News

March 20, 2012

Blood Bank of Delmarva

We've recently learned that the Blood Bank of Delmarva is reviewing its membership records and, based on this information, is notifying individuals who are no longer in an active status. If your membership has been terminated by the Blood Bank of Delmarva and you would like to re-apply for coverage, please complete an enrollment form and return it to the UD HR-Benefits Office at 413 Academy Street.

Please keep in mind that a participant or his/her designee must donate a pint of blood when requested by the Blood Bank (approximately every 18-24 months). Whenever a blood donation is not possible, a $30 payment to the Blood Bank of Delaware is acceptable to keep your membership active.

Attention FSA Plan Participants:

During the week of October 3, 2011, ASIFlex (the third-party administrator of our Flexible Spending Account Plans) will be issuing statements to everyone who has available funds for the third quarter of the 2011 plan year. Individuals with an e-mail address on file with ASIFlex will be notified that a statement is available for them to view in their ASIFlex on-line account. Individuals who have not provided ASIFlex with an email address will receive their statement via U.S. mail at the home address on file with the University. Please keep in mind that claims for expenses incurred during the plan year and subsequent grace period (ending March 15, 2012) must be filed no later than April 30, 2012. After April 2012, all unclaimed 2011 funds will be forfeited.

Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan benefits Workshops

The following evening workshops are being held to provide information regarding Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan benefits. No pre-registration is required.

New Castle County	Kent County	Sussex County
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Place: Brandywine High School 1400 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803	Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Place: Delaware State Troopers' Assoc. Exit onto Messina Hill Rd off N. DuPont Hwy, Cheswold, DE 19936	Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Place: Del Tech Owens Campus Arts & Science Center, College Theater, Georgetown, DE 19947
Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Place: Stanton Middle School 1800 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804

Blood Bank of Delmarva

We've recently learned that the Blood Bank of Delmarva is reviewing its membership records and, based on this information, is notifying individuals who are no longer in an active status. If your membership has been terminated by the Blood Bank of Delmarva and you would like to re-apply for coverage, please complete an enrollment form and return it to the UD HR-Benefits Office at 413 Academy Street. You may also fax it to us at 302-831-1482.

Please keep in mind that a participant or his/her designee must donate a pint of blood when requested by the Blood Bank (approximately every 18-24 months). Whenever a blood donation is not possible, a $30 payment to the Blood Bank of Delaware is acceptable to keep your membership active.

News from the Office of Statewide Benefits

Alere Health Portal

We have just been informed that the DelaWELL Health Portal will be down today, January 6th at 9:00 PM ET through January 7th at 6:00 AM ET for Alere system maintenance.

The site will be down again beginning at 9:00 PM ET January 14th through 6:00 AM on January 17th.

The site will include a message that instructs participants that we are down for maintenance during both time periods.

IMPORTANT REMINDER – Medical and Dental Dependents that turned 21 in 2010 must provide verification of full time student status to remain eligible for coverage after 12/31/2010.

Agencies and School Districts have received email notification and instructions from the Statewide Benefits Office of those dependents covered under a Blue Cross, Aetna or Dominion plan and turning age 21 in 2010. Notification of Delta age 21 dependents will be sent via secure email no later than 1/13/11. Benefit Representatives should request a student certification from the subscribers of these dependents for Spring 2011 and maintain such verification on file. If the dependent is not a full time student or the subscriber has not provided documentation by 1/28/11, please terminate the dependent's coverage in PHRST effective 1/1/11.

Please contact Colleen Kondelis or Fran Nichols in the Statewide Benefits Office if you have questions. Thank you.

IMPORTANT NEWS from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) on Laboratory Services Effective 2-1-11

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) has announced that effective February 1, 2011, Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), including DIANON Systems, a LabCorp subsidiary, will become the exclusive, non-hospital commercial laboratory provider for BCBSD members. Please note that this change does not impact hospitals or physicians that are in-network providers for laboratory services.
BCBSD members who have laboratory services performed within the hospital setting or in a physician's office will still be able to utilize these facilities. For example, if you receive laboratory services, or your specimens are sent, to a hospital that is a network provider for laboratory services or an outpatient center affiliated with an in-network hospital, the service will still be covered at the in-network level.
Also, please note the following:
If you use LabCorp: Claims will process at the in-network level.

