Warning messages flag potential issues that aren't currently blocking enrollment but may require attention to prevent future problems. These discrepancies should be addressed, though they don't require the same urgency as Failure messages.
Gender Mismatch
One of the most common Warning messages involves gender discrepancies between BerniePortal and carrier records.
- Example: BerniePortal shows an employee as female, but the carrier has them listed as male in their system.
- Resolution: You indicate which system has the correct information. If BerniePortal is correct, the carrier is notified to update their records. If the carrier is correct, you update the employee's profile in BerniePortal.

Name Spelling Differences
Carriers may flag discrepancies in how employee or dependent names are spelled between systems. These might include:
- Different spellings (e.g., "Jon" vs. "John")
- Middle name variations
- Hyphenated name differences
- Nickname vs. legal name issues
Dependent Relationship Discrepancies
The carrier may report that dependent relationships don't match between BerniePortal and their records. For example:
- A dependent listed as "spouse" in one system but "domestic partner" in another
- Child relationship classifications that differ
Why Warnings Still Matter
While Warning messages don't immediately block enrollment, they should still be resolved promptly because:
- They may indicate data quality issues that could cause problems later
- They could escalate to Failure messages if not addressed
- Accurate records prevent confusion for employees, carriers, and HR administrators
- Resolving them maintains clean, synchronized data across systems
Resolution Approach
- Most Warning messages are straightforward to resolve—you simply need to identify which system has the correct information and update accordingly.
- Instructions are provided in the message modal when additional steps are needed.
For information about more critical message types, see "What are common examples of Failure messages?" For general resolution guidance, see "How do I resolve carrier messages?"