UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 30, Page FB-1
May 2, 1996
Flexible Benefits '96-'97
Letter from Dr. Colm

  Date:     May 2, 1996
  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 ninth 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, your
personal benefits report and FLEX BY PHONE worksheet. This year, the
enrollment period runs from May 6 through May 17. To make a change in
your benefit coverage, join or continue your participation in a
flexible spending account (FSA), call FLEX BY PHONE at 831-3331 during
the enrollment period.
     This year the University rebid its dental, group life, and
disability insurance programs. As a result, I am pleased to tell you
that these programs have been improved. The enhancements are detailed
in this UpDate insert and in your flexible benefits booklet.
     As you know, the Flexible Benefits Program gives you the
opportunity to choose the amount of coverage you need and to decide
how your benefit 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.
     It is important that you carefully review each of the flexible
benefits options before you make a decision about which program is
best for you. If you have questions, please call the Benefits Office
at 831-2913, and also plan to attend one of the May workshops which
will help in your review of available benefits options.