---

Ask Benefits

---

by Diane Jenkins, Benefits Manager

The information in this month's column addresses questions you may have about your health insurance. Please e-mail your other benefits questions to journal or call the Benefits Office, ext. 8-2155.

What happens during open enrollment?
Open enrollment is the time when eligible CalPERS members may enroll in health/dental plans, change health/dental plans, or add eligible family members to their health/dental plan enrollment.

When is open enrollment for health, dental insurance, dependent care, health care reimbursement account, and flexcash programs?
The 2001 open enrollment period is through October 15. Due to the dramatic increase in health plan changes, open enrollment decisions need to be made in a timely manner in order to receive your I.D. card by Jan. 1, 2002.

If I have Aetna Health Insurance, do I have to change to another health insurance plan?
If you fail to select a new health plan during open enrollment, you will be automatically enrolled in the CalPERS self-funded PERS Choice plan, effective Jan. 1, 2002.

What do I do if I don't want to change health/dental insurance and flexcash programs?
You do not have to do anything to continue with your current health/dental insurance and flexcash programs. Your current enrollment will remain in effect.

Whom do I contact to change my health plan?
For open enrollment changes, the Benefits Office staff will be available to assist employees in completing the enrollment forms without appointment on September 10, 12, 18, 25, 27, 10 a.m. through 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. through 3 p.m. at the Benefits Office - Joyal Administration Bldg., Room 243.

The effective date for all plan changes is Jan. 1, 2002.

If you are retired, you can change plans by calling or writing CalPERS. If you write you can use the Open Enrollment Change Request Form for Retiree (HBD-30) that is in the CalPERS 2001 Health Program Information packet that was mailed to your home.

How much do I have to pay out-of-pocket?
Out-of-pocket cost varies, depending on the plan you choose and your employer's contribution amount. The Benefits Office mailed insurance rates and open enrollment information to eligible employees towards the end of August. If you did not receive yours, please call the Benefits Office.

Do I have to re-enroll in the dependent care program and health care reimbursement account programs?
Yes. Dependent care and health care reimbursement account programs participation requires re-enrollment on an annual basis.

Back to University Journal, 9/10/01 Issue