From: "Rosario van Daalen" <rosario@usmd.edu>

Date: April 6, 2011 7:04:09 PM EDT

To: <CUSS@usmd.edu>

Subject: Open Enrollment Packets 

Health Benefits Open Enrollment packets are currently in distribution.  Some Institutions may deliver them to your offices; others may mail them to your homes.  Please be sure to look for a large white envelope with red print on the bottom instructing you to OPEN IMMEDIATELY!!!

When the booklet was printed, the Department of Budget and Management's Employee Benefits Division (DBM/EBD) did not yet have benefit rates or the final information about the Prescription Plan.  DBM included a notice in the packet explaining that a Supplement will be distributed by the start of Open Enrollment listing all rates and any new information that you will need, to make your benefit selections for the new plan year starting 7/1/11.  The Open Enrollment Period is April 26 through May 26, 2011.  NOTE:  There is no correction period this year – May 26 is the END.

As in past years, you do not need to take any action if you want to continue your benefits as you had them in FY2011.  There is an exception though:  you must always re-enroll in a Health Care or Dependent Care Spending Account for the new Plan Year.  Any changes you make (or additions for an FY2012 Spending Account) MUST BE MADE THROUGH THE INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE (IVR) SYSTEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE PACKET.  

Important changes highlighted in the Booklet or the upcoming Supplement are:

- Change to Prescription Benefits Copays and Maximums

- Extension of Adult Child Coverage to Age 26

- Elimination of Lifetime Maximum on PPO and POS Plans

- Zero Copays on Preventive Care Services

Institution Benefits Coordinators are prepared to answer your questions, or need assistance with your enrollment.  Please plan in attending the Open Enrollment Health Benefits Fairs presented at your Institutions or other State Agencies.   For further updates and fairs check the DBM website: http://dbm.maryland.gov/benefits/Pages/HBHome.aspx and look for the 2011-2012 information.

 

Thank you,

Rosario.