If you use a hospital or physician that is an in-network provider for laboratory services: Claims will process at the in-network level.

If you use Quest Diagnostics, AmeriPath or CLBPath:

• If you have in- and out-of-network benefits: Claims for these providers (which will be considered out-of-network effective February 1, 2011) will be processed at the out-of-network level. In these cases, you may be responsible the difference between the billed amount and the amount paid by BCBSD.
• If you do not have out-of-network benefits (i.e., you are in BCBSD's HMO/BlueCare® IPA Plan): Claims for these out-of-network providers will be denied and you will be responsible for the entire cost.
  
• If you live and receive services outside of BCBSD's service area: This requirement does not apply to you because you utilize your local Blue Plan's provider network.
  
• If you are a Special Medicfill® member: This requirement does not apply to you because Medicare is the primary payor of laboratory services.
  
  

When visiting LabCorp, you may be asked, but are not required, to provide credit card information to pay for any out-of-pocket costs (copay, deductible and/or coinsurance, as applicable). If you choose not to submit credit card information, services will still be provided. You will be mailed a statement indicating your applicable out-of-pocket costs.

If you live in Delaware or a contiguous county, you will receive additional information from BCBSD regarding this laboratory network change.

If you have any questions, or want to learn more, please contact BCBSD's Customer Service Department at 1-800-633-2563 or 429-0260. You may also contact the Statewide Benefits Office at 1-800-489-8933 or 739-8331.

® Registered trademark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

Visit Lab Corp's website to learn more about Lab Corp, find a facility, or make an appointment at www.labcorp.com

2011 prescription drug formulary available

MEDCO and the Delaware Office of Statewide Benefits recently released the 2011 prescription drug formulary, a listing that summarizes medications commonly prescribed under the State of Delaware Group Health Insurance Plan. Jan. 1 each year is the date when medications may move from preferred to non-preferred status.

The formulary can be found at: http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml Benefits-eligible employees who are enrolled in one of the University's health plan options are advised to check the listing and share a copy of the updated formulary with their physician(s).

For more information about pharmacy benefits, call the MEDCO customer service center at 1-800-939-2142.

Pre-Retirement Workshop

The Pre-Retirement Workshop that was scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2010 was cancelled due to a power outage at Delaware Technical and Community College, Stanton Campus. This workshop has been rescheduled as shown below:

New Castle County
Date: Monday, November 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Place: Del Tech Stanton Campus
Auditorium: A114 & A116
Newark, DE

This half-day workshop is sponsored by the State of Delaware Pension Office and the Social Security Administration. There is no cost to attend this workshop, and no registration is required.

As a reminder, another half-day workshop is being held on Saturday, November 20, 2010, located at the Delaware State Troopers Association (Exit onto Messina Hill Road off N. DuPont Highway, Cheswold, DE 19936) from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. This workshop is sponsored by the State of Delaware Pension Office, Statewide Benefits, Social Security Administration, and Deferred Compensation. Again, there is no cost to attend this workshop, and no registration is required.

Download the Workshop flyer here

Related News: Article on New Journal

Impact of Health Care Reform on Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Effective January 1, 2011, in order to receive reimbursement for over‐the‐counter (OTC) drug expenses incurred, you will be required to submit supporting documentation, such as a physician's statement. Currently, you are able to receive reimbursement for these expenses without any additional documentation. This change applies to OTC medicines and drugs only and does not affect OTC supplies or equipment, or other expense types.

Following are some examples of OTC medicine categories no longer eligible for a tax break without a prescription after January 1, 2011:

Acid Controllers
Allergy & Sinus
Anti-Diarrhea Products
Anti-Gas Products
Anti-Itch & Insect Bite Products
Baby Rash Ointments
Cold Sore Remedies
Cough, Cold & Flu Products
Digestive Aids
Feminine Anti-Fungal/Anti-Itch
Hemorrhoid Remedies
Laxatives
Motion Sickness
Pain Relief
Respiratory Treatments
Sleep Aids & Sedatives
Stomach Ailment Remedies

Please see the following Q & A for additional details about this change.

