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Resources and Benefits Briefing < September
2005
Open Enrollment 2006November 1 through November 30
UC's annual Open Enrollment for health and welfare plans is from November 1 through November 30. Those who are eligible will receive a special brochure in late October which will include general information, such as 2006 plan rates, eligibility rules, and highlights of 2006 plan changes.
Detailed Open Enrollment information will be available in late October on the At Your Service website, where you will complete the Open Enrollment transactions you want to make. On the website, you will find personal information about your current enrollments, as well as 2006 plan rates and changes, eligibility rules, decision-making tools, benefits fair schedules, and enrollment instructions.
Actions you can take
All changes will be effective on January 1, 2006.
During Open Enrollment, you can:
- Enroll in Supplemental Disability without a statement of health. This is a one-time opportunity to enroll in this plan. You may also reduce your waiting period. Now is the time to consider seriously whether this benefit is for you.
- Change to a different medical plan or add eligible family members.
- Enroll in or opt out of medical, dental, and vision plans or cancel coverage for family members.
- Enroll or re-enroll in the Health Care Reimbursement Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account (remember, you must re-enroll in these plans each year).
Here are some things to consider before the upcoming Open Enrollment in November.
Telephone numbers and websites for the medical plans
Do you want a specific doctor or care provider?
Call the medical plan directly to find out if your doctor is a listed provider with a specific plan and if he or she is currently accepting new patients.
Do you visit the doctor frequently?
If the total costs of your copayments are a concern to you, it may be worthwhile to consider a medical plan with lower copayments for office visits or other services you regularly use. You should also consider the maximum payable under each plan.
Do you have a chronic medical condition?
Some medical plans have special programs for management of conditions such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes. Again, contact the individual plans for more information.
Are your prescription costs a key concern?
If so, compare the out-of-pocket costs under the various plans. The categories "generic formulary," "brand formulary" and "non-formulary" are important because the costs for a specific medication may vary considerably under different medical plans, depending on its formulary category. Additionally, the UC Medical Centers will fill maintenance prescription drugs at the mail order cost. Call the medical plan for information on coverage for specific medication.
Are you or an enrolled family member scheduled for surgery or any other medical procedure or continuing treatment in late 2005?
If so, and you want to change your medical plan during Open Enrollment, call the new plan and ask how they will oversee the transition of your care. You should receive your new medical plan ID card by the first week in January.