The 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 upon 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. The new and expanded benefits include increases in dependent and partner eligibility. For a full description of all changes, click here.

In order to reduce costs, the university will distribute this year's annual benefits open enrollment packets through the campus mail system. The deadline to submit paperwork is May 15.

If an enrollment package is not received by May 1, please contact Jennifer Jordan in University Human Resources at 740-593-1636. Changes are effective July 1, 2009.

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