Open Enrollment is October 4 to November 5. Enroll at www.miami.edu/myUM. Learn more at www.miami.edu/benefits. Health, Wellness and Benefits Fairs also start Monday, October 4.

The University of Miami’s Open Enrollment period—the annual opportunity during which employees can enroll in and make changes to their medical, dental, flexible spending, and short-term disability benefits—begins Monday, October 4 and runs through November 5.

During Open Enrollment, which this year offers several enhancements, employees can go to www.miami.edu/myUM to make their 2011 benefit elections.

2011 Enhancements

• A new HRA plan option for employees who live outside of the Miami Dade/Broward area, which offers lower copays—at the UHealth tier rate—for in-network services.
• Coverage of bariatric surgery at University of Miami Hospital.
• New employee health offices for walk-in care at the Coral Gables and Miller School of Medicine campuses in 2011.
• Coverage for dependents up to age 26.
• Elimination of the lifetime benefit maximum in the HRA.
• New Well ’Canes StayHealthy Kiosks, which allow employees to take a proactive role in monitoring their health, at the Herbert and Medical Wellness Centers.

Enhancements stemming from health care reform include coverage for dependents up to the age of 26 who do not have access to another employer-sponsored medical plan and the elimination of the lifetime maximum in the HRA.

Employees will also see no increases in copays overall, with the exception of a $10 increase to the non-UHealth specialist copay, and moderate monthly premiums—much lower than the South Florida average.

“We are pleased to introduce a number of improvements in the 2011 plans,” said Joe Natoli, senior vice president of business and finance and chief financial officer. “We’ve worked hard to keep cost increases to a minimum.”

Nerissa Morris, vice president of Human Resources, believes that successful health and wellness programs stem from strong partnerships between the University and its faculty and staff. “Employees should take advantage of everything the University has to offer,” she said. “Going for your free preventive care services and participating in the incentive programs are two ways you can both save money and take better care of your health.”

The incentive programs, similar to the programs offered in 2010, offer employees the opportunity to receive a medical premium credit of up to $150 if they participate in the Aetna Online Health Assessment and the Know Your Numbers health screenings through March 31, 2010.

Georgina Escobar, an executive assistant at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, was eager to participate in the incentive programs last year because she wanted to save money on her monthly premium. “The savings were great,” she said, “and participating also gave me a new perspective on my health and motivated me to begin making some changes.”

There are many other ways employees can take control of their health and save money. During UM President Donna E. Shalala’s September 1 talk on health care reform, she shared a personal story about questioning her doctor when he recommended the more expensive MRI procedure instead of an X-ray. “Employees should use medical technology wisely,” she said.

Taking advantage of the free preventive care benefits, asking questions of your doctors, and using generic medications are a few ways employees can save. To view a tip sheet on ways to save on health care, visit www.miami.edu/benefits.

Other changes for 2011 include the elimination of the POSII 600 plan, which had the lowest employee participation rate. (Employees will have three plan options: Aetna Select 1, Aetna Select 2, and the Aetna HRA).

The process for paying the deductible in the Aetna Select 2 plan will change—employees will be required to meet the deductible first for office visits and medical services before paying copays. This deductible does not include preventive care, which is free, UMBH copays, and prescription drugs.

Details about 2011 changes, including coverage and costs, are included in a guide being mailed to eligible faculty and staff. More information is also available at www.miami.edu/benefits.

Health, Wellness and Benefits Fairs start Monday
Don’t miss this year’s annual Health, Wellness and Benefits Fairs, which start Monday, October 4 and promise to be the best yet. Meet with representatives to learn more about your options for next year. Enjoy games, raffle prizes, and giveaways, and learn how you can be the lucky winner of an iPad. Fair schedule:

Coral Gables campus
UM Fieldhouse, Multipurpose Room (Adjacent to BankUnited Center)
Monday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rosenstiel School Campus
The Commons Cafeteria
Wednesday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Miller School of Medicine campus
Clinical Research Building Garage/Medical Wellness Center
Thursday, October 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, October 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

University of Miami Hospital (UMH)
Seminar Center A and B
Monday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.