Nonsupervisory merit employees may review and change their benefits options during the annual open change period, Oct. 17 (9 a.m.) through Nov. 18 (5 p.m.).
Noteworthy dates
- Oct. 17 (9 a.m.): Nonsupervisory merit open change period begins; 2016 participation statements available on AccessPlus
- Nov. 2 (9-10:30 a.m.): Live webcast
- Nov. 18 (5 p.m.): Open change period ends
- Dec. 2 (9 a.m.): Benefits confirmation statements available on AccessPlus
- Dec. 9 (5 p.m.): Corrections to benefits statements due at 3810 Beardshear
- Dec. 16 (9 a.m.): Final 2017 benefits statements available on AccessPlus
Few changes this year
The 2017 medical plans remain Blue Access, Iowa Select and Program 3 Plus, and the premium details haven't changed. Employees will continue to contribute $20 a month for single coverage for these plans. The employee contribution for family coverage remains $20 a month for Blue Access. Family coverage for Iowa Select still is 15 percent of the total premium, and family coverage for Program 3 Plus remains the difference between the total premium and 85 percent of Iowa Select's total premium.
There is no dental open enrollment for 2017, which mean employees may not add coverage or dependents.
Out-of-pocket increases
The medical maximum out-of-pocket costs for Iowa Select and Program 3 Plus will increase to $1,000 (from $650) for single coverage, and $2,000 (from $1,450) for family coverage. All deductibles, coinsurance and copays will go toward the out-of-pocket limit for all plans. There are no out-of-pocket increases for Blue Access.
Making changes
Employees may change their medical, flexible spending and Avesis (eyewear/contacts/Lasik) coverage online through AccessPlus. Enrolling in or increasing employer-sponsored group term basic or voluntary term life insurance requires paper forms. If no benefits changes are needed, no action is required. However, it’s a good idea to review current benefits elections as well as dependent and beneficiary information.
More information
University human resources' (UHR) benefits office is hosting a live, interactive webcast on Nov. 2 (9-10:30 a.m.) about the 2017 benefits changes for nonsupervisory merit employees. To participate, log in online, enter your name in the "Enter as a Guest" heading, then select "Enter Room." A link of the recorded session will be available on UHR's benefits bulletin board a few days after the live presentation.
