Sign Up for Health Dental, Vision Insurance Oct. 2-14
Health premium increase kept to one-third of the national average
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
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Open Enrollment Resources Take advantage of tax savings by using reimbursement accounts How to Get More Information Open enrollment packets with details about Duke’s health, dental and vision plans and how to make changes or sign up for a plan will be mailed to employees in mid-September. Information sessions about reimbursement accounts and health, dental and vision coverage are September 25 through October 13. Find a session on the Duke Human Resources website. Representatives from the Duke Open Enrollment Service Center are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday from September 27 through October 13; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 7 and October 14. Call (877) 371-9963. |
Duke’s premium increases for health insurance will be about one-third of the national average in 2007, said Lois Ann Green, director of Benefits. Duke premiums will increase no more than $2.50 per month for individuals, and no more than $10 per month for families next year. And, there are no increases for co-pays or deductibles for health, dental and vision insurance.
This is the big news of annual open enrollment for health benefits and reimbursement accounts. Faculty and staff can make changes or enroll in health, dental and vision benefits during open enrollment from Oct. 2 to Oct. 14.
“We were able to keep the increase in cost low with no major plan design changes due in large part to positive outcomes we have seen from our preventive health efforts,” Green said. “We are able to offer employees comprehensive coverage at a lower cost than what is available in the market or at many local and regional employers.”
Open enrollment season is an opportunity for faculty and staff to choose health, dental and vision plans that best meet their needs. Faculty and staff who want tax savings through a health care or dependent care reimbursement account must enroll separately in these plans. They do not automatically renew each year.
Next year, Duke Select premiums, which cover the majority of Duke’s health plan participants, will increase $1.50 per month for individuals; $9.50 per month for family coverage. The monthly premium increase is slightly higher for Blue Care and Duke Options, depending on coverage selected. For the second straight year, Duke Basic participants will not have a premium increase. And co-pays for all prescription drugs will not go up in 2007.
Also in 2007, an expanded provider network will be offered in Wake County for those enrolled in Duke Select and Duke Basic. This will include primary and specialty care physicians; obstetrics and most pediatric inpatient services will be provided through Rex Healthcare.
Duke also offers vision coverage and a choice of twodental plans. The nationwide vision plan provides coverage for prescription lenses and frames, contact lenses (in lieu of frames) and an annual eye exam. There will be no premium increase for the vision care plan in 2007. The premium for the more comprehensive dental plan will rise $1.33 for individuals; $4.04 for family coverage. The cost for the basic dental plan remains unchanged.
“We want to continue to mitigate the increasing cost of health care in the years to come,” Green said. “We all play an important role in achieving this goal. By understanding our personal health conditions and taking steps to improve our health and reduce risks, both our quality of life and costs of health care will benefit.”
What's New in 2007
Health Care Plan
No increase in co-pays or deductibles for health and pharmacy benefits. Premiums for most full-time faculty and staff with individual coverage will increase no more than $2.50 per month, and no more than $10 per month for families
An expanded provider network will be offered in Wake County for those enrolled in Duke Select and Duke Basic that will include primary and specialty care physicians. Obstetrics and most pediatric inpatient services will be provided through Rex Healthcare.
As a reminder, for employees enrolled in Duke Select and Duke Options, pre-certified speech, physical and occupational therapy for children with developmental delays is covered effective July 1, 2006.
Dental Care Plan
Premiums for Dental Plan A will increase only $1.33 for individuals and $4.04 for family coverage. There will be no increase in deductibles.
No increase in premiums or deductibles for Dental Plan B.
Vision Care Plan
No increase in co-pays or premiums for the Vision Plan.
