Inside Iowa State

November 4, 2005

Benefits change period for Merit staff ends Nov. 28

by Linda Charles

Most merit employees in family insurance plans will see their premiums increase $16.30 a month, beginning next July.

July premiums will range from $238.38 (Wellmark Program 3) to $171.78 (Iowa Select). Managed care premiums will range from $206.46 (John Deere Open Access) to $42 (United Health Care of the Midlands), said Tim Ashley, benefits manager.

The university will continue to cover the entire premium for employees with single coverage and those in the Wellmark Blue Advantage and John Deere Primary Care Select managed care plans, he added.

On Jan. 1, 2006, those in the Program 3 and Iowa Select plans no longer will pay a co-insurance charge (an additional percentage of the total cost) for doctor visits, although a co-pay charge ($15) will continue.

For Merit employees in the managed care plans, the co-pay for mental out-patient services will drop from $20 to $10, and the number of allowable annual visits will increase from 30 to 52, beginning Jan. 1, Ashley said.

Merit employees may make changes in their insurance coverage through Nov. 28. Enrollment forms are available from the Benefits Office, 3350 Beardshear, 4-7680. Employees who wish to keep their current insurance plan need do nothing.

Merit monthly premium rates
Effective July 1
Program 3	$238.38
Iowa Select	$171.78
Managed care plans
Blue Advantage	$0.00
John Deere Open Access Choice	$206.46
John Deere Primary Care Select	$0.00
Coventry -- Open Access	$82.88
Coventry -- Primary Care	$46.74
United Health Care	$42.00

Merit employees may make changes in their insurance coverage through Nov. 28. Employees who wish to keep their current insurance plans need do nothing.