Q. When will the changes become effective?

A. The changes are effective for purchases of over-the-counter medicines and drugs without a prescription after Dec. 31, 2010. The changes do not affect purchases of over-the-counter medicines and drugs in 2010, even if they are reimbursed after Dec. 31, 2010.

Q. How do I prove that I have purchased an over-the-counter medicine or drug with a prescription so that I can get reimbursed from my health FSA?

A. You should provide the prescription (or a copy of the prescription or another item showing that a prescription for the item has been issued) and the customer receipt (or similar third-party documentation showing the date of the sale and the amount of the charge). For example, documentation could consist of a customer receipt issued by a pharmacy that reflects the date of sale and the amount of the charge, along with a copy of the prescription; or it could consist of a customer receipt that identifies the name of the purchaser (or the name of the person for whom the prescription applies), the date and amount of the purchase and an Rx number.

Q. How does this change affect over-the-counter medical devices and supplies?

A. The new rule does not apply to items for medical care that are not medicines or drugs. Thus, equipment such as crutches, supplies such as bandages, hearing aid batteries and diagnostic devices such as blood sugar test kits will still qualify for reimbursement by a health FSA if purchased after Dec. 31, 2010.

Q. Will I need a prescription to use my health FSA funds for insulin purchases after Dec. 31, 2010?

A. No. You can continue to use your health FSA funds to purchase insulin without a prescription after Dec. 31, 2010.

Q. I use health FSA funds for my co-pays and deductibles. Will I still be able to reimburse those expenses with health FSA funds after Dec. 31, 2010?

A. Yes. Co-pays and deductibles continue to be reimbursable from a health FSA after Dec. 31, 2010.

Q. The University gives me time beyond the end of the year to submit claims for health FSA expenses incurred during the year. What happens if I purchase over-the-counter medicines or drugs without a prescription in 2010 but do not submit the claim for those expenses until January 2011? Will they qualify for reimbursement?

A. Yes. The new restriction on plan reimbursements for the cost of over-the-counter medicines or drugs without a prescription applies only to purchases that are made after 2010.

Q. The University's health care FSA includes a provision for a grace period, so that if I don't spend all of the money in my health FSA by Dec. 31 in a given year, I can still use the amount left in my health FSA at the end of the year to reimburse expenses I incur during the first 2 ½ months of the following year. If I buy over-the-counter medicines or drugs without a prescription during the 2 ½ month grace period of 2011, can I still use the amount left in my health FSA at the end of 2010 to reimburse those expenses?

A. No. The change applies to purchases made on or after Jan. 1, 2011. Even though the University's plan includes the 2 ½ month grace period provision, the cost of over-the-counter medicines and drugs purchased without a prescription during the first 2 ½ months of 2011 will not be eligible to be reimbursed by a health FSA.

Q. Will I be able to use my FSA benefits card to pay for over-the-counter medicines or drugs after Dec. 31, 2010?

A. Generally, no. For further information, see IRS Notice 2010-59. You can seek reimbursement for these expenses by presenting the information described above in the answer to the question "How do I prove that I have purchased an over-the-counter medicine or drug with a prescription so that I can get reimbursed from my employer's health FSA?"

BENEFIT NEWS THIS WEEK!

• The Maintenance Medication Program, provided by Medco, became effective 7-1-09 and will be expanded effective 9-1-10 to include more medications used to treat chronic or long-term conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure (hypertension), cholesterol, and diabetes. Members using maintenance medications will receive a letter, in the near future at their home, from Medco advising them to obtain a 90-day prescription rather than a 30-day prescription for these medications. Members using 30-day prescriptions rather than a 90-day, will receive a "penalty" on the fourth request for a 30-day prescription. The penalty is that the member will receive a 30-day supply of medication BUT will be charged a 90-day co-pay. Medco's letter, a list of Maintenance Medications, and information on other prescription programs is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml
  
  
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) has authorized, effective 8-9-10, both Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware, and St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, as a "Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. Information on this and other health care programs is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/medical/index.shtml
  
