Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share with you the news that health care premiums for administrators, faculty and non-bargaining unit classified staff will decrease 9 percent for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2009, because of overall savings achieved in the University's health benefits budget.

Depending on salary levels, those with single coverage will see premium reductions from $2 to $5 per month and those with family coverage will pay $7 to $14 less per month.

The new health and welfare benefits, announced by President Roderick J. McDavis on March 13, 2009, include incentives for the use of generic prescriptions and the prescription mail order program as well as changes to deductibles and co-pays. Among the new and expanded benefits include increases in dependent and partner eligibility. For a full description of all changes, visit http://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/2009.cfm

The new plan holds employee premiums at the current rate of 9.85 percent of total plan costs. Because the benefit changes are projected to result in a reduction in the overall benefits budget, employee premiums also will drop.

You also should know that the annual benefits open enrollment process will begin next week.

This year, in order to reduce costs, the University will distribute enrollment packets through the campus mail system. You should begin receiving enrollment packets next week. If you do not receive your enrollment package by May 1, please contact Jennifer Jordan in University Human Resources at (740) 593-1636. During open enrollment, employees can make changes to their health plan, dental plan, life insurance plan, flexible spending accounts and family member eligibility.

The deadline to submit paperwork is May 15.  Changes are effective July 1, 2009.

For more information regarding open enrollment, visit http://www.ohio.edu/hr/openenrollment.cfm

Sincerely,

Luis Lewin
Chief Human Resource Officer