U-M faculty and staff will be able to see 2012 benefit plan rates on Wolverine Access as soon as Aug. 22.
In the past, faculty and staff only could view their personalized rates on Wolverine Access during the Open Enrollment period, or by using the health plan rate calculator on the Benefits Office website. The new rate pages will display both the 2011 and 2012 rates so that faculty and staff can begin planning for their benefits plan choices well in advance of the Open Enrollment period, taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 11.
Open Enrollment is the annual opportunity for faculty, staff and retirees to review their current benefits and make new choices for the next calendar year. Upcoming changes include optional online enrollment for retirees, no co-pay for preventive services, a co-pay increase for certain prescription drugs, and the elimination of the Priority Health plan.
Here’s a summary of what to expect:
Wolverine Access available for retirees
New this year, U-M retirees will be able to log on to Wolverine Access to view their 2011 and 2012 benefits plan rates. And retirees can make benefits changes online during Open Enrollment.
In August retirees will receive a letter with their login ID and instructions on how to obtain a password needed to use Wolverine Access. Online enrollment is optional for retirees, and an Open Enrollment book with a benefits enrollment form still will be mailed to their homes in late September. Retiree elections can be completed using Wolverine Access or the benefits enrollment form.
What’s new for 2012
• No co-pay for preventive services: Copayments, deductibles and coinsurance may be waived for certain preventive screenings, immunizations and counseling services. To know which preventive services are covered, health plan participants can ask their health care provider or view the HealthCare.gov website at www.healthcare.gov/law/about/provisions/services/lists.html.
• Co-pay increase for Tier 3 nonpreferred drugs: The co-pay for nonpreferred brand name prescription drugs (Tier 3) will increase from $35 to $45. The co-pay amount for generic medications remains $5.
• Priority Health plan eliminated: As announced last year, the Priority Health plan will not be offered at U-M beyond this year. During Open Enrollment, current Priority Health members should select a different health plan for coverage in 2012. Members who do not select a different plan automatically will be enrolled in Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Blue PPO, with coverage effective Jan. 1. Automatic enrollment provides protection against a lapse in health care coverage.
Before changing health plans, members should verify if their current health care provider, or hospital, participates with the plan. Links to online provider directories are available on the Benefits Office website at benefits.umich.edu/plans/medical/providers.html.
Open Enrollment for 2012 benefits schedule
• Aug. 22: 2012 benefit plan rates available on Wolverine Access at wolverineaccess.umich.edu
• Late September: Open Enrollment information available on the Benefits Office website at benefits.umich.edu/events/oe
• Oct. 31-Nov. 11: Open Enrollment period. View current enrollments and make benefits changes using Wolverine Access at wolverineaccess.umich.edu. All elections must be submitted by 5 p.m. Eastern Time Nov. 11.
• Jan. 1: New rates and plan changes take effect
Resources
• Frequently asked benefits questions: askhr.umich.edu
• Call the HR/Payroll Service Center: 5-2000 from the U-M Ann Arbor campus, 734-615-2000 local, or 866-647-7657 toll free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Have your UMID number ready when you call.