  
• Remember the Diabetic Program, provided by Medco, is available for members receiving diabetic supplies and medications. Diabetic supplies are free. Diabetic medications purchased at the same time may be obtained for one co-pay. Diabetic medications are considered to be maintenance medication and must be filled in conformance with the Maintenance Medication Program. Information on this and other prescription programs is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml

Education, health plans help UD excel

To view the contents on DelawareOnline.com, visit the following links

• http://www.DelawareOnline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201008060345/BUSINESS/8150321
• http://delawareonline.topworkplaces.com/company_survey/university-of-delawa_delaware/delaware_10
• http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/BUSINESS/100810037/1006&theme=TOPWORKPLACES10&template=theme

News From Delaware Office of Statewide Benefits

• Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) have begun distributing new Identification Cards (ID Cards) to all employees enrolled in either health care plan effective July 1, 2010.  Employees should watch their home mail for their new ID Cards and present it when receiving services at doctor’s offices, labs, hospitals, etc.  ID Cards are being mailed in batches so not all employees may receive their card at the same time, but all ID Cards should be received by July 1. Employees needing additional ID Cards or who have not received their ID Cards by July 1 should contact either Aetna’s Customer Services at 1-877-542-3862 or BCBSD’s Customer Services at 1-800-633-2563 or 429-0260.   Please remember that prescriptions are provided through Medco and all employees/dependents should show their Medco ID Card when having prescriptions filled. 

• Lab Corp’s staff may request that a credit card be provided at the time of service.  This is a request not a requirement.  Members may decline the request and still receive services.  Information on this is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/medical/bcbs/index.shtml   Members with concerns should contact Statewide Benefits Office at  739-8331 or 1-800-489-8933.

• Statewide Benefits has expanded its Employee Assistance Program webpage to share available services provided by HMS, see http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/eap/index.shtml  Members of the State of Delaware’s health care programs can expect to receive a Welcome Letter from HMS in the next few weeks, encouraging members to reach out to HMS to receive a wide range of services at no cost. HMS may be reached at 1-800-343-2186 for additional information.

• Statewide Benefits has also updated the lists of 90-day participating pharmacies in and out of Delaware on its prescription webpage, see http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml  Please note that not all pharmacies within a chain participate as a 90-day participating pharmacy and not all pharmacy chains participate as 90-day participating pharmacies.  To receive the best value in purchasing 90-day prescriptions, a 90-day participating pharmacy or Medco-by-Mail should be used.  Medco’s Member Services are available at  1-800-939-2142 to provide additional information.

Update: Health Plan Coverage for Dependents

The Delaware Office of Statewide Benefits has issued the following information about health insurance coverage for dependents to age 26. On May 10th, federal rules related to implementing the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which extend dependent coverage under group health plans and individual health insurance policies to adult children who have not reached age 26, were issued. Based on these rules, health plans must begin to cover dependents up to age 26 on the first of the plan year after September 23, 2010. For the State of Delaware Group Health Plan, this would be July 1, 2011. As the federal mandate for coverage of dependents up to age 26 is not effective until July 1, 2011, the Group Health Plan must abide by current State of Delaware law, which provides for coverage for dependents up to age 21, or age 24 if the dependent is a full-time student. Therefore, dependents who are graduating from college at this time or turning age 24 must be removed from their parent's plan until the future implementation date of the coverage for dependents up to age 26.

Reminder: Spousal Coordination of Benefits Forms

Please keep in mind that if you cover your spouse on your UD health plan you must complete a Spousal Coordination of Benefits form each year during open enrollment. If you have not already done so, please go online at http://www.ben.omb.delaware.gov/documents/cob/index.shtml to complete the form as soon as possible to avoid reduction in spousal coverage.

