medical questions you may have.
Take care of your wellbeing
Dow's Wellbeing Portal provides easy access to best-in-class resources supporting employees' mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing. We encourage you to care for your wellbeing and reward you for taking personally meaningful actions.