Open enrollment for 2009 benefits runs Oct. 7-Nov. 30

WSU employees can change medical/dental plans, enroll eligible dependants, and enroll/re-enroll in the flexible spending and dependent care plans.
 
Information will be coming to all employees in the mail from the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) about plan options, benefit changes and how to make online changes to coverage.
 
Some benefit changes for 2009 include:
 
• Medical insurance premiums will increase an average of 7.9 percent; however, employees will continue to pay an average of 12 percent of the coverage for themselves and their families. For rate information, see ONLINE @ www.pebb.hca.wa.gov/by_rate.html.
 
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) are tax-free savings accounts to help pay for out-of-pocket health care costs. The maximum annual amount you can contribute will increase to $3,600, up from $2,400 in 2008.
 
• Employees will pay less for optional life and long-term disability (LTD) coverage. For rates, see ONLINE @ www.pebb.hca.wa.gov/rates_life.html or www.pebb.hca.wa.gov/rates_ltd.html.
 
• Hearing aid and chemical dependency services payments will increase. The hearing aid maximum plan payment will increase to $800 every 36 months. The chemical dependency payment will increase to $14,500 per 24 consecutive calendar months, inpatient and outpatient treatments combined.
 
Benefits fair Oct. 29
The annual Employee Benefits Fair for the Pullman campus will be noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, French Ad/Lighty second floor atrium.
 
More than 30 vendors will be available to answer questions about plans and changes.
 
 For more information, contact Human Resource Services at 335-4521.

 

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