Inside Iowa State
Sept. 6, 1996
Benefits options coming soon
by Diana Pounds
Iowa State officials are close to determining which insurance
programs will make up the new benefits program for faculty
and professional and scientific and supervisory staff.
The Annuities and Insurance Committee is expected to make final recommendations on bids on the various medical, dental, and insurance options early next week, said Johnny Pickett, assistant vice president for business and finance.
A subcommittee of the Annuities and Insurance Committee began working on a new benefits program several months ago, Pickett said. The impetus was rising health care costs.
"We wanted to find ways to better control health care costs and at the same time, give faculty and staff more choices and more control over their own benefits packages," Pickett said. "Not everyone wants or needs the same kinds of health, dental or life insurance. The new program lets individuals decide how their benefits dollars are spent."
Employees will be able to choose from four health care options, two dental options and additional life insurance and disability options, she said.
Pickett added the task force has taken care to ensure that the new benefits program will allow faculty and staff to maintain their current levels of coverage for the same or minimal additional costs.
In the coming weeks, detailed information about the benefits options will be provided to employees through mailings, workshops, a Benefits Information Center and the World Wide Web.
ISU faculty and staff will enroll in the new plan late in the year. It goes into effect Feb. 1, 1997.
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