This year's open enrollment period for Eastern Michigan University employees to consider their healthcare options is scheduled Oct. 25-Nov. 5. Any changes made will take effect Jan. 1, 2005.
Faculty and police sergeants have the opportunity to evaluate and select a different plan if desired. The University's health care plans include Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Care Choices and M-Care.
Athletic coaches, administrative professionals, confidential clericals, campus police, clerical/secretarial, faculty, food service and maintenance, 100 percent lecturers and professional/technical 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 health care must be made annually during open enrollment. Employees will receive a monetary reimbursement for waiving health coverage. Employees who previously waived may elect to return to EMU's healthcare plan during open enrollment.
During this time, clerical/secretarial employees who did not enroll in the Short Term Disability benefit in the spring will have the opportunity to enroll, with coverage becoming effective Jan. 1, 2005. The Benefits Office has scheduled two informational sessions explaining this benefit on the following dates: Monday, Oct. 25, noon-1 p.m.; and Wednesday, Nov. 3, noon-1 p.m., both in 108 Marshall. Clerical/secretarial employees who are interested in this benefit should complete an enrollment application and turn it in to the Benefits Office by Nov. 5. To have this benefit, employees have to pay $15 per month, with the University paying for the rest. Any questions can be directed to Brandi Bonney by calling 487-3195.
During the open enrollment period, any changes relating to dependents (additions which were not previously added within 30 days of the event) may also be done.
In addition, verification of the IRS dependency of children between the ages of 19-25 must be provided during this period. Failure to verify dependency will result in a loss of coverage for children between the ages of 19-25. The requirement applies to all children between 19 and 25 covered by health and dental plans.
There is a cost to continue the dependent on one's health care. The rates will be published in the Healthcare Open Enrollment booklet for 2004, which will be mailed to employees' homes. These rates will be deducted on a pre-tax basis per pay period, starting with the first pay period of January 2005. There is no cost to continue dependent dental coverage provided the verification of IRS dependency has been submitted.
The Benefits Office, 202 Bowen, must receive all enrollment forms no later than Nov. 5, 2004. Failure to provide the completed form(s) will result in termination of the dependent's health and/or dental care effective Dec. 31, 2004.
