Health Insurance Plans: Although the University continues to cover a significant portion (on average 88%) of the cost of the health insurance plan, employee contributions are increasing for the first time in four years.

Save Money on a 90 day Supply of Medication!
Beginning July 1, 2009, members will have the option of purchasing NEW maintenance medications for a 90-day supply, through a participating 90-day retail pharmacy or Medco mail order facility without first filling for a 30-day supply. Members who wish to ensure that the medication is effective and do not want to purchase more than a 30-day supply, after July 1, 2009, will be allowed to fill their NEW and existing maintenance medications for a maximum of three 30-day supplies. After obtaining three 30-day supplies, members will be required to purchase the maintenance medication at a 90-day supply. This results in savings for the member and the State of Delaware. Members who do not choose to fill a maintenance medication for a 90-day supply after filling the medication for three 30-day supplies, will be charged a co-pay equivalent to the applicable 90-day co-pay for the medication.

Second Opinion Program
Due to financial constraints, the Second Opinion Program through “Best Doctors” will be discontinued as of July 31. A second opinion can be obtained through your medical plan if desired.

Items to Consider:

Coordination of Benefits
If you cover your spouse, you MUST complete a new Spousal Coordination of Benefits form each year during Open Enrollment and anytime your spouse’s employment or insurance status changes. Failure to complete this form will result in a reduction of spousal benefits.

Through the Open Enrollment web form, you can help us to ensure that you are confirming correct benefit coverage for you and your family. Please take a few minutes to carefully review information for your dependents, and, if necessary, make corrections.

Open Enrollment is a great time to update/change your life or retirement plan beneficiaries and/or consider starting or adding to a voluntary retirement 403(b) plan.

If you are changing coverage or adding a dependent to one of the HMO Plans (BlueCare or Aetna), you will be asked to also designate a primary care physician (PCP) as required for each new member.

Benefits Fair
You are encouraged to attend the Employee Benefits Fair on May 7, from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Trabant University Center.

Need More Info?
Through the coming months, the Human Resources staff is ready to assist you through information sessions, printed materials, our website and, of course, personal interactions. We encourage you to review your benefits and choose the plans that are right for you! The 2009 Open Enrollment period is your once-a-year opportunity to enroll, make changes or terminate coverage in these plans. The benefits you elect during the Open Enrollment period will take effect July 1.

Please contact us by e-mail (ben-serv@udel.edu) or phone (302-831-2171) if you have questions.