Decisions Due on Benefit Plans

Two notable changes face Berkeley employees during this month's open- enrollment period for benefits.

The change that will affect the largest number is the merger of QualMed into Health Net. In addition, a new option and other changes have been made to the UC Care Plan.

Open enrollment is the one time each year when employees may change medical and dental plans; enroll in the legal plan; enroll, change, or cancel dependent-care participation; and add eligible family members to plans, if they haven't already done so.

This year, open enrollment is Nov. 1- 30, with nearly all changes effective Jan. 1. All forms must be turned in to the payroll department in University Hall by Nov. 30 at 5 pm.

To learn about the details of each plan, the Benefits Office will host an open-enrollment information fair on Nov. 16 from 9 am to 3 pm in the ASUC's Pauley Ballroom. Formal presentations will be made at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.

At the fair, representatives from all health plan providers will be on hand to answer questions and supply service directories. The chancellor has authorized one hour of release time so employees can attend the informational fair.

By now, employees should have received at home in the mail details on open enrollment, said Susan Gutierrez, benefits analyst at Berkeley. The booklet, titled "Open Enrollment 1994," outlines all plans, including changes and costs.

Changes this year are in the medical plans. There have been no plan changes in dental, dependent care, legal, optical, accidental death and dismemberment, or tax savings on insurance premiums. (continued on open enrollment, see Gazette Page Items in prior menu)