We have just completed the negotiations with the insurance companies for our plan year which goes into effect August 1, 2016. 
 
PLAN CHANGE HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the plan changes are as follows:

• We are continuing with United Healthcare this year, offering two options.  They continue to have the same names of "Base Plan" and "Buy-Up Plan", but the benefits are different from last year so please read the attachments that were sent to you via email on July 8, 2015, which include the Open Enrollment Memo.
• Our dental coverage will remain with Guardian with a slight change in premiums. 
• Our Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan is unchanged.  The maximum limit on the Health FSA remains $1,500 and the Dependent Care FSA remains $5,000. 
• Our life insurance coverage and voluntary life coverage remains the same.

Please read the Open Enrollment Memo that details the benefits and what, if any, actions are required on your part. 
 
Also, we have worked with Hill, Chesson & Woody to provide a web presentation highlighting the plan benefits, as well as United Healthcare's new offering -- "Virtual Visits.”  Watch this helpful presentation for  important information about what is included under the umbrella of "Preventative Care,” learn what constitutes a "Qualifying Event,” and be aware of "Hidden Providers.”  The link to this presentation is included in the memo, or you may watch it here.

WHAT NEXT?

Carefully review the attached Open Enrollment Memo. The memo details what your next steps are depending on which benefits you're electing. All required forms were provided to benefits-eligible employees via email from Denise Byrd and Kirsten Thornburg on July 8. The Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) documents are not available at this time but will be emailed to you once received.

After you complete all the necessary forms, please return them to Denise Byrd at dbyrd@highmarkcompanies.com no later than 10 a.m. EST, July 15, 2016. If you are faxing your forms, please use our electronic fax number 919-869-1800.