Benefit plan changes coming for open enrollment

The University's annual benefits open enrollment period will run from Monday, Oct. 15, through Friday, Nov. 16, during which time faculty and staff can make changes to their benefits plans that will become effective Jan. 1, 2013. Several important changes to benefits will be expained in greater detail in the mailing to employees' homes on or about Oct. 12. After Nov. 16, employees will be able to change their elections in 2013 only if they experience a qualifying status event. The Human Resources Benefits Team is available throughout open enrollment to answer questions.

Medical plan changes

To simplify choices, the preferred provider organization (PPO) and point-of-service (POS) plans will be consolidated into the new Princeton Health Plan (PHP), offered through both Aetna and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). This change is expected to improve the overall level of medical benefits and save money for employees and the University. Employees who are currently enrolled in the PPO or POS plan and do not elect a new plan during open enrollment will be automatically enrolled in the PHP with their current network provider, i.e., Aetna or UHC.

Both the PHP and Aetna HMO plan will offer 100 percent coverage for in-network preventive services.

A 20-minute presentation about the medical plan changes and how employees can help manage related costs is available online.

On-campus lab services now available

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare members in the Princeton health plans may now have their lab work done on campus at McCosh Health Center at no charge. Interested individuals should call University Health Services to book an appointment or check hours for a walk-in visit.

Urgent care services

Aetna and UnitedHealthcare members in the Princeton health plans may go to St. Peter's Urgent Care Center, in-network, for non-life-threatening medical needs. Examples include care for a possible sprain or broken bone or the need for stitches. The center is located on Route 206, about 10 minutes north of campus on the southbound side across from the Montgomery Center.

Expense account changes

The annual maximum contribution amount that faculty and staff can elect for the Health Benefit Expense Account (HBEA) for 2013 is decreasing from $5,000 to $2,500 as required by health care reform. The contribution amount for the Dependent Care Expense Account (DCEA) is not changing.

Benefit fairs

Benefits Fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Lyman Spitzer Building at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Frist Campus Center Multipurpose Rooms. Representatives from the various health, welfare and retirement vendors will be available. Reservations are not required.

Questions?

Those with questions regarding the University health care plans may contact the Human Resources Benefits Team at 609-258-3302 or benefits@princeton.edu. To receive important information about benefits, including reminders and deadlines during open enrollment and throughout the year, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/PUBenefits.