November is open enrollment month
25 October 00 | Open enrollment begins Wednesday, Nov. 1 and continues through the end of the month. During this period, employees may transfer to a different medical or dental plan or add eligible family members to current plans.

It is also a chance to enroll in or de-enroll from UC-sponsored medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as change participation in the Dependent Care Assistance Program and the Tax Savings on Insurance Premiums program.

Career and limited career/casual employees can make open enrollment changes by calling (800) 639-3779. Transactions must be completed by midnight, Nov. 30. Forms must be used by core/casual employees and any employee adding newly available coverage for same-sex domestic partners and their children/grandchildren. Forms must be received in the Payroll Office, 171 University Hall, MC 1104, by 5 p.m., Nov. 30.

Changes to UC-sponsored plans cannot be made after Nov. 30. All open enrollment changes will be effective Jan. 1.

To obtain information about benefits, attend the open enrollment fair, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave.

Representatives from the medical and dental plans, other health and welfare plans, and savings and investment plans will be available to answer questions.

In late October, open enrollment packets will be mailed to the home addresses of employees. New employees will receive packets at their campus address the week of Nov. 6.

The packet will contain an open enrollment statement, booklet and worksheet, medical plan summary and a request card for additional materials. Those who have not received a packet by Nov. 10 should contact their department benefits counselor.

Upon receipt of the packet, employees should review family member information to ensure accuracy, then look at the plans to which changes can be made during open enrollment. Even if an employee makes no changes, a review of the information provided is recommended, as there may be changes to the coverage received.

Highlights of this year's open enrollment include:

• During a one-year pilot program, effective Jan. 1, members can transfer into and out of any UC-sponsored California HMO on a monthly basis, subject to various payroll deadlines.

• Most California HMOs and UC Care have reduced mental health outpatient copayments. In addition, serious emotional disturbances of a child, and nine other diagnoses, will be covered under the same terms and conditions as other medical benefits.

• Eligibility has been expanded for an employee's same-sex domestic partner and/or partner's children and grandchildren to include the legal plan, the Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan and the Basic Dependent Life and Expanded Dependent Life plans.

For information about plan providers, HMO service areas, prescription drug formularies, and benefits publications, visit the UCbencom Web site at (www.ucop.edu/bencom).