UC is making significant changes this year. As a result, you have choices to make and actions to take regarding your health benefits.
- UC is adding two new lower-cost medical plans from Health Net and Anthem Blue Cross. The Anthem Lumenos PPO with HRA replaces the CIGNA Choice Fund. Make sure you have the right medical plan for you and your family.
- Your children up to age 26 are eligible for UC insurance plans that provide coverage to children, but you must enroll them during Open Enrollment.
- The ARAG Legal Plan is open for enrollment.
- Enroll or re-enroll in Health and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
Options to Consider
If you are currently enrolled in a plan that has a high premium increase, you may want to consider choosing a different plan with lower premiums. For example, 60% of current UC Health Net HMO members can avoid a significant premium increase and keep their current providers simply by enrolling in the Health Net Blue & Gold HMO. Both Health Net plans have the same great benefits. But you must take action and enroll in the Health Net Blue & Gold HMO before 5 p.m. on November 23—that’s next Tuesday!
Important Flexible Spending Account (FSA) News
There are new IRS rules associated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicine and drug expenses. Beginning January 1, 2011, OTC medicines and drugs will no longer be eligible for reimbursement under your health flexible spending account (unless the OTC medicines have been prescribed by a doctor in the state in which the OTC purchase is made). For more information on this important change, go to the At Your Service website.
If you have reviewed your 2011 premiums and other options, are satisfied with your current benefit plans, including the higher cost of the Health Net HMO Standard Plan, and do not plan to enroll or re-enroll in the Health FSA or DepCare FSA, no action is required.
New coverage for all UC employees will be effective January 1, 2011.
Campus Human Resources, Benefits Services
Phone: (310) 794-0830 | Fax: (310) 794-0835
