UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 29, Page FB-1
April 28, 1994
Flexible Benefits '94-'95
Letter from the Vice President

                                                            April 28, 1994
To:       Flexible Benefits Participants
From:     Maxine Colm
          Vice President for Employee Relations
Subject:  Flexible Benefits Enrollment Period


     The University's Flexible Benefits Program begins its seventh year of
operation on July 1. As a participant, you will receive materials in early
May to help you assess your health care needs and other benefits options.
This will include the Flexible Benefits book and your personalized
enrollment form. This year, the enrollment period runs from May 2 through
May 13. You only need to return the enrollment form if you are making a
change in benefit coverage, joining or continuing your participation in a
flexible spending account (FSA).
     As you know, the Flexible Benefits Program gives you the opportunity
to choose the amount of coverage you need and to decide how your benefits
dollars will be spent. The cost for Basic medical, dental, life insurance
and disability insurance is covered by UDollars. Because FSAs help pay for
other expenses such as day care and certain nonreimbursable health care
expenses, you may wish to consider FSA deductions which are withheld from
your paycheck on a before-tax basis.
     I am also pleased to tell you that the elements of the University's
Flexible Benefits program remain essentially the same as in prior years.
This year, health care premiums have increased an average of 3.1 percent,
except for the Principal program where expanded coverage has resulted in a
somewhat greater increase.
     It is important, therefore, that you carefully review your personal
health care needs and compare the costs and benefits of each option before
you make a decision about which flexible benefits program, is right for
you.
     If you have questions, please call the Benefits Office, at 831-6349 or
831-8156, and also plan to attend one of the May workshops which will help
in your review of available health care options.