Employee health care contributions increasing

By Adrienne Gavula

The cost of health insurance is increasing for everyone, including Ohio University employees. "The cost of health insurance at the University and throughout the region continues to rise at double digit rates. Due to strains this places on budgets, the University needs employees to share a little more of this cost," said Greg Fialko, benefits director for University Human Resources.

Before 1998, Ohio University employees were not required to contribute into their benefits package but by 2005, employees will be contributing 10 percent.

The goal was to increase the amount employees pay into their benefits package each year, not all at once, Fialko said.

This increase has been communicated to employees through communication efforts by University Human Resources and through employee enrollment statements, which were mailed to each employee's home by Medical Mutual.

The decision to raise employee contributions was approved by a Benefits Advisory Committee, comprised of the Faculty, Administration and Classified senates and the Fraternal Order of Police Union.

For the upcoming year, 2003, there are no foreseeable changes being made to the benefits package, Fialko said.

"Comparatively, our employee contribution amount is significantly lower than the private sector and other universities," Fialko said. "Ohio State University employees are paying 15 percent into their benefits package."

The results of an annual survey of employer health benefit plans released Sept. 5 by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust states single-coverage employees are now paying, on average, a 27 percent increase from last year and family coverage has increased 16 percent.

The open enrollment period for selection of health care coverage runs through Oct. 31.

Adrienne Gavula is a student writer with University Communications and Marketing.