The annual open enrollment period in November is an opportunity to change your medical plan.
All the plans that are currently offered in 2014 will continue in 2015. This includes the four traditional health plans: Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) Classic, Group Health Classic and Value, and Kaiser Permanente Classic. Additionally, the three Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) also are available options: UMP CDHP, Group Health CDHP, and Kaiser Permanente CDHP. A comparison chart reflecting the various medical plans offered to WSU benefit eligible employees is available at http://www.hca.wa.gov/pebb/Documents/medical2015.pdf. This is a resource that allows you to compare the different plans side-by-side during the annual open enrollment window.
The core differences of the two types of plans include the following:
| Classic/Value | CDHP |
| Higher monthly premiums | Lower monthly premiums |
| Lower annual deductible | Higher annual deductible |
| Option to enroll in FSA | Automatically enrolled in HSA |
Under the CDHP, the lower premiums may be an attractive option to some employees. If considering this plan, understand there will be a higher personal financial responsibility, which comes in the form of higher annual deductibles. The deductible for a family (two or more people) must be met before any benefits are paid for individuals however, you can offset some of those costs by using HSA funds.
If you don’t wish to change medical plans for 2015, you won’t need to take any action. However, if you have a spouse on your medical coverage, or if you wish to enroll in the FSA/DCAP for 2015, you MUST take action during November.
For more information, including a summary of the changes in benefits for 2015, the new 2015 premiums rates and other resources, please visit the HRS Open Enrollment webpage at http://hrs.wsu.edu/openenrollment2015.
Contact Benefit Services at 509.335.4521 or email hrs@wsu.edu with questions.
