Few changes to medical plans for 2010-11 open enrollment

Current plan designs largely the same for transitional year in benefits

With a commitment to self-funding and a longer-term vision of building a culture of health and wellness, university leaders see the 2010-11 benefits plan year as a transitional year. As such, minimal changes have been made to current medical plans and plan designs.

Open enrollment for the 2010-11 plan year begins at 8 a.m. April 26 and ends at 5 p.m. May 21. Payroll & Benefit Services encourages employees to review all available options, attend an open enrollment session, and ask questions if you need more help.

Positive changes to the UA Net plan's prescription drug coverage allow the university to take advantage of some preferential pricing. The UA Net plan will have a discount copayment for retail prescriptions purchased at a University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) pharmacy. There will no longer be a 30-day supply limit on retail prescriptions. Retail prescriptions may be filled up to a 90-day supply. The UA Net plan also will offer a guest membership feature, allowing eligible dependents residing outside of Colorado and in states where Anthem network coverage exists to participate.

Other than Kaiser HMO, all university plans will have mail order prescription services provided by the UCH mail order pharmacy (UCH). Anthem and the pharmacy will coordinate the transition of any Anthem mail order prescriptions currently in place. More information about the transition process will be available prior to the new plan year.

Autism benefits have been expanded for all plans. All behavioral health services coverage will reflect similar medical specialty services coverage, including changes to a member's out-of-pocket expense (copayments, deductibles and coinsurance) and the number of allowed visits.

The BluePreferred PPO is the only university medical plan that will not be offered for 2010-11. Declining enrollment and dramatic renewal rate increases make this plan no longer viable. Only employees and eligible dependents now enrolled in the HMO-C may elect to continue coverage in this plan effective July 1.

Though there are no changes to the university Kaiser HMO or the university Delta dental plans, there will be rate increases for all plans. Details for state medical and dental plans are not yet available, though same-gender domestic partners will be eligible for enrollment for state of Colorado benefits plans effective July 1.

For more detailed information about plan changes, dependent eligibility, flexible spending accounts, optional life insurance, final rates and how to enroll, go to www.cu.edu/openenrollment.