Center News

Benefits open enrollment begins May 7

Costs rise, but Center's health-care plans remain among region's best

Enrollment for benefits opens May 7. Don't miss the opportunity to change your benefit elections and/or establish a flexible-spending account for the upcoming plan year (July 2007 through June 2008).

With health-care costs continuing to climb much faster than inflation, the Center has been forced to raise the employee portion of health-insurance premiums. While the Center will absorb the majority of the increase this year, employee-only medical coverage increases $5 per month. Coverage of a spouse/partner or child(ren) increases $10 per month. Monthly family coverage costs have risen by $15. The level of coverage provided by the medical plans is unchanged. Center employees will have the same copays, coinsurance, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

There is no increase in the cost of dental insurance, and the dental benefits are unchanged.

The Center's health plans remain more affordable than comparable coverage from other employers in the region. For example, the average preferred-provider plan cost for employee-only coverage is $85 per month, compared to $50 at the Center for better coverage.

Employees who want to continue the same medical and dental coverage as last year do not need to do anything. Current coverage will continue for 2007-2008.

Flexible spending account contributions won't automatically continue. Such accounts are a great way to save on health-care and dependent-care expenses through use of pre-tax contributions, but you must re-enroll each year.

For the first time, health-care spending — account participants can purchase a debit-type card that allows direct electronic payment of eligible medical expenses. The annual cost is $18.

Attend one of the annual benefit fairs for a chance to talk with plan representatives and/or Human Resources staff. Take advantage of free blood-pressure checks, assistance with online enrollment, and a chance to win door prizes.

• May 7, 9 a.m.-noon, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Room 1006-1008
• May 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Arnold Building, M1A303-307

To learn more, visit http://centernet.fhcrc.org/CN/depts/hr/ben. This year's open enrollment period ends May 18.

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