Open enrollment for medical, dental, flexible spending and short-term disability benefits began Monday and, though the enrollment period continues through November 5, now is the ideal time to review your benefits and explore the new enhancements and changes available to Miller School employees.
That's because benefits representatives and vendors will provide information about all the options available in 2011 this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a Health, Wellness and Benefits Fair at the Medical Wellness Center. Another fair will be held on Monday, October 18, at University of Miami Hospital. Employees can get their annual influenza vaccine at either fair. Unlike last year, one shot will protect against three different strains of influenza, including the pandemic strain of H1N1.
The benefit plan enhancements include something for almost everyone:
A new HRA plan option will be available for employees who live outside Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and do not have access to UHealth providers. Eligible employees who opt for this plan will pay the same lower UHealth co-pay for services received at any Aetna in-network provider.
A walk-in employee health clinic will open on the medical campus next year to provide basic medical care for non-emergency health issues without an appointment. More information will be available as the opening approaches.
Parents who are worried about health insurance for their unemployed or uninsured adult children can relax. In compliance with the new health care reform act, employee dependents under age 26 who do not have access to their own employer's sponsored plan can be covered under UM medical plans regardless of their student, job or marital status.
For those considering bariatric surgery, the decision may get easier. Beginning next year, bariatric surgery at University of Miami Hospital will be covered for certain employees. Details about employment and medical eligibility requirements are available on the benefits website.
Though modest increases in monthly medical premiums will accompany the changes, they can be offset by participating in incentives for premium credits, including $50 for completing the Aetna online health assessment and $100 for undergoing the on-campus health screening or an annual physical.
"We have made great strides in holding down cost increases while providing comprehensive health insurance coverage to faculty and staff," said Paul Hudgins, associate vice president and medical chief human resources officer. "Faculty and staff can save money and receive quality care by understanding the health benefits, using the UHealth System, and participating in wellness programs and preventative services. We also encourage faculty and staff to complete Aetna's online "Simple Steps Health Assessment" and participate in the "Know Your Numbers" event to receive other incentives to reduce costs."
To learn how to take advantage of the University's wellness and incentive programs, be sure to the visit the Health, Wellness and Benefits Fair at the Medical Wellness Center this Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., this Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., or on Monday, October 18, at UMH Seminar Center AB between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
To enroll in a new plan or stay with your current plan, visit www.miami.edu/myUM by November 5. If you're already enrolled in a UM/Aetna plan and take no action, you will be placed in the Aetna HRA plan, effective January 1.
To review Open Enrollment information at your leisure, visit the Benefits Administration website at www.miami.edu/benefits, or follow one of the links below for more details on:
• 2011 Premiums
• 2011 Medical Plan Comparison Chart
• 2011 Health, Wellness and Benefits Guides
• Helpful Tip Sheets
