Employee Matters

The Employee Compensation and Benefits Services staff prepares this column.

Fall Benefit Plan Enrollment Opportunities

What is Dual Choice?
Dual Choice is the annual opportunity for insured employees to change from one state health plan to another, or to change from single to family coverage without waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. To be eligible, employees must be insured by a State Group health plan on or before Oct. 1, 2004.

When is the Dual Choice enrollment period for Plan Year 2005?
Enrollment runs from Monday, Oct. 11, through Friday, Oct. 29, at 4:30 p.m. The coverage elected becomes effective Jan. 1, 2005. Employee premiums based on the 2005 rates will be deducted in November, unless you are in a bargaining unit that does not have a settled contract.

Will I receive information?
Employees who had health insurance effective Oct. 1 will receive a Dual Choice booklet at their campus addresses during the second week of October or shortly thereafter.

What information in the booklet should employees review?

• Review the “Notable Plan and Program Changes” section and individual plan descriptions (including dental coverage).
• Verify that your current plan is available in your area for 2005.
• Verify clinic and hospital affiliation.

What if I have specific benefit or provider questions?
Call the health carrier or attend the Benefits Fair on Oct. 13 to speak to a carrier representative. Be sure to verify that the physician you select is accepting new patients.

How do I change my health plan or coverage level?
You must complete a Health Insurance Application form if you change your health plan or your coverage level from single to family. Applications are available from your benefits coordinator. Complete the application and return it to your benefits coordinator no later than Friday, Oct. 29, at 4:30 p.m.

I missed the Dual Choice period. How do I change my health plan or coverage level?
You must wait until the Dual Choice opportunity next year. You can change to the Standard Plan anytime, but you will be subject to a 180-day waiting period for pre-existing conditions. If you missed Dual Choice enrollment for reasons outside of your control, contact the Employee Compensation and Benefits Services Office. They will determine if you are eligible to file a “late dual choice” enrollment.

What is ERA?
Employee Reimbursement Account is a program that enables employees to set aside money for either medical expenses and/or dependent care on a pre-tax basis.

Who can enroll in the ERA program?
Project or permanent classified employees and unclassified employees. Fellows, scholars, research assistants, limited-term employees and student-hourly individuals are NOT eligible.

How do I enroll?
Refer to the online enrollment procedures in the ERA booklet. Booklets are mailed to your campus address in late September. If you did not receive a booklet, contact your payroll and benefit coordinator immediately. The enrollment period is Monday, Oct. 11, through Friday, Nov. 19, at 4:30 p.m. Coverage is effective for the plan year 2005 beginning Jan. 1, 2005.

Will there be open enrollment for Excess Medical and Dental (EPIC) or Non-Represented Dental Benefits?
No open enrollment is planned for 2005.

Where can I get more information?
Visit the EC&BS Web site under “New Information” at http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/ecbs/ecbs.html or e-mail employee@bussvc.wisc.edu.