Eastern Michigan University's open enrollment period for
healthcare coverage and the flexible spending account (FSA)
is scheduled through Oct. 20.
During this period, faculty have the opportunity to evaluate
and select a different plan from those offered. Full-time
lecturers may elect to change their previously selected
PPO option during the period, said Jeanette Hassan, director,
benefits program.
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Hassan |
All EMU employees have the right to waive their EMU medical
coverage, provided medical coverage is verified through
their spouse's employer (other than EMU) or through another
non-EMU healthcare plan. The decision to waive healthcare
must be made annually during the open enrollment period.
Employees, who previously waived, may elect to return to
EMU's health plan during open enrollment.
All non-bargained for employees (athletic coaches, administrative
professionals and confidential clericals) and Campus Police
must make a decision this year regarding which PPO option
they wish to enroll. PPO Option 1 is a comprehensive PPO
plan with annual deductibles ($250 single/$500 family),
with 90% co-insurance for in-network services but no cost
sharing (no payroll deductions). PPO Option 2 is a comprehensive
PPO plan with no annual deductibles or co-insurance for
in-network services, but with cost sharing of the difference
in premiums between Option 1 and Option 2.
A decision must be made during the open enrollment period
as to which plan these employee groups want. Also, these
employees also may want to waive their healthcare option
this year for an increased amount of $1,200 a year. This
is an increase from last year's $1,000. Proof of
coverage elsewhere must be provided.
Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives will be on campus
to answer questions regarding the choices the non-bargained-for
employees and Campus Police must make this year. A question-and-answer
session is scheduled Monday, Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.,
McKenny Union Ballroom. This meeting is open to the non-bargained-for
employees, Campus Police and 100% Lecturers who have the
PPO Option 1 & Option 2 as their
health plan.
During the open enrollment period, all employees can make
additions, which were not made within 30 days of a qualifying
event, such as marriage, birth or adoption. In addition,
verification of the IRS dependency of children between
19-25 must be provided during this period.
The open enrollment period for flexible spending accounts
(FSA) also is scheduled through Oct. 20. The effective
date of the plan is Jan. 1, 2007.
Ceridian Benefit Service administers the FSA. The FSA
is an easy, convenient way to set aside money on a pre-tax
basis to pay medical, dental and dependent care expenses.
EMU employees can set aside up to a maximum of $5,000 each
per year per family for health expenses and dependent care
expenses. There will be a minimal fee for faculty and 100-percent
lecturers.
"The flexible spending account gives employees an
easy, convenient way to set aside money on a pre-tax basis
to pay for predictable medical, dental and dependent care
expenses," Hassan said. "This reduces one's taxable
income for the calendar year, thereby increasing available
income."
Flexible spending account elections made during the open
enrollment period will remain in effect until Dec. 31,
2007, regardless of any contract changes to health care.
"Your Healthcare Options" booklets have been
mailed to EMU employees.
The Benefits Office, in 202 Bowen Field House, must receive
all enrollment forms no later than Friday, Oct. 20. For
questions, call the Benefits Office at 487-3195.
