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Human Resources Consolidates Health PlansBy Mika Ono
"Currently, we offer three different plans—Plan E, Plan 2, and Plan 3—in addition to a catastrophic medical coverage option," says Human Resources Manager Ellen Anderson. "Based on the confusion this has caused among employees, we decided to streamline and simplify our offerings." The current plans differ in required deductibles, percentage of expenses covered, and access to medical providers outside the physician network. The Comprehensive Medical Plan, which will be similar to the most extensive of the currently available plans, Plan 3, will offer in-network and out-of-network coverage as well as access to the vision plan, mental health plan, and prescription plan. Those currently participating in Plan E, Plan 2, and Plan 3 will be automatically switched to the new plan at the beginning of the year, unless they elect coverage under the Catastrophic Medical Plan or waive coverage during the Open Enrollment period, to be held Monday, October 29 through Friday, November 9, 2001. TSRI graduate students will remain on the student medical plan. Specifically, employee coverage will be as follows:
Employees will not pay more for this benefit enhancement, unless they have dependents on their plan. In this case, they will pay a nominal additional cost—about $17 more per month—which also reflects an increase in medical costs in general, especially the rising cost of prescriptions. In another improved benefit, beginning on January 1, 2002, all new TSRI employees will receive health insurance from their date-of-hire. Currently, some employees must wait a month or more to be enrolled in the medical plan. Questions about benefits can be directed to TSRI's dedicated benefits line, x4-8487. Information about benefits is also available on the Benefits Administration web page. |
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