[October 19, 2009]

UC’s annual Open Enrollment is approaching once again, and despite difficult financial times, the university has maintained benefits at the same levels and kept employee health care costs as flat as possible, Vice President of Human Resources Dwaine B. Duckett announced.

Open Enrollment begins at 8 a.m., Thursday, October 29, and ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24. This is the time of year to review your health and welfare benefits and decide whether to make any changes.

UC continues to pay, on average, 88% of the costs associated with health care premiums, compared to an average employer subsidy of 80% in California and 76% for CalPERS.  For the lowest-paid workers, the university’s contribution is roughly 96% of the premium costs. 

While the University continues to subsidize plans at the same levels as last year, premiums for most plans will increase due to spiraling health care costs — dollar amounts vary depending on the individual plan, your pay band, and whether you choose coverage for only yourself or your family members.

You will be pleased to learn that there are no major changes in programs or coverage levels for any of our health plans for 2010. And where there are some changes, most will enhance employee coverage.  For instance, copays for generic drugs will cost a bit less next year, and in some cases, mental health benefits have been expanded.  In addition, the legal plan is open for enrollment this year.

You’ll find full details of these and other options on the Open Enrollment website.  The site includes information about UC’s health and welfare plans, eligibility for coverage, summaries of plan changes, medical plan costs, and much more.

While you can begin today to think about your current benefits coverage and changes you may want to make by visiting the Open Enrollment website, please note that you will not be able to make changes until 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 29.

If you make changes, your new coverage will be effective January 1, 2010. If you are satisfied with your current coverage, you do not need to take any action.  However, employees wishing to participate in a Flexible Spending Account must enroll or re-enroll for 2010.

If you have questions or need assistance with your enrollment, contact your local Benefits Office or the person in your department who handles benefits information.

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