The employee charges for all three plans will remain the same as the current year. For example, if you currently have the Economy Plan and elect the HDHP for next year, the amount deducted from your pay will not change so long as you are not changing the coverage level, such as adding a spouse or children.

If you do not return an enrollment form, you and your dependents will be enrolled in the mid-level 750 Plan regardless of the plan you had before. This would affect your bi-weekly charges if you were formerly enrolled in the Economy or Deluxe Plan. However, if you waived coverage (opted out) in the past, your waived status will continue into the new plan year.

There are other changes to the plans starting July 1. Some changes are designed to improve the plan performance, and others are a result of health care reform.  There are changes that affect the pharmacy plan, dependent coverage, lifetime maximums, and expanded preventative services. There is extensive information about these changes on the benefits website. A more detailed overview of the open enrollment is available online.

You should have received an Open Enrollment packet in the mail. You also can find all the information on the benefits website. If you need a copy of the open enrollment guide, please contact your regional human resources office. There is a wealth of information and FAQs on the Benefits website; if you still have questions please contact Director of Benefits Mike Humphrey.

FAQs and general information
Find additional information and resources on the statewide benefits website: http://www.alaska.edu/benefits/