News Archive

• Check here for information on the downstate Benefits & Wellness Fair
• 2012 Benefits/Wellness Fair, May 10 from 9:30am-3:00pm in Trabant
• Nominations open for John Warren Excellence in Leadership and Service Award
• Spring into Wellness!
• Office of Human Resources chosen for national conference presentation
• Blood Bank of Delmarva sending notifications to non-active members
• 2011 Total Compensation Statement
• W-2's were mailed January 27, reprint availabilily begins February 13 by completing the W-2 Reprint Request Form
• Alison Hill named HR Liaison of Quarter
• Office of Human Resources unveils new employee training website
• Civil Union Act: Enrollment information
• Reduced fees for Fidelity Investments mutual funds
• University employees encouraged to 'Know Your Numbers'
• UD Employee Wellness workshop explores New Year's resolutions
• Employee intramural volleyball returns for Winter Session
• UD comes through again for United Way, raising $192,000
• Susan James Named HR Liaison of the Quarter
• Cooking demonstration for employees to feature 'comfort foods'
• 2011 United Way employee campaign kicks-off October 11
• FSA Open Enrollment, November 7-21
• Attention FSA Plan Participants
• Employee Wellness: Are you ready to take the Dare?
• Dare to Donate! Your help is needed November 16
• Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan Pre-retirement Education
• Human Resources accepting Tuition Exchange Program applications
• Financial planning, retirement, savings seminars scheduled Oct. 17-21
• 2011-2012 Seasonal flu shots are available for faculty and staff...
• Register NOW for your 2011-2012 Wellness Plus Membership
• University honored in Chronicle's Great Colleges to Work For 2011
• University participates in annual Delaware State Fair
• Christine Shinn named HR Liaison of the Quarter
• Upgrading the recruitment process
• Third annual UDid It! picnic honors employee contributions
• Benefits & Wellness: What's New for 2011-2012?
• UD employees have until June 30 to spend their Wellness Dollars for this fiscal year.
• Employee Merit Screens released, due back to Records Management May 31, 2011
• Reduced fees for TIAA-CREF mutual funds
• Susan Phipps named HR Liaison of the Quarter
• 2011-2012 Benefits Open Enrollment has been extended through Friday, May 27!
• UDid It! employee appreciation celebration picnic, Monday, June 6
• Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day success!
• Benefits & Wellness Fair scheduled for Tuesday, May 17th from 9:30am to 3:00pm
• 'Rx Laughter' for employees
• Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan benefits Workshops
• Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, Thursday, April 28, 2011
• Statewide Benefits Announces CDH Gold Plan Briefing Sessions
• Blood Bank of Delmarva
• What's a 529 College Savings Plan? Click here to get more information!
• 2010 Total Compensation Statement
• W-2 forms mailed January 28, reprints available starting February 11
• Doug Tobias named HR Liaison of the Quarter
• Space still available in March 7-10 workshops on smart investing, register now!
• News from the Office of Statewide Benefits
• 2011 prescription drug formulary available
• Employee Education and Development announces Feb. 1 workshops
• Important Notice...Lab Services for BCBSD Members
• FSA 2011 News: Over-The-Counter Medications
• Invest in Your Health and Earn Big with DelaWELL's new program
• Two rankings put UD among world's top universities
• Letter to faculty, staff outlines human resource initiatives
• Pre-Retirement Workshops offered by the State of Delaware Office of Pensions
• Training and Organizational Development sets workshops
• Check out the latest programs from Employee Wellness!
• Health/Prescription Drug Plan Updates
• Education, health plans help UD excel
• Sherry Rowland-Perry named HR Liaison of the Quarter
• 'Dare to be fit' kickoff draws near
• UD named a '2010 Great College to Work For'
• BCBSDE High-Tech Radiology Management Program
• News From Delaware Office of Statewide Benefits
• Update: Health Plan Coverage for Dependents
• Reminder: Spousal Coordination of Benefits Forms
• Benefits: What's changed for 2010-2011?
• 2010 - 2011 Health Plan Comparison Chart and Rates
• PCP locators for Aetna and BlueCare HMO plans
• Brown named HR Liaison of the Quarter
• Retiree Benefits website now available
• Employee Merit (EM) - Name Change
• 2010 Benefits & Wellness Fair May 6, Trabant Multipurpose Rooms A, B, and C
• Screening Zone, May 6 (9:30am - 3pm) Trabant University Center 2nd Floor
• Flexible Benefits Open Enrollment May 3 - 19
• Excellence In Human Resource Practices Award, April 2010
• April 30 deadline for staff performance appraisals
• HR announces new Service Award Program
• Course Fee Waiver Application now a webform
• Access your 2009 Total Compensation Statement
• 2009 Get The Best From Your Benefits?
• Health Plan Comparison Charts and Rates